Seacoast Breweries Bracket: Vote for your favorites in round 1
Craft beer lovers from across Seacoast New Hampshire and southern York County, Maine, can all agree the region boasts an embarrassment of riches when it comes to friendly and unique breweries, talented brewers and, most of all, really tasty beer. Ask the same folks to choose their favorite brewery, and that’s when things get interesting.
We invite you to vote in our Seacoast Breweries Bracket. The competition among craft brewers is presented by Seacoastonline.com and Fosters.com.
How the voting for your favorite breweries works each week
Voting begins Wednesday, March 1 with the first round in our contest, which features 28 breweries.
Scroll below to find descriptions of all 28 breweries and vote. Click or tap for your choice of the winner in each of the 12 first-round matchups.
We'll announce the first-round winners Wednesday, March 8, along with the matchups for the second round, and a new round of voting will begin. The cycle will repeat every Wednesday-Sunday for each round until the champion is announced in early April.
To make the math work for our bracket, four of the most prolific local breweries — Stoneface, Smuttynose, Great Rhythm and Deciduous — all received first-round byes. Just singling out those four establishments from this formidable list was a chore — good luck to our readers figuring out the rest!
Cheers!
Topwater Brewing Company vs. Four Pines Brewing Co.
Topwater Brewing Co., Barrington: Opened in 2020 by husband-and-wife duo Matt and Curly Pickering as a complement to their bustling pizza spot, Kozy’s Pizza and Pub, Topwater hasn’t missed a beat since. The small 3.5-barrel brew house is located below the pub, and a rotating tap selection keeps up with the wide variety of pizza. The brewery’s motto is a good one: "Keep Life Simple" and in that vein might we suggest grabbing a pint of the brewery’s Simple Life, a New England IPA, and a slice? It’s a simple, but winning combination.
Four Pines Brewing Co., Hampton: It’s back. After opening 10 years ago next to the Community Oven on Route 1 in Hampton, Four Pines Brewing Co. returned in 2022 after a long hiatus. The inspiration of local restaurateur Shane Pine, the brewery is named for Pine and his three children and connects to his bustling restaurant and bar next door. Jason Bourassa handles the brewing and his Naughty Pine, a 5.9 ABV IPA, and Foggy Amber, a 5 ABV red ale, have already become staples in the restaurant.
Garrison City Beerworks vs. Loaded Question Brewing
Garrison City Beerworks, Dover: If you like pairing a tasty IPA with an equally delectable street taco, chances are you have already wandered into Garrison City Beerworks on Central Avenue in downtown Dover, led by Nicole and Andy Gray. Want to really spice things up? Try one of the brewery’s all-time favorites and the aptly named, Incendiary Arrows, a juicy Guava-Habanero NEIPA that packs a wallop, thanks to fresh habaneros.
Loaded Question Brewing, Portsmouth: Just up the street from other breweries in the craft beer mecca that is Portsmouth’s West End, is the equally popular Loaded Question Brewing. The somewhat hidden warehouse space has proved to be the ultimate laboratory for founder and head brewer Tom Bath, who continues to push the brewing envelope much to the delight of his large and faithful following. One of his first creations, the flavorful Double IPA Sparkle Toes named for what his daughter called her shiny painted toes, remains a very popular choice at the fun-loving brewery, which also offers an outdoor beer garden.
Tributary Brewing vs. Whym Craft Pub and Brewery
Tributary Brewing, Kittery: It’s safe to say that beer lovers across the Seacoast were blessed in 2014 when legendary New England brewer Tod Mott, decided to open his own brewery on Shapleigh Road in Kittery with his wife, Galen. Tod Mott, who was known for brewing the iconic Harpoon IPA and the highly acclaimed Kate the Great Russian Imperial Stout for the Portsmouth Brewery, is still pushing the brewing envelope at Tributary, which has become a magnet for beer lovers across the region. Kate the Great, now named “Mott the Lesser” still hits the taps twice a year at Tributary and, as you can imagine, does not last too long.
Whym Craft Pub and Brewery, Hampton: This popular brewery and restaurant which aptly gets its name from the four major ingredients found in beer (water, hops, yeast and malt) has quickly become a fixture on the Seacoast craft beer scene. The inspiration of Alex Aviles and his wife, Gretchin, back in 2013, Whym has welcomed Bob Levine and brewer Matt Barrett to the ownership team at their bustling location on Route 1 in Hampton in recent years. Long known for one the most expansive beer lists in the state, Whym started brewing its own beer in 2021 and has not disappointed while still offering a wide list of other offerings from across the country. Try The Eights, a double IPA (8.8 ABV) with a poignant backstory, if they have it on tap.
