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Fridays This Winter

Jan 19, 2024 Feb 16, 2024 March 15, 2024 April 12, 2024

Pours & Pucks Guests Will Enjoy

Brewery + Distillery Visits:  Enjoy generous pours and a lively atmosphere at local favorites, Lone Pine Brewing & Three of Strong, whose craft creations are also a hit at the games.

Game Night:  Experience the thrill of hockey at its best with tickets to the Mariner’s game, featuring prime seats at Center Ice. Collect your tickets at the Box Office and dive into the excitement.

More Than Just a Game : Enjoying drinks is always better with some tasty food. We’ve got you covered with a hearty meal at the arena, including a sandwich, fries, and a drink. Capture the moment with a group photo on Center Ice and get in on the excitement with Chuck-A-Puck, where you’ll each get a chance to participate with a puck of your own.

Tour Details

Pick Up Time: 5:15PM

Pick Up/Drop Off Location: 1 Civic Center Square (Cross Insurance Arena / Center St & Free St Entrance) Portland, ME 04101

Each tour can host  12 spirited fans

( Private tours for any Mariners home game, available upon request )

Cost: $125 per person

Important Tour Information

• Your Maine Brews Cruise guide will have your tickets to the game
• Pick Up/Drop Off :  1 Civic Center Square (Cross Insurance Arena / Center St & Free St Entrance) Portland, ME 04101
• Our Vehicle : White Brew’s Cruise logoed van
• Free street parking begins at 6PM  – metered parking prior to 6PM is $2/hour. You can pay at a meter, or use the Park Mobile App.
• There are  numerous parking lots nearby ; they’re billed hourly. If you are in a UPP lot, please read their parking and payment instructions closely.
• Suggested street parking  near Cross Insurance Arena: Free Street, Spring Street, Fore St, Pleasant Street.
• Cross Insurance Arena does not allow in outside food/drink.  No canned beverages purchased on the tour can be brought into the arena.
• Game dates and times, tour venues, and tour details may change without notice due to unforeseen circumstances.

The Maine Brews Cruise and Freeport Wild Bird Supply are excited to resurrect our collaboration for three very special outings in 2024.

These unique, relaxed birding and beer-ing adventures that you have come to love combine great local birding at seasonal hotspots with visits to sample the delicious creations of some of our favorite local breweries. These tours are a perfect introduction to birding and/or craft beer, and a great opportunity to travel with significant others, friends, and family that have interest in one topic, while your interest is primarily in the other (for now!). Seasonal birding hotspots and great local beer – a perfect combination, and we’ll even do all of the driving!

Birds on Tap Kick-Off Thursday, April 25th, 2024 Warblers and Wort Sunday, May 19, 2024 Shorebirds and Steins Sunday, August 11, 2024 The Boat Trip! Sunday, October 20th, 2024

Birds on Tap Kick-off FREE Event! Date Thursday April 25, 2024

Derek Lovitch of Freeport Wild Bird Supply and Birding Guide for the Birds on Tap! Series will be joined by the Maine Brews Cruise team for a casual get-together of bird- and beer- minded folks. We’ll chat about the upcoming tour slate, the Birds on Tap! concept, and of course, birds! Learn more about the Maine Brews Cruise and the Portland Beer Hub and enjoy a flight of Maine-made bird-themed beers (available for purchase). And who knows, some bird trivia or other birding games might even break out.

Warblers and Wort Sunday, May 19, 2023 8:00am – 2:00pm

May means warbler migration, and the destination for Warblers and Wort will hit two of Maine’s most famous springtime migrant traps, Portland’s Evergreen Cemetery and nearby Capisic Pond Park. Two oases in the urban jungle, featuring water sources and a mix of various habitats, help concentrate migrant birds that found themselves in or over the city come sunrise. After migrating all night, tired travelers look for refuge: food, water, and shelter, and urban greenspaces are absolutely critical for refueling.

Warbler diversity will rapidly be increasing, up to 18 species possible by the middle of May, depending on the progression of the season. Other species, such as sparrows, raptors, and other Neotropical Migrants such as orioles and tanagers are also on the move, increasing our chances of seeing a diversity of species. If the cemetery’s apples and cherries are blooming, we may be in for quite a treat as these are absolute magnets for hungry migrants. Meanwhile, most trees have yet to fully leaf out, making them easier to spot! ​ It’s sometimes hard to leave Evergreen on a busy spring morning, but if we do, it will be for the very short trip over to Capisic Pond Park, where we’ll continue to seek migrants of all shapes and sizes.

