New England is nothing if not charming, and Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and Kittery, Maine, right across the Piscataqua River, can feel like the pinnacle of quaint New England charms. Brick abounds, bookstores and small shops and local restaurants are bustling, and the picturesque provides a pretty backdrop. And there is, of course, good craft beer. Much like seemingly every city in the country, the area is becoming denser with breweries and beer bars, so here are a few new ones to check off on a day trip.
Start in in Kittery, at Tributary Brewing Company (10 Shapleigh Rd.), opened by former Portsmouth Brewery Head Brewer Tod Mott and his wife Galen Mott this past September. On tap: a winter saison, milk stout, the last pour of a porter before being replaced with a black IPA, and a pale ale, available for tasting and in larger pours and growlers. The bright blue and spacious taproom includes seating at the bar, picnic tables, and a few armchairs (one of which was occupied by a friendly pup).
A short drive away in downtown Kittery, the Black Birch (2 Government St.) draws beer-, cocktail-, and food-lovers from all over Maine with its emphasis on simple, well-executed food often sourced from Maine farms. The beer selection also highlights Maine and New Hampshire breweries such as Oxbow, Allagash, and their neighbor, Tributary. Pair a pint with their famed deviled eggs, three ways.