March 29th, 2007
7 Barrel Brewery
7 Barrel Brewery, West Lebanon NH 3-26-2007
I stumbled upon this brewery quite by accident, a very good “accident†actually. My friend and I were just about to leave West Lebanon, NH after some shopping. Right as I was about to get onto the on ramp my well trained “beer eyes†noticed a brewery sign. Intrigued, I immediately told Steph that we needed to go check it out…for the 2 beer guys of course. Wink, wink.
After a very fabulous (that one’s for you HOPS) U turn, we pulled into the driveway, and went to see when the brewery opened. Of course, at 11:00am they were not open yet so we went to grab some lunch and head back for their opening at 11:30. We had a nice lunch (all the while I was thinking about what the brewery would be like) and quickly popped back down the street.
Directly upon entering the establishment I felt a sense of comfort. It was a very eclectic environment…just my style. As it was so early in the day, and because my friend does not drink, we did not partake of any beer.
I know, what a let down. Not to worry though, I swiftly went up to the bartender and asked her if they sold beer. She said they sell growlers and I was instantly glad that we had stopped. Now, I knew the 2 beer guys looooove IPA, but I wanted to find out what her favorite was. Of, course it was the IPA and that sealed the deal on what I would take home.
Now, being true to form, and seldom letting me down, those who work in breweries are an amazing breed. The 7 Barrel Brewery staff was no exception. I was very interested in purchasing some beer-a-fanalia. I asked a girl who worked there if I could get a t-shirt in a certain size. She quickly checked on my request and said they had that size but in a long sleeve not a short sleeve. I said fine, I’ll take it, and then a guy (not sure if he was a brewer, owner or just worked there) came over with 2 shirts and asked if the size was right. We told him we decided on the long sleeve thinking he would take the 2 shirts back and that would be that. Instead of putting the 2 shirts back, this guy asked us if we wanted a free t-shirt! I was in awe, and of course said yes, and thank you! We hadn’t even had a sip of beer and we were getting something for free! Like I said, amazing!
I hope if you are in the town of West Lebanon NH, you will stop in on the great people of The 7 Barrel Brewery…we just might take a trip up to sample some more hospitality and beer very soon!