I know there will be a large contingent driving from points-south for the MBC Dinner release on 12/6. I ask that you consider exploring the rest of Maine's burgeoning brew scene before you head home. Aside from the usual Portland suspects, there are three breweries I suggest you drop by. All open at noon on Saturday, all are a short hop off I-95, and all are well worth the diversion. First (North to South), Barreled Souls in Saco. Upstart, dedicated to barrel aging, great stuff, and the tap room is a great place to hang out. For me, Rosalita (Blonde with agave nectar and hibiscus) and Eat a Peach (sour wheat with peach) were stand outs, but something good across the taste spectrum. Barely figuring out how so put the beer in kegs, let alone bottling or canning. So (sorry) bragging rights only, no future trade whale bottles to be had. Second, Hidden Cove in Wells, rising from the ashes of Fire N Brew restaurant (Captain Dick's Brewery). They've closed the restaurant and converted the dining room into a barrel storage room. Never ate at Fire N Brew, but couldn't imagine a better use of the space. They have focused on Brett fermentation, and have a wide range of styles. Standouts include the Manhattan (cherries and bourbon barrel fermented), Jali (apricot jalapeno), A'rye (Rye IPA), and Harvest Bounty (wet hopped white IPA). Again, not bottling yet, but coming to Boston this week in kegs at a number of bar promotional events. Third, Tributary. 'Nuf said.
I'm going to be heading over to Bissel Brothers afterwards to hopefully grab some Substance. How soon they sell out of cans? And what is the price per case or 4pk? And do they accept cards?
Oxbow now has a tasting room in Portland!... and when you hit bissel you can easily hit foundation, and possibly Austin street which are all in same building plus allagash across the street for a great free tasting.. also downtown has bunker and rising tide which should easily eat up the rest of your day in southern maine.
Just went this past weekend for the first time, so not an expert but: On Black Friday they sold out at 2:30pm (open 1-6) $13/4-pack Yes they take cards.
