Taste the Great Rhythm of Portsmouth
Great Rhythm Brewing Co. The name makes you think of harmonizing with a master plan.
And Great Rhythm does just that.
The craft brewery formed by Scott and Kristen Thornton about 10 years ago (first brewed in Ipswich, Mass., then Hampton) is thriving in its architecturally sleek and stunning Portsmouth location built in 2016 alongside North Mill Pond.
Great Rhythm coexists in a sweet Seacoast beer universe alongside Loaded Question Brewing Company, Liars Bench Beer Co. and further afield the o.g. Portsmouth Brewery, Earth Eagle Brewings (and across the bridge Tributary Brewing Company and Woodland Farms Brewery in Kittery, Maine) and of course, Stoneface and Cisco.
We mention the other breweries, because there’s a rhythm to that as well. It’s quite lovely. It perks and bubbles, it boils and pours–it holds trivia nights, go-kart races–if it’s fun, they’ve got it, and we truly like it all.
But for now, we’ll focus on Great Rhythm’s offerings: the hazy New England IPAs and lazy summer days alongside the water. Perhaps even, the beer garden zen.
Drive into Bartlett Street to the left of Ricci Lumber, and you’ll see Great Rhythm’s sweet set up designed by local architects Winter Holben. It’s retail/industrial/state-of the-art as well as accessible, inviting and truly picturesque (fox sightings, hummingbirds and egrets are not out of their element along the North Mill Pond–but not in the beer garden while you’re there– no worries.)
Jason Probert, while new to his Tap Master title, is an old hand on the Seacoast scene (think Stock Pot, Tiki Bar, and some spots that still exist.) Probert also plays bass and keys in the local band Kong Moon. He sheds more light on the Great Rhythm name. “The owner, Scott, is also a multi-instrumentalist.” So Scott knows his way around brewing, as well as the guitar, drums and keyboard.
It’s easy to see that aesthetics, from the simple hops image on the brewery’s cans, to the relative calm of the brewery’s tap room and beer garden, are important. And if music is your thing, the Brewery has a Wednesday night series (inside with air conditioning). There is also a weekly Flower Market on Wednesdays. You can buy a bloom alongside a brew–or two.
While you won’t find food at Great Rhythm, you will find synergy with several eateries that either deliver, or are in close proximity to the spot– including Otto (yum), Ohana, and more. And there’s always a bag of Port City Pretzels at the ready (we recommend them all–especially the Tasty Ranch Dill.)
So add a visit to Great Rhythm to your beer map, and pop open a can. We recommend the Margarita Gose or perhaps–in keeping with the Great Rhythm of things: the Soundcheck 9.0 or 10.0 (does it go to 11?)
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Great Rhythm says: As a brewery, we strive to create exceptional beer using the best ingredients possible. As an independent brewer, we’re constantly pushing the sustainability of our brewing operation, putting our employees first, and working to be a positive member of our seacoast community. Visit greatrhythmbrewing.com.
