Maine Brew Guide

HIKEs & BREws pages 7, 15, 22

the search for delicious

Maine Brew Guide

Inside the hop pilot programs Page 39 of Maine breweries

Regional TASTING ROOM

plus The Business of Brewing Page 32

GUIDE HOURS &

LOCATIONS

Summer Session-able Brew Reviews Page 37 Kennebec Valley Brings the New Beer Vibe Page 27 Definitive Brewing Co. Opening in Portland Page 10

Spring/Summer 2018

MaineBrewGuide.com

#633

TOOLS

OF THE

TRADE

3 3

35 INDUSTRIAL WAY

PORTLAND

35 R INDUSTRIAL WAYN D PORTLAND, MAINE O 35 INDUSTRIAL T LWAY A , M PORTLAND, A I NMAINE E @definitivebrewing @definitivebrewing @definitivebrewing

WWW. .COM DEFINITIVEBREWING WWW. .

C OM .COM NG DEFINITIVEBREWING WWW. .COM DEFINITIVEBREWING

contents SPRING 2018

4 Brew Events Calendar 10

Definitive Brewing Set to Open mid-May in Portland

16 The Search for

See page 39

Delicious

BY Dave

HIKE & BREW See pages 7, 15, and 22

Patterson

18

Runaways Run Club

BY John

20 A Lust for Life, Norway Brewing Company

BY John

Breerwood

27

Road Trippin' Kennebec Valley region is your next craft beer destination

RUNAWAYS RUN CLUB

See page 18

A LUST FOR LIFE See page 20

Breerwood

30 Home Brew Corner

hikes & brews Pairing regional hikes with nearby breweries, see pages 7, 15, and 22

tasting room directories

See page 32

BY Kay

8 Greater Portland

47 Downeast

32 Business of Brewing

21 Western Maine

48 The County

35 Beer Necessities

26 Central Maine

Stephens

43 Brew News 46 North Haven Brewing Co.

BY Courtney

Naliboff

BREW REVIEWS

Benjamin

See page 37

Trails Expands

BY Kim

spring 2018

brewing

36 Greater Bangor

40 Maine Brew

2

of

5 Southern Maine

37

See page 21

business

Where are all the Home Brewers??

Summer Sessionable Brew Reviews

DEFINITIVE BREWING

All New

Maine BrewGuide

3

more Maine Craft Beer in your Inbox & Mailbox!

great gift

FOR THE CRAFT BEER LOVER $9.95/YEAR

9 Susan’s Way, Windham, ME 04062 www.activitymaine.com stan@activitymaine.com (207) 671-7230

PUBLISHER

Stanley J. Rintz III

ART DIRECTOR Larissa Davis

The MAINE BREW GUIDE is serving you the freshest information on local Craft Beer anyway you like it! Subscribe to get (or give) this incredible publication at home or online.

GRAPHIC ARTIST

Robin Bean Kristina Roderick Elizabeth Berry MacKenney

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Kristina Roderick

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PHOTOGRAPHY

Mike Leonard

ADVERTISING SALES Jim Harnedy Stanley J. Rintz Ellie Stengel Joline Bell

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4

spring 2018

9

$ 95 INCLUDES SHIPPING

The 55-mile stretch from Kittery to Portland is home to nearly a dozen Maine breweries, brewing everything from traditional English-style ales to funky barrel-aged sours.

The only thing nicer than relaxing on one of Maine’s beaches is doing so with a Tributary Gose or a Hidden Cove Patroon in hand.

Text Josh Christie

southern maine

Note: Hours were accurate as of printing.

Before heading out please check ahead to confirm hours.

tasting room directory NAME

CITY

Banded Horn Brewing Company

FACEBOOK

S

M

T

W

TH

F

S

Biddeford

12 - 8

4-9

4-9

4-9

4-9

12 - 10

12 - 10

/BandedHornBrewing

Barreled Souls Brewing Company

Saco

12 - 10

4 - 10

4 - 10

4 - 10

4 - 10

4 - 12

12 - 12

/barreledsouls

Blue Current Brewery (Sake)

Kittery

1-5

1-6

1-6

1-6

1-6

1-6

1-6

Gary's Olde Towne Tavern (formerly Bray's Brew Pub and Eatery)

Naples

11:30 - 10

11:30 - 12

11:30 - 12

11:30 - 12

2-8

2-8

2 - 10

2 - 10

Dirigo Brewing Company

11:30 - 10 11:30 - 12 11:30 - 10

/BlueCurrentBrewery /braysbrew

/dirigobeer

Biddeford

12 - 8

Funky Bow Brewery & Beer Company

Lyman

1-5

1-9

1-9

/FunkyBowBreweryAndBeerCompany

Gneiss Brewing Company

Limerick

12 - 4

2-7

12 - 6

/GneissBeer

Wells

12 - 7

12 - 7

12 - 7

12 - 7

12 - 7

12 - 7

12 - 7

Kennebunk

11 - 1

11 - 1

11 - 1

11 - 1

11 - 1

11 - 1

11 - 1

11:30 - 1

11:30 - 1

11:30 - 1

11:30 - 1

11:30 - 1

11:30 - 1

11:30 - 1

11 - 10

11 - 10

11 - 10

11 - 12

11 - 12

11 - 12

11 - 12

Eliot

11:30 - 9

11:30 - 9

11:30 - 9

11:30 - 9

11:30 - 9

11:30 - 10

11:30 - 10

SoMe Brewing Company

York

12 - 7

12 - 8

12 - 8

12 - 9

12 - 8

12 - 9

12 - 7

/SomeBrewingCo

Tributary Brewing Company

Kittery

12 - 5

12 - 7

12 - 7

12 - 7

12 - 7

/tributarybrewingcompany

Woodland Farms Brewery

Kittery

12 - 6

12 - 8

12 - 8

12 - 9

12 - 9

/woodlandfarmsbrewery

Hidden Cove Brewing Company Kennebunkport Brewing / Federal Jack's Restaurant Run of the Mill Public House & Brewery

Saco

Sebago Brewing Co.

Kennebunk

Shipyard Brew Pub

OPENING SOON

CITY

12 - 8

ADDRESS

/HiddenCoveBrewing /federaljacks /The-Run-of-The-MillPublic-House-and-Brewery-52414106886 /sebagobrewing /ShipyardEliot

FACEBOOK

Nuts & Bolts Brewing Co

Biddeford

Pepperrell Mill

/nutsnboltsbrewing

Theory Brewing Company

Wells

16 Dorfield Lane

/TheoryBrewingCompany

Corner Point Brewing Company

Berwick

1 Sullivan Street

/cornerpointbrewing

Maine BrewGuide

5

Southern Maine

Ready for the ride of a lifetime?

Great Maine Getaway Ride

August 11–12

Start/Finish at University of New England

www.bikemsmaine.org

Don’t just ride, Bike MS

READY FOR THE RIDE OF A LIFETIME? BikeMS takes place in Biddeford, one of Maine’s finest coastal destinations. During this two-day ride, cyclists will experience the beauty of Maine’s southern coastline, including an up close look at “Walkers Point”, the summer home of President George H.W. Bush.

Your participation will drive MS research forward faster, and deliver services to those who face the challenges of MS every day so they can live their best lives.

With several distance options, you’ll be treated to priceless views of the Atlantic Ocean as you begin and end your ride Saturday and Sunday. Upon your return, enjoy the festivities with food, music and a massage. The fun continues Saturday evening with an awards ceremony and dinner. On Sunday, enjoy a full breakfast and then head out for another beautiful ride. When you return, top off a great weekend with a Maine lobster at our traditional Lobster Bake. Whether you are an individual rider, part of a team, or a family looking for a destination weekend supporting an important cause, the Great Maine Getaway is the perfect event for you! *Early and on-going treatment with FDA-approved therapy can make a difference for people with multiple sclerosis. Learn about your options by talking to your health care professional and contracting the National MS Society at MSNEWENGLAND.ORG or 1.800.344.4867.

45 Wells Plaza • Wells, ME (207) 641-8622 • TEXT (207) 251-6788

TullysBeerAndWine.com

TULLY’S BEER AND WINE in Wells, opened in May 1997 with a mission to expose the world of specialty beer and great wine to the residents and visitors of Southern Maine and beyond. With the enormous selection of craft beer, Tully's prides itself on service, selection, and product knowledge. They also sport a mighty fine wine selection, 6 humidors of premium cigars and a huge selection of home brew supplies.

The RUN OF THE MILL and THE LIBERAL CUP bring the comfortable, inviting atmosphere of English style pubs to Maine. Housed by a sprawling mill building in Saco, ‘The Mill’ offers ample indoor and (seasonal) outdoor seating with views overlooking the Saco River and the up-and-coming mill district. Smaller and more intimate than its southern counterpart, ‘The Cup’ is located in the heart of Hallowell- a vibrant, historic town. Both feature hand crafted beer and home-style food surrounded by distinctive architecture and old world charm in rustic brick & mortar structures. Our pub style menus feature an array of lighter fare, hearty entrees and creative specials made from fresh, local ingredients. To wash it all down, we use the finest malts and hops to create 25 varieties of craft beer which flow directly from our in-house breweries.

6

spring 2018

Southern Maine

hikes &

brews

By Carey Kish

mt. agamenticus & S O M E BREWING COMPANY

The monadnock of Mt. Agamenticus rises to 691 feet amid one the largest remaining expanses of unbroken coastal forest in New England, some 10,000 acres in all.

From the Mountain Road trailhead, hike Ring Trail clockwise to the upper slopes of the mountain, then take any of six short trails to the top. Big A Trail circles the huge grassy meadow on the summit, which offers panoramic views from the Atlantic Ocean to the White Mountains. Explore around the old lodge (now an environmental education center, open weekends from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Memorial Day through Columbus Day) and the rusting lift towers of the long defunct Big A Ski Area. This easy hike is about three miles round-trip, depending on your route.

SoMe Brewing Company on U.S. Route 1 in York was founded in late 2013 by the father-and-son duo of Dave and David Rowland, both admitted beer geeks whose vacations over the years revolved around visiting breweries. “SoMe” is short for Southern Maine, but the Rowlands simply call the brewery “Some.” Some kind of good are the beers these guys produce, a pleasing lineup with a pint to suit every palate for sure. The warm and friendly tasting room features 10 beers on tap, one of which is Apostrophe IPA, the flagship brew. You’ve also got to try the Whoopie Pie Stout, which is destined to become a Maine classic, just like the chocolatey sweet treat. There’s popcorn for bar munchies, and a local butcher stops by to cook burgers on Friday nights, when there’s also live music.

Carey Kish of Mt. Desert Island is an avid beer drinker, editor of the AMC Maine Mountain Guide, and author of AMC’s Best Day Hikes Along the Maine Coast.

resources HIKE

BREW

Mt. Agamenticus

SoMe Brewing Company

Conservation Region agamenticus.org

207-361-1162

somebrewingco.com

207-351-8162

events calendar april 21 TASTE THE NORTH BREWFEST, Presque Isle

may 19 BLACK FLY BREWFEST, Houlton

june 9 OWLS HEAD TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM HOPS IN THE HANGER, Owls Head 23 THE 5TH ANNUAL GREAT FALLS BREWFEST, Lewiston 30 KENNEBEC RIVER BREWFEST, Kennebec Valley

july 21 RAILS, TAILS & ALES, Boothbay 28 MAINE BREWERS’ GUILD SUMMER SESSION BEER FESTIVAL, Portland

august 2 MAINE LOBSTER FESTIVAL’S STEINS & VINES TASTING EVENT, Rockland 18 CRAFT BREW RACES, Portland

september 29 MAINE LAKES BREWFEST, Casco

october 6 SWINE AND STEIN, Gardiner

Maine BrewGuide

7

PHOTO: MIKE LEONARD

SEBAGO TASTING ROOM

Sebago Partners Kai Adams, Brad Monarch, and Tim Haines welcome you to their newly opened 30,000 square foot destination brewery in Gorham.

greater portland

Note: Hours were accurate as of printing.

