Portland Recommendations (2022)

You should have been at Foulmouthed in South Portland last November then. they had "Liquid Leftovers"!

 

@mrmattosgood this may be the first time we’ve disagreed about a Portland spot, so I’ll allow it.

 

Their Oktoberfest was excellent and the Pale Lager was solid. They had a pretty well rounded list when I was there, skewed towards haze, sure, but definitely variety.

Maybe I just went at a good time.

 

Does that mean you are driving from Portland to Montreal? Sounds like the ideal route to stop at Schilling in Littleton NH and HF in Greensboro VT on the way.

 

We cut Montreal, to be part of our Halifax trip next year.

We added Hill Farmstead and The Alchemist. We will be passing straight by Schilling, so that should be an easy addition.

Thanks!

 

I really don't think you should make strong recommendations about a place when you only sampled two beers. That's not fair. Everyone has their own opinions obviously. I've been there a few times and think it's great. Right now they have a sour, lager, 4 stouts, as well as hoppy stuff.

I've been to Austin St a few times and probably had about 15 beers. They are average to not good. I'm not planning to go back again.

 

I think that Mr. Osgood gives people credit and would take in all his information and opinions together in his posts. He is a writer so he can’t help but think most people pick up on those correlations.

I’m in your court on both Belleflower and Austin St. I liked Patina and Neverender a lot right out of the gate. Then I didn’t.

 

For me, Bellefower is a hard pass.

The IPAS look good, smell great, and have a terrific initial taste. The aroma is actually really good—smells like ultra fresh hops. The first hit to the taste buds is similar. Big, delicious and, as I said, fresh. As the taste progresses beyond the initial pleasing sensation, things start going sideways. The unpleasant texture and unpleasant astringency of all the hop matter overwhelms the rest of the taste profile, building to an unpleasant hot sensation that makes me want a sip of water immediately. The unpleasantness lingers on the palate and makes me wish I was drinking beer from another brewery.

Not interested in drinking beer that is 30% amazing and 70% unpleasant to the point of hard to finish.

 

I like Belleflower, and as I said earlier, I think they do more than one style well.

However, just my opinion, but I don’t really see that as variety. Even the lager could be seen as trendy (depending on the style).

Now, if it was an English Pale Mild on cask, a Belgian Dubbel, and a Hefeweizen, then I’d think there’s some variety. Again, just my personal opinion and tastes.

 

Belleflower and Austin St. inspiring some strong feelings! Who knew? I think they’re both worth a visit. Neither is my favorite.

 

If I don’t like the beers at a new brewery I typically try to go back a second time, preferably with some time in between so they can work the kinks out. Especially if it’s a brand new brewery that just opened.

Admittedly if there’s one place I may not follow the rule above, Portland would be it. There’s so many options in a small area, I have no issue crossing places off my list to visit.

That being said, you’re not likely to go to say, Notch or Tree House and have two bad beers. So there’s that.

 

So heading up to Portland Thursday for a concert. What is Bissell brothers like when there is a show at Thompson Point? Also other recommendations for hazies? Thanks.

 

Figured I’d post this here, another new brewery opening in East Bayside this weekend. Focusing on low ABV offerings:

Hi-Fidelity Beer Opens Friday
June 6, 2022 | Posted in OPENINGS
Hi-Fidelity Beer (website, facebook, instagram) is launching their East Bayside brewery and tasting room this Friday. They’ll be opening at noon and are located in Unit 6 of the Urban Farm Fermentory building at 200 Anderson Street.

Owners PD Wappler and Dante Maderal are focusing on low ABV beers. Their opening day line-up will include:

• Just Sound – a British ordinary bitter, 3.3% ABV
• Terribly Misleading – an American IPA, 4.7%
• Gunpowder Eyes – a smokey porter, 5.2%

Moving forward Hi-Fidelity will be open Thursday through Sunday, noon to 1 am, and Mondays 2 pm to midnight.


I find it interesting that it looks like they will be basically keeping bar hours as they are open late.

 

Never seen a show at Thompson's Point, but would recommend Belleflower and Goodfire if you're looking for NEIPAs.

 

Smart move I think to start given breweries in the area Rising Tide/Austin Street/ Belleflower/GoodFire/LonePine all closed by 9PM

 

Agreed.

If you're only up for a day or two it can be tough fitting in all your favorites in that short time span. Having an option for after dinner is something I might explore.

Heading up this week actually, definitely want to try to check them out.

 

First customer! British Ordinary Bitter. Come on by!