After about 3 hours of birding, we will be transported to two of our great local producers to sample their offerings and learn their styles.

The samples are included in the tour price, and The Maine Brews Cruise will supply a light snack and water. Bring binoculars. We also recommend bringing a lunch or additional snack if you so desire. Light-colored, long-sleeve shirt and pants are highly recommended to reduce the nuisances of biting insects.

We’ll be doing all of the driving, so you can relax!

Meeting Location

• Meeting time: 8am
• opposite the intersection of Diamond St & Marginal Way
• just East of Franklin Ave.

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your departure time.

We’ll return to Marginal Way Park & Ride (Portland) at 2:00pm

Shorebirds and Steins Sunday, August 11, 2023 10:00am – 4:00pm​ ​

The original BoT Roadtrip! in 2015, our most popular tour returns to Scarborough Marsh at prime time for a good variety of migrant shorebirds. We’ll learn how to identify our common species, and search for the rare. Up to 20 species of shorebirds are possible! We’ll practice identifying our “peeps” (Least, Semipalmated, and White-rumped Sandpipers) and attempt to tease out a rare Western or even a Baird’s among the masses. We’ll look for local breeding American Oystercatchers and Willets, while searching for migrants such as Red Knots on their way from the high Arctic to the southern tip of Argentina.

And not to worry, we’ll take a look at everything else, such as Common, Roseate, and Least Terns; herons and egrets, and who knows what else? We may even get a chance to see Nelson’s and Saltmarsh Sparrows depending on time, wind, and tide.

After about 3 hours of birding, we will be transported to two of our great local breweries to sample their offerings and learn their styles.

The samples are included in the tour price, and The Maine Brews Cruise will supply a light snack and water. Bring binoculars and a spotting scope if you have one. We also recommend bringing a lunch or additional snack if you so desire. Sunscreen, a light jacket in case the wind turns onshore, and sturdy comfortable walking shoes are also recommended – we will be out in the sun for the duration of the birding portion of the tour.

• Meeting time: 10am

We’ll return to Marginal Way Park & Ride (Portland) at 4:00pm

The Boat Trip!  Sunday, October 20th 9am – 2pm

For the first time ever, Birds on Tap! is hitting the water! That’s right, we taking a cruise. And our goal is to find a rare bird or two.

This very special trip will take us across Portland Harbor to the private House Island. We’ve been granted special permission to come ashore and scour the island here in the first peak of the fall “Rarity Season.” We’ll follow well-maintained trails through the island’s mosaic of open habitats, scrub, and young woods. These are great habitats to search for vagrants and other seasonal rarities, and we’ve eyed the habitat from our birding days on Peak’s Island.

While rare birds are rare, we are still going to expect the unexpected. But more likely are regular migrants of the season such as a variety of sparrows, and a growing diversity of waterbirds. At the very least, we’ll have resident waterbirds and several species of gulls to sort through. We are having daydreams of a rare flycatcher!

As we motor across the harbor, we’ll begin to familiarize ourselves with some of the common waterbirds, such as Common Eiders and Common Loons to look at, while you enjoy a local craft beverage produced in the city of Portland.

The beverages are included in the tour price, and The Maine Brews Cruise will supply a light snack and water. Bring binoculars We also recommend bringing a lunch or additional snack if you so desire. Sturdy comfortable walking shoes are also recommended, as are a variety of layers as it can be quite chilly on the water by the end of October.

