Beer Traveler: Hobbs Tavern and Brewery
Contributing Writer
This is our last week of looking for a new place to get great, locally made craft beer. It’s been a wild month of finding new brews and superb food.
If you missed the past issues, we covered:
~Bristol (Shacketts Brewery, Kathleen’s Cottage and Woodman’s Brewery)
~Ashland (Common Man Tavern, White Mountain Brewing)
~Wolfeboro (Beveridge Craft Beer and Soap Co, Lone Wolfe Brewing and Burnt Timber Brewery and Tavern)
We should all make it a point to get out and patronize these establishments. Now, let’s set our sites on Hobbs Tavern and Brewery in West Ossipee.
As you enter this well furnished building, you will notice how the ceiling’s rough sawn boards with their slightly burned accents help to make you feel right at home. Many of the wood elements are from local providers. A massive stone fireplace beckons you to come and warm yourself. Table and bar seating are available and also porch seating in summer months.
One of my favorite things to try at a place like this is a ‘flight’ of beer tasters; we were served 6 samples of the 10 beers available. I was impressed with all but the Wee Heavy Scotch Ale at 9.2% really got my attention. The Bright Horizon New England IPA was just delicious with its smooth drinkability and tropical feel. But the Ground Level Coffee Milk Stout was beyond yummy.
After a tasty meal and the beer samples, we ventured upstairs to their gorgeously appointed function room. Another creatively designed fireplace with his and hers chairs arranged before it, says that this space would be great for a wedding reception. Another bar and food service area certainly help visitors feel welcome.
Marketing and Sales Rep Ryan Frechette who toured us through the building said that they do more than 30 wedding receptions and functions a year in the beautiful space. He led us down to the brewery area where they brew at least 1-2 times a week to try and stay ahead of demand. Both growlers and 6 pack cans of take-away beer are available for purchase.
Responsible for their beer are brewers Mike Frothingham and Anthony Swanick. Hobbs self-distributes their beer in cans and restaurant kegs throughout NH.
A new brew space is about to open south on Rt 16 less than 10 miles away. This new brewing capacity will greatly aid in helping them keep up with demand for their great beer. Look at their website for more info at HobbsTavern.com
