Brew Hampshire: It’s Just Getting Started

In 2010, there were 10 breweries in New Hampshire.

In 2015, there are 48.

Brew Hampshire, which was directed, produced, and written by Bryant Naro and Meagan Frappiea, is a documentary on the craft brew movement in New Hampshire. The film closely follows Able Ebenezer Brewing Company from garage to opening day of their new tasting room. The duo also follows 12 other New Hampshire-based breweries to give more shape to the beer scene in the region.

Communities are starting to appreciate things that are hand-crafted—whether it’s food or beer—by people who live in their own neighborhoods. More and more beers are incorporating local, fresh ingredients; Throwback Brewery sources up to 70% of theirs within the state.

As stated in the film, local craft beers cultivate a local, engaging fanbase, smaller, more intertwined distribution strategies, and a larger sense of who made your beer, how it’s made, and where it came from. In most instances, the beer you drink is made no more than a few feet away.

Sam Calagione, the founder of Dogfish Head, wasn’t kidding when he said the craft beer industry is 85% asshole free. Check out the trailer below:

Notable pieces from the Q&A following the film:

What was your initial inspiration to make the film?

Well, we love New Hampshire, and we love beer! A while back, we did an in-depth documentary on Throwback. We noticed that every local brewery interacts with one another—they’re so friendly with each other. Because of this, we wanted to highlight more of them.

Is there anything that surprised you throughout the making of the film?

How friendly everyone was! No one said no to interviews, and everyone was very open about their process, their story, and their inspirations for their own beers. It’s not a show, they’re all really friendly with each other.

Did you miss this screening of Brew Hampshire? Not to worry! There’s a second showing: Sunday at 2:10 p.m. at 3S Artspace.