• Meeting time: 9am
• on street parking is available in Portland’s Old Port
• Fore Street Parking Garage – 427 Fore Street, Portland
• Fisherman’s Wharf – 202 Commercial Street, Portland
• Custom House Parking Garage – 25 Pearl Street, Portland

We’ll return to Portland Beer Hub at 2:00pm

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Blog Mentions

Exploring Portland: Tour the Town by Water, by Wheel, and by Foot

• Posted: June 13, 2023

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• wednesday Day Off
• Saturday 09:00 AM - 07:00 PM
• Sunday 09:00 AM - 07:00 PM
• Monday 09:00 AM - 07:00 PM
• Tuesday 09:00 AM - 07:00 PM
• Wednesday 09:00 AM - 07:00 PM
• Thursday 09:00 AM - 07:00 PM
• Friday 09:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Maine Brews Cruise

Maine Brews Cruise provides unforgettable tours and experiences showcasing Maine’s incredible craft beverage industry. Let us provide you a behind-the-scenes look at Maine’s craft breweries, distilleries, wineries, and more.

320 Fore Street Portland, ME

P. (207) 200-9111

Maine Brews Cruise was initially founded as The Maine Brew Bus in September 2012 by husband-and-wife Zach and Allison Poole.

Our all-inclusive tours and experiences provide guests a behind-the-scenes look at Maine’s craft breweries, distilleries, wineries, and more. Tour guests enjoy having an expert guide, and often a dedicated driver, to lead them to both established and up-and-coming producers.

This offers an opportunity to learn much more about the craft alcohol business than they could learn on their own.

Over 35,000 people have been connected to Maine’s craft alcohol producers since our tours began almost 10 years ago.

Visit us online for more information and to see a current schedule of tours and events.

• Old Port Walk, Talk, and Taste: $80
• Bike and Brews: $90
• Beerunch: $90
• Casco Fiasco: $110
• Local Pour Tour: $90
• Drinks About Town: $90
• Best of Portland: $85

Special Events

Upcoming events for Maine Brews Cruise.

Hockey Nights & Craft Beer Flights: Join the Pours & Pucks Adventure

Discover Portland’s Best Craft Drinks During Spring Break!

Seasonal birdwatching meets Portland Maine’s finest craft beers

Maine Brews Cruise

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Portland's Original Beer Bus Tour

Portland Pubs Walking Beer Tour

Portland's Best Craft Beverages Bus Tour

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Maine Brews Cruise - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Maine Brews Cruise

Review Highlights

“ Zach and Don helped us organize details before the event and made the day of experience so fun for our whole group. ” in 28 reviews

“ . Our stop at Bissel l brothers was first and we got to go in before the place even opened so that was cool ” in 6 reviews

“ Off to Foulmouthed in SoPo and then, Lone Pine, in East Bayside. ” in 4 reviews

Location & Hours

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320 Fore St

Portland, ME 04101

Serving Portland Area

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About the Business

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Zach and Allison P.

Business Owner

Craft Beverage Tours and Experiences in Portland, Maine. All-inclusive tours and experiences providing guests with a behind-the-scenes look at Maine's craft breweries, distilleries, wineries, and more. Over 35,000 people have been connected to Maine's craft alcohol producers since tours began over 10 years ago. …

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159 reviews

Staff was fantastic!! Everyone was so kind and this beer is SO GOOD ( I am from Texas and wish I could have brought a big thing back in my suitcase ) haha. I really enjoyed the Another beer, it was very light and fruity. Would be great in the summertime. I also had the Lunch, which was also very good. Did come by one thing I didn't like. Great space for events and fun games too! ( we played corn hole outside)

Had an absolutely amazing time through Maine Brews Cruise! Our safety was considered at all times, and the locations chosen were top notch venues! Learned a great deal about the world of craft beer, and considering we are from Wisconsin, that's a pretty big compliment! The hosts at each location were informative and friendly, and I couldn't recommend visiting them more! Relaxed and laid back and fun! Do yourself a favor and book a tour with them!

Bissell Brothers, Belleflower and Goodfire

Wonderful service with a true local flare! Lots of yummy beer. Thanks brews cruise guide Joe! .

We took this tour in February after seeing it on a list of top whatever things to do while in Portland that I found on Pinterest. It was nearly $100 a person but it was a fun experience and a decent amount of tasting. We had originally booked a Casco Fiasco Friday tour but were contacted to see about changing to another tour because we were the only 2 people booked for Friday. We ended up having to go with a completely different tour (Drinks about town) on Sunday to fit our schedule, but we did get $20 back. The result is that we got to go to a brewery, a distillery, and a place that made cider and hard seltzer. Super great experience and I would highly recommend. It was really cool how our group consisted of us from California, 2 people from Boston, 2 people from New York, and 2 people from Maryland (I think, I don't really remember) and they were all really nice and interesting. Great drinking buddies. Additionally, you also get an actual tour telling you about the history of the breweries and Portland. Great experience if you're looking for a splurge on your trip.

