You could spend years exploring the craft and microbreweries thatNew Englandhas to offer and still never taste all the incredible beer from the region.Luckily,a number ofour editors and contributors have spent decadesliving, adventuring, and drinking in the Northeast.Here are their picks for the breweries and beers you haveto experience the next time you’re in the area, from the in an unsuspecting corner of Vermont to a little-known gem on the New Hampshire coast. Consider this your pocket guide to hoppy euphoria.
Lawson’s Finest Liquids
Waitsfield, Vermont
Although I’m partial to my hometown of Stowe’sbrewery, the, and itsclassic Heady Topper IPA,I’d be remiss if I didn’t point brew loversto Lawson’s. This taproom has tons of indoor and outdoor seating in an idyllic small-town setting,and, a cult-favorite fruity and my brew of choice, is always flowing. Farm-to-table appetizers, pinball machines, and lawn games will keep you here awhile, becausewhat’s better than a lazy day ofdrinking with friends? When you’re ready to leave, walk less than half a mile southto for the best maple “creemee”—that’s Vermonter for soft-serve ice cream—of your life. —Abbey Gingras,associate audience editor
Maine BeerCompany
Freeport, Maine
I first tastedduring dinner at a New York City restaurantlast spring, a far cry from the charming coastal vibes of its home.The brew’s name created a great deal of confusion later on when I askedaround about theperfect beer I’d been drinking. But it’s cool—Lunch, after all, is an apt moniker for the Maine-based craft brewery’s imminently drinkable IPA. As someone’s day might hinge on their midday meal, this bold but balanced brewimmediately became the cornerstone of my beer-ordering habits. It’s frothy, malty, hoppy, and shot through with citrus and pine.At 7 percentABV, Irecommend pairing itwith a sandwich if you’re drinking it at its designated hour, but you’ll be able to find it in stores and restaurants all over the Northeast no matter the timeof day. —Xian Chiang-Waren, associate culture editor
Narragansett Beer
Providence, Rhode Island
When I lived in Boston, I spent the summers with my girlfriend and her family at a small lake house incentral Massachusetts. On a typical day, we’d go for a morning swim and then read by the dock, and when the afternoon rolled along, someone would head to the “packie,” Massachusetts slang for liquor store,and bring back an assortment of beer to have with dinner that night. My favorite pickof the bunchwouldalwaysbeNarragansett, which is opening a new brewery and headquarters in Providence .I remember one day whenwe took a trip down to Narragansett Beach in Rhode Islandandsipped on the namesake and in between sunbathing and dips in the ocean. Can you get more picturesque than that? —Jeremy Rellosa, affiliate reviews editor
Trillium Brewing Company
Boston, Massachusetts
The people of Massachusetts truly hate to be outdone, and so when Vermont started getting all the craft-brewing attention, my beautiful Baked Bean State quite literally said, “Hold my beer.”While tons of breweries have popped up all over the state in recent years,none can outshine the beloved. Currently listedas the third-best brewery in the world, according to , ithas been concocting all sorts of amazing combinations for seven years now. Grab a cannoli at in the North End, then walk a mile to the newly developed Seaport, where Trillium has set up a large but cozy taproom. After a beer and some poutine (or if you want to dive deep into the state’s coastal spirit, I suggest the lobster toast), head to the nearbyto see one of the city’s best artcollections.—Kyra Kennedy, photo editor
Throwback Brewery
North Hampton, New Hampshire
Like the New Hampshire coast itself, is tiny and not verywell-known, but it’s a heavenly place to visit in the summer or early fall. The brewery sources more than 70 percentof its beeringredients,like fruit and hops, locally, including from thefarm on which it’s located. Batchesare small in quantity, seasonal in availability, and experimental in flavor, and although you can find them in some stores around the region or buy them to go from the brewery, they’re best enjoyed on the farm itself. I’ve spent several late afternoons in bliss on Throwback’s dog-friendly patio in scenic North Hampton, taking in a viewof goats, chickens, and donkeys (the brewery’s mascot), and relishingthe scent ofsalt in the air from the nearby Atlantic. Start drinking with theSpicy Bohemian, a pilsner dry-hopped with jalapeños. It’s crisp, light, peppery, and spicy—but not in an overwhelming way—and it happens to be one of the most popular beers on tap everyyear.—Svati Kirsten Narula, contributor
Hill Farmstead
Greensboro Bend, Vermont
Since my colleague beat me to the punch in praise of Lawson’s Sip of Sunshine (which is really only to be enjoyed after you’ve cooled the can in the cold water of Warren Fallsin Warren, Vermont),I’m nowfree to lavish attention on my other steadfast Vermont companion: Edward. Edward is about as perfect as a beer can be: a crisp but smooth American pale ale with just the right amount of hops and citrus. It pairs well with absolutely everything, complimenting light summer fare as well asbrightening hearty winter meals after a long day of skiing. You’ll want to drink it year-round, but since it’s only available for purchase at the Northeast Kingdom brewery in northern Vermont and select restaurants in the area, you’ll just have to make a trip there. Trustus, it’s worth it. —X.-.
Tree House Brewing Company
Charlton, Massachusetts
If you find yourself in central Massachusetts,you have to stop by Tree House Brewing’sand experience what can only be described asthe Disneyland of beer.Get there via mountain bike, and ride the singletrack that connects the breweryto the abutting 86-acre, then cool off bysippingtheever popular IPAon thepatio. Thoselooking for a more leisurely experience cantry one of Tree House’s stouts and take a stroll through the on-site orchards, dotted withbeehives. I recommend following this pilgrimageby driving 30 minutes northeast to Worcester and grabbinga bite to eat at .—K..
Rising Tide Brewing
Portland, Maine
This brewery holds a special place in my heart for many reasons. Not only has its been my companionon numerous paddling excursions in nearby,but my sister is on most of the company’swedding marketing materials. In the summer, itopens the garage doors to a patiowith gas fireplaces and a rotating selection of food trucks. My go-tobrewis the Ishmael—acopper alethatprovides just enough flavor without punching you with bitterness, and at just 4.9 percentABV,I can afford to have a few. If you’re looking foran IPA, the Zephyr is an easy choice. Afunbonus: many of Rising Tide’sbeers are named after Maine’s favorite outdoor hubs, and the brewery is a meeting ground for ski films, climate talks, and local activism.—Mitch Breton,video curator
This story was produced in partnership with magazine. Check out more of their Maine beer recommendations .