Yankee Brew News Archive

A New England Brewing Legend is Reborn: Frank Jones Brewing Company

Originally Published: Win/92

By: Brett Peruzzi

One of Portsmouth, New Hampshire's favorite sons has returned.

After several years as a contract brew made by Catamount, the Frank Jones Brewing Company is back and brewing in its home town. In April the kettles were fired up at a new brewery in a city industrial park, reviving a Granite State brewing tradition over a hundred years old.

Founded in 1859, the Frank Jones Brewing Company dominated the New Hampshire beer market in the late 19th century, billing itself as the "World's Largest Ale Brewer." Owner Frank Jones' influence spread from beer to politics; he was twice elected mayor of Portsmouth, and served two terms as well as a Congressman from New Hampshire.

But even the political might of Frank Jones was unable to save his brewery from the crushing blow dealt by Prohibition. The brewery did not survive the noble experiment, although after Prohibition a rival brewery did take over its old facility, and operated as the Frank Jones Brewing Company from 1937 until 1950.

Now, in its third incarnation, the Frank Jones Brewing Company is back once again. The brewery was revived by Frank's great-great-great-grandnephew Don Jones and his wife, LeAnn Lombari Jones, who currently manages the brewery's day-to-day operations. With former homebrewer Sean Navish as brewer, Frank Jones is currently producing two beers: Portsmouth Ale, billed as an IPA, and Granite State Golden Ale. Frank Jones Special Reserve, an Extra Special Bitter, will be added to the lineup in November. November also marks the month that the brewery's distribution will be expanded beyond New Hampshire, into Massachusetts.

The brewery is selling "As much as we can brew," according to spokesperson Gretchen Sutton, with roughly 500 cases being bottled from each 1300 gallon batch. The annual capacity of the brewhouse is currently 6,000 barrels. Tours are offered Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., capped by free samples of the brewery's products. Mugs and t-shirts are sold at the brewery as well.

The Frank Jones Brewing Company is located at 225 Heritage Ave., in Portsmouth's Industrial Park South. For more information, call (603) 433-2337.