See all photos from Rachel J. for Maine Brews Cruise

Joe and Molly were great! Great beers, amazing beer knowledge, and great local knowledge!

I was very hungover from the night before a let me tell you something.. JOE AND DON AND THE BREWERIES BROUGHT ME BACK TO LIFE! They were the absolute best and I highly suggest if visiting or live in Portland you take this tour with them. There were 3 different groups on the bus and they brought us all together so it was not awkward. ( Toy Story ladies, Susan and Mike... WE MISS YOU! ) We went to Brissell Brothers (BBB), Belleflower and Goodfire Brewing. Each brewery had amazing options. Thank you for an amazing time and we are all hoping to come back to do it again! THE NJ BBB ladies love you all

A great way to see and experience Portland's incredible breweries. Definitely take a tour with them if you're in Portland!

Maine Brews Cruise was great to work with! The price of the bike and brews tour was great for everything we got (bike rental, numerous tastings at each business and a tour at the distillery). Our tour guide, Nathan, was a pleasure to work with and made the experience great! Thank you for making our vacation to Portland worth while!

Don was our tour guide and he was AWESOME!!!!! Friendly and very informative. We loved all the breweries and beers. Very thoughtfully planned out. I will be recommending to everyone!

a great way to spend 3 hour. solid choices of breweries and not a lot of talk about the science of brewing while still informative and entertaining

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• Friday Evening
• Mixed Spirits

DRINKS ABOUT TOWN

Wind down the work week and experience Portland's finest beverages during twilight hour!

Quick Details

• Clock Duration: 3 Hours
• Users Ages: Ages 21+ only
• Info Info: Bus Tour

Map Marker Pickup & Drop-off Location: Portland Beer Hub

AN EARLY EVENING TOUR HIGHLIGHTING PORTLAND'S FINEST BEVERAGES

Get ready for an exciting bus tour through the vibrant craft beverage scene of Portland, Maine. Our Drinks About Town tour is perfect for tourists, and locals who want to explore the local flavors and experience the best of what Portland has to offer.

Drink Generous portions of alcohol products made at each different location are included in the tour price.

Food A local snack will be provided to each guest during the tour.

Schedule Friday evenings from 5 – 8pm. Other days may be available for public and private tour bookings based on availability. Click here to view the calendar.

Our Drinks About Town tour will stop with various partners producing craft beer, kombucha, ciders, and spirits. Listed below is an example itinerary!

Lone Pine Brewing | Root Wild Kombucha | Bunker Brewing Company Plan to arrive at the meeting location no later than 15 minutes before tour start time for check-in and to ensure a timely departure for all.

Inclusions/Exclusions The live guided tour, safe transportation, reserved access at each location, alcohol samples, a local snack, and staff gratuities at each partner stop.

It does not include any gratuities for the driver and guide (unless chartered as a private tour).

• Chevron down Lone Pine Brewing

After working in the retail side of beer for over a decade, Tom Madden decided that the time was right to break into producing his own beer. A long-time home brewer and Certified Cicerone, he reconnected with his longtime friend John Paul who had been working in the music industry in California. Together, they opened Lone Pine in March of 2016 in a former countertop production space in Portland’s East Bayside and quickly enjoyed tremendous success and popularity. In 2018, Lone Pine moved their brewery into the former Sebago Brewing brewing facility in Gorham which has increased their production volume by ten-fold. They have also opened a spacious new tasting room at the new site allowing them to also expand their barrel program.

• Chevron down Root Wild Kombucha

Founded in 2018, Root Wild produces Portland’s finest kombucha. Kombucha is a craft alcohol product that is made with fermented black and green tea. The result is a pleasing low-alcohol base product, to which they add locally foraged fruits, herbs, roots, and more. The 12 taps feature the brewery’s “core flavors” of kombucha on draft: Wild Blueberry, Ginger, and Vanilla Rooibos, along with tasty flavors in seasonal rotation. Their goal is to blur the lines between their products and experiment with beer-kombucha blends. Root Wild is one of the first kombucha producers in the country to package their kombucha in 12-ounce aluminum cans to allow for greater distribution of their products.

