Craft beer. There is one for every season. Summer time? Bring on the Pale Ale! Fall? I’ll take a Saison. Winter? A Porter sounds nice. Spring? Well how about an IPA?
Luckily, Portland, ME has become quite the Mecca for craft beer. Breweries have been sprouting here over the past few years like daffodils in the Spring. They come fast, and you’re happy to see them.
Some breweries to check out:
Oxbow Brewing (49 Washington Ave, Portland, ME). Oxbow has a wonderful tasting room where you can sample their beers and socialize with friends. With a variety of tasty options, their Farmhouse Pale Ale is one of the best!
Bissel Brothers (4 Thompson’s Point #108, Portland, ME). Bissel Brother’s has one of the best locations for a tasting room. Open Wednesday – Sunday to the public, Thompson’s point is located close to the water and also a popular venue for summer concerts in Portland. Bissel Brothers has many loyal followers in Portland, and rightly so! They’re Substance IPA is one of the best I’ve ever had. They are also located right next door to Cellar Door Winery – so there’s something for everyone!
Allagash Brewing Company (50 Industrial Way, Portland, ME). You simply cannot come to Portland, ME (especially during the summer) and leave without trying the Allagash White. This Belgian-style beer is perhaps the most popular in Portland, and it is one of the most complex and refreshing beers to taste in Portland. However, the real draw to visiting Allagash Brewing Company is free beer! That’s right, the brewery serves four beers on tap for free for everyone over the age of 21. There’s really no reason not to go…
Best bars serving craft beer:
Novare Res (4 Canal Plaza, Portland, ME). Novare Res is one of the most wonderful spots in Portland to enjoy a beer. This beer garden and taproom is hidden, however, you can access it off of Exchange St. in Portland right by the Key Bank (there is usually a sign outside to point you in the right direction). You’ll know you’re there when you see the large porch and if the weather is nice, people playing corn hole outside. Novare Res has arguably the most extensive beer menu in Portland offering many of Maine’s wonderful craft beers as well as international brews – a sure place to check out!
The Thirsty Pig (37 Exchange St, Portland, ME). The Thirsty Pig is a small bar off of the popular Exchange Street, and always has a wonderful selection of local craft beers. They also have a fantastic patio out back where you can kick back, enjoy a beer, and lounge in the sun.
And just in case you weren’t convinced already, check out this article where Portland, ME was rated the #1 city in the WORLD for Craft Beer – it’s no joke!
http://tides.bangordailynews.com/2016/04/15/home/portland-maine-ranked-top-craft-beer-city-in-the-world/
