Portsmouth, New Hampshire lies right over the southern border from Maine. It's known as the oldest community in New Hampshire and is the sixth oldest town in the country.
Historically, Portsmouth was a shipbuilding and lumber town. It's location along the state's limited shoreline has always made it an important place of trade. Nowadays, its close proximity to Boston, and the fact that New Hampshire has tax-free shopping, means its a busy little town (pop. 21,000) with a lot of boutique shops. But who cares about boutique shops? This little town is also home to The Portsmouth Brewery, the oldest brewpub in New Hampshire.
Peter Egelston, who co-opened the Northampton Brewery in Massachusetts in 1987, founded The Portsmouth Brewery in 1991. Maybe you've heard of Smuttynose? Well, Peter started that as well. The two like to think of themselves as sister companies. I like to think of them as one hell of a beer producing tamdem in Portsmouth.
You'll find a number of standard beers on tap at The Portsmouth Brewery. All of them are great and all of them are brewed on the premises. What is really convenient is that you also have the option to get them to go in growlers or bombers. You can get the bombers next door at their retail store (this is where you can also get baby clothes with hop logos on them, I kid you not...if only I had kids to dress up in hop clothes!).
Along with the usual suspects and some guest taps from Smuttynose, you'll also find some excellent one-offs, seasonals and special releases brewed up by brewmaster Tod Mott. I was there earlier today and they had a "Sour Brune" on tap. It was out of this world. Thankfully, after a pint in the pub I found a bomber to go and will be enjoying that here at home soon.
The Portsmouth Brewery has great food and is always busy as far as I can tell. They always have a great draught list and the place is excellent for having an afternoon pint while checking out the area or for dinner and a couple beers or for just beers...lots of them...and all of them excellent!
Oh yeah, I almost forgot, maybe you've heard of Kate the Great? It's a little Russian Imperial Stout that The Portsmouth Brewery is responsible for and was recently nominated as best beer in the country...read about it HERE!
Cheers!
3 comments:
Hey, dinner is great right at the Portsmouth Brewery too! And it's the oldest brewpub east of the Mississippi.
The Northampton Brewery is older, yet is also an Egelston production. They opened their doors in 1986 I believe.
I am of course REALLY jealous from reading this review. Would love the chance to jump in the car and head to Portsmouth right now for a pint!
-Dan (Portland, ME)
Post a Comment