You ever drive through a town and just feel like it has a secret? Henniker, New Hampshire, is kind of like that. It’s the "only Henniker in the world," or so the local slogan goes. But if you’re cruising down Route 114 and don’t take that specific turn onto Centervale Road, you’re going to miss the actual heartbeat of the town's social scene. Honestly, Henniker Brewing Company isn't just a place to grab a pint; it’s basically the community living room, tucked away in an old medical warehouse in the woods.
It’s weirdly charming. You’re driving past trees and quiet houses, and then suddenly, there’s this bustling taproom with dogs lounging on the patio and the smell of grain in the air.
Most people think craft breweries are all about the latest hazy juice-bomb IPA that tastes like a fruit smoothie. Don’t get me wrong, they have those. But what makes this place different is the "Working Man" vibe. It’s literal. Their flagship porter is named after Fitz Cogswell, a guy who actually worked at the old tin mill in town. That’s the energy here. It’s not pretentious. It’s just good.
The Story Behind the Warehouse
Dave Currier, the founder, didn’t exactly set out to be a brewmaster from day one. He actually owned a medical supply company called Bound Tree Medical on the same site. When that business moved on in 2010, he was left with a massive, empty warehouse in a "meh" economy. Instead of letting it rot, he decided to pivot.
By 2011, Henniker Brewing Company in Henniker, New Hampshire was born.
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They didn't start with a flashy marketing budget. They started with four guys and a desire to make beer that New Hampshirites would actually want to drink after a long shift or a day of hiking. They didn't chase the trends. While everyone else was trying to out-sour each other, Henniker was perfecting a Kölsch. It’s a bold move to lead with a subtle German style, but it worked.
Why Location Matters
It’s about three miles from downtown and maybe fifteen minutes from Concord. If you’re a skier, it’s only four miles from Pat’s Peak. That makes it the ultimate "apres-ski" spot. You’ll see people still in their snow pants at the bar in January, thawing out with a King Misanthrope (their heavy-hitting 10% ABV Russian Imperial Stout).
What’s Actually on Tap?
Let’s talk about the liquid. If you walk in today, the menu is a mix of "the classics" and some experimental stuff that’ll surprise you.
- Henniker Kölsch: This is the one. It’s 4.6% ABV, crisp, and clean. It’s the kind of beer you drink when you’re mowing the lawn, but it’s refined enough for a tasting flight.
- Hop Slinger IPA: A 7% ABV citrus blast. They tell a story about a "Sergeant Ezekiel Hop" who supposedly blasted enemies with hops when he ran out of ammo. It’s a fun narrative, but the beer stands on its own with a solid malt backbone.
- Miles & Miles: Named after Alan Shepard (the Derry, NH native who hit golf balls on the moon). It’s a dry-hopped Pale Ale that’s super sessionable at 4.9%.
- Working Man’s Porter: This is probably their most "New Hampshire" beer. It’s dark, chocolatey, and has a hint of black currant from the Bramling Cross hops.
They’ve also branched out into hard seltzers (the Baboosic Blackberry is a sleeper hit) and even their own line of old-fashioned sodas. If you’ve got kids or a designated driver with you, the Vanilla Cream Soda or the Birch Beer are legit. They aren’t just afterthoughts; they’re small-batch and delicious.
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Not Just a Bar: The Vibe and Culture
The taproom isn't just a place to drink. It's an event space. In the winter, they do this massive Christmas Tree Bonfire (usually late January) that brings out the whole town. In the summer, the beer garden out back is where you want to be.
They don't have a full kitchen, which is pretty common for NH microbreweries. Instead, they rotate food trucks. You might get wood-fired pizza one day and BBQ the next. It keeps things fresh. Plus, they are one of the few places left that’s truly dog-friendly—both inside and out—as long as your pup is well-behaved.
The "Dysfunction Junction" Era
You’ll see shirts and hats around the taproom that say "Dysfunction Junction." That’s a nod to the local nickname for the intersection in downtown Henniker where the roads used to get all tangled up. It’s that kind of self-deprecating, local humor that makes the place feel authentic. They aren't trying to be a Portland, Maine, brewery or a Boston taproom. They are Henniker.
Is It Worth the Trip?
Honestly, yeah. If you’re a craft beer nerd, you’ll appreciate the technical quality of the brews. If you’re just someone looking for a cool spot to hang out on a Saturday afternoon, the atmosphere is hard to beat.
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Wait, what about the price?
In 2026, finding a pint under $7 is getting harder and harder. Henniker stays pretty grounded. Most 16oz pours hover around that $6 to $7 mark, and they offer 4-packs to go that won't break the bank.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Check the Food Truck Schedule: They post it on their Instagram and Facebook weekly. Don't show up expecting a steak dinner if there's no truck that day (though you can bring your own snacks).
- Bring the Dog: If you’ve got a socialized pup, bring them. They even sell HBC branded pet collars.
- Don’t Skip the Stout: Even if you aren't a "dark beer person," try a taster of the King Misanthrope. It’s aged on house-toasted maple wood, and it’s basically New Hampshire in a glass.
- Explore the Town: After the brewery, walk the Henniker stone bridge or head over to Pat's Peak. It makes for a full day trip.
If you’re heading up I-89, take the exit. Skip the chain restaurants in Concord for once. Go find that warehouse in the woods. You’ll find that Henniker Brewing Company in Henniker, New Hampshire is exactly the kind of place that reminds you why craft beer became a thing in the first place: community, good stories, and a really cold, well-made Kölsch.
For the most current tap list before you head out, you can check their live menu on Untappd or visit their official site.
To make the most of your visit, aim for a Friday or Saturday when the full "beer garden" experience is in swing and the food trucks are firing.