Before heading out please check ahead to confirm hours.

tasting room directory NAME

CITY

S

M

T

W

11 - 6

11 - 6

Allagash Brewing Company

Portland

11 - 5

11 - 6

Austin Street Brewery

Portland

12 - 5

12 - 7

Battery Steele Brewing

Portland

12 - 5

Bissell Brothers

Portland

12 - 5

Bunker Brewing Co

Portland

12 - 6

2-8

D.L. Geary Brewing

Portland

2-5

2-6

Fore River Brewing Company

South Portland

12 - 6

Foulmouthed Brewing

South Portland

12 - 10

3 - 10

Foundation Brewing

Portland

12 - 5

12 - 7

Goodfire Brewing Company

Portland

12 - 7

Gritty McDuff's

Freeport

11 - 1

11 - 1

Gritty McDuff's

Portland

11 - 1

11 - 1

Island Dog Brewing

South Portland

12 - 6

Liquid Riot Bottling Company

Portland

12 - 11

12 - 11

Lone Pine Brewing Company

Portland

12 - 7

2-7

Maine Beer Company

Freeport

11 - 5

11 - 8

Maine Mead Works

Portland

11 - 8

11 - 8

Marsh Island Brewing

Orono

12 - 8

4 - 10

Mast Landing Brewing Company

Westbrook

12 - 5

Nonesuch River Brewing Company

Scarborough

11 - 8

Oxbow Blending and Bottling

Portland

12 - 9

8

spring 2018

2-8

TH

F

FACEBOOK

S

11 - 6

11 - 7

11 - 7

/AllagashBrewingCompany

12 - 7

12 - 7

12 - 7

/AustinStreetBrewery

12 - 7

12 - 7

12 - 7

/batterysteelebrewing

12 - 8

12 - 8

12 - 8

12 - 8

/BissellBrothers

2-8

2-8

12 - 9

12 - 9

/bunkerbrewingco

2-6

12 - 7

12 - 7

/gearybrewingco

2-7

2-7

2-9

12 - 9

/frbco

3 - 10

3 - 10

3 - 10

12 - 10

/FoulmouthedBrewing

12 - 7

12 - 7

12 - 7

12 - 7

/foundationbrew

12 - 7

12 - 7

12 - 7

12 - 7

/GoodFireBrewing

11 - 1

11 - 1

11 - 1

11 - 1

11 - 1

/grittymcduffs

11 - 1

11 - 1

11 - 1

11 - 1

11 - 1

/grittymcduffs

4-8

4-8

2-8

12 - 8

/islanddogbrewing

12 - 11

12 - 11

12 - 1

12 - 1

/liquidriot

2-8

2-8

12 - 8

/LonePineBrewing

11 - 8

11 - 8

11 - 8

11 - 8

/mainebeerco

11 - 8

11 - 8

11 - 8

11 - 8

11 - 8

/HoneyMakerMead

4 - 10

4 - 10

4 - 11

3 - 11

12 - 11

/MarshIslandBrewing

4-8

4-8

4-8

12 - 8

12 - 8

/mastlandingbrewing

11 - 10

11 - 10

11 - 10

11 - 10

11 - 11

11 - 11

/Nonesuch-River-Brewing-CompanyLLC-715365338561799

12 - 9

12 - 9

12 - 11

12 - 11

12 - 11

12 - 11

/Oxbow-Blending-Bottling-372533856238705

3 - 10

12 - 11 11 - 8

PHOTO: MIKE LEONARD

Greater Portland Portersfield Cider (seasonal)

Pownal

Rising Tide Brewing Company

Portland

Sea Dog Brewing Co.

South Portland

Sebago Brewing Co.

Gorham

Sebago Brewing Co. Sebago Brewing Co.

/PortersfieldCider 12 - 5

12 - 7

12 - 7

12 - 7

12 - 7

12 - 7

12 - 7

/risingtidebeer /seadogsouthportland

9-1

11 - 1

11 - 1

11 - 1

11 - 1

11 - 1

9-1

11 - 10

11 - 10

11 - 10

11 - 12

11 - 12

11 - 12

11 - 12

/sebagobrewing

Scarborough

11 - 1

11 - 1

11 - 1

11 - 1

11 - 1

11 - 1

11 - 1

/sebagobrewing

Portland

11 - 12

11 - 1

11 - 1

11 - 1

11 - 1

11 - 1

11 - 1

/sebagobrewing

Sebago Brewing Co. (Brewery)

Gorham

11 - 9

11 - 9

11 - 9

11 - 9

11 - 10

11 - 10

11 - 10

/sebagobrewing

Shipyard Brewing Company

Portland

11 - 4

11 - 5

11 - 5

11 - 5

11 - 6

11 - 6

11 - 6

/ShipyardBrewing

Shipyard Inn on Peaks Island

Peaks Island

11 - 9

11 - 9

11 - 9

11 - 9

11 - 9

11 - 10

11 - 10

/InnOnPeaks

Urban Farm Fermentory + Gruit (Kombucha, Cider + Beer)

Portland

12 - 5

12 - 7

12 - 7

12 - 7

12 - 7

12 - 7

/urbanfarmfermentory

Yes Brewing

Westbrook

3-8

2-8

2-8

/yesbrewing

OPENING SOON

CITY

ADDRESS

FACEBOOK

Definitive Brewing Company

Portland

35 Industrial Way

/definitivebrewing/

Stars and Stripes Brewing Company

Freeport

8 Varney Rd

/Stars-Stripes-Brewing-Company-465981440453981/

Brickyard Hollow

Yarmouth

236 Main Street

/brickyardhollow/

NO TASTING ROOM, RETAIL ONLY

CITY

ADDRESS

FACEBOOK

Freeport Brewing Company

South Portland

130 Breakwater Drive

Peak Organic Brewing Company

Portland

110 Marginal Way #802

/peakbrewing

One Eye Open Brewing Company

Portland

41 Fox Street

/OEOBrewing/

GEARY BREWING CO. is the pioneer of the Maine craft beer industry and fundamental to the U.S. craft beer movement.

The historical brewery holds craft brewing license #13 in the nation and is the first brewery established east of the Rockies, post-prohibition.

Started by David and Karen Geary the brewery is known for traditional true-to-style English ales, brewed in the Peter Austin System using open fermentation. To compliment this style, Geary’s now brews several contemporary craft beers in closed fermentation.

Hef’Ah Bier, an authentic German Hefewisen, is the newest release! Since the transition to the new ownership of Alan and Robin Lapoint in March of 2017, Geary’s has invested in state of the art brewing equipment and processes to deliver the beer customers prefer, in the packages they desire. Fear not, loyal Geary’s fans! The preservation of flagship ales and brew style is of the utmost importance to the new owners. Additions to the brewery include two 60 barrel closed fermenters, a centrifuge, canning and bottling lines, and a micro-bottler. Today, Geary’s tasting room has 8 rotating taps featuring stouts, lagers, barrel-aged ales, pilot brews, and IPAs. Tours take place ThursdayMonday at 3pm. If you haven’t visited New England’s First Craft Brewery, stop in!

Maine BrewGuide

9

de•fin•i•tive (adj): (a conclusion or agreement) done or reached decisively and with authority.

Set to open mid-May in Portland 10 spring 2018

PHOTO: MICHAEL LEONARD

definitive

brewing

Following the formula of so many successful businesses who synchronize with the right people at the right time, Definitive Brewing Co. came together when accounting firm co-workers Michael Rankin and Josh Roberts formed an alliance with Dylan Webber, a well-respected Portland-area brewer and the former head brewer at Mast Landing.

“Josh and I often discussed that if

(Citra, Amarillo & Topaz), this ale sports

someday the opportunity presented

mango, peach, apricot and citrus flavors

itself, we’d love to open a brewery,” said

with a soft medium body and a well

Rankin. “Then, Josh, who was friends

rounded bitterness.

with Dylan, found out that Dylan was

Another one Webber is excited about

interested in starting his own thing. With

is the Contee, a 4.6% Kölsch-style beer

friends and family as all of the investors,

brewed with malt and hop varieties from

we were able to form the company.”

Germany.

Whether it was the right timing;

Two things about the Contee. One:

and Company and Noble BBQ to offer our customers delicious food options

the right talent, or the tried-and-true

All of the brewery’s investors have

that will pair perfectly with our beers,”

foundation of hard work, ambition

some connection to Cobbosseecontee

said Rankin. The industrial theme of

and ability, the trio reached a decision

Lake in Manchester, Maine, hence the

the tasting room is complimented by

decisively and with authority: Definitive

name of the Kölsch. Two: Webber went

a custom built concrete bar made by

Brewing Co. was set to launch this

to the source for this crisp, clean and

local craftsman, Dan St. Peter, which can

spring.

refreshing ale.

seat 10-12 people. A four-foot demi wall

Renovations were in the works all

“Dylan has been to Cologne, Germany,

will delineate the production area and

winter long to transform the space at

where the Kölsch originated,” said

tasting room, serving as a standing area,

35 Industrial Way in Portland, which

Rankin. “It’s like Champagne, France;

which will allow customers to view the

is adjacent to number of established

it’s the only place in the world where

production process while enjoying one

breweries including Battery Steele,

you can call a beer a true Kölsch. Dylan

of Definitive’s hand-crafted ales. “We will

Austin Street and Foundation with

toured the breweries in each of the cities

have two corn hole courts and various

Allagash right across the street.

and was passionate about coming back

board and card games available,” added

to make a true Kölsch-style brew for

Rankin. “We are also fortunate to offer

Definitive.”

our guests more than 40 parking spaces.”

“It’s definitely beneficial to be down here with these other breweries,” said

Rankin said two other brews are in

Webber is also stoked to work with a

to our being there. And that’s not just the

the works, including a pale ale and a

half-barrel pilot system that will allow

collaborative style of Portland but, also

session ale. “Our plan is to get people

him to experiment with small batch

Maine in general. The Maine Brewer’s

ready for summer and create a beer for

beers, which will only be sold in the

Guild has done a phenomenal job getting

everyone and then as the summer rolls

tasting room, so people who come to the

ahead of a lot of the different issues

on, we’ll introduce a double IPA, as well

brewery will have access to tastes and

that have come up in different states, so

as various other offerings,” he said. “And

flavors only the locals are privy to. “We

the breweries tend to feel like we’re all

as we getting into the fall, we’ll start to

will be serving on-premise pours in five

working together for the industry.”

introduce stouts and darker beers.”

and 12 ounce glasses, and we will also

Rankin. “They’ve all been very receptive

Definitive Brewing plans to introduce

They plan to open a 15-barrel

have our beers available to go in cans and growlers,” said Rankin.

three or four “summertime” brews when

brewhouse with a tasting room and beer

they open mid-May, including Definitive

gardens both in the front of the building

Ale, their flagship IPA (6.7%). Made with

and in the back. “We’ll be able to seat

Definitive Brewing Company and get the

American and Australian hop varieties

120 people and will partner with Fire

true Maine experience.

This summer, make it a point to visit

Maine BrewGuide

11

Greater Portland

When you shop for beer at RSVP DISCOUNT BEVERAGE, on Forest Avenue in Portland, you’re immediately struck by two things: RSVP’s overall beer selection and their CHILLED beer selection. RSVP has filled the entire side wall with beers and added 19 beer coolers to the back wall of the retail store. Stocking the latest beers from local Maine and New England breweries, all the way to Belgian ales made by Trappist monks, (as well as hard cider, wine and spirits), RSVP always has the adult beverage you want. www.rsvpdiscountbeverage.com

LIQUID RIOT’S roots date back to 2001 when Eric Michaud’s homebrewing filled his parents' basement in Yarmouth, Maine, with batches of newly created beers. Today his and his team's passion for brewing exceptional beers and distilling outstanding spirits pairs perfectly with the great food served at this Portland Brewery/Distillery/Resto-Bar, which opened in 2013. Liquid Riot maintains 16 house beers on tap and a full lineup house spirits, as well as Liquid Riot beers and spirits in every dish. Liquid Riot's "Blushing Star" earned a gold medal for Brett Beer at the 2016 World Beer Cup. Also Liquid Riot has won the Great Lost Bear “Brewpub Cup" and Portland Phoenix Best Brewpub awards and Ratebeer. com named Liquid Riot the Best Brewpub in Maine the past two years.

Liquid Riot's award winning beers, spirits and food are available at 250 Commercial St., Portland, Maine 04101. www.liquidriot.com

12 spring 2018

Sebago Brewing Celebrates Milestone with New Destination Brewery Better, not just bigger. That’s the mantra of Sebago Brewing Co-founder Kai Adams.

Less than a year after breaking ground, the company opened its new destination brewery in late February. Located on Lower Main Street in Gorham, the 30,965-square-foot building is now home to SBC’s brewery, tasting room, and headquarters.

According to Adams, with their four vessel and 40 BBL brewhouse, Sebago can brew 5,000 gallons of beer in four batches per day (four times the capacity of their former facility). But they’re also excited to play with their new pilot brewhouse with its 7-barrel mash tun, 5-barrel kettle.

“The pilot system will give us the flexibility to do small batches for both R&D and for fun,” said Tom Abercrombie, Brewmaster at SBC. “It will also allow us to make small batches for barrel aging, and ultimately blending, for unique beers we’ve never made before— and to collaborate with friends in the industry.”

Adams and his fellow co-founders Brad Monarch and Tim Haines think the destination brewery is the perfect way to celebrate the company’s 20th anniversary. They’re most excited about bringing the brewers and the public back together through the tasting room and brewery tours.

“Years ago as pub brewers, our customers were closer to the origin of production,” said Adams. “Once again, the public can see the brewers, meet the people making it, drink it, and buy it fresh to go – all at the same location.” [ SEE “SEBAGO,” PAGE 14 ]

Maine BrewGuide

13

In 2018, the Maine Brewers’ Guild will be heading overseas and you're invited!

For a second year, they'll ship the Maine Beer Box - a custom-built, 40' shipping container outfitted with 78 beer taps - filled with beer from nearly every brewery in Maine to Leeds, England where Maine beer will be featured at the Leeds International Beer Festival from September 6-9th.

