Best Breweries in Portland, Maine: A Craft Beer Guide

Portland, Maine, is a vibrant coastal city known for its rich history, stunning waterfront, and thriving culinary scene. However, it's the craft beer culture that has truly put Portland on the map for beer enthusiasts. With a remarkable concentration of top-notch breweries, the city has become a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the world of craft beer. Here are some of the best breweries in Portland, Maine, that you should add to your itinerary.

1. Allagash Brewing Company

Allagash Brewing Company, founded in 1995, is a cornerstone of Portland’s craft beer scene, renowned for its Belgian-inspired brews. The brewery’s flagship, Allagash White, is a classic witbier brewed with coriander and orange peel, offering a refreshing and complex flavor profile that has made it a favorite among beer enthusiasts. Allagash’s commitment to quality and innovation is evident in their diverse range of offerings, including the rich and spicy Tripel, the bourbon-barrel-aged Curieux, and various limited-edition releases that often push the boundaries of traditional brewing techniques. A visit to Allagash includes a tour of their impressive brewing facilities, where you can learn about their brewing process and sustainability efforts. The tasting room provides an inviting space to sample their beers, often accompanied by food trucks that offer delicious pairings. Allagash’s dedication to craft and community, coupled with their exceptional beer quality, makes it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Portland’s vibrant brewery scene.

2. Bissell Brothers Brewing Company

Bissell Brothers Brewing Company has become a sensation in Portland’s craft beer community since its founding in 2013. Known for their hazy, hop-forward New England IPAs, Bissell Brothers has garnered a devoted following. Their flagship beer, Substance Ale, perfectly balances hop bitterness with fruity and floral aromas, making it a standout in their lineup. The brewery’s location at Thompson’s Point features a spacious, industrial-style tasting room with a lively atmosphere, where patrons can enjoy a wide variety of beers, from robust stouts to crisp pilsners and seasonal specialties. The brewery is also known for its vibrant community events and food truck partnerships, creating a dynamic and engaging experience for visitors. Bissell Brothers' commitment to brewing excellence and their innovative approach to beer-making have solidified their status as a leading player in Portland’s craft beer scene. A visit to Bissell Brothers promises not only exceptional beers but also a memorable and energetic brewery experience.

3. Rising Tide Brewing Company

Rising Tide Brewing Company, established in 2010, is a family-owned brewery located in Portland’s East Bayside neighborhood. Known for its wide variety of beer styles, Rising Tide offers something for every palate. The brewery’s flagship, Maine Island Trail Ale (MITA), is a well-balanced American Pale Ale that supports the Maine Island Trail Association. Other popular offerings include the Daymark American Pale Ale, brewed with locally sourced rye, and the Ishmael Copper Ale, a smooth and malty amber ale. The spacious tasting room and outdoor patio provide a relaxed and inviting environment for sampling their diverse beer selection. Rising Tide is committed to sustainability and community involvement, often hosting local events and partnering with nearby businesses. The brewery’s dedication to quality and innovation, combined with its welcoming atmosphere, makes Rising Tide a must-visit destination for craft beer lovers exploring Portland’s thriving brewery scene.

4. Maine Beer Company

Located just outside of Portland in Freeport, Maine Beer Company is a beacon of quality and sustainability in the craft beer world. Founded on the principle of "Do what's right," the brewery is dedicated to producing exceptional beers while maintaining a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. Their flagship beer, Lunch, is a highly acclaimed IPA known for its bright citrus and pine notes, offering a perfect balance of flavor and aroma. Maine Beer Company’s portfolio also includes standout brews like Dinner, a robust double IPA, and Woods & Waters, an IPA brewed in honor of the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. The sleek, modern tasting room provides a welcoming space to enjoy their meticulously crafted beers, complete with a solar-powered setup and eco-friendly practices. Maine Beer Company’s focus on quality, sustainability, and community engagement makes it a must-visit for anyone interested in experiencing the best of what Maine’s craft beer scene has to offer.