Chapel + Main vs. Kennebunkport Brewing Company
Chapel + Main, Dover: Looking for the ultimate craft beer chapel to not only visit on Sundays, but the rest of the week as well? Beer lovers from across the Seacoast have been heading to this brewpub on the corner of Chapel and Main streets in Dover since its grand opening in 2017. The space, which sits 60 inside and another 50 outside at a spacious beer garden dotted with colorful wall art, offers great beer from longtime brewer Dave Yarrington and equally sumptuous food from its collaboration with Kittery’s Black Birch. Dragon in the Seas, a slightly hazy IPA, is the only regular on a diverse tap list that includes several German and Belgian traditional styles.
Kennebunkport Brewing Company, Kennebunk: “The home of Shipyard Ale.” The sign says it all of the birthplace of one of New England’s first and most successful craft breweries and still hangs at Federal Jack’s in Kennebunk. It was way back in 1992 that entrepreneur Fred Forsley and master brewer Alan Pugsley established the Kennebunkport Brewing Company and its accompanying restaurant, Federal Jack’s. In two years time they expanded their brewing operations up the coast to Portland where Shipyard Brewing remains today. The seven-barrel system in Kennebunk still turns out many new offerings with staples like Goat Island Light and Export Ale on tap year-round.
Czar’s Brewery vs. Definitive Brewing Co.
Czar’s Brewery, Exeter (and Dover): Located under a bank in downtown Exeter, it’s not uncommon for the tellers upstairs to get a pleasant whiff of whatever new concoction owner Henry Vance, a.k.a “The Czar,” and his team of talented brewers are boiling down below. With a diverse offering of favorites like their award winning English brown ale, Old Brown Sally, on tap Czar’s loyal legion of regulars, known as “Purple Coats” flock to this popular communal spot. To better serve this demand Czar’s is extending its reign with a second location opening in Dover.
Definitive Brewing Co., Kittery: Opening up a brewery in the shadow of national craft beer giant Allagash Brewing is not for the faint of heart, but that is exactly what a group of friends did in 2018 at Portland’s famed brewery epicenter on Industrial Way and Definitive Brewing Co. has not looked back since. In May 2020, the brewery brought its top-notch tap list to Route 1 in Kittery, much to the glee of many a weary shopper who would rather sip a Spirals, one of Definitive’s trademark juicy double IPAs, than tackle the spiraling checkout lines of the nearby outlet stores.
Earth Eagle Brewings vs. Back Hill Beer Co.
Earth Eagle Brewings, Portsmouth and Somersworth: What started out with a collection of homebrewers and a tasting room a little bigger than a phone booth has proved to have staying power and then some. Earth Eagle Brewings still can be found at 175 High St. in Portsmouth, but now boasts a sprawling beer garden and two years ago moved the bulk of its brewing operations to a second location, Earth Eagle North, in Somersworth. The New England Gangsta’, “a West Coast-style IPA with Pacific Northwest hops that perfectly reflects the brewery’s marriage of East Coast and West Coast vibes” remains a favorite, as is the brewery’s lengthy hot dog and burger menu.
Back Hill Beer Co., Rochester: Peter LaPlante, owner and brewer at Back Hill Beer Co., located at 73 Pickering Road in Rochester, has said there are five major ingredients to a perfect beer: Water, malt, hops, yeast and love. Two-plus years into the brewery’s existence, it’s clear that LaPlante is using ample amounts of all five, especially the latter. Utilizing a five barrel system, he has kept all 11 taps flowing in a very welcoming tap room that sits on the first floor of the historic Gonic Mill. In Times Between, a pale ale that packs a punch, along with Triple Crown, a dry hopped blonde ale, have already become crowd favorites.
Empty Pint Brewing Co. vs. Seadog Brewing
Empty Pint Brewing Co., Dover: They have been emptying many a pint in downtown Dover at this friendly four-barrel brewery since 2018. Tomahawk, a very tasty American pale ale with a “silly amount of hops,” according to head brewer and co-owner Ryan Bubar recently made a very welcome return to the tap room, which features eight beers on tap and food. It is is just a short walk from fellow Dover breweries Garrison City and Chapel and Main. Good things come in threes!
