Hammond River vs. Rothesay’s Best: Where Would You Rather Be?


Rothesay is one of New Brunswick’s top craft-beer destinations, known for its small-town charm and close-knit brewing community. With locally sourced ingredients and rotating seasonal releases, the town offers a welcoming taproom experience for both casual beer drinkers and dedicated craft enthusiasts.

Why Rothesay is a Great Destination for Beer Lovers and Casino Enthusiasts

Rothesay isn’t just a haven for craft beer fans – it’s also an excellent spot for online casino enthusiasts looking to unwind. With its relaxed vibe and cozy brewery settings, visitors often unwind with a pint while scrolling through mobile games – including the popular offshore-licensed online casinos that New Brunswick players commonly use, since the province does not operate its own regulated iGaming market. Whether it’s a casual spin on slots or a round of poker, the combination of quality beer and online gambling adds a unique layer of entertainment to your visit. Whether you want to stay updated on what’s recently introduced in the world of new online casinos in Canada, this roundup of new names fits perfectly with Rothesay’s taste for quality and innovation. This compilation of debut entries helps to find out about top picks, fresh launches, bonus tips, emerging trends, and everything you need to play smart and stay informed.

Here are some standout features these 2026 newcomers often bring:

  • No-wagering bonuses at certain platforms (e.g., free spins paid in cash).
  • Faster withdrawals for e-wallets and crypto, often same-day for verified players.
  • Canadian-themed promotions or locally inspired game artwork.
  • Mobile-optimized interfaces designed for smooth play on modern smartphones.
  • Optional cryptocurrency deposits and withdrawals for players who prefer additional privacy and payment flexibility.

Next, let’s explore Hammond River Brewing’s standout beers and how its legacy has influenced Rothesay’s vibrant craft beer scene.

Hammond River Brewing: Local Favourite in Rothesay

brewery brewing process

Owner Shane Steeves started Hammond River Brewing in 2014, turning his passion for homebrewing into a community favourite. Starting with basic beer kits in his university days, Shane discovered all-grain brewing and never looked back. By 2017, the brewery expanded into a commercial space in Rothesay, featuring a taproom, retail shop, and a cozy patio.

Note: The Barrel’s Head Gastropub, once part of the experience, is now permanently closed.

Its Best Features

Hammond River Brewing was celebrated for its creative beers and dedication to quality. Among its most-loved releases were:

  • Red Coat: A bold India Red Ale with a balanced mix of malt sweetness and hoppy bitterness.
  • Maritime Pale Ale: A crisp, clean pale ale that paid homage to the Atlantic region.
  • Brown Ale: A smooth and malty classic for those who enjoyed a nutty flavour profile.

The brewery also embraced innovation, experimenting with bold styles and brewing techniques, keeping its offerings fresh and exciting.

Why It’s Still Talked About

In October 2023, Hammond River Brewing announced its closure, leaving its fans deeply saddened. For nearly a decade, the brewery had been a cornerstone of Rothesay’s beer culture, creating connections over every pint poured. While it no longer exists, its influence still echoes in the New Brunswick craft brewing community, inspiring new brewers and shaping the region’s approach to quality beer.

Hammond River Brewing showed that great beer is about more than just ingredients – it’s about bringing people together. It remains a cherished memory for those who enjoyed its offerings and its welcoming atmosphere.

cozy brewery with people enjoying beer

Today’s Must-Visit Spots

Looking for great craft beer in Rothesay today? The local scene continues to thrive, with two standout breweries carrying the craft beer torch and keeping Rothesay’s reputation strong.

Foghorn Brewing (Highly rated by visitors across Tripadvisor, Untappd, and Google Reviews)

📍 Where: 47 Clark Road

Why We Love It:

  • Super chill vibes
  • Dog-friendly (bring your pup!)
  • Board games while you sip
  • Order food from nearby spots

Must-Try Beers:

  • Constable Winchester IPA ($12.60/4-pack) – really smooth
  • Irish Goodbye Red Ale ($12.17/4-pack) – perfect for winter

Walking into Foghorn feels like entering your coolest friend’s garage-turned-hangout. The big roll-up doors create an airy space that really comes alive on sunny days. We spent a whole afternoon here, playing Cards Against Humanity while our dogs lounged under the table. Their brewing philosophy focuses on nailing the classics – and several of their beers have earned national recognition at the Canadian Brewing Awards in recent years.

beer tasting with glasses and snacks

Long Bay Brewery (Consistently among Rothesay’s top-rated breweries)

📍 Where: 82 Marr Road

What’s Cool Here:

  • Live music
  • Tuesday trivia nights
  • Awesome merch (check out those $14 dog scarfs!)

Beers We Can’t Resist:

  • Ruckus IPA ($4.89) – their bestseller
  • King Berry ($4.89) – super refreshing
  • Full Pleasure ($4.79) – trust us, just try it

Long Bay isn’t just a brewery – it’s an experience. The moment you step in, you’ll notice the buzz of conversation mixed with live music. The space feels modern yet welcoming, perfect for both quiet afternoons and lively evenings. Their rotating event calendar keeps things fresh – we caught their Tuesday trivia night, and the competition gets fierce! Beer-wise, they’re not afraid to experiment. Each brew offers something unique, from their bestselling Ruckus IPA to the surprisingly complex King Berry.

The Verdict: What’s Your Choice?

Hammond River may be gone, but Rothesay’s craft beer scene is stronger than ever. Foghorn and Long Bay carry forward the tradition of quality brewing while adding their own touches.

Choose Foghorn if you want a casual spot to hang with friends and dogs. Pick Long Bay when you’re in the mood for entertainment with your beer. Both honour Hammond River’s legacy of bringing people together over great local brews.

Your best choice? Try both. Each brewery adds something special to Rothesay’s craft beer story. Share a pint, make new friends, and decide for yourself where you’d rather be.

Hours & Location Tips:

  • Foghorn Brewing: 47 Clark Road – check website for current hours (frequently updated seasonally)
  • Long Bay Brewery: 82 Marr Road – weekly hours vary; confirm via official page
  • Both offer online ordering and local pickup options

Remember to check their event calendars – you might find your new favourite weekly tradition at either spot.