Print Story  Email Story  Discuss Story
» More Feature Stories

Those of you who reach lightning speeds traveling on Route 16 might want to slow down next time you approach the massive, green-roofed Redhook Brewery building. Inside the mountain-like structure is a pub and state-of-the-art brewing facility that will excite any micro-brew buff.

The cozy Cataqua Public House is located at the front entrance of the gargantuan Redhook plant. The high ceilings, great wooden beams and spiffy-clean bar scream, “I’m a happy, fun, well intentioned beer!”

MULTIMEDIA Video:  Slow down and smell the barley

That’s right, a trip to the Redhook plant and pub is for beer aficionados, not binge drinkers. In fact, the pub only serves its signature brews, sorry, no frou-frou drinks here.

The menu has the basics that range from $7 to $10; burgers, wings, turkey clubs and salad. And the soups, Nitro Chili and ESB Clam Chowder, are made with the pub’s own powerful brewskies.

Redhook distributes beer to all 48 continental states and heavily within the Seacoast area. To keep buyers happy, the pub tries not to take business away by closing a bit early - 11:30 p.m. on weekends and 10 p.m. on weekdays. The hours make Redhook a more family-friendly environment, less prone to attract a hard-core party crowd and more likely to attract a semi-crunchy, low-key patronage.

Redhook is a great lunchtime retreat and I couldn’t help but feel as if I were out west enjoying a trendy, Pacific vacation —perhaps mid-mountain, recharging for another afternoon of skiing the bumps and being fabulous.

And if you’re interested in what makes the smooth taste of the signature dark Blackhook Porter, show up for one of Redhook’s tours. Doug, the brewmaster, will be happy to show you the ropes of the $35 million plant; everything from fermentation to bottle capping takes place on Corporate Drive. If you ask, Doug might even let you taste the hops, straight from the bag.

Redhook also offers live music every month and this Thursday, April 12, join them for a celebratory beer release party! That’s right, Redhook is throwing an all-out party to welcome the crisp, floral Sunrye seasonal ale to the taps.

So get there on the bright side, the party starts at 6 p.m. and you know it’s bound to wrap up early. The Roots of Creation, a reggae/funk band, will be performing and you might even be able to win some sweet, free gear! Heck, I’ll be there too.

For information on Redhook’s upcoming events and delicious beer, visit the Web site at www.redhook.com.

The Redhook Brewery Cataqua Public House
35 Corporate Drive
Pease International Tradeport

Monday - Thursday: 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Friday - Saturday: 11:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.

Sunday: Noon - 8 p.m.

Tour Times

Monday & Tuesday: 2 p.m.

Wednesday & Thursday: 12, 1, 3 and 4 p.m.

Friday & Saturday: 12 - 4 p.m. on the hour

Sunday: 1 - 4 p.m. on the hour