Portsmouth’s 3rd annual Beer Week is underway -- don’t let it pass by without experiencing the excitement!

Slated to run from February 27th through March 5th, this year’s schedule has grown a great deal since their 2010 innagural showing, and will feature tours of Sumttynose and Portsmouth Breweries throughout the week.

Did we mention there will be complimentary tastings at both breweries as well?

It is well known that, years ago, a significant portion of Portsmouth was built on beer production. During the 19th century, Portsmouth was home to one of the largest breweries in America, the Frank Jones Brewery. At their pre-Prohibition peak, the Frank Jones Brewery sold 165,000 barrels of beer.

From 1950-1990, brewing was non-existent in Portsmouth. Then, in 1991, siblings Peter and Janet Egelston decided to open the Portsmouth Brewery in the heart of downtown Portsmouth. Smuttynose Brewery was soon to follow in 1994.

Now, in 2012, both Breweries are happy to be apart of this special, weeklong event. The last day is extra-special because the Portsmouth Brewery will release Kate the Great, the internationally renowned Russian Imperial Stout.

For more information on when the events are you can check out the events calendar on the Green Alliance website. Also if you want more information about the Portsmouth Brewery or Smuttynose you can visit their website as well. Last but not least, visit Portsmouth Beer Week's website for fun information and news!