The Maine Beer Trail
The Maine Beer Trail connects more than 100 craft breweries, both inland and on the coast, and grows every year. You can find locally crafted brews in just about every corner of the state. Many breweries incorporate ingredients to make a uniquely Maine beer like The Maine Beer Company’s Post Ride Snack that has underlying notes of grass and pine, while Northern Maine Brewing Company uses locally grown barley and hops. Each craft brewery is dedicated to creating something that is simple, good and from Maine.
Maine’s largest brewer, Shipyard Brewing Company’s brews can be found in many restaurants throughout the state, but be sure to stop by their tasting room in downtown Portland where they host a rotating lineup of their core and seasonal offerings and feature new beers and pilot brews that have not yet hit the market.
You can create your own trail by selecting what types of breweries you want to visit: ones with tasting rooms and tours or that are family friendly. In Amherst, you can tour the Airline Brewing Company’s brewery for tours and tastings or visit their adorable English-style pub in Ellsworth. Some brewers find odd spots to ply their craft like Flight Deck Brewing in Brunswick that’s located in the former Small Arms Range of the Brunswick Naval Air Station, complete with old bullet holes.
Be sure to grab a Maine Beer Trail Passport when you begin your adventure and you could even earn some cool swag.