New Brewery Could Open in 3 Months

Smuttynose Brewing Co.'s new facility on Towle Farm in Hampton could start shipping beer as soon as late January, CEO Peter Egelston said on Friday.

Egelston gave Gov. Maggie Hassan a tour of the facility on Friday, saying brewing is only months away. The new brew pub planned for the facility, however, isn't expected to open to the public until late spring.

Egelston told Hassan he hopes the new faciilty will be great for entertaining visitors. Its close proximity to Hampton Beach should also make it a destination in the warmer months.

"I think you are going to be a major visitor attraction," Hassan said.

Right now, Egelston said, Smuttynose ships about 45,000 barrels a year. The new facility will have 60,000 barrel capacity, with room to double that.

"That's our plan," he said, "to grow as demand calls for it."

Right now, Smuttynose employs 52 people, but Egelston said the company will add another 45 to 50 employees once the brew pub is up and running.

As she toured the facility, Hassan sampled a Smuttynose Old Brown Dog beer.

Members of the public will get a chance to sample some Smuttynose during a keg social being held Saturday at 3 p.m. at the Hampton site.