Tecumseh

Remember in my last post when I mentioned that there were 48 4,000 footers in the New Hampshire White Mountains? Well today I learned that was a big fat lie.

Named for the Shawnee Chief and Warrior, Mt Tecumseh was thought to be the smallest of the 48 at 4,003 feet. However, either Mt Tecumseh has shed a few pounds since its height was last measured or we have some crazy new height measurement tech. In 2019, it was revealed that Mt Tecumseh is actually only 3,997 feet high.

However, despite Mt Tecumseh potential demotion looming, I’m still happy I woke up at 4:30 am to get an early start summiting this peak.

Waterville Valley Resort

Mt Tecumseh is home to the Waterville Valley Resort, whose ample mountainside provides choice boarding in the winter months.

While there were plenty of winding ski routes leading to near the top of the mountain, I opted for the actual hiking trail. Overall, it was only a 2.6 miles hike to the top. While the trail got steep early on, this was probably the easiest of the hikes I’ve done in the white mountains. No technical sections, bouldering or steep slides, though there was a brook where you had to hop from rock to rock to cross.

At the top I was greeted with a better than expected view of the Osceolas, Tripyramids and Mt Washington ominously looming in the background.

Luckily, I made it to the peak just in time. There were just a handful of other early risers to share the view with – including a friendly miniature bull terrier that answers to the name Avard. As I made my descent, I passed by throngs of hikers making their way to the top. After each group I passed, I imagined in horror how they were all going to fit at the peak which in pre-covid times might at best comfortably fit 15 people.

Limited Editions at Lithermans

On my way back, I stopped by the charming capital of New Hampshire, Concord (Augusta take note) to visit Lithermans Limited Brewery.

Lithermans is tucked away in an unassuming industrial park – not uncommon for a brewery. Most notably, they converted a large swath of their parking lot into outdoor seating in response to the pandemic. Picnic tables were spread well away from one another and there was a bottle of hand sanitizer at each one. I get myself settled and enter the building where they were pouring the beer and ordered a flight.

Adjacent to the seating area was Flame, a food truck serving up pizza from their wood fire oven. I ordered a delicious meat lovers to go with my newly acquired flight.

Brews at Lithermans

My flight consisted of:

• Perfect Day – Sour Ale – This citrousy and fruity sangria inspired sour ale was the perfect accompaniment for kicking back and enjoying the summer weather.
• Moonage Daydream – Sour Ale – My second sour ale – hey don’t judge me – was infused with grapefruit and…concord grapes. Fun fact, concord grapes originated in Concord, MA, not Concord, NH. With its smooth finish, Moonage out-perfected Perfect Day 
• Misguided Angel – IPA – This light and dry New England IPA was my least favorite out of my flight, but that could just be because it was misguided or up against some very well done sour ales.
• Depeach A’ La Mode – hefeweizen – While this beer didn’t become my own personal Jesus, it did make for the perfect dessert beer for my flight. The spice of the hefeweizen worked well with the peach and the milk sugar added a nice smoothness for an easy finish – easily becoming my favorite.

Before I left I picked up some cans of Candy Everyone Wants and Ground Control, which I was able to take a sip of as I write this article.

• Candy Everyone Wants – IPA – Its rumored that it took 10,000 maniacs to brew this hoppy and hazy New England style IPA. More than just doubled dry hopped with Citra, Mandarina Bavaria and Amarillo hops, this beer finishes with a bitter kick.
• Ground Control – Stout – The nose on this beer will trick your mind into thinking you’re about to take a swig of cold brew. The caramel flavors of the stout is nicely countered by the bitterness of the ground coffee beans. However, the bitterness is fleeting and doesn’t become harsh. I normally am not a big fan of stouts, but Ground Control is an exception worthy of Major Tom.

Final Verdict

With the pandemic, all businesses are trying to do the best they can with the resources they have. With a fantastic expanded outdoor space, some tasty sour ales and a killer cold-brew coffee stout, Lithermans is a worthy detour right off the 93.

Information
Lithermans Limited Brewery
https://lithermans.beer/
126 Hall Street, Unit B
Concord, NH 03301
603.219.0784