The only Henniker Brewing Company on Earth

Monday, June 10, 2024Sunday, November 5, 2023

This time, Henniker Brewing Company, a scant 26 miles from Manchester. I always forget how close it actually is. Maybe it’s the dramatic difference between downtown Manchester, largest city in New England north of Boston, compared with downtown Henniker, which could easily be Stars Hollow. (Is my inner Gilmore Girl showing?) Or maybe it’s the gradually changing countryside, which goes from city to suburbs to widely spaced homes to farmland to wooded stony hillsides. In any case, the transformation provided by those 26 miles is always enjoyable.

Why I’ll vote for Bryce Kaw-uh for Ward 1 Alderman

Monday, September 23, 2024Monday, October 30, 2023

For the past four years, Bryce has served on the Planning Board and is currently seated as Chair. This experience is not to be taken lightly. As Chair of the Planning Board, Bryce exhibits strong leadership skills and has proven that he can work with a diverse group of people to gain consensus and come to a conclusion that is best for all involved. He also works across multiple city departments to understand the complexity of any challenge he is faced with.

Apples and Cider and Raptors, Oh My!

Monday, June 10, 2024Monday, October 16, 2023

The raptor presentation was a collaboration between Climate Action NH (a project of the League of Conservation Voters) and Tailwinds, which is a local NH charitable organization focused on education and conservation centered around raptors (birds of prey that primarily hunt and feed on vertebrates). My wife never tired of joking that we were going to see little dinosaurs. May Michael Crichton rest in peace.

Concord’s Feathered Friend Brewing Company: A classic third space

Monday, June 10, 2024Friday, October 6, 2023

In short, Feathered Friend’s taproom appears to be a classic “third space” — a place that’s neither home nor work, where there’s little to no financial barrier to entry and where the primary focus is conversation.

Manchester Brewfest was a blast!

Saturday, June 15, 2024Sunday, September 24, 2023

The ninth annual Manchester Brewfest has now come and gone, but thankfully smiles still come to my face as I think back on it. The rain held off. Many patrons came, with dogs, kids, and adults all happy. Axes were thrown in a safe throwing-cage-on-wheels. Medieval jousting was done for the amusement of all. Delicious smells wafted from meats grilling on open flames. And of course a huge variety of beers were there for tasting.

Don’t despair, Manchester Brewfest is near!

Saturday, June 15, 2024Thursday, September 7, 2023

Also, as usual, there will be live music, food, and plenty of delicious beer produced by creative craftsmen and women performing at the highest level. Attending this single event will allow you to taste a wide variety of beers and styles from all over the region that otherwise would require hours of driving or even day trips. So come slake your thirst and try new styles!

Electrical fire doesn’t stop Woodstacker Beer Company

Monday, June 10, 2024Monday, August 28, 2023

An update on Woodstacker Beer Company now that they’re settling into the neighborhood.

Kettlehead Brewing Co., and a digression

Monday, June 10, 2024Tuesday, July 11, 2023

Franklin enjoys a dramatic location at the junction of two rivers. In one section the Winnipesaukee River descends at a rate of 77 feet per mile, steep enough to draw mill builders in the past and white-water kayakers today.

Vulgar Brewing – one contemplative bird

Monday, June 10, 2024Tuesday, June 6, 2023

When people discuss this column with me, recommendations always enter the mix. Which is great, many minds together are better than mine alone. I’m always happy to hear suggestions. That’s how I discovered Vulgar Brewing.

The Brewery in Your Backyard

Tuesday, June 11, 2024Friday, May 5, 2023

Few establishments can make a better claim to being a fixture in Manchester than Backyard Brewery & Kitchen. Its current incarnation as a brewery and restaurant is only about six years old, though family ownership reaches much further back, to when the current owner’s father had it for years and operated it as The Yard Restaurant. Before that, it was The Green Shutter restaurant — that incarnation probably reaches back to the ’70s. The end result of all this history is a place that’s extremely comfortable — for an individual, for a couple, for a family, or for a group from work.

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