To complete their unique global brewers trade program - after Leeds, breweries across the United Kingdom will then fill the Maine Beer Box with UK beer and ship it back to Maine in time for the Guild's Beer Festival on November 10th at Thompson's Pt in Portland, capping off Portland Beer Week. More info can be found at bit.ly/beerbox18

[“SEBAGO” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 ]

The Maine Beer Box at the International Marine Terminal in Portland, Maine – onto an Eimskip ship before sailing to Reykjavik in June 2017

Thompsons point July 28

The destination brewery is open Sunday-Wednesday from 11:00am9:00pm, and Thursday-Saturday from 11:00am-10:00pm. Scheduled tours of the new brewery will begin and end in the tasting room, which will eventually feature 16 taps of Sebago’s standard, seasonal, and specialty brews. Along with beer samplers and flights, guests can enjoy wood-fired pizza, sandwiches, and entrees, all focused on locally sourced ingredients.

Visit www.sebagobrewing.com to find out more about Sebago Brewing Company’s events and beers.

THE GREAT LOST BEAR has become a Portland institution since opening in 1979. The Bear is located about two miles from Portland’s touristy Old Port but well worth the journey across town to the Mysterious Woodford’s Area.

The Great Lost Bear features an enormous, eclectic menu with something for everyone, all served in an entertaining atmosphere. They have added more taps as new breweries open throughout the Northeast. Now, with the Craft Beer Revolution in full throttle, GLB offers 80 beers on tap with more than 50 of them brewed from Maine. Come taste some of the freshest local beer around at the GLB!

beer Craft Beers

Fresh, Local Pub Fare Gritty McDuff’s Brew Pubs PORTLAND I FREEPORT I AUBURN I www.grittys.com 14 spring 2018

1988

food

Since 1988, GRITTY’S has been creating fine, handcrafted ales and traditional pub fare. From humble beginnings as a small brew pub in Portland’s Old Port, they have grown to become a brew pub of choice for many Mainers and folks “from away”. From the start, Gritty’s was at the forefront of the brewing renaissance in the Maine. Founders Ed Stebbins and Richard Pfeffer had two simple goals in mind: to create a true, English-style pub serving fresh ales and great food, and to have fun doing it. With three brew pubs now: the original location in the old port section of Portland, another pub in Freeport and the “new one” on the banks of the Androscoggin River in Auburn, Maine. Their fine ales are sold in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont. www.grittys.com www.facebook.com/grittymcduffs or www.twitter.com/grittys

Greater Portland

Western Maine & Kennebec Valley

By Carey Kish

hikes &

brews

spring point shoreway & FOULMOUTHED BREWING

The historic Spring Point Shoreway takes you on a scenic stroll along South Portland’s waterfront. From the Willow Street trailhead, head north along Willard Beach, taking in views of Casco Bay islands Cushing, House, Little Diamond, Great Diamond and Peaks. Meander through the Southern Maine Community College campus and the school’s Shoreway Arboretum. Beyond that, scamper along the top of the old battlements of Fort Preble, then hike the long jetty of giant granite blocks to Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse. Pass by several marinas to get to Bug Light Park and the Liberty Ship Memorial. Ahead is elegant Bug Light, modeled on an ancient Greek monument. Return to the start by ambling through the neighborhood streets. This roughly four-mile loop is easy.

On Ocean St. in South Portland, not far from the Fore River, is where you’ll find Foulmouthed Brewing, housed in an old auto garage that’s been beautifully renovated. The interesting name is a play on words dating to the 17th century, when this region of Casco Bay was named Falmouth; it also alludes to the salty language used by dock and shipyard workers of the day. With big bay windows and lots of light, this neighborhood brewpub is surprisingly cozy and comfortable. Owners Craig and Julia Dilger are brewing up a wide variety of experimental beers, and with six to nine drafts, there’s always something for everyone, but not always quite the same (although popular brews are repeated). Try a flight, then order up a full pour of

resources HIKE South Portland Land Trust southportlandlandtrust.org

BREW Foulmouthed Brewing foulmouthedbrewing.com

207-618-6977

THE

GREAT LOST BEAR 80 BEERS ON TAP INCLUDING 50 LOCAL FRESH MAINE BEERS

your favorite. The menu is upscale pub food (oh, the corn dog!) and there are also twists on classic cocktails.

Carey Kish of Mt. Desert Island is an avid beer drinker, editor of the AMC Maine Mountain Guide, and author of AMC’s Best Day Hikes Along the Maine Coast.

540 FOREST AVENUE PORTLAND, ME 207-772-0300 www.greatlostbear.com

Maine BrewGuide

15

the search for delicious

By Dave Patterson

Inside the Hop Pilot Programs of Maine Breweries These days, the nuclear rate of innovation among Maine brewers is part of what makes our craft beer industry so explosive. Brewers work tirelessly to craft the next lineinducing, palate-slaking beers for ravenous fans. Whether it’s experimenting with wild yeast, unique barrel-aging techniques, or specialty ingredients, Maine brewers are continually pushing at the boundaries of craft beer.

No sector of innovation receives more

number of benefits in addition to

attention, or has a bigger payoff for

research and development.

that matter, than brewing the next

“It allows us to consistently offer new

chic IPA. Like it or not, hoppy beers are

and exciting beers to our customers

the behemoths driving the craft beer

with the ultimate hope of collecting

industry to such stratospheric heights,

feedback to help steer our future

and brewers are on an arms race to

production schedule,” Dorsey stated.

forge cutting-edge IPAs.

When customers offer a resounding “Yes!” about a beer in the Green-to-

exercise their creative muscles and

level, a number of Maine breweries

Green series, Dorsey and his brewing

keep them pushing the boundaries of

feature a hop pilot program to

team at the Westbrook brewery take

the discipline.”

experiment with hop varieties and

note.

To take their hop-game to the next

combinations of hops. Essentially, these

“Batches that perform exceptionally

If you know anything about brewing beer, then you understand it’s akin

hop pilot programs are R & D that you

well end up being pulled out of the

to baking bread—these hop pilot

and I get to drink.

program as their own stand-alone

programs keep brewers from having

One local hop pilot

brands. This is where Saccarappa IPA and

to bake the same loaf everyday. And

program that has been

Dash IPA originally started,” he explained.

inspired brewers equal blissful beer

satisfying my lupulin

drinkers. It’s simple math.

sample forward-looking IPAs in each

Another popular hop pilot program

LANDING BREWING CO.’s

new batch, they can also help create

is Soundings from Portland’s RISING TIDE

Green-to-Green small

new beers on the market when giving

batch series.

feedback.

BREWING COMPANY. The EAST BAYSIDE BREWERY has long

Mast Landing

16 spring 2018

Not only do beer drinkers get to

cravings is MAST

One of the most important purposes

been dedicated to precise science

President Ian Dorsey

of the Green-to-Green series that

and quality control techniques to

explained that the

Dorsey noted was its benefit to his

produce their palatable line-up of

Green-to-Green

brewing team. He explained that the

beers. So, it was no surprise that when

program offers a

hop pilot program “allows brewers to

I reached out to Rising Tide co-owner

and brewmaster, Nathan Sanborn, his

approach to constructing each new

series of single-hop IPAs

answers reflected this science-minded

recipe of Soundings.

focusing on the unique

ethos.

Sanborn explained, “We also use the

characteristics of one

Soundings series to try out different

hop per batch. The hop

play in our sensory program, so that

base and specialty malt combinations,

wizards at BATTERY STEELE

we can collect as much sensory data

as well as other raw, pre-gelatinized, or

BREWING have dubbed

on each beer as possible, including

malted grains.”

their hop pilot program

“The Soundings beers get a ton of

Through the monthly release of

Onsight—a series turning

that data against the technical brewing

Soundings, Rising Tide gets surgical

out some beautiful IPAs.

data and recipe information, and use

with its use of ingredients in every step

And, in one of Maine’s

that information to apply to future

of building an IPA. Most importantly,

first hop pilot programs,

or existing recipes in our portfolio,”

each batch has a unique flavor profile

and one of the best,

Sanborn stated. “We are always trying

and pushes the conversation on IPAs

SEBAGO BREWING annually

to push our craft forward and make

forward for brewers and drinkers.

releases Hop Swap.

its performance over time. We collate

better beer each week so this data is invaluable.”

There are simply too many other hop pilot programs to list here,

If you have yet to delve into Maine’s diverse hop pilot programs, the time is

which just shows the

now. Who knows? Your feedback might

why Rising Tide’s hop pilot program

tireless innovation and

just help create the next big IPA.

has produced so many exquisite

embarrassment of riches

iterations. There’s a deserved buzz

in Maine’s brewing

around each small batch release.

community.

Technical answers like this illustrate

Unlike many hop pilot programs

Here are a few more,

where the grain bill and yeast strain

however, that are always

of the beer remain the same, while

on my radar. LONE PINE

only the hops change, Sanborn and the

BREWING features a

Rising Tide team take a more holistic

program called Onesie: a

Dave Patterson is a freelance beer writer, novelist, and lover of all things Maine beer.

PHOTO BY KIM BENJAMIN

T IGPRO INC. is a team of highly skilled professionals of all disciplines who specialize in the design, fabrication and installation of high quality, custom built brewing systems, tanks, process piping and supporting equipment to the brewing industry. Some of Tigpro’s recent accounts include Bissell Brothers, who are continuing to expand at their new location in Milo, which will feature barrel aging and sour beer production. Also, Tigpro recently completed a new 15 barrel brewing system for Goodfire Brewing who just opened last Fall in Portland.

Gordon Jones Goodfire's head brewer says: “Tigpro was very attentive to our needs during the build out process as well after, if we need some something done or tweaked, they take care of us right away. Our system is super consistent and works well for us.” They also outfitted Bunker Brewing's expansion to 17 Westfield Street in Portland by adding a new 15 BBL Brewhouse, 30 BBL fermenters and Brite tanks as well as new 40 BBL HLT & CLT Tanks.

In the Bangor region, Geaghan Brothers Brewing Company is using Tigpro’s brewing equipment to put out their quality brews. Tigpro's portfolio also crosses over into the Distillery industry as well. Most recently they outfitted Maine Craft Distilling with some their equipment needs at their new location in Portland. Tigpro works closely with customers to design brewing systems that are affordable, have shorter lead times and fit the needs of the individual breweries. Their focus is on the small brewer. Brewhouse System sizes start at 5 BBL and go in increments of 7, 10, 15, 20 and 30 BBL's while HLT, CLT, Unitank Fermenters, Brite Tanks, Lagering Tanks and conditioning/serving tanks as large as 80 BBL are available. Tigpro also manufactures a manual 4 head keg washer/filler so basically, when it comes to brewing equipment and components, if you need it, they can build it.

Maine BrewGuide

17

runaways run club

By John Breerwood

18 spring 2018

When my wife and I moved up to her native Maine from my native Louisiana in January 2017, we had some adjustments to make. The crawfish were ten times bigger, and you had to worry about ice dams instead of levees. We loved drinking good beer, being active, and surrounding ourselves with great people. So that March, she found a free run club on Facebook that met Wednesdays at local breweries in Portland, and we did not run away from the opportunity. It was not only what we wanted, but it was what we needed.

PHOTO: COURTNEY ELIZABETH

trails to taps

PHOTO: COURTNEY ELIZABETH

Ken Krogsrud, the club’s founder, said, “I thought there would be five people, but we now have 50 people on a Wednesday night.” Originally from California, Ken moved to Portland and was immediately hooked by its connectivity. “I started seeing people on the street I knew, and it PHOTO: COURTNEY ELIZABETH

felt more connected than separate,” he said. Raised in a very run-centric community, he’s been running ultras (50 or 100 mile races) for nine years, and is now the Race Director for GiddyUp Productions, which coordinates running events.

The brewery connection was forged when Ken befriended Craig Dilger,

We also did a brunch run at Becky’s

owner of Foulmouthed Brewing in

Diner on New Year’s Eve morning,

South Portland. “Our brewery network

where customers waited outside in

grew from there,” said Ken. Calling

heavy winter coats, while we ran up in

their club “Runaways Run Club,” they

thermal tights. That perseverance has

have since been all over the Portland

been good for thickening my Southern

area ending up at Foulmouthed,

blood and crushing my fear that the

Bunker, the Great Lost Bear, Urban

bitter cold would kill me on contact.

Farm Fermentory, Shipyard Brewing,

No matter if you’re quick as Hermes

and Bissell Brothers. Runners have

or slow as Hades, there’s a spot for

even made it over to Maine Beer

you at Runaways Run Club. Even if you

Company (Freeport) and Dirigo

don’t like beer (chances are that you

(Biddeford).

do because why else would you read

“Brewers here really want that culture

a beer magazine?) they have several

and the business,” said Ken. “And, Craig

weekly non-beer related trail runs.

actually brewed a Runaways beer at

They also have a strong presence at

Foulmouthed, which was a red beer

local races, so look for them at the Old

with peaches. I love both red beers and

Port Marathon and the L.L. Bean Trail

peaches, so it was a refreshing, after-

Running Festival at Pineland Farms.

run beer.” Additionally, the Runaways

“It’s completely free,” Ken said. “Just

are active in the community as well.

show up. Reach out on Facebook and

For example, they held a fundraiser

Instagram. We all have a great time,

at Urban Farm Fermentory for Sarah

and that’s how we’ve grown. It’s not the

Emerson, a local runner, who was

beer or the running. It’s the people.

