Hampton, NH — Governor Maggie Hassan joined New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development officials, brewers, beer distributors, state legislators, and other invited guests at a press conference Tuesday to celebrate the kickoff of Brew NH and its website nhbeer.org.
The event was held at the site of the new Smuttynose Brewing Company facility in Hampton and was kicked off by Smuttynose founder Peter Egleston, who talked about the brewery’s expansion and Brew NH’s effort to promote New Hampshire’s beer culture. Egleston then introduced Governor Hassan, who spoke about the industry and greater economic development in the brewing, hospitality, and tourist sectors.
“The growing New Hampshire beer industry is spurring economic development across the state, creating jobs, and attracting visitors to the Granite State,” Governor Hassan said. “An innovative public-private partnership, Brew NH exemplifies New Hampshire’s tradition of collaboration and collective problem-solving, bringing together business leaders and state government to help this important sector of our economy continue to grow. I want to thank all of the partners of Brew NH for creating this exciting initiative that will help both existing and new breweries thrive and promote New Hampshire as a top destination for responsible beer tourism.”
Brew NH, in partnership with New Hampshire’s Travel & Tourism and Economic Development divisions and other industry stakeholders, aims to raise awareness of and interest in the state’s vibrant and growing beer scene. Through their website, nhbeer.org, social media, and helpful tools including an interactive beer map and event calendar, beer consumers and fans both in and out of state will be able to discover, support, and help grow NH’s beer industry.
Despite the winter weather, the scene at Towle Farm, the soon-to-be new home of Smuttynose, was buzzing. “This entire project was designed with visitors like the ones here today in mind and we want everyone to visit when we open this spring. BrewNH, nhbeer.org, and the new State Brewery Map should be great resources for directing folks here,” said JT Thompson of Smuttynose Brewing.
A beer tasting followed, with elected officials, brewers, beer distributors, members of the media and many beer aficionados sampling some of New Hampshire’s finest beers and exchanging ideas.
“It’s our collective passion for beer that connects us all, no matter what segment of the industry we work in,” said Scott Schaier, Executive Director of the Beer Distributors of NH. “You can imagine something very similar happening back in the 1700s when colonial New Hampshire folks shared resources to create a stronger community. I bet they even celebrated the same way back then — on a farm with beer they just brewed.”
Brew NH is a 501(c)(6) non-profit marketing cooperative effort organized by NH breweries and beer distributors to further develop New Hampshire’s beer and tourism economy.