Seadog Brewing, Exeter: If you’re looking for a scenic spot to enjoy a tasty craft beer this summer, Sea Dog Brewing in downtown Exeter is the spot. Opened in 2018 at the former location of Loaf and Ladle, Sea Dog offers an expansive deck overlooking a picturesque river. Patrons can enjoy one of the Maine-based brewery’s signature pours, like its seasonal Blueberry Wheat Ale, while perusing an expansive menu from its 220-seat restaurant inside.
Woodland Farms Brewery vs. Throwback Brewery
Woodland Farms Brewery, Kittery: Woodland Farms, a century-old dairy farm in Kittery, may have been sold by the Rowan family back in the 1970s, but certainly lives on in this friendly family-run craft brewery on Route 1. Patrick Rowan is the head brewer and runs the operation along with his wife Michelle and uncle, Fred Perry. The tasting room opened in 2017 and is dotted with memorabilia and pictures from the farm’s hay day. Along with a wide selection of IPAs, lagers and mixed fermentation sours, Woodland Farms has also pioneered some of the area's first non-alcoholic craft beers.
Throwback Brewery, North Hampton: Few breweries have become more ingrained in the local community than this sparkling creation of Nicole Carrier and Annette Lee located on picturesque Hobbs Farm in North Hampton. Along with serving great food and beer, doing both in a sustainable fashion has always been an equal part of the business plan at Throwback which was recognized as the state’s first sustainable brewery. With classics like Donkey-Hoté Double IPA and their crisp Love Me Long Time pilsener, there’s plenty of reason to throw a few tasty beers back at this popular brewery.
Portsmouth Brewery vs. Omnium Brewing
Portsmouth Brewery: In a rapidly growing landscape that has seen many of the establishments in this brewery bracket challenge crop up in the last decade, Portsmouth Brewery proudly stands alone. Nestled in the heart of Market Square since 1991, the iconic brewpub holds the title of the state’s first brewpub and craft brewery. Founded by craft beer visionary Peter Egelston, who went on to found Smuttynose a few years later, the brewery has served as the ultimate public house in downtown Portsmouth for the last 32 years. Along the way, many talented brewers have passed through its seven-barrel brew room, including Tributary Brewing founder Tod Mott.
Omnium Brewing, Somersworth: The bad news in Somersworth was that Bad Lab Brew Co. closed its doors last February after a five-year run. The upside? Viren Patel, owner of Omnium Brewing, scooped up the 6,500-square-foot space at 460 High St. and opened his doors in December. With veteran brewer Bryan Hadler at the helm Omnium has already turned out 14 beers so far running the gamut from Apollo’s Wish, a hazy 5.7 ABV IPA, to Mangone Sour, a kettle sour with mango that checks in with a deceptively strong 7.5 ABV. There’s also a broad menu of sumptuous burgers and handhelds to pair with your brew.
Batson River Brewing vs. Stripe Nine Brewing Co.
Batson River Brewing and Distilling, Kennebunkport: Just steps from Kennebunkport’s bustling Dock Square, craft beer lovers have found a welcoming home for not only hoppy craft beer, but tasty seasonal fare as well. The establishment was founded in 2018 by Tim Harrington and Kevin Lord who began their brewing journey by growing hops on a centuries-old farm on the Maine coast. Kennebunk serves as the flagship location for Batson River Brewing and Distilling, which also has locations in Portland, Wells and Biddeford. Looking for something new? The brewery recently released Loon Call, a German-style pilsner cloaked in a sleek new label design.
Stripe Nine Brewing Co., Somersworth: Suffice to say, the somewhat sleepy Somersworth Plaza woke up in a hurry, when the Kelly brothers — Tom, Patrick and Sean — opened Stripe Nine Brewing Co. in 2019. The trio gutted an old pharmacy and in short order the brewery has become a fixture in the town and the larger craft beer community. Sean Kelly handles the brewing and his authentic Ukrainian stout, Resist, raised $5,000 for the war-torn country. Stripe Nine, which also boasts delicious wood-fired pizza and plenty of live entertainment, hosts a popular brewfest each fall at DeMeritt Hill Farm in Lee.
Sawbelly Brewing vs. Sebago Brewing Co.
Sawbelly Brewing, Exeter: Named for the fish that graces Exeter’s town seal, Sawbelly Brewing has become a staple for both great craft beer and tasty elevated pub fare at its sprawling Epping Road location. With a large outdoor beer garden and plenty of live entertainment, owners Jim and Diane Stilian, Dave Dalton, and Susan Garland certainly have got you covered. Keeping with the fish theme, try a full pour of either the Fresh Caught, a 7.3 ABV IPA, or the always popular and hazy Palefin — you won’t be disappointed.