Your Maine Beer Adventure Begins @ The Hub!!

THE PORTLAND BEER HUB is the first Beer Bar and Retail shop combo in the Old Port. They celebrate Maine beer's past, present, and future through our curated draft list, retail shop, and staff of Beer Geeks! It's your start and end stop on your beer vacation.

fighting breast cancer.

If you’re an avid runner, don’t let the beer emphasis fool you into thinking these athletes aren’t serious about running. Members will run in artic temperatures or snowstorms. This past

John Breerwood is a cellarman at Shipyard Brewing Company and is currently trying to get his first novel published. He and his wife Madelyn had their first child last February.

winter, we ran in Freeport in singledigit temperatures in the darkness with headlamps; it just made the Mean Old Tom go down even nicer.

320 Fore St. Portland, Maine (207) 956-7322 Maine BrewGuide

19

a lust for life

Norway Brewing Company

By John Breerwood

PHOTOS BY JOHN BREERWOOD

People venture to Maine’s small towns to bask in the warm sun and soak in the cool waters, but it’s easy to overlook the fact that not all local businesses experience the warm months as a leisurely holiday. Nestled in downtown Norway, Maine, Norway Brewing Company gears up for the summer by opening its seasonal beer garden, so more people can enjoy the excellent beer and food it offers year-round. Charlie Melhus, owner and head brewer, said, “People love sitting on the wooden benches and picnic tables, so we’ll have 100 more seats outside in addition to our restaurant seating.”

Originally from Norway (the country),

to offer a more holistic food and beer

Fermentory set to be released in June.

Melhus later laid down his roots in

experience. “Our brunch menu is often

Their farmhouse ales and saisons have

Norway (Maine) at a young age. After

paired with a new beer, so you have

rustic and fruity esters.“By bottle-

being an inspired homebrewer, he

that immersion of flavors, which gives

conditioning beers that have volatile

vowed to start a brewing company. He

people a more defined experience than

aromatics, they continue to get better,

met Ken Collings of Freeport Brewing

waiting in line for a taster.”

not deteriorate,” said Melhus.

Company while working in the kitchen

From Our Tank to Your Table is

If you want to escape this summer,

at the Broad Arrow Tavern in Freeport.

imprinted on 32-ounce growlers sold

drive to Norway for the Foothills Food

“Ken taught me how to all-grain brew,

on site because they are committed to

Festival, the Norway Arts Festival, or for

and I helped him with a few of his own

local businesses. “We keep that focus

fresh beers in the sun. As for Charlie

brews,” he said. “I remember telling

on Maine agriculture,” said Melhus.

Melhus, he’ll keep working tirelessly

him that I would start Norway Brewing

“Our goal one day is to make beer with

to move his brewpub forward. His job

Company.”

100% Maine ingredients.” Norway can

may not always be a vacation, but it’s

fulfill anyone’s palette with a variety

certainly a dream come true.

Melhus then moved to the country of Norway in 2008 and landed a job

of bold dark beers, IPAs, and bottle-

at the Lervig Brewery. “Working there

conditioned farmhouse ales. The Lust

influenced my brewing style,” he said.

4 Lyfe IPA has a nice balance of citrus

Returning to Norway, Maine, in 2014,

and dry, piney notes. Some upcoming

he and his wife Erika labored to start

summer beers include a dandelion

their brewery. Each having a culinary

saison, a barrel-aged peach, and a rye

background, they opened a brewpub

gruit collaboration with Urban Farm

20 spring 2018

John Breerwood is a cellarman at Shipyard Brewing Company and is currently trying to get his first novel published. He and his wife Madelyn had their first child last February.

western maine Maine's western lakes and mountains are home to four seasons of recreation — skiing and snowmobiling in the winter, boating and fishing in the summer, and hiking, biking, and hunting in the shoulder seasons. It's little surprise that breweries have sprung up among the lakes and mountains, catering to thirsty locals and visitors alike. In fact, it's hard to think of a sporting destination in the area that doesn't have an accompanying craft brewery to visit at the end of the day. Visiting this vast area, it is comforting to know that great Maine beer is never far away.

By Josh Christie

tasting room directory

Note: Hours were accurate as of printing.

Before heading out please check ahead to confirm hours.

CITY

S

M

T

W

TH

F

S

FACEBOOK

Bag & Kettle Brewpub (seasonal, Nov - Apr)

Carrabasset Valley

11 - 8:30

11 - 8:30

11 - 8:30

11 - 8:30

11 - 8:30

11 - 8:30

11 - 8:30

/The-Bag-and-Kettle-226206227458472/

Bear Bones Beer

Bridgton

12 - 6

2-8

2-8

12 - 8

/bearbonesbarrels

Kennebec River Pub & Brewery

The Forks

7-9

7-9

7-9

7-9

7-9

7-9

7-9

/KennebecRiverBrewery

Norway Brewing Company

Norway

11 - 9

4-9

4-9

4-9

4-9

11 - 9

/norwaybrewingco

Saco River Brewing

Fryeburg

12 - 5

3-7

12 - 7

/sacoriverbrewing

Sunday River Brewing Company

Bethel

6 - 11

Tumbledown Brewing

Farmington

1-7

NAME

OPENING SOON Steam Mill Brewing

CITY Bethel

NO TASTING ROOM, RETAIL ONLY

6 - 11

6 - 11

6 - 11

6-1

6-1

/Sunday-River-BrewPub-w-The-Savages-315654268558376/

1-7

1-7

1-7

11 - 7

/TumbledownBrewing

ADDRESS 7 Mechanic Street

CITY

6 - 11

FACEBOOK /Steam-Mill-Brewing-172917753477290/

ADDRESS

FACEBOOK

Bray's Brewing Company

Naples

678 Roosevelt Trl

/BraysBrewingCo

Drumming Grouse

South Bridgton

319 Fosterville Road

/Drumming-Grouse-BreweryLLC-1171174089595443/

Tom Gobbler Brewing

Fryeburg

394 West Fryeburg Rd

/Tomgobblerbrewing

Maine BrewGuide

21

Western Maine

hikes &

brews Text & Photo: Josh Christie

Jockey Cap

& SACO RIVER BREWING resources HIKE Jockey Cap, Glacial Erratic Fryeburg, Maine

BREW Saco River Brewing sacoriverbrewing.com

207-256-3028

A short hike off Route 302 in Fryeburg, Jockey Cap looks down on the Saco River valley and the Fryeburg area. In the 1930s, the hill was briefly a ski area — and home to Maine’s first rope tow — but has since found a second life as a family hiking destination. From a trailhead behind Quinn’s Jockey Cap Motel and Country Store, the trail quickly climbs 200 feet over rocks and roots to the summit. The quarter-mile climb from the parking lot to the peak is steep, but not terribly taxing — most hikers can probably make a round trip in less than a half hour, without breaking a sweat. The reward at the summit (beyond the panoramic view from nearby Sebago Lake to farther Grafton Notch and Mount Washington) is the spectacular Peary monument. With a large metal compass dedicated to Arctic explorer Robert E. Peary, the monument details all the surrounding landmarks in striking profile.

It’s easy to find your way to Saco River Brewing from Jockey Cap, as the brewery is literally across the street from the trailhead. Tucked behind the Two Black Dogs Country Pub and steps from the namesake Saco River, the brewery opened in 2016. The small tasting room and brewery, built out from an old metal fabrication shop, maintains the industrial feel, with concrete floors and a poured concrete bar painted with an approximation of the Saco River. A red Old Town canoe hangs over the bar and a glass wall holds the ever-changing tap list (offering a window into the brewery). Visible just beyond the wall is a barrel — filled with beer, natch — and the production

10 Jockey Cap Lane, Fryeburg, ME • (207) 256-3028

Summer Hours: Sun 12pm–5pm • Mon 1pm–7pm• Thu 1pm–7pm • Fri & Sat 12pm–7pm

SacoRiverBrewing.com

22 spring 2018

portion of the brewery. Still in operation in the foreground is a small, one-barrel pilot system, where owner Mason Irish can brew small batches of beer to serve at the brewery.

Include a Stop at the U.F.O. in Naples!

The Umbrella Factory Outlet (U.F.O.) is located in the Shop n Save shopping center on the corner of Routes 302 and 35 in Naples, Maine. The U.F.O. offers over 2500 square feet of liquor, wine and craft beer choices. It is an agency liquor store, offering over 1700 liquor, 1800 wine, 700 craft beer, 180 nips/pints and 100 cider selections! From hard apple cider to seasonal brews, you’ll find them here! From fruity reislings to rich merlots, this store provides them! From a smooth vodka to a warm whiskey, browse them at the U.F.O.! This remarkable store not only offers discount beverages but also great prices on cigarettes, cigars and tobacco products. Labeled the ““Wine Capital of Maine,” the store expanded in 2015 to add the Craft Beer Runway, which leads to the Lost Moose Campground tasting center where wine and beer tastings are held. The U.F.O. also supplies a selection of cold wine and beer for the customer’s convenience. Visit us daily Sunday-Thursday 9am-8pm and Friday-Saturday 9am-9pm in Naples, Route 302, 639 Roosevelt Trail.

Check out our website at www.umbrellafactoryofmaine.com and like us on Facebook!

— Our Store is Very Unique —

Maine BrewGuide 23

Western Maine

norway brewing company summer bottle release early june I Heart Mom - Farmhouse porter with lactose aged in

white wine barrels- Barreled Souls Collaboration - 500 ml bottles

NORWAY

mid june Inglorious Bastard - Farmhouse pale ale

BREWIN G

late june Sourdough Rye Ale - Gruit Collaboration

C O M PA N Y

early july Ghost in the Stairs - Saison

Brewery

late july Berliner Weisse

Taproom

early august Life’s A Peach - Grisette w/ Maine peaches aged in

Beer Garden Full Kitchen

white wine barrels

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

late august Barrel Weisse - Berliner Weisse with spruce tips &

Monday - Friday 2 - 9 Dinner Saturday - Sunday 11 - 3 Brunch 4 - 9 Dinner

honey

www. n o r wa ybr ew in g.com ( 2 07 ) 7 3 9 - 212 6 • be e r @n or wa ybr ew in g.c o m 237 Main Street in historic downtown Norway, Maine

NORTHERN OUTDOORS MAINE’S PREMIER ADVENTURE RESORT

Serving You Maine’s Best Active Vacations!

• Classic Open Timbered Log Lodge: Fieldstone fireplace, gameroom, free wifi, outdoor swimming pool and giant outdoor hot tub.

Kennebec River Brewery

Our full service restaurant & awesome handcrafted beer make your stay even better!

•

Adventure Resort in The Forks and Adventure Basecamp at the Penobscot River and Baxter State Park.

•

New England’s Best Whitewater Rafting: Kennebec, Penobscot, and Dead Rivers.

•

ATV Trails, Guided Fishing Trips & Hiking Trails: Explore more adventures during your resort stay.

Centrally located in Western Maine’s renowned outdoor recreation playground.

Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway 1771 US Route 201, The Forks, ME 04985

207-663-4466

www.NorthernOutdoors.com 24 spring 2018

Established in 1976, NORTHERN OUTDOORS offers year-round, affordable Maine adventure vacations and is the first and most experienced rafting adventure company in the state. In the summertime, we offer whitewater rafting, river floats, hiking, ATV rentals and trail access and fishing. When the temperatures drop in late fall and winter, ride some of Maine’s best snowmobiling trails or make one of our cabins your hunting headquarters.

Lodging options include rustic to luxury cabins and riverside camping.

Our very own KENNEBEC RIVER BREWERY is featured on the Maine Beer Trail! Northern Outdoors is located 4 hours from Boston, MA and 2½ hours from Portland, ME on Route 201, the Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway in The Forks, Maine.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, when historic downtown Skowhegan will close to vehicular traffic to host its third annual SKOWHEGAN CRAFT BREW FESTIVAL—one of the only festivals in the state to feature all Maine beer, wine, cider, spirits, and food.

With 30 brewers anticipated, the event will kick off with a VIP hour featuring specialty brews not available during the general session. The general session will include an array of Maine-crafted libations and free local food samples, while merchants will offer farm-to-table fare such as organic tacos, chicken wings, and wood-fired pizza.

A backdrop of live music—plus downtown shops offering raffles—will enhance the festival atmosphere.

Guided tours of Maine Grains and an exploration of Skowhegan’s beautiful riverfront and the Langlais Art Trail will round out this Labor Day weekend event, making for an unforgettable close to summer.

Saturday, September 1, 2018 Maine-crafted libations, farm-to-table fare, and live music in the streets of Skowhegan

SkowheganCraftBrewFest.com

Maine BrewGuide

25

PHOTO: THOMAS-JOHN VILLEUX, MAINE UAV

central maine

The mighty Kennebec River connects 23 communities here in Maine. This region is seeing a resurgence in development and revitalization including many new breweries that are making their homes in these festive little towns. Spend some time enjoying the riverfront communities, outlying lakes regions and central shopping district. There are a lot of new and old discoveries to be found!

tasting room directory NAME

CITY

Baxter Brewing Co.

