Hey. Taking a trip in early October to southern Maine (mostly Portland) and would love to hear any beer related stops I should make. So far, here is my list of stops roughly in order of priority: Allagash, Bissell, Oxbow (probably just the Portland tap room), Barreled Souls, Maine Beer Co., Austin Street, and Foundation. Is it worth taking the time to go to Funky Bow? It looks like an interesting operation. What about Hidden Cove? I'll definitely stop by Novare Res at some point, but are there any other bars I should seek out? What about brew pubs? Should I add or take anything off the list? I won't have time for everything so trying to sort out the most unique and highest quality stuff. Would also love any insight into releases that may be happening. Looks like Bissell has a special, unnamed beer they are releasing. Should I expect this to sell out right away? Any chance of an Allagash mixed/wild fermentation release? Looks like MBC's Dinner was released not too long ago, so no chance of that. Sorry for the ramble. Thanks in advance.
Funky Bow does not make anything worth the trip. I would say Tributary in Kittery and Stoneface in NH.
I think the only place I would offer for consideration for your Portland list would be Rising Tide. Also, I will just say that the meal I had at Fore Street was completely and utterly fantastic.
Fore Street is boss, we eat there every time we go to Portland. Which is sadly only about once a year!
Your planned list includes my favorite places to visit every time I am in Portland. It's easy (and very worthwhile) to visit Allagash, Austin St, Bissell, and Foundation since they are basically next to each other. The Oxbow tasting room is not far from Novare. Barreled Souls always has a great line-up. If I were going to skip anything, it would be Maine Beer Company because you can get most of their beer elsewhere, there is not much to see at the brewery, and the samples are pricey. However, if you are a big MBC fan and plan to stock up on bottles, you might feel it's worth it. Given time constraints and driving time, I'd suggest Liquid Riot, King's Head, or Little Tap House, which are all downtown near Novare, instead of Hidden Cove and Funky Bow. Bissell does sell out fast (cans of a special release might last a couple hours), but whatever they're selling will also be on tap at the brewery for tasting. You never really know what Allagash will be releasing until a couple weeks before, so keep an eye on their social media. If you are hungry when near Allagash, Great Lost Bear is nearby and always has lots of Maine taps. Bier Cellar store is in the area as well.
BAMF and Justin42, we already have a reservation for Fore Street. So thanks for confirming that it's worth it.
Thanks jbart. This is very helpful. Will definitely heed your advice. Re: MBC, I think you're right about this one and I'll skip it. I do enjoy their stuff, but my understanding is that we here (NYC) pay almost twice as much for a bottle, so I was considering buying a number of bottles. If I decide to do this, I think I'll do it at a retailer in Portland based on your comments.
If you're on vacation in October, a 20 minute hike up Bradbury Mountain is awesome and MBC is 14 minutes from the trailhead. Just did it on Monday and timed it. $6 week old lunch bottles, and brewery only stuff like nitro mean old Tom is standard. I hit MBC every chance I get. About 20 minutes further is Ebenezer's Pub in Brunswick or Sea Dog in Topsham (what the beers lack in greatness the brewery makes up in picturesque-ness), which are about 30 minutes from a beautiful drive thru harpswell and the giant staircase along the coast.
