With more than 70 craft breweries spread across the state (and new ones opening seemingly every week), it’s no secret that New Hampshire is home to some great beer. To help you get to know some of the Granite State’s favorite sudsy spots, we’re continuing a series of “Meet the Brewer” profiles to introduce you to our top-notch New Hampshire breweries and the men and women behind them.
For our latest profile, meet Alex McDonald. Alex is the founder and head brewer of Earth Eagle Brewings in Portsmouth and Somersworth. Earth Eagle has been a Seacoast staple for beer and hotdog lovers alike for the last decade, and in November they’ll be celebrating their 11th anniversary. Read on to learn all about the 500 barrel-per-year capacity facility and how Earth Eagle Brewings is dedicated to shaking up their style.
About the Brewer:
New Hampshire Magazine: What is your title at the brewery?
Alex McDonald: Owner/Head Brewer
NHM: How did you get into the brewing business?
AM: I began as a home brewer and caught the bug.
NHM: Why did you choose to work in New Hampshire? What do you appreciate about the craft beer scene here?
The Seacoast of NH was home for the better part of my life, so it was the natural choice to open a business here. I love the craft beer scene here because each brewery is really supportive of the others. A good example is when anyone is short of an ingredient, we can reach out to other local breweries for it and they’re happy to help.
NHM: What style(s) of beer are you personally most fond of?
AM: Mostly lighter beers, lagers and Belgian styles.
NHM: What’s your personal favorite of the beers you make?
AM: Armadillo Danger Pale Ale.
About Earth Eagle Brewings:
NHM: What’s your annual production size, in barrels?
AM: 500 bbls
NHM: When did you open to the public? 
AM: Earth Eagle Brewings opened in Nov. 2012. We were the second modern brewery to open in downtown (third in greater Portsmouth).
NHM: What sets you apart from other New Hampshire breweries? What’s unique about your style or mission?
AM: We have always brewed many styles of ales and lagers. Rather than sticking to one style, we pride ourselves in having variety. We also focus heavily on our restaurants where you’ll find not only great beer, but great food and amazing service.
NHM: How many beers and what styles do you offer at any given time?
AM: We currently have 8-10 on tap in our Portsmouth location, and 12- 16 on tap in Somersworth.
NHM: What’s your most popular beer?
AM: New England Gangsta IPA (West Coast-style)
NHM: What’s next for your brewery?
Any expansions/changes or upcoming milestones or events to note? We’re currently celebrating 10 years in business! (November of this year will be 11 years.) No expansions are planned for the immediate future, but one never knows.
NHM: Where can your beer be purchased?
AM: Cans are sold at both of our locations, and at variety of stores on the seacoast. You can also find our brews at Whole Foods Portsmouth, and on tap around the seacoast.
603-502-2244
175 High St, Portsmouth, NH 03801
Hours: Tues-Sat 12-10; Sun 12-6
Earth Eagle North
Phone: 603-841-5421
Address: Barclay Square, 350 NH-108, Suite 8, Somersworth, NH 03878
Hours: Wed-Sat 12-9; Sun 12-5