• Chevron down Bunker Brewing Company

Originally based in a tiny, brick-walled former scrapyard building in East Bayside, Bunker Brewing Company has moved to a much larger former warehouse on the West side of town. Their creative brewers make a rotating assortment of ales and lagers, making this the perfect stop during which to ask the question, “What’s the difference between an ale and a lager?” Enjoy their spacious tasting room and outside patio while pondering that important question over a well-crafted Bunker beer.

Please note that tour stops may change without notice due to events and the availability of staff at each venue.

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New England Wanderlust

Maine  ·  March 2, 2023

21 Best Breweries In Portland, Maine You Have To Check Out In 2024

It’s safe to say that Portland, Maine is home to one of the most exciting brewery scenes in the U.S.! In fact, it’s often named as having more breweries per capita than any other city, which can make it overwhelming when you’re trying to decide which to visit during your trip.

Good news, I’m here to help! Having visited quite a few of them in my years of exploring New England (thanks to my beer connoisseur husband!), I’ve narrowed down the very best breweries in Portland, Maine to visit on your next getaway. Let’s get planning!

New England Wanderlust contains affiliate links, and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from any purchases you choose to make from our links, at no additional cost to you. For more information, please refer to our  Privacy Policy .

How Many Breweries Are In Portland, Maine?

The number continually changes, of course, but as of writing this post in 2023, there are over 60 breweries in Portland, Maine.

• Best Breweries In Portland, Maine

Okay, let’s get into the list! I compiled this list together with my husband, who, as mentioned, knows a lot about beer. We drew from our own experiences and tastings at each brewery, did a lot of research, and considered things like overall atmosphere and food (because, let’s face it, a brewery with good beer and a cool vibe gets extra points).

1. Bissell Brothers

It’s hard to say what my absolute favorite brewery in Portland is, but Bissell Brothers always comes to mind. It’s also a brewery that a lot of local beer tours include on their itinerary, which is another clue that this is one of the best. I love the beers here so much that we always have to make a stop at Bissell Brothers when we’re in Portland.

Known For: IPAs and porters.

Best/Most Popular : Swish Double IPA (worth the hype – order it!). A malt base with notes of citra, mosiac, and simcoe hops.

I Also Recommend: Angels With Filthy Souls, a barrel aged maple porter that I actually l like more than Swish, and check out the Here’s To Feeling Good All The Time IPA.

Brewery Highlights:

• Indoor and outdoor seating.
• No flights, but 6oz pours are available on request.
• Awesome food menu with comfort food favorites and home-made soft serve ice cream.
• Non-alchoholic drinks like ciders and seltzers available.
• Cans available to-go.

Location : Bissell Brothers is located in South Portland, close to Thompson’s Point, which is a cool waterfront area to check out that also has ice skating in the winter. So, you’ll have to drive, take an Uber or public transit to visit if you’re staying right in downtown Portland – but it’s more than worth it!

Bissell Brothers is also a short 5-minute drive to Fore River and Bunker breweries.

Parking Tips : A third party company owns the parking outside Bissell Brothers, and it’s all metered. Be sure to pay to park before heading inside!

Looking to do a beer tour in Portland? 🍺 This is the best option! 🍻 Click here to check rates and availability!

2. Belleflower Brewing

Belleflower tops almost all the lists of best breweries in Portland, Maine, and I have to agree! With a focus on small-batch, craft brews made with the best, local ingredients, you can taste the difference. This one is always worth a stop.

Known For : IPAs and stouts

Most Popular : Into The Kaleidoscope Double IPA

I Also Recommend : Grab The Good China, an Imperial Stout brewed with maple syrup and toasted pecans. This one’s our absolute favorite, and probably one of the best beers I’ve ever had!

• Small indoor seating area, medium outdoor seating that’s lovely in the summer and fall.
• No flights, but they offer 6oz pours.
• Light snacks available, and they sometimes have food trucks on-site for food.
• They allow you to bring your own food (or have it delivered!).
• Dogs are allowed on the outdoor patio.

