Meet the Brewer: Tori Bacheller of Pipe Dream Brewing Company

Pipe Dream brings a West Coast feel to Londonderry, New Hampshire.

"The Peanut Butter Chocolate Stout has a huge following and anytime it’s not on tap people are upset," says Tori Bacheller.

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 implementing a new 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 Tori Bacheller, the founder, co-owner and head brewer of a company that’s brining West Coast vibes right on over to Londonderry, New Hampshire. Pipe Dream Brewing Company is a spunky 40,000-barrel-per-year operation that slaps eccentric flavors as well as surf-inspired graphics and an edgy style right on the table. Read on to learn more about their popular Peanut Butter Chocolate Stout and other fan favorites.

About the Brewer

New Hampshire Magazine: What is your title at the brewery?

Tori Bacheller: Founder, co-owner and head brewer.

NHM: How did you get into the brewing business?  

TB: I was stationed in California while in the Marine Corps. While out there, a buddy and I thought we would save money if we brewed our own beer, which wasn’t true, but I fell in love with the process! I started home brewing in California and then continued to do so when I moved back to New Hampshire. I met my business partner, Jon Young, three years ago and we opened up Pipe Dream.

NHM: Why did you choose to work in New Hampshire? What do you appreciate about the craft beer scene here?  

TB: I was born and raised in New Hampshire; my whole family is here and family is everything to me. The craft beer scene in New England is growing at a rapid rate but when we opened Pipe Dream two years ago, there weren’t many other craft breweries in Londonderry/Derry. It’s a great town to be a part of. It’s awesome to see other craft breweries succeeding and creating a beer culture here.

NHM: What style(s) of beer are you personally most fond of?

Anything that includes wild fermentation.

NHM: What’s your personal favorite of the beers you make? 

Our Funkin’ Sour Stout. It’s wild fermentation at it’s best.

About the Brewery

NHM: What’s your annual production size, in barrels?

TB: 40,000 barrels.

NHM: When did you open to the public?

TB: We opened on May 22, 2016. It was definitely a crazy process but it’s been amazing! We never thought we would grow this fast.

NHM: What sets you apart from other New Hampshire breweries? What’s unique about your style or mission?

TB: We are a veteran-owned business that hosts a lot of charity events here at Pipe Dream. We have a West Coast vibe to tie in Jon’s experience in California, so we love the open concept feel — a little industrial meets California. Families are welcome and encouraged here. Anytime parents come in without their kids, we’re always bummed because we want the kids to come too! We are also one of the only dog-friendly breweries in our area, which is amazing.

NHM: How many beers and what styles do you offer at any given time?

TB: We have between 11 and 15 beers on tap at all times. Jon is a huge believer in variety, which we all support and agree with. We want someone to try a little bit of everything, and we know not everyone is going to love hoppy IPAs.

NHM: What’s your most popular beer?

TB: Oh boy, we have a couple now. West to East IPA is our flagship and the first beer we brewed here at Pipe Dream. It’s one of Jon’s first creations. Mango IPA is a great summer beer, as well as our Blood Orange and Hue Heffy. The Peanut Butter Chocolate Stout has a huge following and anytime it’s not on tap people are upset. We also do a fantastic sour program here — Pop That Sour is our sour series with lots of fruit.

NHM: What’s next for your brewery?

TB: We currently are in the process of creating another taproom/private event room. We have already expanded the brew system from a 2.5-barrel system to a 15-barrel system in just a year and a half.

NHM: Where can your beer be purchased? 

TB: We are in over 150 locations and the full list can be found on our website.