Sebago Brewing Co., Kennebunk: Friends Tim Haines, Kai Adams and Brad Monarch had a pretty simple vision when they launched Sebago Brewing Company in 1998: To create a place where people could gather, share a beer, and have a good time. Flash forward a quarter century, and the trio has not only accomplished that goal, but seen it come to fruition in four separate locations, including their pub on Portland Road in Kennebunk, which boasts 13 taps and a huge brick oven. There’s always something new to try, but it’s hard to go wrong with Sebago’s crushable Frye’s Leap IPA or its hoppy Haze Forward IPA.
Liar’s Bench Beer Co. vs. SoMe Brewing Co.
Liar’s Bench Beer Co., Portsmouth: By definition, a “liar’s bench” is a place where locals gather to talk and share their stories, which oftentimes are embellished just a wee bit. There’s no need to embellish the fact that this brewery, which was founded in 2016 by University of New Hampshire college roommates Dane Nielsen, head brewer, and Dagan Migirditch, has one of the most unique setups around. Tucked away in an old plumbing supply warehouse off Islington Street, Liar's Bench boasts an eclectic tasting room that gives way to a sprawling beer garden behind it. Love Duck, a pale ale, and Young Upstart, a tasty IPA, are two of the staples on a rotating and playful tap list.
SoMe Brewing Co., York: Founded by the father and son tandem of Dave and David Rowland, SoMe Brewing Co. opened its doors in December 2013 as York’s first brewery and has been growing ever since. Starting with a three-barrel system, the brewery soon upgraded to a seven-barrel setup and, in 2019, opened a second location, The York Beach Beer Co., in the downtown Short Sands area. Both father and son pride themselves on offering a wide array of styles on their 11 rotating taps with the younger Rowland handling the brewing and the elder Rowland serving as “Glue that keeps it all together.” Apostrophe IPA is the brewery’s flagship, while the Rowlands tout their Whoopie Pie Stout as Maine’s favorite dessert.
Four breweries get first-round byes
These breweries are going straight to the second round. You can vote for them starting next week:
Stoneface Brewery
Stoneface Brewery, Newington: What started out with a winning entry in the Boston Homebrew Competition in 2013 has snowballed into one of the most popular craft beer brands on the Seacoast and beyond for Stoneface founders Peter Beauregard and Erol Moe. With that award winning IPA recipe still in the fold along with other staples like the popular Half Clip and Full Clip, the duo has seen their Newington brewery grow exponentially over the last decade with a planned 23,400-square-foot brewing facility and restaurant just down the street on tap next for this fixture which earned a first round bye.
Deciduous Brewing Company
Deciduous Brewing Company, Newmarket: When handicapping any Seacoast craft beer bracket it would be foolhardy to look past this powerhouse in Newmarket. Although it features a small tasting room, Frank and Maryann Zagami’s brewery has been delivering big flavors for quite some time, much to the delight of beer lovers across the state and beyond. Whether it be any one of their juicy IPAs or fruity sours, there are very few craft brew lovers in the area who don’t have “12 Weaver Street, Newmarket” saved in their GPS.
Great Rhythm Brewing Company
Great Rhythm Brewing Company, Portsmouth: Standing out as a craft brewery in a target-rich environment like Portsmouth is not an easy task, but it's one Scott Thornton and his Great Rhythm Brewing Co. have passed with flying colors. The once-vacant warehouse space behind Ace Lumber on Bartlett Street in Portsmouth’s once-sleepy West End has been transformed into a sparkling magnet for beer lovers across New England. When the weather warms up the two large garage doors in the expansive tasting room roll up, and beer lovers can grab their favorites — Tropical Haze and Squeeze are as good a place to start as any — and head for the large patio overlooking North Mill Pond.
Smuttynose Brewing
Smuttynose Brewing, Hampton: A true heavyweight in any craft beer bracket, Smuttynose Brewing Co. is one of New Hampshire’s original craft breweries. After starting in Portsmouth in 1994, it spread its wings to a sprawling campus off Towle Farm Road in Hampton. You can still find tried and true favorites like the iconic Finestkind IPA and Old Brown Dog Ale, along with a slew of new classics from head brewer Dan Shubert and his talented staff. With a beer garden, restaurant, and plenty of live entertainment, it is a Seacoast staple.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Seacoast Breweries Bracket, NH and ME: Round 1 poll, vote here
