Written by Matt Webster for www.nhmagazine.com
Holderness is a very small town just north of Squam Lake, mid-New Hampshire, where they shot On Golden Pond. A few years ago they had a small brewery owned by a gentleman who also owned a homebrew store. Nice to see Holderness is back in brew world. -The Professor
Squam Brewing is one of the smallest breweries in the country. It’s owned and operated by John Glidden, who has spent his entire life in Holderness, N.H. Glidden explains that the name was chosen “partly for my close association with the lake and partly for the name recognition for both locals and tourists who enjoy the Lakes Region.” He currently brews and bottles six different styles of beer ($6-$8 for 22 oz. at retail), all with a unique connection to local history.
For instance, Asquam Amber Ale, the first beer released by the brewery, is made in homage of one of the early names of Squam Lake – Asquam is an Abenaki word for water. Steamer Stout – an oatmeal stout – is brewed in honor of the hard-working Halcyon, “which transported mail, people and goods up and down Squam Lake in the early 1900s.”
The brewery will celebrate its one-year anniversary in August and the goals for 2011, as Glidden describes them, are “to keep making quality beer and sell everything we make.” As of now his plan is to keep selling beer exclusively in 22 oz. bottles.
While still available in limited quantities, Squam Brewing enjoys a vibrant interest from the surrounding community. “I have actually been approached by more stores and restaurants than I have solicited,” Glidden says. “Unfortunately, when I first started making sales I had to say no to a lot of locations. I did this to ensure that I didn’t overextend myself and run out of beer for my local stores. Success for me is finding the right balance.”
So, if you are headed to the Lakes Region for a getaway this summer, this is a not-to-be-missed local experience. Tours (and the opportunity to buy beer direct) are by appointment only. Please contact Squam Brewing in advance of your adventure.