NH Ale from 603 Brewery
Recently, this column pronounced that cans are a better idea than glass bottles…
A few things to note about cans; they are not made the same as your grandfather’s Schaffer cans back in the day. The lightweight aluminum is coated with a fine protective layer to keep the metal from the liquid. They store well, travel well, chill fast and are recyclable. And most importantly, if you drop a can, it won’t shatter into a thousand shards of glass! And this is why 603 Brewery has made the important move to keep their beer freshest in cans. Their newest addition, NH Ale is what we concentrate on today… in cans!
603 Brewery started in Campton (above Plymouth), but is now located in Londonderry, NH. They offer year-round beers as well as seasonal beers matched to their climates. Around 4 years old, 603 Brewery has made a momentous mark in the NH craft beer scene. They are now a 60 barrel brewery providing 12 oz cans, 22 oz bottles and kegs for restaurants. Each of their beers has something to do with a historical fact about NH. For instance, their 18 Mile Rye Ale is named for the 18 miles of Atlantic shoreline NH is afforded between Maine and Massachusetts. Their beer is exclusively sold in NH and distributed widely throughout the state. You can find it in Hannaford, Market Basket and Case-n-Keg, in both Meredith and Laconia while you are out shopping. Visit them at https://www.facebook.com/603Brewery/ or at their website at http://www.603brewery.com
NH Ale is a golden delicious visual treat. Super clean with a pillowy white head, this delightfully tasting, extremely drinkable beer will be added to your top 5 beer shopping list and being 5% ABV will allow you to try more than one. Balance might be the best way to describe NH Ale. There is no bittering flavor as in an IPA. And there are no fruity notes or malty overtones to get in the way. This is just a beautifully crafted beer that wants to be friends with you.
NH Ale will be produced year-round which will also please those who enjoy it now but would miss it if it were only a seasonal. Since this is the very first review known of about NH Ale, BeerAdvocate.com has not yet rated it. But you can try it very soon as cans are due to hit the shelves around mid July. Look for the inviting red can with the big 603 on it!
Jim MacMillan is the owner of WonByOne Design of Meredith, NH, and is an avid imbiber of craft brews and a home brewer as well. Send him your recommendations and brew news to wickedbrews@weirs.com
