Foreword

Early in July, Massachusetts and New Hampshire came together in agreement that New England is handling the pandemic pretty well – get your shit together Georgia and Florida – and lifted the mutual mandatory/recommended quarantine for visitors from the other state (take a hint Maine). For me that means more hiking my favorite spot – The White Mountains – as well as opening up New Hampshire breweries.

4 AM Wake-up Call

The more popular trails in the White Mountain National Park can get pretty crowded. To avoid this, I woke up at 4:30 am to make the 2 hour drive North into New Hampshire. My mission for the day was to peak-bag two 4,000 footers, North and South Twin Mountains. For those unaware, New Hampshire contains 48 mountains with an elevation above 4,000 feet, and it is a popular goal to mount each one. Over the past few years, I have climbed 20 of the 48, so just under half.

Up the Twins

I arrived at the trailhead around 7:30 am and there were already around two dozen cars parked – not too bad considering there were nearly 100 as I was leaving. I put on a layer of lotion and bug spray and started my ascent. The first part of the hike consisted of fording the Little River several times. It had rained the day previously, so I encountered elevated water levels. I was able to make the crossing fairly easily by hopping from rock to rock, some of them slightly submerged in water.

Overall, the hike was easy going for the first 2 miles, with only a slight incline and minimal rocks to trip over. Over the next few miles, the trail would get steeper, but there were not any technical sections that I would have to climb on my hands and knees. 2 and a half hours and 4 and a half miles later, I summited North Twin Peak. At ~4,700 feet, the peak was still below the treeline, however there was an outlook area giving some pretty great views of Mt Lafayette in the distance.

Onward and Upward

After taking a brief respite, I continued onto South Twin Peak, just little over a mile away. There were some technical sections where I had to strategically jump down from rocks above before the ascent to the South peak began. More notably were the mud pits where I had a fun time of playing rock or oddly colored patch of mud. At ~4,900 feet, South Peak is the taller of the two mountains, but I was at the top before I knew it. South Twin provides a commanding 360 degree view of the White Mountains. Because of its central location I enjoyed magnificent views of the Presidentials, including Mt Washington covered in an ominous layer of clouds as well as Mt Lafayette and the expanse of the Pemigewasset Wilderness. I spent a good half an hour enjoying my lunch of Cliff Bars and beef jerky and exploring the peak as I looked out at the world below. There is no more satisfying feeling than surmounting a mountain and enjoying the pristine serenity in triumph.

Chilling at Schilling

As I made my descent, I encountered throngs of hikers making their way up to the peak – seriously it’s worth getting up at 4 am to be able to enjoy a less crowded peak. Overall, I encountered no issues and found myself back at the car at little after 3 pm.

At this point I was starving, so I headed off to charming little Littleton for some much needed food and refreshment. What I encountered at Schillings Beer Co was what might be the most picturesque brewery in New England. The brewery is in the heart of the little village located in a historic building with a giant beer garden and massive patio overlooking the Ammonoosuc River 20 feet below. Considering one of the buildings used to be an old mill and there is a covered bridge next door, I cannot think of any place more “New England” other than the lobster pounds of Maine. I was blown away.

I donned my facemask as I make my way into the brewery where I order a flight of 4 of their best. Seating was first come, first serve and I was easily able to snag an empty table.

The beer garden featured a food truck serving up American classics such as burgers and pull pork sandwich, but also bratwurst, pomme frites and poutine – not surprising considering how close Quebec is.

The Beer of Littleton

My flight consisted of:

• Alexander 10° – Czech Pilsner – Perfect for enjoying at the beer garden on a 90 degree day. The pilsner was crisp and clean, but I actually enjoyed Schilling’s Palmovka pilsner more which I bought a 4-pack of.
• Schlaumeier – Hefeweizen – A beautifully crafted and well balanced hefeweizen. If you haven’t noticed yet by the naming conventions, Schillings specialized in Czech, Russian and Belgian inspired beer.
• Adem – Witbier – This wheat beer fell flat compared to the other beers of my flight, but was still a welcomed tradition for my 90 degree weather themed flight.
• Berliner Weisse – Sometimes the best beer has no fancy name, and Schilling’s Berliner Weisse falls under that category. This was the last beer in my flight and the crisp subtle sweetness made for the perfect dessert.

Before I left, I picked up a 4 pack of the Palmovka as well as the 9% ABV Erastus Abbey-style Tripel.

Final Verdict

With some great brews and food as well as what might just be the most picturesque brewery in New England, Schilling Beer Company provides the whole package. Even if you don’t enjoy beer – not sure why you’re reading this blog – Schilling is worth the trip for the atmosphere alone.

Information
Schilling Beer Company
https://schillingbeer.com/
18 Mill Street
Littleton, NH 03561
603.444.4800