I'm looking for options on a pilsner, IPA, and a pale ale that isn't too hop intense. After much consideration, I'm leaning towards cans/bottles and not kegs. I can order beers through my caterer if they are widely available at bulk/whole sale rate, so I'm looking for good suggestions for high quality but also not crazy exclusive. How widely available is Moat Mountain in Maine? They have a Czech pils that seems to be highly thought of that I was considering. I'm getting married on MDI, if that makes a huge difference. I live in Boston but go up to MDI and that area a few times each summer, so I know how hard it is to get Bissel Brothers, Marshall Wharf, and MBC. I consider myself lucky if I come across their harder to find stuff.
Pale Ale Rising Tide Maine Island Trail Ale Pilsner Peak Organic Fresh Cut Also Baxter makes solid readily available beers. No pilsners though. Sebego too. My wife is from ME. Every family gathering we go to has Allagash White
Baxter Stowaway IPA Sebego Bonfire Rye Also Banded Horn is new and makes an IPA and Pilsner, but not sure how available it is for large amounts.
I second the suggestions above. Lots of great IPAs here, but you're right about high demand high demand: lunch, substance, epiphany. Rising tide's zephyr is fine, as are the options from Baxter Brewing and Peaks. Moat mountain is readily available in maine. Haven't tried their pils. Had Allagash white at my wedding - was a big hit, although it's very different from your selected styles.
Honestly if you went with kegs. You would get the rare beers easier. I know Bier Cellar gets logs of Bissell and I'm sure they could get MBC, RT, Foundation, and Allagash. Plus I've always heard its so much easier to get a log of beer than can or bottles. Once again in law party last year. They got a log of Allagash White, no problem.
Thanks for the tips - I do enjoy Stowaway IPA, that could be an option. I haven't had the Maine Island Trail yet, but cans have sprung up every where in Boston recently, so I'll have to do a little research. While I know Allagash Wit is a great beer, I just don't think it suits the crowd. The beer drinkers in attendance will either be pilsner guys or hop heads. The people that would enjoy Wit the most will probably be drinking wine or cocktails. Banded Horn could be interesting - I haven't had any of their beers yet, but it is good to know they have both an IPA and Pilsner that are potential options. I may reconsider the cans/bottles vs. keg decision, but the way the economics of it are working out (we have a smaller wedding crowd with mostly wine drinkers), it may just make more sense to do individual units that could be drank on my honeymoon on an the island the following week.
I know you mentioned Moat. Not Maine but they have enough styles to satisfy hop heads and pilsner drinkers. Iron Mikes is one of my favorite beers and I consider myself more of a hop head. The session IPA is good. Czech Pils, Hell Yes, and Bone Shaker are all beers I've completely enjoyed. Even the Blueberry is drinkable, more lager than fruit beer. Which is a good thing. Can't speak for Red Ale or Fest beer but I am sure they are solid. Finally can't beat the 16oz can format.