Location : In the East End of Portland, and walkable to Lone Pine, Rising Tide, Austin Street, Goodfire, and Oxbow breweries.

3. Goodfire Brewing Company

Goodfire has two locations, and lucky for Portland, one of them can be found in the East End (the other is in Freeport!). This little brewery started as an at-home passion project in 2017, and and since flourished into one of the best breweries in the city that focuses on quality over quantity.

The tasting room is Portland has a rotating selection of 10 beers on tap, and this is an awesome stop to make while exploring the breweries in the East End.

Known For: IPAs

Best/Most Popular : Super Prime Double IPA

I Also Recommend : Moon Jellies Sour, which has notes of passionfruit and raspberry. Sours aren’t typically in my rotation, but this one was worth ordering.

• Indoor and outdoor seating available.
• No flights, but they have 6oz pours.
• Food trucks are sometimes on-site, but if not, you’re welcome to bring your own food.
• Parking is street parking.
• Dogs allowed in the outdoor seating area.

Location : In the East End of Portland, and walkable to Lone Pine, Rising Tide, Austin Street, Belleflower, and Oxbow breweries.

4. Battery Steele Brewing

One of the coolest things about Battery Steele (besides the great beers, of course!) is the location. It can be found steps from Allagash and a couple of others, making this a great one to add to your itinerary when in the area – but it’s also worth making a special trip. Especially if you love IPAs .

Their Flume IPA is a crowd favorite throughout Maine, so it’s worth a stop just to taste it for yourself fresh from the tap. Of course, this it’s worth sampling a few others while you’re here as well.

Known for : IPAs

Best/Most Popular : Flume Double IPA

I Also Recommend: Onsite New England IPA

• Indoor and outdoor seating available (some outdoor seating is covered if you happen to visit on a rainy day).
• Small, but fun outdoor seating vibe with corn holes, other games and fire pits.
• Flights available.
• Food trucks often parked in the area, and serving all the nearby breweries.

Location : In the Riverton neighborhood, which is about 20 minutes from downtown. Nearby, you’ll also find Allagash, Foundation, and Definitive breweries (as well as one of the Austin Street locations!) all within walking distance. In fact, many are only steps from one another.

5. Austin Street Brewery

With two tasting rooms to choose from, Austin Street has become one of the best breweries in Portland, Maine. While they’re known for their IPAs, what I love about them is that they really have a good repertoire of rotating brews, including Stouts and Pale Ales, all of which are great! While their IPAs definitely stand out to me, I honestly think you should try a variety during your visit.

Known For : IPAs and Pale Ale’s, but they really have a good selection of brews that are highly-rated.

Best/Most Popular : Offset Double IPA, as well as Patina, a Pale Ale with notes of citrus and pine.

I Also Recommend : Six Grain Milk Stout, which has notes of chocolate.

• Both locations have indoor and outdoor seating.
• A small food menu is available, and they sometimes have food trucks on-site.
• Dogs allowed on the outdoor patios at both locations.
• Cans available to-go at both locations.

Location : One tasting room is located in Riverton, close to Allagash, Battery Steele, Foundation, and Definitive breweries. The other is in the East End, close to Lone Pine, Rising Tide, Goodfire, Belleflower, and Oxbow breweries.

6. Foundation Brewing Company

In the little Riverton beer corridor (as I’ve decided to call it), close to Allagash and a few other breweries, you’ll also find Foundation Brewing. And it’s definitely worth a stop if you’re in the area! I’m not normally a fan of Brown Ales, but I actually really like their Burnside, which is worth a sip. But this is another brewer that really offers a up a variety of styles, so a flight is definitely the way to go.

Known For : IPAs, Sours, Stouts, Porters – honestly, they kind of do it all!

Best/Most Popular: Epiphany Double IPA

I Also Recommend : Burnside, a Brown Ale with notes of coffee, chocolate and burnt sugar.

• Outdoor seating is often open in the winter, with fire pits and heat lamps.
• Dogs allowed in the outdoor seating area!
• Awesome food menu which features Detroit-style pizzas (so yum!), and also has things like tacos and soft pretzels.

Location : In in Riverton, close to Allagash, Battery Steele, Austin Street, and Definitive breweries.

