Porch Beers II: 6 More Maine Craft Beers for Vacation
Craft beer is making such a splash here in Ogunquit that we couldn’t limit ourselves to just the five Maine breweries in our previous post — by popular demand, we’re back with six more places to explore and pour a quality pint. We think of these two lists, with 11 total craft beer makers, less as a definitive ranking system and more as a smorgasbord of southern Maine suds. Pick any Maine brewery, try a sample or two, and revel in the taste of vacation.
SoMe Brewing Co. – York
Just to our south in York, SoMe is small brewery putting out some big beers. Visitors to their tasting room can sample eight varieties, either in flights or larger samples, and order snacks, too. SoMe is so proud to be from southern Maine that our region’s traditions are making it into their beer titles — our favorite is Whoopie Pie Stout, the dessert beer to end all dessert beers.
Tributary Brewing Co. – Kittery
Kittery’s Tributary Brewing Co. might be a relatively new operation, but its brewmaster isn’t exactly green in the world of hops and barley. Ted Mott created the original Harpoon IPA and Portsmouth Brewery’s Kate the Great, and he’s since set out to make his own Maine craft beers. Tributary’s tasting room also hosts live music on weekend afternoons, making for a great afternoon trip.
Hidden Cove Brewing Company – Wells
Just up the road in Wells, Hidden Cove is, as far as we know, the closest Maine brewery to Ogunquit Beach. After long ago mastering mainstays like the Patroon IPA, they’ve been known more recently to experiment with unique ingredients like jalapenos. Hidden Cove’s tasting guides will tell you what to expect — bold or not — so you can stop in and try something new with confidence.
Earth Eagle Brewings – Portsmouth
Though not technically Maine beers, Earth Eagle’s offerings are well worth some Maine sipping. Portsmouth (along with York and Kittery) is directly on the way to Ogunquit from Boston and other points south, so you can stop and fill a growler on your way to The Dunes. Earth Eagle is no stranger to ironic naming schemes, dubbing their extra-special bitter ’merican Revolution (ESBs are of British descent).
Foundation Brewing Company
This small startup is producing impressive farmhouse brews in the midst of Portland’s exploding exploding craft beer scene. These Maine craft beers are inspired by traditional saisons, brewed to be light in color and alcohol but interesting in flavor. Foundation is actually on the same block as legendary Allagash Brewery, so you can easily sample both in the same trip.
D.L. Geary Brewing – Portland
Geary’s has solidified itself as another flagship in Portland’s fleet of brewers. The 20-30 minute brewery tours here, which include a tasting and souvenir pint glass, are a fan favorite. If you’re lucky, you can catch a local food truck or two set up right outside. There are so many other great breweries in Portland that we can’t possibly name them all, but if you’re planning a Portland day trip, filter your way through this comprehensive list.
Maine craft beers make great souvenirs to take home, but they make an even better evening treat while you’re staying at the beach. If sipping Maine beers on their home turf sounds like a good time, consider exploring our Ogunquit cottages and guest rooms.