Plans to open a microbrewery in Bow have been delayed due to driveway permit issues with the state.

Dan and Kelly Thomas had hoped to launch their microbrewery at 516 South Street this spring, right next to Bow’s only dining spot, Chen Yang Li, a Chinese restaurant.

Although the town had approved the microbrewery’s site plan, the Department of Transportation requested a reconfiguration to improve sight distance for better visibility of traffic pulling in and out of the brewery.

The state requires a 400-foot sight distance in both directions, but the proposed microbrewery’s driveway doesn’t meet this.

Thomas said the driveway would be moved to the commissioner’s specified area and the site diagrams would be redrawn, without cutting any trees.

“We hit a snag with DOT and that will likely push us not to open until next year,” said Thomas. “Unfortunately, we are a bit slower than we were hoping.”

The couple, who moved to Bow three years ago, have grown fond of the community but found a lack of social spots for gathering with friends. They often have to go to other places to enjoy a drink with friends, like Concord.

So, when Hoptimystic Brewery in Springfield went up for sale after closing in 2022, Thomas saw an opportunity to bring craft beer to Bow.

“Honestly, we’re doing it selfishly,” Thomas admitted. “Since nobody else was going to do anything, we decided to do it ourselves.”

Despite the delays, their vision for the microbrewery remains unchanged – an outdoor beer garden with picnic tables, games like cornhole and horseshoes, a modified shipping container serving as a beer station and a tasting room.

In the next 18 months, their main focus will be completing the entire building while simultaneously launching the outdoor beer garden.

The building on site will feature a 2,500-square-foot first floor with a tasting room and a restaurant offering wood-fired pizza and pub-style snacks. The slightly smaller basement will house the brewery.

Even though it is a microbrewery, brewing beer requires hundreds of gallons of water. Thomas mentioned that there are different plans for sourcing water, but he expects they will most likely truck it in for brewing.

Meanwhile, as they address the issues in Bow, a summer location at the Anchorage restaurant building on Lake Sunapee will feature a Hoptimystic Brewing tasting room opening on July 5.

Over the past year, Thomas has also been selling their beer to local craft brewery stores, with their beers on tap at a few local restaurants.

Thomas remains hopeful that the microbrewery will open next year, and he credits the town’s support as crucial in making it happen.

“We’re frustrated that it’s taking longer than we hoped, but I’m pretty optimistic that the wait will be worth it,” he said. “We are going to bring a great product to town.”