Enjoy Some Local Flavor at These Bristol Breweries (and Winery)

February 22, 2022 9:29 am

One of the best parts of living in Bristol is that it has a little bit of everything, and that includes locally-made craft beer and wine. Whether you’re considering moving here or are just visiting for vacation, stopping at one (or more) of these Bristol breweries is a must for wine and craft beer lovers.

Shackett’s Brewing Company

Opened in 2014, Shackett’s Brewing Company is owned and run by head brewer Jon Shackett, a lifetime resident of Bristol.

Located in Central Square, Shackett’s serves its own diverse selection of classic English and German-style ales and lagers, as well as a variety of seasonal beers. Shackett’s also offers some guest beers from other New Hampshire brewers, wine, hard cider and hard seltzers. If you prefer your beer to-go, the brewery offers 32oz and 64 oz growlers.

The tap room is family friendly, with board games inside and some seating outside in warmer months. You can grab some pub-style fare, like pretzel bites, panini sandwiches and some house-made barbecue, another hobby of owner Jon Shackett. 

From September to May, Shackett’s is open Thursday through Saturday from 3 p.m.-8 p.m., and Sundays 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., with expanded hours from June to August. The brewery is also planning an expansion that includes a balcony over the Newfound River, which we are all very excited to see and experience.

Traveler’s Rest

This brewpub located attached to the Pleasant View Bed & Breakfast is truly a traditional pub, serving guests of the B&B, neighbors, and people who happen to be traveling by. Appropriately named Traveler’s Rest, it’s a spot for visitors to grab a drink and a bite after a long day of traveling or a long day of work. Opened in November 2021, it offers six taps of house-made beer, 10 guest taps and a full bar highlighting beer, wine, cider and spirits made around New Hampshire.

You can nestle up to the bar, stake a claim at a high-top table or get cozy near the wood stove. Owner Donald Millbrand’s house-made brews include pale ale, red ale, wit and oatmeal stout as well as their Traveler’s Rest Best Bitter, served in pints or smaller tasting portions. 

If you need a snack to go along with your beer, enjoy a charcuterie board, rotating soups, flatbread pizza (including a gluten free option) or nachos. For the larger appetite they have a panini of the day and an open faced sandwich of the day with chips and coleslaw.

Millbrand said he was motivated to open the brew pub to complement the B&B, owned by his wife, Heidi Millbrand.

“It started for the inn guests, then a bunch of neighbors found out about it,” said Donald Millbrand. “The whole theme is a nice place to sit down and enjoy and get away from the world for a bit.”

Open Monday and Tuesday and Friday through Sunday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more info, call (603) 455-4477.

Woodman’s Brewery

If Traverler’s Rest is like a traditional pub, then Woodman’s Brewery, located at 195 Peaked Hill Road, is like hanging out at your friend’s house. This welcoming family owned and operated brewery is inside a converted cottage located on the family’s property. Offering indoor and outdoor seating (even in frosty winter months) you can enjoy a pint and a soft pretzel after a hike or an afternoon on the lake, or bring your own snacks – outside food is allowed here.

Woodman’s offers five beers on tap, including a rotating seasonal beer. Try a pale ale, IPA, Irish red or their Raz Rocker made with local raspberries. When possible, the brewers try to include local ingredients, including in their best selling brew, Woody’s Maple Cream.

Open Friday 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Call (603) 744-3669 for more info or check their regularly updated Facebook and Instagram pages to find out what’s on tap before you visit.

Crazy Cat Winery

Located at 365 Lake Street near downtown Bristol, this boutique winery is owned by Claudette Boisvert and Timothy Smith, whose philosophy is that wine should be approachable and fun, never snobby. Wine lovers and newbies alike will enjoy a variety of wines, created on site using locally sourced fruits and a variety of grapes and juices from around the world. 

The tasting room is located in the carriage house of the owner’s 1880 Folk Victorian home offering plenty of New England character to your tasting experience. There you can sample from the wine selection, which includes red and white wines, specialty blends, semi-sweet, and dessert wines. Depending on the time of year, you may also find wine slushies and mulled wine as well. The winery offers an on-site cafe where you can enjoy a charcuterie board, soup and salad, sandwich and sweets, too.  

If you’d like to arrange a tasting, the best way is to call ahead at 603-217-0192 or through Facebook messenger. Check their Facebook page for updates about events and weekly cafe specials.

If you love locally made beer and wine, you’ll find plenty to choose from here in Bristol. Having a glass of a locally crafted beverage is a great way to spend a chilly winter afternoon or to cap off a warm summer evening. 
If you would like to learn more about Bristol’s local businesses and our business community, you can find a business directory at the Newfound Independence website, which represents businesses around the Newfound Lake Region.

If you are interested in having your business mentioned on the Bristol Business blog, please contact Beth at beth@goodcontentstrategies.com.