Great North Aleworks

What an interesting place. Stopped in to pick up something different, and was very surprised. Clean, crisp atmosphere, tasty brews, felt good to walk in. I wasn’t sure what I wanted, so the bartender gave me a sample before I finally decided on RVP (Robust Vanilla Porter) for the wife and Smokin’ Rauchbier for myself. Both were tasty and high on flavor.
We will be returning for sure.

What a wonderful new and up and coming brewery! The owners are very welcoming and pleasant. The variety of beers are very delicious. There’s something for everyone. They also have a snack menu, which isn’t something you often find in new breweries. The atmosphere, which includes a large stainless steel bar, many tables for seating, an easy-​to-​read menu, gift shop with a large selection of products to buy, is aesthetically pleasing and very modern. My husband and I are looking forward to returning and bringing with us friends and family.

Manchester’s newest brewery is off the beaten path but worth a visit. They are doing things right here. The tasting room is a converted office building that now looks clean, sharp and simple.
If Great North did one thing that was near perfect, it was the marketing. In my experience, marketing is a major aspect of being a business that most brewers miss the mark on (especially when you’re brand new). Anyway, check out this site:
. It’s sharp, easy to navigate and tells the story well. Most brewery sites can’t even come close to this site. The marketing message has the same attention to details when you walk in the front door. They did a great job here.
Okay, I know what you’re thinking. Enough about the damn marketing! Let hear about the beer!!! I’ll only discuss the «year-​round» beers. They have a few «special releases.»
Vanilla Porter– This is off the chain. Well balanced, not overpowering with the vanilla. It’s the best beer they do. Poster or stout fan? Start (and finish) here.
IPA– This ipa is bold and aromatic. I’m sure it’s a big seller given the market for ipa’s. Very clean head. Is it the greatest ipa ever? No. But it will hold it’s own in a very crowed beer category. Enjoy.
Smoked Ale. Very… different. It was by far my least favorite of the pack (I tried all the seasonal too.) My girlfriend couldn’t get through this one. The smoky beechwood comes right through it. Like drinking campfire ashes. I’d like to hear your feedback on this one? Is this beer bad or is my palate just not sophisticated enough to understand it? Only time will tell.