The winter season in New Hampshire is cause for celebration! After all skiing is our state’s official winter sport and there are 19 downhill ski areas spread across the state. In addition to all that skiing and riding, there’s thousands of miles of snowmobile trails, tubing, snow-showing and a whole list of off-slope adventures just waiting for you to try. But our craft beverage makers embrace the chilly temps too. They’ve been busy infusing intriguing ingredients into their seasonal offerings. Here’s a sampling of what’s on tap this winter in the 603.
Big Day Brewing, Gorham
Swirl Porter
8% ABV
This strong, creamy porter is infused with vanilla beans and roasted cacao nibs, featuring a dark chocolate nose and a full rich feel. This has been a huge hit with customers since debuting on the taps this season.
Branch and Blade Brewing, Keene
My Heart Turns Sour
6% ABV
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Branch and Blade is releasing this sour IPA. Taking their innovation to the next level this is brewed with a combo of one of their favorite IPA malt bills and house IPA yeast, along with Lemon Drop hops and blood orange, hibiscus and rooibos tea for earthy, floral and fruity notes. The tea notes linger on your tongue warming you from the inside out.
Concord Craft Brewing, Concord
Pond Hockey Pilsner
5.1% ABV
This light and crisp flavorful lager is a tribute to the history of ice hockey in New Hampshire’s Capital City. After all, the first organized ice hockey games in the US were played on the pond of Concord’s St. Paul’s School back in the 1880s. Raise a glass to that after a hard played game on the ice.
Contoocook Cider, Contoocook
Winter Spice
6.4% ABV
This hard apple cider is seasoned with just the right blend of mulling spices, so it’s no surprise it is the perfect tribute to NH’s colder months. In fact, you might just say this one captures winter in a glass!
Flying Goose Brew Pub, New London
Rags to Riches NHIPA
6% ABV
Cheers to a collaboration with Ragged Mountain Resort for the Rags to Riches NHIPA. This hazy IPA is hopped with Galaxy and Enigma to create a brew that celebrates outdoor winter adventure in New Hampshire! Served slopeside at Ragged and in the Flying Goose Pub.
Henniker Brewing Company, Henniker
Space Race Double IPA
8.1% ABV
A hazy Double IPA that some might describe as out of this world. Dry hopped with Galaxy and Vic Secret hops and bursting with tropical fruit aromas and flavors. It’s a customer favorite for it’s perfect blend of hazy and juicy.
Hobbs Tavern & Brewing Company, Ossipee
Model T Stout
6.3% ABV
The Model T is described as a true American classic for its simplicity. No adjuncts, no pastries, no breakfast cereal, just water, barley, hops, and yeast. Smooth and dark with notes of caramel coffee and chocolate. Fun fact, it’s named after the original snowmobile created right in Ossipee, from a converted Model T.
Kettlehead Brewing, Tilton & Franklin
The Agent IPA
7% ABV
The Agent is a New England IPA. With a hazy straw color, it’s bursting with fantastic ripe citrus fruits. A popular one at Kettlehead, so you’re likely to find it on tap in just about any season.
Loaded Question, Portsmouth
Burn the Wagon
8% ABV
Raise a glass to this cold weather beer. A complex dark lager that features layers of dark fruit character and a touch of smoke. Loaded Question teamed up with the
Smuttynose Brewing Company to create this seasonal brew.
North Country Hard Cider Company, Dover
XXX Fire Starter
5.5% ABV
North Country took their beloved Fire Starter recipe (locally-sourced apples fermented and infused with pomegranate, habanero, and cinnamon) and turned up the heat by TRIPLING the batch of peppers and spice. A midwinter favorite, released every February to help stay warm as winter hangs on.
603 Brewery, Londonderry
Beer Hall Igloo Lager
5.5 % ABV
This beautiful winter amber lager is full of flavor while still having a clean and crisp finish. Discover notes of velvety caramel, toffee, and sweet almond with flavors of freshly baked Bavarian bread and sweet cherries. The perfect companion for New Hampshire’s long winter nights.