Portsmouth Brewery has become a favorite with fans of craft ales. — Photo courtesy of Portsmouth BreweryNamed after an island in the Isle of Shoals (offshore properties shared by both Maine and New Hampshire), Smuttynose is produced locally in nearby Portsmouth, NH, less than a two hour drive south of Portland, at the Portsmouth Brewery. As one of the first microbrew pubs in the greater Portland area, Portsmouth Brewery has become a legend with fans of craft beer-making. The atmosphere is usually busy, too noisy at times, but patrons hardly notice thanks to the superior ales and cuisine.

This brew pub features a fine selection of specialty ales. — Photo courtesy of Portsmouth BreweryRecently, Portsmouth Brewery burnished their reputation further by launching a special dinner menu that matches cuisine with complementary ales. For instance, suggestions are made to sip their top selling Finest Kind Pale Ale, featuring an extra hoppy flavor, with their Spicy Black Bean Soup or to sample their sweet Hoffman Weiss, with its notes of coriander and lemon, with hearty Legume Ragout with Butternut Squash.  Other top menu favorites include Fresh Sardines with Tomato Caper Sauce (great with a dark, rich Porter ale), Flaky Bratwurst Rolls, and Duck Vindaloo. Meats, including hamburgers and steaks, are cooked to order. This brew pub’s nachos are a meal unto itself with a heaping combination of melted cheeses, jalapeno peppers, and fresh olives and onions.  

Families are welcome at the Portsmouth Brewery. — Photo courtesy of Portsmouth BreweryThe staff deservedly receive high marks for their friendly, welcoming attitudes. Like many brew pubs, the Portsmouth Brewery promotes a comfortable, inviting atmosphere for families. Quite often, mom and dad can be seen sipping ales while the youngsters dig into generous servings from the menu. For those seeking a superior combination of beer and food, Portsmouth Brewery is worth the trip.