7. Lone Pine Brewing Company

One of my favorite brewery vibes in Portland can be found at Lone Pine Brewing, and the beers are equally as great. They have a really nice outdoor seating area with a bar, making it easy to order drinks, and they do an awesome job with creative and unique flavors.

And guys, they serve up their flights on little skis! I’m just going to let that one speak for itself with a photo 🙂

Known For : IPAs, Stouts and Sours

Best/Most Popular : Oh-J Double IPA

I Also Recommend : Holy Donut Lemon Glaze Sour, which has notes of citrus, lemon meringue and marshmallow (so good!), and Cloud Cake Milkshake IPA, which features notes of lemon meringue, pineapple and vanilla frosting.

• Indoor and outdoor seating available with fire pits outdoors.
• Flights available, and served on little skis! Definitely have your camera ready.
• Not sure if this is intentional, but it smelled beautifully of fresh cut pine here, and I was very into it.

Location : In the East End of Portland, and walkable to Belleflower, Rising Tide, Austin Street, Goodfire, and Oxbow breweries.

8. Fore River Brewing

A great brewery in South Portland, Fore River has a fun little outdoor area that’s perfect for sippin’ and stayin’ a while, and the beers are, of course, awesome. IPAs and Stouts are what shine at this brewery, and this is also a location where your furry friends are allowed both inside and outside.

Known For : IPAs and Stouts

Best/Most Popular : Estruary Double IPA

I Also Recommend: John Henry Milk Stout, that’s poured on nitro in the tasting room, so this is a good one to order in person. It has notes of coffee, chocolate and caramel.

• Light snacks and non-alcoholic drinks available.
• Foods like soft pretzels and specially-flavored whoopie pies available on weekends (check their Instagram page for updates).
• Dogs allowed in the outdoor and indoor seating areas!

Location : In South Portland, and is a 5-minute drive from Bissell Brothers and Bunker breweries.

9. Allagash Brewing

You can’t talk about the best breweries in Portland, Maine and not mention Allagash, right? This is probably the most well-known brewery in the city, and arguably, Maine. And it continues to be a stand out, especially for their atmosphere.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Allagash Brewing Company (@allagashbrewing)

Allagash has one of the best outdoor spaces of any brewery in Portland, and it’s also large, so you have a higher chance of getting a table. Their outdoor seating area has a bar for easy drink ordering, and their indoor space is also really cool. They also have a pretty great food menu.

While personally, the beers at Allagash aren’t my favorite because I’m just not an Ale person, the beers are worth sampling if you do love Ales (or even if you don’t, because Allagash may change your mind!). But I’d happily come here any day for a relaxing afternoon outside with great food.

Known For: Ales and Belgians

Best/Most Popular : Curieux Belgian Tripel, a bourbon barrel-aged Golden Ale.

I Also Recommend : North Sky, a Stout with notes of fruit and roasted malt.

Brewery Highlights :

• Indoor and outdoor seating available, with an awesome outdoor bar.
• Great food menu from Bite Into Maine’s food truck, which features lobster rolls, soft pretzels, sandwiches and more, and also features a special Allagash beer-infused whoopie pie!
• You can also choose to bring your own food.
• Completely dog-friendly.
• Flights have been discontinued, and the smallest size pour they offer is 8oz.

Location : In Riverton, close to Austin Street, Battery Steele, Foundation, and Definitive breweries.

10. Oxbow Brewing

Oxbow has a few locations around Maine, and their taproom in Portland is awesome! They have a great indoor seating area, with a cute outdoor patio, and their brews are impressive. This is where to come if you’re looking for the best Farmhouse Ales in the city.

Known For : Farmhouse Ales/Saisons and Sours

Best/Most Popular : Catalyst Farmhouse Saison, which is a Farmhouse Ale brewed with honey.

I Also Recommend : Arboreal, an American Sour aged in bourbon barrels.

• Indoor and outdoor seating area, with a decently spacious indoor area. The indoor seating area is actually really cool, and one of my favorites in the city.
• Cute little chalet-style outdoor covered seating (they only have two of these, but they’re awfully cozy if you can snag one!).
• Outdoor bar that’s open seasonally.
• No food available, but the Duckfat Frites Shack takeout window is pretty much in their outdoor seating area, making it easy to fuel up.

