Portland, Maine has become a beer lover’s paradise, with a thriving craft beer scene and a plethora of breweries to choose from. From classic Belgian-style ales to experimental IPAs, Portland’s breweries offer something for every beer enthusiast. In this article, we will explore some of the best breweries in Portland, ME, and what makes them stand out.

Allagash Brewing Company

Allagash Brewing Company is one of the most popular breweries in Portland, Maine. The brewery was founded in 1995 by Rob Tod, who had a passion for Belgian-inspired beer. Allagash has become known for its high-quality, flavorful beers and commitment to sustainability.

Allagash White

One of the most popular beers from Allagash is the Allagash White. This Belgian-style wheat beer is made with a blend of coriander and Curaçao orange peel, giving it a unique and refreshing taste. It has a hazy, golden color and a light, crisp finish. Allagash White has won numerous awards over the years, including a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival.

Barrel-Aged FPA

Another popular beer from Allagash is the Barrel-Aged FPA. This beer is a twist on the brewery’s flagship beer, the Allagash FV13. The Barrel-Aged FPA is aged in oak barrels, which gives it a complex and rich flavor. It has notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak, and a smooth, creamy finish. This beer is perfect for those who enjoy a strong, flavorful beer.

Allagash Brewing Company is committed to sustainability and has implemented several eco-friendly practices. The brewery has a solar array that provides a portion of its energy needs, and it recycles all of its spent grain and hops. Allagash also uses local ingredients whenever possible, supporting the local community and reducing its carbon footprint.

Website: https://www.allagash.com/
Address: 50 Industrial Way, Portland, ME 04103, USA

Bissell Brothers Brewing

Bissell Brothers Brewing is one of the best breweries in Portland, ME, and is known for its delicious IPAs. The brewery was founded in 2013 and is located in a 100-year-old former railway building on a small peninsula known as Thompson’s Point in Portland, Maine. Bissell Brothers is dedicated to changing people’s perceptions of what beer and the beer experience can be, while always staying true to their home state of Maine.

The Substance Ale

One of Bissell Brothers’ most popular beers is The Substance Ale. This beer is an American-style IPA that is known for its tropical and juicy flavor. It has a hazy appearance and a smooth mouthfeel, making it a favorite among IPA lovers. The Substance Ale has won several awards, including a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival in 2016.

Swish

Another popular beer from Bissell Brothers is Swish. This beer is a double IPA that is known for its hazy appearance and tropical flavor. It has a higher alcohol content than The Substance Ale, making it a great choice for those who like stronger beer. Swish has also won several awards, including a gold medal at the World Beer Cup in 2018.

Bissell Brothers is known for its hazy IPAs, and both The Substance Ale and Swish are great examples of the brewery’s dedication to this style of beer. If you’re in Portland, ME, be sure to stop by Bissell Brothers Brewing to try some of their delicious beers.

Website: https://bissellbrothers.com/
Address: 38 Resurgam Pl, Portland, ME 04102, USA

Lone Pine Brewing Company

Lone Pine Brewing Company is a well-known brewery located in Portland, Maine. They are dedicated to brewing high-quality craft beers, including hoppy beers, hard seltzers, and more. Lone Pine Brewing Company is a must-visit for beer enthusiasts visiting Portland, ME.

Oh-J

One of the most popular beers at Lone Pine Brewing Company is Oh-J. It is a New England-style IPA that has a hazy appearance and is brewed with Citra and Mosaic hops. Oh-J has a tropical flavor with notes of citrus and is highly recommended for hoppy beer lovers.

Portland Pale Ale

Another popular beer at Lone Pine Brewing Company is the Portland Pale Ale. This beer is brewed with Cascade and Amarillo hops, giving it a distinct citrus flavor. The Portland Pale Ale has a light and refreshing taste, making it perfect for a hot summer day.

Website: https://lonepinebrewery.com/
Address: 219 Anderson St, Portland, ME 04101, United States

Austin Street Brewery

Austin Street Brewery is a small-batch brewery located in Portland, Maine. They have a tasting room that offers indoor and outdoor seating, making it a great spot to enjoy a cold beer on a warm day.

Patina Pale Ale

One of Austin Street Brewery’s most popular beers is its Patina Pale Ale. This beer is a classic American pale ale with a citrusy and floral hop profile. It has a light and crisp body and a clean finish, making it a refreshing choice for any occasion.

Neverender

Another beer worth trying at Austin Street Brewery is their Neverender IPA. This beer is a New England-style IPA that is hazy and full of juicy hop flavor. It has a smooth and creamy mouthfeel and a slightly sweet finish.

Website: https://www.austinstreetbrewery.com/
Address: 1 Industrial Way UNIT 8, Portland, ME 04103, United States

Battery Steele Brewing

Battery Steele Brewing is one of the best breweries in Portland, Maine. They are known for their New England IPAs and experimental brews. The brewery is located in a former military bunker, which adds to the unique atmosphere of the place.

Flume

Flume is one of Battery Steele’s most popular beers. It is a New England IPA that is hazy and juicy, with a citrusy aroma and a smooth finish. The beer has won several awards, including a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival.

Onsight

Onsight is another popular beer from Battery Steele. It is a double IPA that is brewed with Citra and Mosaic hops. The beer has a tropical fruit flavor and a strong hoppy finish. Onsight is a limited-release beer, so it is only available at the brewery.

Battery Steele Brewing is a must-visit for anyone who loves craft beer. The brewery has a great selection of beers, and the atmosphere is unbeatable. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, you won’t regret stopping by Battery Steele for a pint or two.

