Plans for Exeter's First Brewery Approved

Plans for Exeter's first brewery were approved by town officials Tuesday.

Stratham resident and entrepreneur Joe Berwanger filed paperwork to build the Neighborhood Beer Company at 156 Epping Rd. His plan was approved by the Zoning Board of Adjustment Tuesday.

The establishment would brew German-style ales. There will be a tasting room that serves 4-ounce beer samples and a growler tap that will dispense beer that stays fresh for two weeks, Berwanger said. He also said a restaurant could be added sometime down the road.

"We believe in this one location that we have something unique," Berwanger told the board, adding the brewery could draw more businesses to the Epping Road corridor in the western part of town.

ZBA Chair Robert Prior said the plan was "well-prepared."

Berwanger said he wants to open the tasting room before the summer and the entire brewery by the fall.

He said he plans to make his beers available at local restaurants and stores.

Berwanger spent the last few years in Chicago, where he helped revive Baderbräu Brewing Company.