NORTH WOODSTOCK — The renovations and expansion of the Woodstock Inn, Station and Brewery are in progress, with the building that will house the new brewery nearly closed in, but that's not the only reason Woodstock employees are smiling these days.

The Woodstock Brewery came out tops in an online poll conducted by NECN. Throughout the summer, the TV station conducts a weekly online poll for the Best of New England designation. The Woodstock Brewery says it's not an accident it came out on top.

“We have seen dramatic growth in package and draft sales in the past five years,” owner Scott Rice said. “This year, even with things as busy as they are with the expansion, we anticipate total production of over 5,000 barrels. The results of this poll are a solid and tangible reason for making the decision to grow.”

The expansion will allow the brewery to bottle its craft beers on site. The brewery crafts over a dozen beers, some of which are seasonal, including the national award-winning brews Pig's Ear Brown Ale and Pemi Pale Ale.

The new equipment will increase the brewing capacity to 10,000 barrels a year, with enough space for future expansion to double that output, according to master brewer Butch Chase.

On Wednesday, Toby Burgess, assistant brewer, climbed into the mash tun to clean it out before starting the next batch of beer. The brewery's processing equipment sits behind windows by one of the facility's bars.

When complete, the renovations and expansion will include a new entrance, a 150-seat function hall, and added kitchen prep areas.

The 300-seat Woodstock Station offers casual dining, with the 60-seat Clement Room Grill located in the front of the original building. The inn has 33 rooms in five Main Street locations. The brewery came in 1995. The new main bar, part of the renovations, opened in June.

“Our mission, when we started fermenting the first barrel 16 years ago, was to give our guests the best beer that comes from the best ingredients,” Rice said. “We know that our beer is a true taste of the region and something they can take home and enjoy and remember all the good things about what we have here every time they pour a glass, no matter where in New England they are.”

The $2.9 million project is expected to add up to seven full-time positions and numerous part-time jobs.

For those who venture to North Woodstock's Main Street to experience the New Hampshire brews onsite, there's a double reason to make the trip up Interstate 93 to the White Mountains. Chutters on Main Street in Littleton, just up north a bit through Franconia Notch, recently won the NECN Best Candy Shop poll.

For more information on the Woodstock Inn and Brewery, visit www.WoodstockInnNH.com.

syoung@newstote.com