Brewing Up a Storm in the Capital City
Ah, Concord, the bustling capital of New Hampshire – a city that’s always had a certain je ne sais quoi about it. But let me tell you, my friends, the real magic happens when you venture beyond the statehouse and discover the hidden gem that is Concord’s craft beer scene. Buckle up, because we’re about to embark on a sudsy journey through the heart of this craft beer oasis.
The Feathered Trio of Concord
Not so long ago, Concord was a bit of a craft beer desert, with Sam Adams being the closest thing to a local brew. But oh, how the times have changed! Today, the city is home to a triumvirate of exceptional breweries, each with its own unique personality and delectable offerings.
Let’s start with Feathered Friend Brewery, the newest addition to the Concord beer scene. Here, owner Tucker Jadczak is on a mission to keep the family beer-making legacy alive. With a 7-barrel system that allows for experimental brews, Feathered Friend is constantly whipping up new and exciting flavors, from extra-hoppy lagers to fruity sour ales. And the best part? You can pair your pint with some finger-lickin’ good barbecue from Smokeshow, their in-house culinary partner.
Next up, we have the industrial-chic oasis that is Lithermans Limited Brewery. Owner Stephen Bradbury has crafted an atmosphere that’s equal parts laid-back and lively, with a focus on proper beer service and supporting local causes. Crank up the classic hip-hop tunes while you sip on their flagship hazy IPA, Misguided Angel, or explore their ever-evolving lineup of creative brews.
And let’s not forget the OG of the Concord craft beer scene, Concord Craft Brewing Company. Husband-and-wife team Dennis Molnar and Beth Mayland have been pouring their heart and soul into this brewery since 2017, offering a wide range of styles that are available year-round. Their award-winning Safe Space IPA is a must-try, but don’t sleep on the crowd-pleasing Four Rivers Red Ale – it’s a true can’t-miss.
Brewing with a Conscience
But these Concord breweries are about more than just making great beer. They’re actively engaged in their community, using their platforms to support local charities and organizations.
Lithermans Limited, for instance, has partnered with the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence to release a beer called “I Will Survive,” with proceeds going towards their important work. They’ve also collaborated with the New Hampshire Artists for Autism on a special label design contest, showcasing the incredible talent in the Granite State.
And over at Feathered Friend, owner Tucker Jadczak is keeping the family tradition alive by tapping into his great-grandfather’s legacy as one of the first men in Massachusetts to embrace beer sales after Prohibition. Now, he’s using his brewery as a platform to bring people together, hosting events and live music to create a truly vibrant atmosphere.
A Brewmaster’s Journey
Now, let me tell you a little bit about the people behind these remarkable breweries. For Dennis Molnar and Beth Mayland of Concord Craft Brewing Company, their journey into the world of craft beer started long before they opened their doors in 2017.
“I’ve been a home brewer for about 30 years,” Dennis shares, “and kind of brought that into our marriage. We brewed beer for our wedding 27 years ago!” It’s clear that this dynamic duo has craft beer running through their veins.
And when they witnessed firsthand the transformative power of a good brewery in a city, they knew they had to bring that magic to Concord. “We didn’t open it to brew any specific kind of beer,” Dennis explains. “We opened it to bring great craft beer to downtown Concord.”
Over at Lithermans Limited, owner Stephen Bradbury is all about creating the perfect experience for every visitor. He’s even taken the extra step of having his staff become Cicerone certified, ensuring that customers get the best possible service and education about the beers they’re enjoying.
“When customers come in here, they’re going to get proper glassware, the beer is going to be served with the proper carbonation and temperature, and customers can gain some additional knowledge while they’re here visiting the brewery,” Bradbury says with pride.
A Hop-Filled Playground
So, what can you expect when you venture into this craft beer oasis? Well, my friends, the possibilities are endless. Concord Craft Brewing Company keeps its core offerings, like the beloved Four Rivers Red Ale, available year-round, so you can always count on finding a familiar favorite. But they also love to push the boundaries with creative spinoffs like the lower-ABV Safer Space and the hefty Double Safe Space IPA.
Over at Lithermans Limited, the taps are always flowing with a diverse array of styles, from hazy IPAs to crisp lagers. And don’t forget to check out their collaborations, like the “Artists 4 Autism” beer that features the winning design from a local art contest.
As for Feathered Friend, the name of the game is experimentation. “We really pride ourselves on doing unique things and making sure that the flavor profiles of each of our beers are very different,” Jadczak explains. In fact, he boasts that they’ve only brewed a handful of beers twice – the rest are all new recipes, giving the brewery a level of flexibility that larger operations can only dream of.
Raising a Glass to Concord
So, there you have it, folks – the craft beer wonderland that is Concord, New Hampshire. Whether you’re a hop-head, a sour aficionado, or just a lover of good beer, this city has something to satisfy every palate.
As you plan your next visit to The Up & Under Pub, be sure to carve out some time to explore the thriving craft beer scene. Trust me, it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. Cheers to Concord’s craft beer oasis!