Lewiston

Bear Bones Beer

Lewiston

Bigelow Brewing Company

Skowhegan

Cushnoc Brewing Co

Augusta

Grateful Grain Brewery

Monmouth

Gritty McDuff's

Auburn

11 - 1

11 - 1

11 - 1

11 - 1

Liberal Cup Public House and Brewery

Hallowell

11 - 9

11:30 - 9

11:30 - 9

Lost Valley Brewing Company

Auburn

9-4

Oak Pond Brewery

Skowhegan

Ricker's Hard Cider

Turner

11 - 6

Two Gramps Brewing

Gardiner

12 - 6

Waterville Brewing Company OPENING SOON Outland Farm Brewery

26 spring 2018

S

M

T

12 - 6 11 - 10

Note: Hours were accurate as of printing.

Before heading out please check ahead to confirm hours.

W

TH

F

S

3-9

3-9

3-9

/baxterbrewing

4 - 10

4 - 10

12 - 10

/bearbonesbeer

3–8

12 – 8

/bigelowbrewingco

11 - 10

11 - 10

/Cushnoc

4-8

12 - 8

/gratefulgrainbrewing

11 - 1

11 - 1

11 - 1

/grittymcduffs

11:30 - 9

11:30 - 9

11:30 - 10

11:30 - 10

/TheLiberalCup

3-8

3-8

12 - 9

12 - 9

4 - 10 11 - 10

11 - 10

11 - 10

11 - 10

Pittsfield

/Lost-Valley-Brewing-Company-160619647757013

3 - 5:30

3 - 5:30

3 - 5:30

3 - 5:30

3 - 5:30

11 - 6

11 - 6

11 - 6

11 - 6

11 - 6

11 - 6

4-8

4-8

4-9

11 - 10

11 - 10

/TwoGrampsBrewing

12 - 8

/therealwatervillebrewingcompany

Waterville CITY

FACEBOOK

3-8 ADDRESS 404 Phillips Corner Road

12:30 - 5:30 /OakPondBrewery

FACEBOOK /OutlandFarmBrewery/

/Rickerhilltastingroom

roadtrip

The

Kennebec Valley region

PHOTO: MELONIE COUTTS

PHOTO: THOMAS-JOHN VILLEUX, MAINE UAV

your next

By Kate Cone

Visit & see why this Central Maine nook is the next hot bed for craft beer and tourism

The cities of Augusta, Hallowell and Gardiner lie along the shore of the mighty Kennebec River, just shy of an hour, by car, north of Portland.

Though the three cities have been through some hard times in the past decades, their economies were once thriving. Industries like quarrying, ice harvesting and shipbuilding, among many others, allowed the people who lived there to prosper.

Like many Maine towns and cities that set up mills and factories on the state’s rivers, competition and advanced technologies eventually brought the closing of those businesses. And those communities languished. But things are turning around. And among the most exciting categories of rejuvenation is the new growth of brewpubs and other businesses associated with the food and beverage industry. Yes,

ice harvesting is gone, but beer, wine and spirits are flowing through this trinity of Maine towns as strongly as the Kennebec current.

26 Route 126 Monmouth, ME

Open Fri 4PM–8PM • Sat 12PM–8PM • Sun 12PM–4PM

fb.com/gratefulgrainbrewing

Maine BrewGuide

27

Depending on which direction you’re starting from if you’re taking a day trip to this region, begin at one end and work your way up or down the two-lane state road that connects the three cities. In fact, if you want some exercise and a dose of nature, park your car and walk the length of the Kennebec Rail Trail, a paved walking and biking path that runs from Gardiner all the way up to Augusta, along the river. Watch water birds duck and wing their way along the Kennebec and the occasional kayakers glide over the water while you work your way to 10,000 steps. Dip into the businesses that are now keeping the visitors and residents filled with great food and drink, get back on the trail and keep walking.

Two friends decided to start brewing beer seriously and that is how Two Gramps Brewing got its start. Garnering rave reviews from its happy customers, this brewpub brings to Gardiner its first brewery, possibly in history, but at least since Prohibition ended. With eight taps of regulars and some rotation, Two

By Kate Cone

Gramps hits all of the

Largest Selection of Craft Beer and Ciders in the Area 3 Free Tastings per Month Exceptional Service & Knowledgeable Staff 339 Water St. • Gardiner, ME (207) 582-8811 gardiner.craftbeercellar.com

notes. For IPA lovers there’s Jax Buck Double IPA, crafted with quality grain grown at Bucks Farm in Mapleton, Maine (IBU 66 ABV 7.7%). If you’re new at trying craft beer, a “gateway” brew could be Sun Up Ale, an American Pale Ale, (IBU 34 ABV 4.8%) which they tout as their “lightest, refreshing lager with a crisp taste.” What are you going to have with those beers? Burgers are their specialty, but you can graze their appetizer menu with a few different renditions of Tater Tots. Salads, a signature seafood “burger” and other umami-loves-beer items are also there for the choosing.

Further down Water Street sits the Craft Beer Cellar’s Gardiner location. Here you can stock up on craft beers from close by or far afield. More than a dozen countries are represented, including Sri Lanka. Beers from 16 states, including most of New England, are represented here.

Good Neighbors.

Great Beer.

266 Water Street Gardiner, Maine (207) 592-0776 twogrampsbrewing.com

There’s wine, sake, cider from Scotland, and many tasting events. Get on their Facebook page and watch for these events, such as visiting brewers who provides talks on their craft brews while you sip them.

Two doors down is Mainiac Brewing Supply. If you’re not yet a home brewer, owner Rick McCormick will tell you: “If you can make a box of macaroni and cheese, you can brew a batch of beer.” His store contains every ingredient for a delicious, crisp golden pale ale or a hoppy, hazy New England IPA. And with summer advancing, those luscious styles are a must for the buttery lobster rolls, piping hot steamers and other fish plucked from the Atlantic. Okay,

28 spring 2018

let’s not forget beer styles that go with blue-cheese

tasting rooms is very inviting. The owners encourage people

burgers and even mustard-covered Fenway Franks.

to bring food in. With the way things go, though, some type

Back on the road, head a bit north to Farmingdale, which sits snug between Gardiner and Hallowell. There, you’ll

of food will surely be on offer in the future.

The demise of mills and Prohibition dampened the

find the Cobbossee Beverage Shop with its many offerings in

industry in this region, but with the current and continuing

wine, beer, local coffee and local meats/eggs. The shop

popularity of craft beer and great food, the Kennebec Valley

boasts the biggest selection of beers and wines in the

is booming once more.

area with special attention to the various Maine craft breweries. Organized by beer types and by the various brewers, you can easily find your new favorite. Step into their walk-in, chilled “beer cave,” and take your pick of six-packs, four-packs, or whatever your heart desires.

Owners Ed and Deb will be happy to guide you to your

By Carey Kish

new favorite wine or beer and their customer service will have you back on a regular basis (or maybe it is their new beagle pup, Bates that keeps you coming back).

Soldier on to Hallowell, where you can do some antiquing and book browsing, eat some ice cream by the river, or dip into The Liberal Cup for house-made brews and pub food. Celebrating its 18th year, owner Geoff Houghton opened this brewpub because he’d fallen in love with the country pubs he had visited as a teen in

Kate Cone is the author of What's Brewing in New England: A Guide to Brewpubs and Craft Breweries. She cooks with beer frequently at her home in Waterville, Maine.

Cobbossee Beverage Shop

Come See our Huge Homemade Beer Cave Stocked with Maine Brews and More!

— We Feature Maine Brews Throughout the Store and Have a Large Variety of Popula Popular Micro Beers from Away Too!

Come In and See Us – Deb & Ed Bowie & Stew 581 Maine Avenue, Farmingdale, ME • (207) 557-0048

www.cobbosseebeverageshop.com

England. All the food is house-made and their up-todate website posts the menu each day. Try the beercheddar soup, then move on to entrées such as Drunken Pot Roast or Not Your Momma’s Meatloaf. Eight taps feature “approachable session ales,” with a few stronger exceptions. And 20 ounce “pints” let you know why the name is the “Liberal” Cup. Liberal with the beer; ample portions of food.

If you’re doing the Rail Trail, keep walking northward to Maine’s capital, Augusta. Weekdays, the city is packed with traffic. But on weekends, Augusta is relatively quiet, allowing more elbow room at the bar at the Black and Tan pub. Dying for Irish beer and filling food? Quench

— Providing Quality Home Brew Supplies & Service —

“What's on tap at your house?”

325 Water Street • Gardiner, ME • (207) 588-BEER (2337)

mainiacbrewing.com

both appetite and thirst with a cold Guinness and some shepherd’s pie, a Scottish egg, Irish nachos (okay, you

IRISH &AMERICAN PUB FARE

know you love those potato skins filled with cheese and toppings). They even have a kids’ menu here, and welcome families and groups. There are some local

from Burgers to Pizza to Traditional Irish Meals

beers on tap, but the focus here is the Irish ambiance.

— Serving Until 9PM —

Order from a menu of beers from Ireland, England and Scotland and tipple some of the 11 Irish whiskeys.

HAPPY HOUR 3PM–6PM

A short drive from Augusta is Monmouth, Maine and

“Talls for Smalls” Beer Specials $5 Well Drinks

it’s worth the drive to welcome the relatively new Grateful

Live Entertainment on the Weekends

Grain brewpub. People are raving about The Experience, their New England IPA, “ a well-rounded, double dry-hopped New England Style IPA packed with five pounds of hops per barrel.” Open only on weekends (for now), the beers on tap in April were Camp Road, The Experience, Dragin Magick and Jacob’s Ladder. Check their Facebook page for updates of the beer menu. When they opened in December, 2017, they sold out of their beer in nine hours. With a rustic

Flat Screen TVs

(207) 213-6218 18 Bridge St. • Augusta, ME Open Tuesday–Saturday 11AM–10PM

Seasonal Outside Seating Biker Owned & Operated

wood interior and live music on many weekends, the

Maine BrewGuide 29

homebrew

corner

Where a r e al l t homebre he wers?

helllooo?

By Kay Stephens

Say you’re new to homebrewing, or new to Maine and you want to connect with other beer and brewing enthusiasts, but don’t know where to start. If your first inclination is to Google where groups are gathering in the state, you’ll get lost down the rabbit hole, for there is not one statewide Maine Homebrew Club.

We turned CENTRAL STREET

FARMHOUSE in Bangor,

ER. PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVE ROCK

hanging around in someone’s garage shooting the shizzle and sampling new beers. Or some choose to communicate through closed Facebook groups and email lists while others operate as formal organizations with officers, bylaws and minutes.

To date, there are three major homebrewing

annual Maine Homebrewers

organizations spread out

Competition in the state, to

around the state: Home

find out “Where The Beers

Brewers of Greater Bangor,

Are.”

Maine Ale & Libation Tasters (MALT) in central Maine

employee turned new owner

(Augusta/Waterville area)

said, “There are a number of

and Portland Maine Mashing

ways people who are new to

Maineiacs.

brewing find each other. Or,

A smattering of smaller

maybe they’ve been brewing

groups and clubs exist in

a long time, but want to hang

various areas around the

out with other brewers. Often,

state, which can most likely

they’ll come into a store like

be found by searching

ours and just ask us who to

Facebook. The big three also

reach out to. A few of the

host, (along with Central

larger groups have websites

Street Farmhouse) an annual

and Facebook pages and

homebrewing competition,

regular meet ups.”

which is another excellent

Homebrewing clubs in Maine are popping up as fast as the breweries themselves.

30 spring 2018

a bunch of guys and gals

which organizes the largest

Josh Parda, a long-term

Homebrewers Competition), (L to R ) Dave Rocker (winner of Maine Beer C.o), and Josh Parda, Jared Lambert (Head brewer at Bangor owner of Central Street Farmhouse.

They can be as simple as

way to connect with other beer enthusiasts.

Central Maine

Sam Canders, president of

The PORTLAND MASHING MAINEIACS, have been in

HOME BREWERS OF GREATER BANGOR, reiterated what Parda

existence for 11 years, have

suggested—that the best

around 25-35 active members

way to find out where the

and come to monthly

nearby clubs and gatherings

meetings with more than 100

are is to buy locally from

informal members who are

homebrewing supply stores.

networked by an email list.

“Especially for people not on

“We’re fairly informal,” said

social media or Facebook, go

co-founder Chuck Warner.

talk to the staff behind the

“It’s more of a social club and

counter, because they are

we have people come as far

likely to know what’s going on

north as Brunswick and as

and who is getting together,”

far south as the Sanford area.

he said.

