Oxbow Brewing. Anyone been?

I stopped by for a growler last summer, and had a fantastic time sampling beers and talking to the guys. Can't wait to see the new setup whenever I make another trek up the coast.

 

Love getting and trying anything I can from them and I'll be going down there next month to finally check it out. Just really good beer.

 

Haven't been since Wednesday. Average every 2-3 weeks for the past year.

Tasting Room opened up on Halloween, now open 4 days a week.

 

If you like Saisons and hops, then Oxbow is for you. They have a very funky yeast strain going that produces interesting results. Some results are better than others, but the good ones are truly excellent. My faves are the Farmhouse Pale, Sasuga, and Freestyles 5, 6, 10 and 11.

The owners and brewers-- Geoff, Tim and Mike-- are great guys, very laid-back and generous. I've seen them around Portland a fair amount and they're always fun to talk to. Went to the brewery last summer and was treated very well. Planning a return trip soon to see the new tasting room!

 

I haven't been up to the tasting room, but have had a few of their beers down in Portland. They are putting out some amazing beer. I loved Freestyle #8.

 

Oxbow rocks. I love everything they do. The Barrel Aged Farmhouse Pale Ale kicks ass and the Freestyle Series just gets better and better. A TRUE Farmhouse Brewery!

 

Oxbow is my adopted brewery away from home. Nice folks to work with and they make excellent beers. Just up there last Friday buying a growler and a Barrel-Aged Farmhouse Pale bottle. Takes time to get there, but always worth the drive.

 

Sweet. Adding it to the list for next summer when I make my annual visit to Freeport.

 

OXbOW KILLS IT! True story. Their MID Coast IPA was scrumptious

 

Meh, I don't really care for those guys or the beer they make.

 

Heh. We all know who you are just from the pic.

 

Are they doing Arboreal again, or was that a one-and-done? The Barrel Aged Farmhouse Pale Ale is excellent. Any plans for bottle distro around Maine?

 

I actually think that their two IPAs (Chronic and Midcoast) are among the weakest things they've put out (but still pretty drinkable of course). Too much bubblegum and ripe fruit, not enough bitterness, pine or citrus, and also too muted overall. When they don't use their house yeast, brett or another Belgian strain, I feel like the beer doesn't fit in with the rest of the lineup, as was the case with the two IPAs.

 

My understanding is that Arboreal is going to be on ongoing series of beers. Not sure how much they plan to vary the styles, etc between batches though. All I can say is that Batch #1 of the Arboreal series was incredible.

I believe a bit over a year ago the Oxbow guys also brewed a brett only beer with Brian Strumke of Stillwater. Haven't heard anything about that beer but definitely want to sample once it is done. Anyone have any insider info to share?

 

Geoff posted a photo just this week of he & Brian Strumke at his place - why else would Brian be there, do you suppose they just brewed together again?

 

I think the photo your referring to was of Tim and Brian in front of the wood pile... that pic was from last year when they brewed a collaboration that has been quietly sitting in a wine barrel @ Oxbow. Ive been asking whats going on with it fairly regularly Eventually I think some will make it into a bottle !

 

I always get Tim & Geoff switched - you'd think I'd have it down by now...

 

That's the old pic of Tim & Brian that Mike liked, and thus popped back into the news feeds.

The wall o' firewood behind those guys is no longer there...windows and tasting room now.

 

I drink Oxbow for the love and appreciation of quality brew. Thank you gentlemen.