16 May 2020
Combat the Covid-19 stay at home blues by supporting Keene NH area breweries.
Already a hot spot for nature lovers, art enthusiasts, and foodies, the Monadnock region is also fast becoming a go-to for followers of the craft beer movement. New Hampshire is home to over a hundred breweries, nearly a dozen of which have launched in this little pocket of the state 🍻.
Now under stay-at-home orders, residents have to forgo a friendly hang at the Keene NH area breweries. However, that doesn’t mean enjoying a local beer with friends (social distancing style) can’t still be on tap for the weekend!
Most local breweries in the Keene NH area remain open for takeout and delivery. While it isn’t the same as getting together IRL, technology and a little bit of creativity can do the trick if you’re looking to liven things up. Here are details on how to support your local brewers and enjoy your favorite beers right at home 😉.
Worth A Visit Keene NH Area Breweries
Elm City Brewing Company
Keene, NH
What you can get there: Elm City Brewing Company is a favorite in the Keene area. From German lagers to Belgian Dubbels, and American IPAs to English porters, Elm City’s offerings are ever-changing as they experiment with different techniques and ingredients.
Known for their high-quality, craft beer selections, Elm City also serves a delicious meal. They have an expansive menu featuring specialty pub fare made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Try the traditional Brewmasters Dinner (Bratwurst and Knockwurst and Kraut, OH MY!) and pair it with the Keene Kolsch, their flagship German-inspired beer.
When they’re open: Elm City’s patio is now open by reservation (they go quickly!). You can also get curbside pickup during the regular business hours listed on their website. Grab grub, growler fills, and other beer options by calling one 603-355-3335 or 603-357-4768. OR order in-person at the outdoor kiosk they have set up for social distancing. They are accepting cash and credit cards and will do limited deliveries as long as they are scheduled ahead of time.
Other cool ways to support them: Find Elm City on social media every Friday at 5pm for a Facebook Live Q & A and swag giveaway. This coincides with the #nationwidecheers weekly happy hours that are being celebrated by breweries all over the country.
West LA Beer Company
Swanzey, NH
What you can get there: West LA Beer Company is a chic artistic space to grab a hoppy IPA, a sour or even a Vienna lager and hang out with your friends. Even though you can’t enjoy the ambiance of this inviting taproom at this time, you can sip their delicious beer and be inspired by their stunning labels designed by local artists.
Follow them on social media to hear what beers are on tap, as it changes daily. Insider Tip: Try the Monster Crush, a sour with blackberry, red currant, and milk sugar. West LA is donating a portion of proceeds from sales of Monster Crush to help hospitality staff.
When they’re open: West LA has just opened a gorgeous new patio where you can enjoy a beer at one o the well-spaced tables and even grab a bite from The Butt Stops Here barbecue food truck. Check their website for specific hours. They are still offering pickup and delivery within an 18-mile radius, 7 days a week, but you must order 24 hours in advance. Cash and credit accepted. Call ahead to order at 603-903-0724 or order online here.
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Other cool ways to support them: These guys are always working on more ways to serve fans safely, including drive-thru dinner and drinks events locally. Stay tuned!
The Outlaw Brewing Company
Winchester, NH
What you can get there: One of New Hampshire’s tiniest breweries, The Outlaw Brewing company may be small in stature, but it’s big on charm. A beautiful place to visit when things are back to normal, Outlaw is still creating some delectable beers that you can get in cans or fresh growler fills.
They are also partnering with local food truck Serial Grillers, so you can order a mouthwatering burger to-go while you’re waiting for your beer. Try the “Yes Please” Peanut Butter White Stout, which pairs perfectly with a Trainwreck Burger (too many toppings to list).
When they’re open: The Outlaw Brewing Company has just opened a fantastic new outdoor space following strict distancing guidelines while also offering a great atmosphere. Live music, great beer on tap, and excellent eats from their partner food truck, Serial Grillers, this is a great place to soak in a sunny afternoon. Check their Facebook page for specific hours and a list of what’s on tap.
Other cool ways to support them: Not sure you want to get back out there yet? The Outlaw Brewing Company is bringing all the joy of small craft breweries to your home! Have your growler filled at their brewery curbside, order an amazing meal from the food truck and head home to enjoy the entertainment via online streaming. Check out their social media to watch local musician Heath Lewis on Saturday evenings.