People can always sign up on

Canders said that his

our email distribution list on

organization is very keen

our website to find out about

on creating a Maine

the meeting dates and other

Homebrewers Guild,

activities. We also host Brew

essentially a network

Days, usually at someone’s

amongst all of the various

house, where people can

brew clubs and organizations

bring their equipment and we

with the collaborative

brew together.

goal of creating a cohesive

To find out more about

movement. “Our club is

the major clubs around the

working on legislation

state and to get a better

to create a homebrewing

idea of their “club vibe” visit

exemption in the state

homebrewersassociation.org

of Maine, among other

and type “Maine” in the

initiatives, such as a Maine

search bar.

Homebrew Festival,” he said. “Our intent is not only to make our own club stronger, but also to make other clubs in the state better as well. After all, a lot of the commercial brewers opening today started out as

Kay Stephens loves beer and hiking and often combines the two. She is an author and an arts and entertainment freelance writer whose work has appeared in a number of Maine newspapers and magazines.

homebrewers.”

Maine BrewGuide

31

brewing business of

Left to right: Sebago Brewing Company’s Brad Monarch, Tim Haines and Kai Adams stand behind the the new destination brewery system in which they partnered with Zajac Liquid Processing Systems to help construct.

PHOTO: MICHAEL LEONARD

FEATURED BUSINESS ZAJAC LIQUID PROCESSING SYSTEMS

The Maine Brew Guide is working to connect brewery owners and investors with specialized businesses who have adapted their services to help breweries continue to grow and do what they do best. This is where the important relationships are made in the craft beverage industry, from insurance needs to fabrication, real estate, accounting and legal services.

32 spring 2018

Zajac is a leading supplier to the Craft Brewing Industry. They are a custom design build firm with the technical support and resources available to make your brewing project a success. They provide process, mechanical and Utility services. Typical systems and installations include: Brewhouse Installations, Glycol Systems, Chiller Installations, Fermentation Tank Installations, Filtration Piping, Process Skidded Systems, Valve Manifolds, CIP Systems and more.

Zajac was established in 1975 as a mechanical contractor providing high purity process systems. Since then we have grown based on the founding principles of quality workmanship, process expertise, teamwork and dedication to customer service. They now employ over 90 employees with offices in Maine and New Hampshire and have customers across the US.

DESIGN + BUILD + INTEGRATE DESIGN

The key to getting a project off to a great start begins long before the first sketch. Zajac listens to the needs of the brewers to collaborate on custom solutions.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Brewery owners know first hand that coordinating contractors and various construction disciplines is time consuming. Zajac is here to help where you need it with in-house resources so you can spend your time on the important things – beer.

ENGINEERING

Decisions early-on in a project have far-reaching impacts, whether it’s equipment or line sizing or selecting the proper process measurement technology. Zajac has the experience to make sure it is done right the first time.

FABRICATION

Did you know that Zajac has four fabrication shops in New England? From long catwalks to CIP skids to tanks large and small. You can save install time and overall cost by letting Zajac pre-build and test your next project in one of our shops.

AUTOMATION

Zajac works with all brewing control systems as well as utilities and packaging control systems.

If you can dream it, we can design and build it!

PACKAGING

Zajac can deliver the best names in canning, bottling, conveyors, depalletizer’s, case erector’s, rinser’s, blowers, and coder equipment—plus so much more—because downtime is bad for business.

ABOUT

A staff of over 90 employees with an average employment of 15+ years.

With a loyal customer base of over 40 years we have been a true design build integrator.

FIELD INSTALLATION

Ask around the brewery, food, and pharmaceutical industries and you will find that Zajac’s fabricators, electricians and mechanical crews are known for their craftsmanship, safety, and professionalism.

EMERGENCY SERVICE

Our mechanical and electrical crews are in breweries every day. We make custom adapters, repair cracks, and troubleshoot process and utility systems. If you need service in a hurry give us a call!

GASKETS AND REPLACEMENT PARTS

Let Zajac be the first name you think of when it comes to consumables and maintenance items. We can even keep your gaskets, cleaning and test supplies stocked for you.

CALIBRATION SERVICES

We can keep you producing consistent product by keeping your instruments in top shape. Our calibration staff has a full compliment of certified instruments to make sure your flow, level, pressure and temperature devices are operating within tolerance.

CONTACT

www.zajacllc.com 207-286-9100

brewing business of

YOU KNOW BEER. WE KNOW INSURANCE. WE SHOULD BE PARTNERS.

Brewery Insurance Program from Acadia Insurance As a microbrewer, your products are unique — a reflection of you and your tastes. At ACADIA INSURANCE, we offer targeted insurance programs combined with local claims and loss control services that set us apart from the competition.

Our Brewery Program is formulated for all of your major property and casualty exposures, with specialized coverage designed to help you protect your livelihood in the event of an unexpected loss, including:

800-244-9046

Contact James Sanborn at 207-446-2791 • james@ghmagency.com

Through partnerships with our customers and insurance carriers GHM INSURANCE has helped to develop comprehensive and competitively priced insurance programs for breweries, brewpubs, bars and other related businesses. With over 200 accounts in 20 states we have the experience and knowledge to help with all your insurance needs.

maine beer spoken here mainebrewguide.com/subscribe

34 spring 2018

• • • • •

Key Employee Replacement Expense Tank Leakage or Collapse Equipment Breakdown Processing Water Loss Extra Expense Food and Beverage Contamination

Why Choose Acadia Insurance? As one of the largest writers of breweries in Maine and New England with over 90 brewery customers, we have focused expertise in your industry and in providing customers with the insurance products, expertise and service to help customers manage their exposures.

For more information about Acadia’s program, or for a quote, contact your local independent insurance agent or visit acadiainsurance.com.

Products and services are provided by one or more insurance company subsidiaries of W. R. Berkley Corporation. Not all products and services are available in every jurisdiction, and the precise coverage afforded by any insurer is subject to applicable underwriting guidelines and the actual terms and conditions of the policies as issued.

beer

necessities PORTLAND FRUIT & NUT CO. When visiting tasting rooms in Maine, you’ll often see our premiere Spicy Pub Mix which is a savory snack best described as “fresh, tasty and quite addictive!” As part of Buy-Local, our unique labels feature picturesque images of Portland’s landmarks across our variety of 36 quality snacks. Our offerings include our must-have beer-friendly party nut mixes and rich chocolate covered nuts which pair well with just about any libation.

Over 13 local tasting rooms and bars carry our products and have discovered that once sampled, they are craved! This comes as no surprise as our Spicy Pub Mix was chosen by Zest Magazine as one of the Top Three Bar Munchies! Visit our Facebook page and look for our forthcoming new website for a full listing of our wide variety of snacks. Contact us for discounted wholesale pricing for business owners or pricing for our patrons, we will ship direct to you!

Portland Fruit & Nut Co. — Maine Tasting Room’s #1 Snack of Choice —

Find in tasting rooms or contact us to enjoy at home!

Wholesale Opportunities for Breweries (207) 775-4204 Maine BrewGuide

35

In recent years, no part of the Maine brewery landscape has been more exciting than the Highland region. While the Queen City of Bangor and surrounding towns have long played second fiddle to the brewing scene in Southern Maine, an influx of talented brewers has seriously upped the area’s reputation. Now, while relaxing at a local beer bar like NOCTURNEM DRAFT HAUS, you can enjoy beer brewed by GEAGHAN BROTHERS, ORONO BREWING COMPANY, MASON’S BREWING, or a number of other Bangor-area brewers. Hardly also-rans, these beers handily compete for the title of Maine’s best brews.

greater bangor

tasting room directory NAME

CITY

2 Feet Brewing

Note: Hours were accurate as of printing.

Before heading out please check ahead to confirm hours.

FACEBOOK

S

M

T

W

TH

F

S

Bangor

12 - 6

3-9

3-9

3-9

3-9

3 - 11

3 - 11

/2FeetBrewery

Bangor Beer Company

Bangor

11 - 11

4 - 11

4 - 11

4 - 11

4 - 11

4 - 11

11 - 11

/BangorBeer

Bear Brew Pub (Black Bear Brewing)

Orono

11:30 - 9

3-9

3-9

3 - 10

11:30 - 10

11:30 - 10

Black Bear Brewing Company

Orono

3 - 10

3 - 10

3 - 12

3 - 12

2 - 12

/blackbearmicrobrew

Blank Canvas Brewery

Brewer

4 -9

4 -9

4-9

/blankcanvasbrewery

Geaghan Brothers Brewing Company (Tasting Room / Brewery)

Brewer

11 - 4

3-8

3-8

3-8

12 - 8

/geaghanbros

Geaghan's Pub (Restaurant)

Bangor

11 - 12

11 - 12

11 - 12

11 - 12

11 - 12

11 - 1

11 - 1

/geaghans

Marsh Island Brewing

Orono

12 - 8

4 - 10

4 - 10

4 - 10

4 - 11

3 - 11

12 - 11

/MarshIslandBrewing

Mason's Brewing Company

Brewer

11:30 - 9

11:30 - 9

11:30 - 9

11:30 - 9

11:30 - 9

11:30 - 10

11:30 - 10

Orono Brewing Company

Orono

12 - 7

3 - 10

3 - 10

3 - 10

3 - 10

3 - 12

3 - 12

/oronobrewing

Orono Brewing Company - DownBangor town Bangor

12 - 7

3 - 10

3 - 10

3 - 10

3 - 10

3 - 12

3 - 12

/oronobrewing

Sea Dog Brewing Co.

11 - 1

11 - 1

11 - 1

11 - 1

11 - 1

11 - 1

11 - 1

/seadogbangor

Bangor

OPENING SOON Mainiacal Brewing Company

3 - 10

CITY Bangor

NO TASTING ROOM – RETAIL ONLY

CITY

Friar's Brewhouse

Bucksport

Bissell Brothers

Milo

36 spring 2018

ADDRESS 349B Harlow Street

FACEBOOK /MainiacalBrewingCompany

ADDRESS 84A Main Street

FACEBOOK /friarbrew.hotmail /BissellBrothers

/BearBrew

/masonsbrewing

summer’s session-able beer reviews

ALLAGASH BREWING COMPANY, PORTLAND HOPPY TABLE BEER

Allagash Brewing Company, Portland Hoppy Table Beer 4.8% ABV

The orchestra of bright flavors packed into a bottle of Hoppy Table Beer refreshes the senses like a cool summer evening. It pours a sun-colored hue with a frothy head of tiny bubbles. The aroma is an interplay of ripe mango and pine needles from the Comet and Azacca hops used in dry hopping, along with subtle notes of lemon grass from Allagash’s signature use of coriander. Each sip releases grapefruit and fresh cut grass flavors over the palate. It finishes on the back of the tongue with crisp notes of citrus fruit, subtle pine flavor, and fruity esters from the Belgian yeast. Hoppy Table Beer is the perfect compliment to whatever summer brings your way.

-Dave Patterson

BEAR BONES BEER JOHNNY RYE ALE

Bear Bones Beer

Johnny Rye Ale 4.3% ABV

Bear Bones, though small in size, is big on flavor. Amber-mahogany in appearance, Johnny Rye Ale has pleasant aromatic notes of caramel. Featuring local malt from Blue Ox and Maine Malt House, this beer’s clean mouthfeel, crisp body, and 4.3% ABV make it perfect for summer splendor.

Mild in hop character, the ale’s sweetness balances well with the rye’s inherent spice, which gives you a distinct zing at finish. Whether you’re strutting through Lewiston or vacationing in Bridgton, this is a solid beer for any occasion.

-John Breerwood

FORE RIVER BREWING CO. LYGONIA IPA

Gneiss

Tectonic Tomahawk, White IPA 6.7% ABV | 75 IBU

Since opening in 2013, Limerick's Gneiss Brewing Company has been crafting unique beers that pay homage to German brewing tradition, without necessarily being slavish to style. Tectonic Tomahawk is a testament to the brewers' creativity, marrying a traditional German hefeweizen (fruity, spicy, and hazy) with an India Pale Ale. Tectonic is hopped exclusively with Tomahawk hops, in layers in the boil, and again in the secondary. The resulting hybrid of the ascendant American IPA and traditional Weissbier is a surprising treat; citrusy, herbal hops paired beautifully with the estery fruit and clove of a hefe.

-Josh Christie

TINT WRIST CIRCLES SAISON/FARMHOUSE ALE BREWED WITH SAAZ HOPS

Goodfire Brewing Co.

Tiny Wrist Circles Saison/Farmhouse Ale 4.4% ABV

If you are warming up to Saisons again, this beer is a game changer in the session category. As summertime sits on the horizon with warmer temperatures and outdoor recreation on the rise, this is a beer to have on hand to enjoy it all. It pours a hazy, deep amber color with a tall white head that fades quickly. It has an earthy and slight citrus aroma with a smooth and soft mouth feel. This saison has a nice clean palette with a crisp and refreshing finish, that leaves you wanting the next sip.

Tiny Wrist Circles takes six weeks to brew, so it has limited releases throughout the summer in cans but can be found on draft pretty consistently. Don't miss this one!

- Stanley J. Rintz

Maine BrewGuide

37

Greater Bangor

Come try our new family of beers!

— TASTING ROOM NOW OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK — Award winning Kitchen, Full Bar, Games & More!

Serving lunch, dinner, late night & kid’s menu too!

