Able Ebenezer Brewing Company | Merrimack, N.H.

Growing up in Merrimack, New Hampshire = growing up right around the corner from Anheuser Busch. On a hot, humid summer day, we could actually smell the yeast from the beer being brewed. That might sound disgusting, but the smell of stale beer in the air is actually quite nostalgic for me now. (Maybe that's why I'm such a boozehound?).

Anyway, fast forward to many years later - meaning, to the summer of 2014 - and in walks Able Ebenezer Brewing Company. Located a few miles down the road from its giant predecessor, Able Ebenezer is serving small batch ales in a pre-prohibition-style setting (meaning, an abandoned garage-warehouse-type space). And when we visited on Christmas Eve, it was delightfully warm enough to have the garage doors open.

The tap room offers pints, 1- and 2-liter growler purchases/fills, samples, and flights. Z and I had both heard great things about Able Ebenezer's beers from our friends who still live in the area, so we were excited to each have a flight and see what all of the fuss was about.

Both our flights included:

-Victory Nor Defeat, Double IPA (8% ABV)
-Burn the Ships, Smoked IPA (7% ABV)
-Broad Arrow, IPA (6.5% ABV)
-Auburn, American Red Ale (4.5% ABV)

I actually really liked all of these beers - even the Burn the Ships, despite the fact that I rarely like anything with a smoky flavor. (Hello, hot dogs). Burn the Ships was able to have some subtle smoke in the background, without overwhelming everything else. All of the other brews were clearly fresh, quite drinkable, and interesting enough to keep me intrigued. It's clear the folks at Able Ebenezer's know their beer, and are giving Merrimack the small craft brewery they've been waiting for.

For the local-to-New Hampshire readers, Able Ebenezer's is also available on tap at several restaurants and bars throughout the area. Click "Find Us On Tap" to see where.

And if you make it to the brewery, make sure to leave enough time to play some board - or video! - games while you're there. The space is large enough and setup accordingly for groups to drink and play.

Oh! And before you go - this is the sunset we got to see after our beer flights. Thank you, warm New Hampshire Christmas:

Did you discover any new-to-you places over the holidays?