Frogg Brewing
Marlborough, NH
What you can get there: Frogg Brewing is a small craft brewery that feels more like a family than a business. With a supportive base of loyal customers, they have been working hard to accommodate people during this difficult time, while also fundraising for local food pantries. Frogg Brewing is open for limited hours, so make sure to check in advance and place your order. Try the classic Frogg’n Oat Stout or their new double dry-hopped F-Bomb IPA.
When they’re open: Outdoor seating is also on tap for this awesome brewery. They’re excited to see regulars and to team up, once again, with BS Smoking Sauces & BBQ Truck. For the latest info, follow them on social media.
Other cool ways to support them: Be on the lookout for contests, giveaways and events to support other local businesses and charities.
Granite Roots Brewing
Troy, NH
What you can get there: Granite Roots is a delightful nano-brewery that creates small-batch beers with fruit and hops from their own farm. Their always-welcoming atmosphere keeps customers coming back time and again. For a small brewery, they offer quite a range of meticulously-crafted ales from NEIPA to Gose, traditional European style beers along with stouts and porters. Try their best-selling Monadnock IPA or the deliciously rich brown ale, Enrapture.
When they’re open: The beer garden is open, Charcoal Charlie’s has been dishing up delicious food, and there’s much more to come! Granite Roots has recently started offering outdoor seating, in addition to their superb curbside pickup that is “contact-free.” Order online here to get instructions. Delivery is also available in Troy and surrounding towns; see details here.
Other cool ways to support them: Be sure to follow Granite Roots on social media to see updated lists of their offerings. They are supporting local musicians by hosting live stream concerts on Friday nights (great date night in the living room!). Much of their proceeds benefit local food banks and charities.
Branch and Blade Brewing
Keene, NH
What you can get there: Branch and Blade has quite the aesthetic. Their website offers gorgeous descriptions of each beverage so there is no question about what you are getting. They brew quite a wide and flavorful variety, from IPAs to sours.
Not only thirst-quenching but visually intriguing as well, their cans are, quite literally, works of art designed by local artists. Try their decadent Bogtrotter stout or wait for their new Tart Pop sour coming soon.
When they’re open: The outdoor taps are open and there is limited, socially distanced seating available, and boy are fans happy! Check out their social media for the latest details. You can also call ahead, walk in, or request curbside.Cash and credit are accepted.
Other cool ways to support them: Food can be ordered Thursdays to Saturdays, and you can even order on the website. Enjoy a taste of summer and kick the weekend off right!
Up Your Quarantine Game with a Brew Night In
Game Night
On a typical night out, the ritual of visiting your local taproom is all about the comradery. Seeing your friends and sharing a laugh, enjoying a stout or a pilsner and playing a few rounds of a friendly game can be such a great way to unwind. Thanks to technology, we can still find that togetherness while being safe and practicing social distancing. Ordering local craft beer and organizing an online game night with friends can be a great option to keep your social circles spinning.
Campfire Care Package
Nothing is a better pairing for good local brew than a campfire and S’mores. Why not surprise your local friends by putting together a campfire care package to leave at their doorstep? Order your favorite local beer for pickup and craft a basket of S’mores supplies and kindling. Set up your own campfire and provisions before video calling your buds for a virtual campfire together!
At Home Beer Garden
Craving the feng shui of a beer garden? Create one in your own backyard! A couple of Adirondack chairs, a little bistro table, and a citronella candle, and you’re transported to that lovely patio in the Granite Roots beer yard. Dig out your old Christmas lights and set up a speaker with some local music for ambiance.
If you have your laptop or smartphone handy, you can even watch local musicians via live stream while enjoying your beer. It’s also an awesome time to break out those old lawn games that you used to love. You may have a set of bocce balls, croquet, or cornhole in your basement. If you can’t find anything fun, you can always DIY! Don’t have a backyard? Deck out your deck, your patio, or even your living room and let the good times roll.
Find out more about Creative Listen and Watch parties in the Keene, NH area at our blog post –> Creative Ways to Listen/Watch Together (Even When We’re Apart)
Keep the local Keene NH area breweries and small businesses open. Support them through purchases, The Grey T-shirt Project, and spreading the word they are open.
Many of our local business are running with new procedures and require more staff. Check out the Help Wanted listing category for who is hiring –> Help Wanted