In 4 locations in Maine.

Open 7 days a week. All year!

BANGOR 26 Front St, Bangor, ME 04401 (207) 947-8009

SO. PORTLAND 125 Western Ave. So.Portland, ME (207) 871-7000

TOPSHAM CAMDEN 1 Bowdoin Mill Island, 1 Main St. Topsham, ME Camden, ME (207) 725-0162 (207) 230-1306

Learn more about our beer on Untapped or at

BangorBeerCo

www. .com 330 Bangor Mall Boulevard | Bangor, ME | (207) 947-6960

BANGOR BEER COMPANY Bangor’s newest brewery has a fun, unique and exciting tap room with with over a dozen quality ale and lager styles brewed in their first year. Their flagship beers include Catchphrase, a delicious hazy New England IPA, Brite, a smooth Helles Lager, Oddball Stout and a wide variety of fantastic IPAs. You can also find their beers at its connected sister restaurant, the Oriental Jade, whose award winning kitchen has operated since 1978, making Bangor Beer Co. one of the only US breweries that serve an American menu alongside a full sushi & ramen bar and Chinese kitchen.

The eclectic and fun tap room features unique art and comfortable decor, as well as a pinball machine, shuffleboard, board games, a free Donkey Kong Jr. machine and an outdoor patio with corn hole and other games to enjoy in the summer. Open 7 days a week, come experience "Somewhere North of Ordinary." www.bangorbeerco.com

SEA DOG BREWING COMPANY

seadogbrewing.com 38 spring 2018

SEA DOG BREWING COMPANY is a family owned brewery with a full line of handcrafted ales that capture the spirit of Maine's sea-faring history.

Sea Dog ales are brewed using time-honored methods and only the finest ingredients. The brewery’s traditional brewing style results in brews with a distinctive, refreshing taste and crisp finish.

For the full Sea Dog experience, visit one of their brew pubs! In Maine, you can visit one of the four locations – overlooking the Androscoggin River in Topsham, along the historic Penobscot River in Bangor, blocks from the Atlantic Ocean in the historic shipbuilding town of Camden or by the Maine Mall in South Portland.

The Sea Dog pubs serve lunch and dinner daily. The Bangor location brews their beer on the premises and offers daily brewery tours. You will also find Sea Dog pubs in North Conway, NH and Orlando, FL, and a brewery and tasting room in Clearwater, FL. www.seadogbrewing.com

P A

Greater Bangor

MASON’S BREWING COMPANY, located along the scenic waterfront of the Penobscot River, is a destination for craft beer lovers. To the crew at Mason's, it's all about the beer experience, culture, and history. This makes going to Mason’s an adventure not to pass up. One of Mason’s newest projects in the works is its expansion plans that coming in 2018.

Their automated brewing system allows them to distribute high quality, consistent products out of state and even out of the country. With lots

of other unique features, like a bier garden, a mug club, 16 rotating taps, West Coast gastropub food, tap takeovers and passionate staff, this place is unquestionably an asset for the greater Bangor community.

Conveniently neighboring Darling's Waterfront Pavilion, Mason’s Brewing Company is the perfect place to stop before or after a show. As Mainers, our expectation for craft beer is always growing and Mason’s definitely hits that mark!

PHOTO COURTESY OF MASON’S BREWING CO. AND JENNY WEBBER PHOTOGRAPHY

15 Hardy Street • Brewer, ME

masonsbrewingcompany.com

(207) 989-6300 • Open 7 Days

Maine BrewGuide 39

The Maine Brew Trail Expands with

7 new

breweries Across The State

plus 16 more opening this spring and summer Photos & Text: Kim Benjamin

40 spring 2018

We have barely flipped the 2018 calendar and we can already count 16 upcoming new breweries just champing at the bit to open. This, on top of the seven recent openings in the last quarter of 2017! We can’t blame you if your head is spinning, trying to keep track of them all.

According to the latest breweries joining the Maine Trail, finding a business name that hasn’t already been taken is becoming increasingly more difficult. There also seems to be a trend with varying styles pulling away from the highly popular New England IPA, so breweries can provide “beer for everyone.” Using barrels from Buxton’s River Drive Cooperage is going to allow three of these brewers to experiment with some interesting flavors in the months to follow. Be on the lookout for English styles aged in whiskey barrels, a Russian Imperial Stout, and Belgian

Nonesuch River Brewing

styles aged in apple brandy or gin barrels.

A new tasting room, extended hours,

as a large two-story tasting room and restaurant, and offers an outside patio.

increased capacity, patio seating,

The “mug club” steins were made

outside distribution, and brewing/

from the clay dug during construction

fermentation classes are among the

by a local artisan. Shuler was a

goals in 2018 shared by the recently

homebrewer for 20 years prior, creating

opened breweries below. Some of the

recipes in his garage. NRB is excited to

coastal breweries have even expressed

partner with Nappi Distributors for can

interest in finding a more creative way

distribution soon in 2018.

to link together, perhaps in the form of

Portland

a brew boat tour.

The following breweries have just

GOODFIRE BREWING COMPANY is the

opened their doors this season:

newest addition to #DrinkAnderson,

Scarborough

the collaborative hashtag promoting

NONESUCH RIVER BREWING honors the

located in the same building in the

river that runs through the town,

East Bayside neighborhood. Upon

“connecting all the communities” in

opening in November 2017, GBC has

Scarborough. Opened in September

concentrated on tasty IPAs, but has

2017, by owners Jeff Gambardella,

since added a crisp fresh pilsner that is

Michael Shuler (brewer), and Tim

a must try. The tasting room is family

Boardman, NRB offers sessionable ales

friendly, offering various board games

with low ABVs, making it easy to drink

as well as ample space to gather and

when paired with their handcrafted

plans for outside seating. Entrance is

food.

in the back; signage is coming in 2018!

The beautiful wooden brewpub is home to the 15BBL brewhouse, as well

four adult beverage businesses, all

The crew of four handling operations is made up of Dr. David Redding

Maine BrewGuide

41

Goodfire Brewing’s extra seating area

SOUTHERN Brickyard Hollow Brewing (Yarmouth) Corner Point Brewing Company (Berwick) Definitive Brewing Co. (Portland) Nuts and Bolts Brewery (Biddeford) Stars and Stripes Brewing (Cumberland) WESTERN Steam Mill Brewing (Bethel) MIDCOAST Bath Brewing Company (Bath) Moderation Brewing (Brunswick) Odd Alewives Farm Brewery (Waldoboro) The Pour Farm (Union) CENTRAL Lost Valley Brewing (Lewiston) NU Brewing (New Gloucester) Outland Farms Brewing (Pittsfield) Side by Each Brewing (Auburn) Sidereal Farm Brewing (Vassalboro) Waterville Brewing Company (Waterville)

the Zesty NU Bridge, which pokes fun

Kelly Scharf (GM), and Chris Beth

at the anticipated angst the two new

(Distribution Engineer). Jones, a prior

bridge constructions sites may bring to

homebrewer, gave props to industry

Gardiner commuters. The tasting room

influencers such as Dirigo, MBC, Bissell,

is a great place for locals to enjoy Trivia

Foundation, and Sebago for their

Tuesdays, live music, and craft burgers

guidance in allowing him to shadow

with plans for outdoor seating.

their operations before installing his

Augusta

own 15 BBL system.

Monmouth

CUSHNOC BREWING CO. is proud to be part

GRATEFUL GRAIN BREWING COMPANY offers a

down on Water Street. Greeted with

cozy tasting room in the Tacoma Lakes

a smile from GM Casey Hynes, you’ll

region and is a must stop on your way

find the ambiance a mix of mosaic

through central Maine. Owners Trevor

tile, tin tap backdrops and various

Knell (brewer), Tom Langlois, Ryan

levels of seating, all under the glow

Cote, and Nick Knowlton offer five

of beautiful hanging bulbs. Owners

taps using their 1BBL system. Plans

Tobias Parkhurst, James Bass, and

for 2018 include increased parking,

brewer Chris Geerlings wanted to make

an extended weekend schedule, an

sure there is “beer for everybody” by

outside patio, and the addition of food

offering varying styles of craft beers

trucks. I highly recommend their juicy

such as a Kölsch style ale, an American

grapefruit bomb, The Experience. If

IPA, a Belgian IPA and a Belgian Style

you see it on tap, grab one; it sells out fast!

Gardiner TWO GRAMPS BREWING was created

by Joe and Kristy Gould in October 2017. While there are a few mainstay offerings, like Moosail and Nostalgia, Joe loves to have fun with all the others. The signage is by far the most creative I’ve seen, many tied to local landmarks or events, such as the Chadarny Maple Brown Ale that will be released for Maine Maple Sunday or

42 spring 2018

of the exciting revitalization happening

PHOTO COURTESY CUSHNOG BREWING CO.

Breweries coming soon!

(owner), Gordon Jones (brewer),

BREW NEWS

Grisette. The “Born on the Kennebec” series include daily mainstays, while the “Defend the Fort” series offer small batches, which turn over quickly.

Exciting rollouts for 2018 will include the addition of a tasting room in the basement and bottling their beers for distribution.

See what is “Hop”pening at these Maine Breweries this Spring & Summer!

Ellsworth FOGTOWN BREWING COMPANY was opened in December 2017, by owners Ian Heyse and Jonathan Stein (brewer) as a family-friendly community gathering spot. Styles vary based on what Ellsworth likes, including a Pilsner, a Lambic, two sours, and American ales and lagers. The use of gin and tequila barrels for aging piqued my curiosity as a must try. They designed and built the tasting room with reclaimed lumber and bricks themselves and provide the perfect place for local artists, musicians and educators. If you’re on

NONESUCH RIVER BREWING has added

BEAR BONES BEER is

and (the return of) world

excited to announce the

traveler Emmet Boland.

Fort Kent

a 30 BBL fermenter to

first release of our Oak

Top Vibester Jesse Galko

its brewery to keep up

Aged Double C.R.E.A.M.

pours a growing fleet

FIRST MILE BREWING COMPANY was created

with demand. Keep an

in 16oz can four packs!

of fresh local lagers

by five home brewers, all part of a brew

eye out for NRB IPA and

Hitting the stores this

alongside Biddeford's

club that met to sample each other’s

Blonde out in cans mid

spring for you to enjoy all

mighty Saco Falls. "The

creations. If you ever needed a reason

May! Stop in and try

summer.

New NEPAL" takes your

to travel north, this is it. Whether

our Summer Wheat— a

you’re in town to see America’s First

light, refreshing poolside

Mile or for a day of kayaking Eagle

Hefeweizen with hints

FLIGHT DECK BREWING is now self-

Lake, FMBC is worth checking out!

of lemon and ginger.

distributing cans to select

Hopyard. Coming

With eight taps, I’m told “every beer

YUMMMM.

retail stores in Maine. You

soon: Maine Pilsner.

can also pick them up in

Schwarzbier. Champagne

our Tasting Room, named

du Maine (berlinerweisse)

"Best in Maine" by Down

in cans.

your way to Acadia, you must stop by and check it out.

has a story.”

hops to new heights with strawberry-licious Maine Cascades from Gorham's

FMBC is already talking about

PENOBSCOT BAY BREWERY now

increasing their capacity and

includes canning of their

East Magazine. Live music

finding a way to incorporate more

beer line-up with the

every Friday evening. Visit

local ingredients into their brews.

same flavorful brews in a

flightdeckbrewing.com

SOME BREWING COMPANY will be

Community food stops have created

new format of 16oz four

for our event calendar

opening a second

menus exclusively for FMBC (or you

packs with a new label

and more.

location, Summer

can bring your own in) during their

to boot. We’re open for

Open Mic Nights.

sampling, growler filling

Since opening in November 2017,

Kim Benjamin is craft beer enthusiast who believes in supporting local and loves to engage her friends and colleagues in the latest industry chatter.

and having a brew. Check

DIRIGO BREWING CO. welcomes Chief

out what is current on

Beer Navigator Ray

the Winterport Winery

Edgar, Chief Science

side of our world, too.

Officer Bryan Tavares,

2018, York Beach Beer Company. Not to worry, the existing location will be staying open!

Maine BrewGuide 43

midcoast

tasting room directory NAME

CITY

PHOTOS: CAREY KISH

Note: Hours were accurate as of printing.

Before heading out please check ahead to confirm hours.

S

M

T

W

TH

F

S

FACEBOOK

11 - 9

4-9

4-9

11 - 9

11 - 9

11 - 11

11 - 11

9-5

9-5

9-5

9-5

9-5

12 - 5:30

12 - 5:30

12 - 9

12 - 9

12 - 9

/flightdeckbrewing /LakeSt.GeorgeBrewing

Bath Brewing Company

Bath

Boothbay Craft Brewery

Boothbay

Fat Friars Meadery

Newcastle

12 - 5:30

Flight Deck Brewing

Brunswick

12 - 5

Lake St. George Brewing Company

Liberty

12 - 6

3-8

3-8

12 - 8

Liberty Craft Brewing

Liberty

11:30 - 7

11:30 - 8

11:30 - 8

11:30 - 8

Marshall Wharf Brewing Company

Belfast

11 - 4

11 - 4

11 - 4

11 - 4

Monhegan Brewing Company (seasonal, May - Oct)

Monhegan

Moderation Brewing Company

Brunswick

North Haven Brewing Company

North Haven

Oxbow Brewing

Newcastle

Penobscot Bay Brewery / Winterport Winery (Seasonal, May - Oct)

Winterport

Rock Harbor Brewing Company (seasonal taproom)

Rockland

Rock Harbor Pub & Brewery

Rockland

11:30 - 11

11:30 - 11

11:30 - 11

11:30 - 11

11:30 - 11

11:30 - 12

11:30 - 12

/rockharbor.me

Sea Dog Brewing Co.

