Beer for History - American Independence Museum

Neighborhood Beer Co. to brew beer inspired from 14th century Europe

by rob | May 9, 2016 | Beer for History

As part of the American Independence Museum’s inaugural Beer for History event on Thursday, May 19 in downtown Exeter, Neighborhood Beer Co. (NHBC) is brewing a Baroque Butterfly Tan Ale, its take on a late medieval brew from the lowlands of Northwestern Europe. According to NHBC’s Joe Berwanger, the slightly sour, mixed-grain ale was very popular even in the mid-17th century, as it was praised by Pope Alexander VII when he helped negotiate the peace treaty of the Thirty Years’ War.

“A great example of beer’s prominent role in history, our recreation of this transcendent ale features a unique easy-drinking quality with citrus notes balancing out the slightly sour finish,” he said.

For the Museum’s Rob Levey, who initially outreached NHBC to gauge their interest in participating in Beer for History, the beer represents a “tangible and fun” reminder that history matters.

“Learning and celebrating history helps ground us as a nation, so Joe and his team’s enthusiasm at connecting their beer with the general concept of history itself is really pretty cool,” he said.

The man responsible behind the Keutebier style beer and the many award-winning German-style beers at NHBC is GABF award-winning brewer, international beer judge and brewing consultant, German-born Horst Dornbusch.

“Having opened up a little more than 6 months ago, we want to do all we can to connect with Exeter and the surrounding communities,” he said. “Partnering with the American Independence Museum and the other great brewers they have lined up for the series made a lot of sense too all of us…We look forward to unveiling our beer at May’s Beer for History.”

Sponsored by Hoefle Phoenix Gormley & Roberts, P.A. Attorneys at Law of Portsmouth, other brewers include 7th Settlement in Dover and D.L. Geary Brewing Company from Maine. The Beer for History series kicks off on May 19 in Exeter, NH and will continue on June 23 with a Tavern Night theme and on October 20 with a Fall Harvest theme.

In addition to craft brews, each event will feature live music, food, games and magic for children. The Beer for History event in May will feature food prepared by 3 Brothers Marketplace in Exeter.

Tickets for each event in the series will be $30 and include food, samplings of beer, games for kids, and more. Members of the Museum may purchase tickets at a discounted rate of $25. To buy tickets for an individual event or for the entire series at a discounted rate, visit Beer for History.

Beer for History series will feature unique beers and live music

by rob | Mar 29, 2016 | Beer for History

Live music and unique beer found nowhere else in New England—if not the world—will highlight the American Independence Museum’s inaugural “Beer for History” series, which kicks off on May 19 in Exeter, NH.

Neighborhood Beer Co., D.L. Geary Brewing Company and 7th Settlement will headline Beer for History. According to Museum Operation Manager Rob Levey, each brewer has agreed “to do something special” for the series, which continues on June 23 with a Tavern Night theme and October 20 with a Fall Harvest theme. The opening event in May will help celebrate the Museum’s 2016 season, which begins on May 3.

“Each brewer is going to go back into history and brew something special for us based on recipes that in some cases could be more than 400 years old,” Levey said. “If you like craft brews, then Beer for History is going to be your ticket of choice this year.”

The brewers are also thrilled at the innovative Beer for History series, as Neighborhood Beer Co.’s Mike O’Donnell added, “We are Exeter’s only brewer and we are very excited to be part of this series.”

Noting they are based in Portland, Maine, Geary’s Rick St. Peter said he believes “a love of history and great beer go hand in hand with one another.” “This is going to be a unique series of beer events,” he said.

Nate Sephton, brewer at 7th Settlement in Dover and resident of Exeter for the past 13 years, said he eagerly anticipates the series, which he said helps celebrate “the great history of the town and Seacoast area.”

“I am looking forward to learning more about the grain and beer colonial history and creating some great brews and supporting the Museum,” he added.

In addition to beer, the series will feature live music and food prepared by local businesses, including 3 Brothers Marketplace in Exeter. Tickets for each event in the series will be $30 and include food, samplings of beer, games for kids, and more. Members of the Museum may purchase tickets at a discounted rate of $25.

Proceeds from Beer for History will support the Museum’s efforts to preserve its collection, including an original copy of the Declaration of Independence, handwritten letters by George Washington and other rare artifacts. Proceeds will also support the Museum’s educational programs, which serve more than 1,600 children annually from across the state.

To buy tickets for an individual event or for the entire series at a discounted rate, visit www.independencemuseum.org/beer.