Mystery Brewing Company, Hillsborough

Mystery Brewing Company's name is a nod to the days when the word mystery referred to the art and craft of a trade. In fact, the brewery's methods aren't much of an enigma at all. Mystery doesn't hide the fact that it relies on rustic techniques, meaning it doesn't filter, pasteurize, or add artificial chemicals or flavors to any of its brews.

Indeed, Mystery's throwback approach leaves its batches packed with flavor, but so does its choice of ingredients. Beyond just water, hops, and barley—the three fundamental elements found in most beers—the brewery utilizes whatever's in season, including wheat, rye, oats, fruits, herbs, spices, and sugars. You can try these seasonal concoctions for yourself at Mystery's pub, where trivia, live music, and other events take place throughout the week.