Camden

11 - 12:30

11 - 12:30

11 - 12:30

11 - 12:30 11 - 12:30

11 - 12:30

11 - 12:30

/seadogcamden

Sea Dog Brewing Co.

Topsham

10 - 1

11 - 1

11 - 1

11 - 1

11 - 1

/seadogtopsham

Sheepscot Valley Brewing Co.

Whitefield

Varies (Call Ahead)

Varies (Call Ahead)

Simplicity Brewing Co and Supplies

Warren

11 - 5

10:30 - 6

10:30 - 6

10:30 - 6

10:30 - 6

/simplicitybrewingco

Threshers Brewing Company

Searsmont

12 - 7

3-7

3 - 10

3 - 10

12 - 10

/ThreshersBrewingCo

NO TASTING ROOM – RETAIL ONLY

12 - 9

11 - 4

/Boothbay-Craft-BreweryTavern-104727574679 /The-Fat-Friar-Meadery-175864219129026

/libertycraftbrewing /Three-Tides-MarshallWharf-Brewing-Company-41135004445 /MonheganBrewingCompany

12 - 4

4-8

12 - 7

4-8

12 - 10

12 - 10

/moderationbrewing

4-7

4-7

3-6

/northhavenbrewing

12 - 7

12 - 9

12 - 7

/OxbowBeer

11 - 5

11 - 5

/Winterport-Winery-andPenobscot-Bay-Brewery-107454236064 /rhbrewing

CITY

11 - 1

11 - 1

ADDRESS

Andrew's Brewing

Lincolnville

353 High Street

Belfast Bay

Belfast

100 Searsport Avenue

The Pour Farm** Opening Soon!

Union

Crawfordsburn Lane

44 spring 2017

11 - 4

/BathBrewingCompany

FACEBOOK /Andrews-Brewing-CO-207790981772/ /thepourfarm/

/Sheepscot-valley-brewing-337885939564553

PHOTOS COUTESY OF BOOTHBAY CRAFT BREWERY

y

In an effort to meet the demand of several of its popular brands, BOOTHBAY CRAFT BREWERY has been shuffling things around in the brewery to accommodate additional cellaring tanks and a new larger brewhouse. The brewery’s first ever produced beer, "633 Pale Ale" has been a very popular style since it’s inception, and with the addition of "Thirsty Botanist", a wonderfully juicy 7% abv IPA, these brands have been keeping the crew busy brewing. Kegging, and packaging. But even during a busy winter Boothbay Craft Brewery has been putting away their barrel aged concoctions and getting ready to release 2018’s Steganos, a small batch bourbon barrel aged imperial stout that is due out sometime in early June.

And new from the barrel room this year will be a first in a series of wild beers. A saison based beer that has been aging for over a year in wine barrels and dosed with several different cultures that has resulted in a delicate and complex beer that will accompany foods extremely well. Bottle conditioned in 500ml bottles, this very limited beer release will only be available at the brewery sometime starting in late May. Due to the heavy brewery demands, the adjoining Watershed Tavern will be focused solely as a tap house this year.

However, they will be offering six very limited full moon beer dinners happening once a month pairing Boothbay beers with locally curated foods for a not to miss special evening. Information can be found on the brewery events page at BoothbayCraftBrewery.com

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At 27 years old, Dan Pease opened ROCK HARBOR PUB at the intersection of Main and Limerock Streets in Rockland, Maine, with the idea of someday turning it into a brewpub. After two years of growing the business into one of Rockland’s favorite pubs and restaurants, Dan grabbed the opportunity when a brewery in southern Maine closed its doors. He purchased their equipment, installed it in Rock Harbor Pub, licensed the new Rock Harbor Brewing Co., and started brewing and serving in October 2013. In 2017, Dan took his brewing operation to the next level, purchasing a building at 5 Payne Avenue in Rockland and turning it into an off-site brewery and tasting room. Today Dan is canning and packing Rock Harbor beer for distribution throughout the state.

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mainebrewguide.com/subscribe Maine BrewGuide

45

Why should the mainland have all the fun? This summer, another Maine island boasts a brewery that’s only accessible by plane or boat.

Visitors to North Haven can now enjoy

Liz and I, and she was just like ‘we

balanced, English-style beers from the

should really sell this.’ ”

comfort of a funky basement space with a view of a 130-year-old boatyard.

By: Courtney Naliboff

After three years of planning and building out the space underneath

“We had a couple of one-offs, like

the newly renovated Calderwood Hall

AM Stout, that people really love,”

celebrated its first birthday in

(also home to several apartments,

Lovell said. The coffee stout was

November, was founded by Ben and

a film production studio and the

a collaboration with between the

Elizabeth Lovell, siblings who grew up

Calderwood Hall restaurant) North

brewery and 44 North Coffee, located

on North Haven and Ben’s childhood

Haven Brewing Co. opened for

on Stonington Island. Another one-off,

best friend, Jesse Davisson, a life-long

business in the winter of 2017.

Sailor’s Warning, a red ale, featured

North Haven Brewing Co., which

Locals and tourists alike flock to

islander.

Ben and Elizabeth left to attend

North Haven Brewing Co. for the beer

North Haven-inspired rose hips.

The brewery’s social scene is another

Bowdoin College, and chose to return

selection, which ranges from regular

reason for both locals and tourists

to the island as adults. The brewery

offerings such as Keeper (a hoppy

to visit. The space hosts weekly pub

got its start when Ben and Jesse

IPA), Highliner (a crowd-pleasing pale

theology and occasional live acoustic

decided to see how far they could take

ale), and Barrel Stove Brown Ale to

music. Curious passersbys come in

their home-brewing hobby.

more esoteric one-offs featuring local

for the first time to check out the

ingredients, which can be enjoyed

operation, which features stainless

we decided that we’d brew beer

in the tasting room or taken home

steel vats behind a glass wall for easy

because we had the whole winter off,”

in refillable growlers. Restaurants

viewing.

Lovell said. “We just kind of kept at it,

on North Haven, Vinalhaven and

kept brewing, kept taking classes …

Rockland have featured North Haven

in and see the equipment right there

one day we were sitting on the beach,

Brewing Co. beers on tap as well.

behind the glass,” Lovell said.

“As Jesse and I were both fishermen,

“It’s fun for us to have people come

“It’s a conversation starter,” Liz added.

North Haven Brewing Co.’s tasting

FUN FACT 46 spring 2018

room hours can be found on their

According to the Maine Brewers’ Guild website, of all Maine’s active breweries, only two (NORTH HAVEN BREWING CO. and MONHEGAN BREWING CO.) are on islands!

website www.northhavenbrewing.com

Courtney Naliboff lives, writes, plays music, teaches and parents on North Haven island.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NORTH HAVE BREWING CO.

NORTH HAVEN BREWING CO.

an island brewery that’s worth the trip

PHOTO_CAREY KISH

downeast

In this stretch from Bucksport to Lubec, you'll find a mix of Maine's brewing originators and innovators. Mount Desert Island is home to Atlantic Brewing Company and Maine Coast Brewing Company, two of the oldest breweries in the state, while Airline Brewing Company, Lubec Brewing Company, and Strong Brewing Company have all opened in recent years.

By Josh Christie

tasting room directory NAME

CITY

Airline Brewing Company Brewery

Amherst

12 - 8

Airline Brewing Company Pub

Ellsworth

11 - 10

11 - 10

11 - 10

Bar Harbor

10 - 6

10 - 6

10 - 6

Bar Harbor

11:30 - 8

Atlantic Brewing Company (seasonal, Memorial Day - mid-October)

Atlantic Brewing Midtown (seasonal)

S

M

T

Note: Hours were accurate as of printing.

Before heading out please check ahead to confirm hours.

W

FACEBOOK

TH

F

S

4 - 10

4 - 10

12 - 10

/airlinebrewingcompany

11 - 10

11 - 10

11 - 10

11 - 10

/airlinebrewingcompany

10 - 6

10 - 6

10 - 6

10 - 6

/atlanticbrewing

11:30 - 8

11:30 - 8

11:30 - 8

/atlanticbrewingmidtown

DeepWater Brewing Co (seasonal)

Blue Hill

4:30 - 8

4:30 - 8

4:30 - 8

/DeepWater-BrewingCo-264815220234618

Fogtown Brewing Company

Ellsworth

4 - 10:30

4 - 10:30

4 - 10:30

/fogtownbrewing

4-9

4-9

4-9

/Jackrussellssteakhouse

2 - 8:30

2 - 8:30

2 - 8:30

/Lubec-Brewing-Company-1406990739591377

4-1

4-1

4-1

4-1

/Machias-RiverBrewing-Company-675328812601331

12 - 7

12 - 7

12 - 7

12 - 7

/StrongBrewingCompany

Jack Russell's Steakhouse (Maine Bar Harbor Coast Brewing Company)

4-9

Lubec Brewing Company

Lubec

Machias River Brewing Company

Machias

1-8

Strong Brewing Company

Sedgwick

12 - 5

4-9

4-9

4-9

2 - 8:30 4 - 11

AIRLINE BREWING COMPANY is a rural Maine brewery specializing in Britishstyle beers and Real Cask Ales. Airline Brewing is expanding its brewing system with a refurbishment of the rural Paul Bunyan furniture mill located on Route 9 in Amherst. Stop by and try a flight of beers and get a tour of the new system.

The brewery serves the Downeast community of Maine and is located on the scenic Airline Rd (Route 9) in Amherst between Bangor and Canada. You can stop by the brewery tasting room and have a pint with the locals and take a growler out to camp. Or sample our full range of beers and tasty grub at our English Pub-themed tasting room in downtown Ellsworth, where people come to relax and socialize with friends, family, and strangers.

Maine BrewGuide

47

PHOTO: BUCK FARMS/MAINE MALT HOUSE

the county

tasting room directory NAME

CITY

Northern Maine Brewing Co.

Caribou

First Mile Brewing Company

Fort Kent

MAY 19, 2018

John A. Millar Civic Center 94 Randall Ave. • Houlton, ME (207) 532-4216

S

12 - 7

M

T

Note: Hours were accurate as of printing.

Before heading out please check ahead to confirm hours.

W

TH

F

S

FACEBOOK

4-9

4-9

4 - 10

4 - 10

/Northern-Maine-BrewingCo-LLC-1575977852690743

3:30 - 9

3:30 - 9

3:30 - 9

3-9

/firstmilebrewing

JOIN US AT NORTHERN MAINE’S PREMIER BEER FESTIVAL as we celebrate Maine’s brewers who are brewing up some of the best beer on the planet and have put our state back on the map! Sample amazing beers, talk to fellow enthusiasts and meet some of the best brewers in the state. Delicious craft food will also be available for purchase. Come TASTE THE BITE!!! 2018 BREWERY LINE UP: Blank Canvas Brewing, Bigelow Brewing, SoMe Brewing Co., Banded Horn Brewing, Penobscot Bay Brewing, Winterport Winery, Barreled Souls Brewing, Seadog Brewing, The Boston Beer Company, 2 Feet Brewing, Mast Landing, Lord Hobo, Northern Maine Brewing Co., Hidden Spring Winery, Threshers Brewing, Geaghan Brothers, First Mile Brewing, Bangor Beer Company, Foul Mouthed Brewing, Cushnoc Brewing Company, Liquid Riot, Boothbay Craft Brewery, Two Gramps Brewery, Urban Farm Fermentory, Hidden Cove Brewing Co., Rock Harbor Brewing Co, Baxter Brewing, and Ricker Hill.

The Blackfly Brewfest is brought to you by these sponsors: NAPA, S.W. Collins, Wine Until Nine, Dead River, J. McLaughlin Construction, Agri-Cal, Hy-Grow Organics, Shiretown Taxi, The Thirsty Dawg, Shiretown Inn and Suites, York's of Houlton, F.A Peabody, Tidd's Sportshop, County Yankee Grocer, The Greater Houlton Chamber Of Commerce

May 19th at the John A. Millar Civic Center THE THIRSTY DAWG BOTTLE SHOP was established May 2010 in an effort to bring the craft beer movement to Aroostook County. Offering the largest beer and wine selection in the County or north of Bangor for that matter.

As one of the original organizers of Black Fly Brewfest, the Thirsty Dawg is an enthusiastic supporter of craft beer and local Maine craft beer with 40+ Maine breweries in stock. A must visit if you love great beer!

48 spring 2018

PHOTO: PAUL CYR

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