Just as its craft beer’s counterpart to the Pacific North-West, Portland, Maine is a beer lover’s dream.
The countryside may be very different but just as beautiful, but Maine is home to close to 170 active and licensed breweries offering more than 100 brands.
Not bad for a small state in the US! And just as in Oregon, the Maine craft beer industry is widespread all over the state, with breweries in Maine located everywhere.
Here’s a round-up of some of the best craft breweries to explore in the Lone Pine State, and they’re not all blueberry flavoured either!
What Is The Most Popular Beer In Maine?
According to Beer Advocate, the most popular beer is Dinner Maine Beer Company IPA, Imperial, 8.20% ABV. Another beer poll states Bissell Brothers as being the most popular brewery in Portland. So take your pick.
What Is The Oldest Brewery In Maine?
Incorporated in 1983, Geary Brewing is New England’s First Craft Brewery. It started a craft beer movement when it poured its flagship beer, Geary’s Pale Ale, in the winter of 1986 and since then has developed an extensive line of heritage beers brewed in open fermentation.
What Town In Maine Has The Most Breweries?
As the US city with the most breweries per capita, Portland, Maine is at the top of every beer lover’s must-visit list. To sample a bunch of Maine beers in one go, stop at Novare Res in the Old Port neighbourhood of Portland. From pioneers like Allagash to new brands like Bissell Brothers, Maine Beer Co., and Liquid Riot, the bar’s offerings will be varied and adventurous.
Beer festivals are big in Maine too.
What Are The Major Beer Festivals Or Events In Maine?
Three of the biggest include:
- Sat Jun 25, 2022. Great Falls Brewfest. Lewiston
- Sat Jul 23, 2022. Wavy Days Beer Fest. Scarborough
- Sat Sep 03, 2022. Skowhegan Craft Brew Festival. Skowhegan
Which Brewery In Maine Has The Best Food?
Bissell Brothers Brewing Company. This popular brewery offers not only great beer and ambience hands down but also fantastic food. They use as much local produce, meat, and seafood as possible with a menu featuring plates big and small. Offerings include sandwiches, tacos, salads, and charcuterie with options for those who eat vegan and gluten-free. Commitment to quality fresh ingredients and innovative flavours is their signature.
It’s time for the great ta-da moment with a list of the best breweries to visit in Maine.
What Are The 10 Best Breweries In Maine?
Here are 10 of the best breweries to get your hop groove on in alphabetical order, not in ranking.
Atlantic Brewing Company
Bar Harbor has biergarten-style tables indoors and a great outdoor beer garden. ABC is a worthy stop after a day’s hike at Acadia. Try their Bar Harbor Blueberry.
Allagash Brewing Company
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Allagash is arguably Maine’s biggest name in the craft beer industry. Allagash White, their flagship brew, is an infinitely drinkable Belgian-style witbier that has won numerous awards for many years. If you’re touring Portland breweries, you should not miss Allagash as it is one of, if not the, best breweries in Portland, Maine.
Baxter Brewing Company
The taproom retains all of the charm from the original mill building, while upholding the vision of modernity through its wood, brick and glass overall look. Beers to try include Logger Road, Staycation Land, and Coastal Haze, a year-round Hazy IPA.
Bissell Brothers Brewing Company
Bissell Brothers and their great beer has taken Portland by storm over the last decade. With a large taproom sited @ Thompson Point, the brewery is the perfect spot for lovers of all things hops. Try The Substance, Swish, or Angels with Filthy Souls. If you want to get adventurous, try the Spruce Tip Substance, an IPA brewed with foraged Spruce tips for the earthy notes. Note that Bissell Brothers Portland is open 7 days a week while Bissell Brothers Three Rivers is open Thursday to Sunday.
Definitive Brewing Company
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Definitive Brewing has two locations, one in Portland and one in Kittery. They brew excellent IPAs and session ales. They’ve seen a rapid growth in popularity as evidenced by the opening of the second taproom in Kittery in 2020. Try the Vanilla Superdome, the Entity, and the Contee.
Federal Jack’s
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One of the oldest brewpubs operating in the state, FJ’s boasts an amazing view of the Kennebunkport harbour from its second level deck. It’s the birthplace of Shipyard Brewing Company and has a full-service restaurant backing up its line-up of diverse craft brews. Grab a Bluefin Stout and the Brew Pub Poutine and call it a day. Flights are available too.
Maine Beer Company
Maine Beer Co.’s tasting room is ultra-modern, serving pizzas, salads, and beers named after meals of the day (lunch, dinner, etc.). Plus, Freeport’s a pretty town to visit in the Summer and Autumn colours.
Orono Brewing Company
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This brewery is home to some pretty powerful brews. Totally Tubular is a doubled-up version of its namesake, exploding with flavour from different hops. The University of Maine is a 20 minute walk from the brewery, so expect a student or two if you visit the taproom.
Oxbow Brewing Company
Weddings, DJ sets and arm-wrestling competitions are frequent activities for Oxbow Brewing out of Newcastle, Oxford, and Portland. At The Farmhouse, there are bike trails and logging roads for hiking. There is even cross country skiing on-site in the winter. The Oxford Beer Garden is a mile and a half from the Oxford Casino. At the Portland (Blending & Bottling) site, which is part event space, part art gallery, OBC shares a patio with Duckfact, one of the best restaurants in Portland.
Rising Tide Brewing
Rising Tide Brewing is a small-scale, family-owned brewery in Portland’s East Bayside neighbourhood. Their signature artisanal, hand-crafted ales like Daymark, Zephr, and Ishmael are well worth trying. Food trucks and live music can often be found in their tasting room.
If you find yourself on the East coast with some spare time, do venture up to explore Maine’s breweries. It’s a scenic state, got great outdoor activities and more brilliant beer than you could possibly imagine.