5. Oxbow Blending & Bottling

Oxbow Blending & Bottling, located in Portland's East Bayside neighborhood, is the urban outpost of Oxbow Brewing Company. Specializing in farmhouse ales, Oxbow is renowned for its unique and complex beers that often incorporate wild fermentation and barrel aging. Their flagship, Farmhouse Pale Ale, exemplifies their expertise in creating balanced, flavorful saisons. The Portland location focuses on blending and bottling, offering a variety of barrel-aged and mixed fermentation beers that highlight their innovative brewing techniques. The tasting room has a rustic, cozy atmosphere with communal tables and a welcoming vibe, making it an ideal spot for savoring these distinctive brews. Knowledgeable staff are always on hand to guide visitors through the diverse offerings, which often include limited releases and experimental batches. Oxbow’s commitment to craftsmanship and creativity, combined with their intimate tasting room experience, makes it a must-visit destination for those exploring Portland’s craft beer scene.

6. Shipyard Brewing Company

As one of the oldest and most established breweries in Portland, Shipyard Brewing Company has been a significant player in the city’s beer scene since 1994. Known for their traditional English-style ales, Shipyard produces a wide range of beers that have become local staples. Their flagship beer, Export Ale, is a smooth and approachable ale that pairs well with a variety of foods. Shipyard is also famous for their seasonal brews, particularly the Pumpkinhead Ale, which is a fall favorite known for its spicy, pumpkin flavor and aromatic blend of spices. The brewery's historic location and welcoming tasting room offer a great spot to explore Portland’s brewing heritage, featuring a spacious bar and plenty of seating for tasting flights. Shipyard often hosts events and tours, providing an inside look at their brewing process and history. With its long-standing reputation and wide array of beers, Shipyard Brewing Company is a cornerstone of Portland’s craft beer landscape.

7. Austin Street Brewery

Founded in 2013, Austin Street Brewery has quickly made a name for itself with its innovative and well-crafted beers. The brewery's flagship beer, Patina Pale Ale, is a refreshing and flavorful pale ale with notes of citrus and pine, offering a perfect balance that has become a favorite among locals. Austin Street’s lineup includes a variety of styles, from hop-forward IPAs and rich stouts to crisp lagers and complex saisons, ensuring there is something for every palate. The brewery operates two locations in Portland: the original brewery on Industrial Way and a newer tasting room on Fox Street. Both locations offer cozy spaces to enjoy their beers, with the Fox Street location featuring a spacious outdoor patio perfect for sunny days. Austin Street Brewery’s commitment to quality and their innovative approach to brewing have solidified their place in Portland’s thriving craft beer community, making it a must-visit for beer enthusiasts.

8. Foundation Brewing Company

Established in 2014, Foundation Brewing Company is known for its dedication to brewing high-quality beers with a focus on balance and drinkability. The brewery’s flagship IPA, Epiphany, is a standout, featuring a complex hop profile with notes of tropical fruit and pine. Foundation’s diverse range of beers includes saisons, stouts, and lagers, showcasing their versatility and commitment to brewing excellence. Located on Industrial Way, the tasting room is a welcoming space where visitors can explore the brewery's offerings and experience the friendly, community-focused atmosphere. The tasting room frequently hosts events, including beer releases and food truck collaborations, enhancing the overall experience. Foundation’s approach to brewing combines traditional methods with innovative techniques, resulting in a lineup of beers that consistently impresses both locals and visitors. Their focus on quality ingredients and meticulous brewing processes ensures that each beer is a memorable experience, making Foundation Brewing Company a key player in Portland’s craft beer scene.

9. Liquid Riot Bottling Company

Liquid Riot Bottling Company is a unique combination of brewery, distillery, and restaurant located on Portland’s waterfront. Founded in 2014, Liquid Riot offers an eclectic range of beers, from hop-forward IPAs to rich stouts and barrel-aged specialties. Their waterfront location provides a scenic backdrop for enjoying their innovative brews, which are complemented by a menu of delicious food options. The brewery’s commitment to quality and creativity is evident in every aspect of their operation, making it a must-visit destination for craft beer enthusiasts.

10. Lone Pine Brewing Company

Lone Pine Brewing Company, founded in 2016, has quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality, hop-forward beers. Their flagship IPA, Brightside, is a perfect example of their commitment to crafting flavorful and aromatic beers. Lone Pine’s diverse lineup includes hazy IPAs, fruited sours, and rich stouts, ensuring there is something for every beer lover. The brewery’s East Bayside location features a spacious tasting room and outdoor seating, providing a relaxed environment to enjoy their excellent brews.

Portland, Maine, is a craft beer lover’s paradise, with a diverse range of breweries offering everything from traditional ales to innovative, experimental brews. Each of these breweries brings something unique to the table, making Portland a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the vibrant world of craft beer.

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