Brewer Wants to Make Exeter a Craft Beer Hub

Joe Berwanger wants to build Exeter's first brewery.

Berwanger, a Stratham businessman who ran a brewing company in Illinois, filed paperwork to open a small brewery at 156 Epping Rd.

Why Exeter?

"(Portsmouth) is very busy," he said. "Epping is starting to boom a bit, but not much is going on in Exeter. Putting together a local brewery ... makes sense."

Berwanger plans to build the establishment through his Neighborhood Beer Company. The Zoning Board of Adjustment will review the project on Dec. 17.

Berwanger spent the last few years in Chicago, where he helped revive Baderbräu Brewing Company. He said he's well acquainted with New Hampshire's brewery scene.

He plans to brew German ales such as "pale, amber and seasonal higher gravity beers," he said. Bottles and growlers will be sold, and there will be a tasting room. He also plans to make his beers available at local restaurants and stores.

He hopes to open the brewery by the summer.

"I think we can make it a terrific craft beer destination on the Seacoast," he said.