Eisenhower Has the Power

Long before my quest to visit all 500+ breweries in New England, I set out to climb all 48 of the New Hampshire 4,000 footers. Today, I made a major milestone. With my 24th peak summited, I made the halfway mark.

We reached the Eisenhower trailhead around 7:30 and started our ascent. Unlike Tecumseh which apparently is a popular climb, we didn’t encounter a single soul until we reached the Crawford path climbing the 4,760 foot mountain a few hours into the hike.

In terms of difficulty and payoff, this might have been my best hike yet. Not only is the climb straight forward with very little scrambling, the view at the top was spectacular. Above the treeline, the stark landscape provided commanding views of the surrounding Presidentials, the Carters/Wildcats and the Crawford Notch.

Above the Treeline

While at the base of the mountain it was an 85 degree day, at the peak it was like another world. The temperature at best was a cool 60 degrees with a biting crosswind that quickly reminded us of the otherworldly nature of the White Mountains – almost as a warning that the conditions could change at a moment’s notice.

We took in the views, ate a quick lunch and started our descent just as it started to rain. On our way down we encountered a few groups heading up the Edmands trail to the summit. However, unlike the throngs of hikers I encountered on Tecumseh, the number climbing Eisenhower was far less. Shocking considering a Mountain like Eisenhower provides stunning 360 views at a spacious mountain top for just slightly more effort than Tecumseh.

Shortly after our descent, the rain stopped and a few hours later we were back at the trailhead. In celebration we headed off to Conway for Tuckerman Brewing Co.

Pints and Music at Tuckerman

Unfortunate, on our way over, it started to rain and even downpour for a spell. When we arrived at the brewery, we were greeted with a spacious beer garden complete with a large tent to shelter from the rain.

By the time we got settled with our beer, the rain had already subsided so we opted for a slightly wet picnic table in the field. Also present was Dueling Chefs Smoke-n-Grille food truck serving up brisket, sausages and other goodies. I ordered a plate of brisket, pulled pork and andouille sausage with a side of mac and cheese. I was in heaven.

In the midst of the pandemic you really start appreciating the mundane. Enjoying good beer and good company while a cover band plays in the background wouldn’t have been a big deal in any other year. But there we were in the heart of New Hampshire, enjoying the stylings of The Majestic Loon Birds. Even something as simple as a cover band was a nice respite for months of no live entertainment.

Then the reality kicked in as we picked up some cans to go and headed back home.

Whats on Tap at Tuckerman Brewing

We were limited to ordering pints only – no complaints there – so I was only able to try two brews.

• Kolshe – This beer proves that a beer doesn’t need a clever name in order to be good. Light bodied and with a spice that doesn’t overpower the beer – add in a slight sour finish and you have a beer that fully embodies its namesake.
• Summer Pilsner – This light and smooth brew goes down easy. As expected of a pilsner, this is a very drinkable beer perfect for those hot – or rainy – days.

Before we left I picked up some cans to enjoy at home.

• 50 Cent Day IPA – With Falconers Flight hops and notes of tropical fruit, this IPA is a refreshing drink to accompany your afternoon. 
• Rockpile IPA – This Mt Washington inspired IPA is brewed with simcoe and citra hops giving this hazy beer a smooth bitter finish.

Final Verdict

Like the famed Mt Washington trail known for thrill seekers who hike up and ski down the trail in colder months, Tuckerman brews are just as versatile. With spacious digs, live entertainment and warm food, Tuckerman is the perfect place to hang out during a summer’s day – rain or shine.

Information
Tuckerman Brewing Co
https://tuckermanbrewing.com/
603.447.5400
66 Hobbs Street
Conway, NH 03818