Website: https://www.batterysteele.com/
Address: 1 Industrial Way Units 12 & 14, Portland, ME 04103, USA

Food and Beer Pairing

When it comes to enjoying a good beer, pairing it with the right food can make all the difference. In Portland, Maine, there are plenty of great breweries that offer a wide variety of beers to choose from, and there are also many delicious foods that can be paired with them.

Lobster Rolls and IPAs

One classic Maine dish that pairs well with beer is the lobster roll. This delicious sandwich is made with fresh lobster meat, mayonnaise, and other seasonings, and is typically served on a toasted bun. When it comes to pairing a beer with a lobster roll, an IPA is a great choice. The hoppy bitterness of the beer complements the rich flavor of the lobster, while the carbonation helps to cut through the richness of the mayonnaise.

Pizza and Stouts

Another great food to pair with beer is pizza. Whether you prefer a classic cheese pizza or something with more toppings, there is a beer that can complement it perfectly. One great pairing is a stout, which pairs well with the rich, savory flavors of pizza. The roasted malt flavors in the beer help to bring out the flavors of the pizza toppings, while the carbonation helps to cleanse the palate between bites.

Portland’s Craft Beer Scene

Breweries Per Capita

Portland, Maine has a thriving craft beer scene, with a high concentration of breweries per capita. In fact, according to a report by C+R Research, Portland has the most breweries per capita of any city in the United States. With a population of just over 66,000, Portland boasts an impressive 18 breweries, giving it a ratio of one brewery for every 3,667 residents.

Quality

Portland’s craft breweries are known for their high-quality beer. Many of the breweries in the city have won awards for their brews, including Allagash Brewing Company, which has won numerous awards for its Belgian-style beers. Other award-winning breweries in Portland include Bissell Brothers, Foundation Brewing Company, and Rising Tide Brewing Company.

Variety

Portland’s craft beer scene offers a wide variety of beer styles, from classic IPAs to experimental sour beers. The city’s breweries are known for their creativity and willingness to try new things, resulting in a diverse selection of beers. Some of the most popular beer styles in Portland include New England IPAs, stouts, and sour beers.

Special Events

Portland, Maine is known for its vibrant beer scene, and with that comes a variety of special events throughout the year. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the best breweries in Portland.

Events

One of the most popular events in Portland is the Maine Brewers’ Guild Summer Session. This event takes place in July and features over 30 Maine breweries, including many from Portland. Attendees can sample a variety of beers while enjoying live music and food from local vendors.

Another popular event is the Portland Beer Week, which takes place in November. This week-long celebration of craft beer features events at breweries and beer bars throughout the city. From tap takeovers to special beer releases, there’s something for every beer lover.

Beer Bars

In addition to special events, Portland is home to several beer bars that offer a rotating selection of local and regional beers. Novare Res is one of the most popular beer bars in the city, offering over 30 beers on tap and a large selection of bottles and cans. The bar also has a spacious outdoor patio that’s perfect for enjoying a beer on a sunny day.

The Thirsty Pig is another popular beer bar in Portland, known for its extensive selection of local and regional beers. The bar also offers a variety of sausages and other pub fare, making it a great spot for a casual meal.

Outdoor and Indoor Seating Options

Portland, Maine’s breweries offer a variety of seating options for visitors. Whether you prefer to enjoy your beer indoors or outdoors, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Outdoor Seating

Many of Portland’s breweries offer outdoor seating areas, allowing visitors to enjoy their beer in the fresh air. Some popular breweries with outdoor seating include:

Austin Street Brewery: This brewery has a spacious outdoor patio where visitors can enjoy their beer in the sunshine.
Root Wild: This brewery has a cozy outdoor seating area with picnic tables and umbrellas.
Rising Tide Brewing Company: This brewery has a large outdoor patio with plenty of seating and a view of the nearby railroad tracks.

Indoor Seating

For those who prefer to enjoy their beer indoors, Portland’s breweries also offer plenty of indoor seating options. Some popular breweries with indoor seating include:

Bissell Brothers Brewing: This brewery has a large indoor seating area with plenty of space for visitors to relax and enjoy their beer.
Goodfire Brewing: This brewery has a cozy indoor space with a fireplace and plenty of seating.
Shipyard Brewing Company: This brewery has a large indoor seating area with a view of the nearby harbor.

Overall, Portland’s breweries offer a variety of seating options for visitors, whether you prefer to enjoy your beer indoors or outdoors.

Nearby Attractions

Portland, Maine is a beautiful city that offers a variety of attractions for visitors to enjoy. From nature walks to beaches, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city.

For those who love nature, Portland has plenty of options. The Eastern Promenade Trail is a popular destination for hikers and bikers, offering stunning views of Casco Bay. The Fore River Sanctuary is another great option, featuring over 85 acres of wetlands and forests.

If you’re looking for some fun in the sun, Portland has several beaches to choose from. Old Orchard Beach is a popular spot, featuring a boardwalk and amusement park. Crescent Beach State Park is another great option, offering a more secluded beach experience.

Of course, no trip to Portland would be complete without exploring the city itself. The Old Port is a historic district that features cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and some of the best seafood restaurants in the city. The Portland Museum of Art is another popular destination, showcasing works from local and national artists.

Overall, Portland, Maine has plenty of attractions to keep visitors entertained. Whether you’re looking for nature, beaches, or city life, this vibrant city has it all.