Location : In the East End of Portland, and walkable to Belleflower, Rising Tide, Austin Street, Goodfire, and Lone Pine breweries.

Tip : If you’re exploring Maine, you may also want to check out their Oxford Beer Garden location, which is especially cool in the winter. They’re close to some cross-country and snowshoe trails, and they have those cozy chalets, fire pits and more for the perfect apres-ski vibe.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Oxbow Beer Garden (@oxbowbeergarden)

11. Liquid Riot Bottling Company

Located right on the water in the Old Port neighborhood is Liquid Riot Brewing, and this is an awesome brewery to check out while you’re exploring downtown Portland. Not only does it have a great taproom with a very cool atmosphere, it also has beautiful views of Portland Harbor, and of course … delicious beer.

But the unique thing about Liquid Riot is that because they’re also a distillery, they have cocktails on their menu. If someone in your group is gluten-intolerant or doesn’t like beer, this is the perfect place to make everyone happy. Between all that, and their amazing food menu, it’s a win for everyone.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Liquid Riot Bottling Co. (@liquid_riot)

Known For : IPAs

Best/Most Popular : NSFW Triple IPA

I Also Recommend: Mocha Stout, with notes of coffee and cacao nibs.

• Indoor and outdoor seating available, with more space indoors (the indoor seating is actually pretty great here!).
• Outdoor seating has views of the harbor.
• Awesome food menu with appetizers, snacks, tacos and sandwiches.
• Cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks available.
• Cans/bottles available to-go.

Location : Right in downtown’s Old Port neighborhood, and a 15-minute walk from Banded Brewing.

12. Rising Tide Brewing

There are actually quite a few beers at Rising Tide that stand out, making it one you don’t want to miss while exploring all the best breweries in Portland! The best thing to do here is to start with a flight and sample a variety of flavor profiles and pick your favorite because, I guarantee, it’ll be tough to do.

Known For : IPAs, Sours, Porters, Stouts (another one that really does it all, and well!)

Best/Most Popular : Cutter Double IPA

I Also Recommend: Nikita Russian Imperial Stout, Wicked Whoopie Imperial Stout (be sure to order a whoopie pie to go with it!).

• Indoor and outdoor seating available, both of which are pretty spacious for being right in the city.
• Dogs allowed in the outdoor seating area (they even offer dog treats!).
• Cider and other non-alcoholic drinks available.
• Food available from their own kitchen, serving up pub-style snacks, sandwiches and whoopie pies.

Location : In the East End of Portland, and walkable to Lone Pine, Belleflower, Austin Street, Goodfire, and Oxbow breweries

13. Bunker Brewing

Bunker Brewing is another worthy competitor in the South Portland brewing scene, and does a great job with different varieties including IPAs, Stouts and more. They also have a nice indoor and outdoor seating area, making this a wonderful place to hang out on a chill afternoon.

Known For : IPAs, Stouts, Pale Ale’s, Lagers

Best/Most Popular : Terrarium IPA

I Also Recommend: Dark Wave Baltic Porter

• Indoor and outdoor seating areas.
• 4oz, 6oz, and 8oz pours available.
• Food trucks usually on-site for food and snacks.
• They do host private events, so be sure to check ahead that they’re open.

Location : Technically in Libbytown, but generally in the South Portland area, and only a 5-minute drive from Bissell Brothers and Fore River breweries.

14. Batson River

Another brewery that’s also a distillery, Batson River has one of the coolest indoor spaces you should definitely visit during your time in Portland. While the beers here are good, I do actually think their spirits and cocktails are even better. But, it’s really hard to not include them on this list simply for atmosphere, food and vibes alone.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Batson River (@batsonrivermaine)

Known For : Lagers, IPAs

Best/Most Popular : Session IPA

I Also Recommend: Citrana Neipa IPA, which is somehow hoppy and fruity all at once, and was surprisingly good!

• Takes reservations!
• Probably the coolest vibe of all the places on this list.
• Amazing food menu, which includes snacks, pizzas, entrees and desserts.
• Wonderful cocktails.
• Also serves brunch.
• Batson does an awesome job during the holidays, too, and their Holiday Camp should not be missed if you visit this time of the year!

Location : In the Bayside neighborhood, and is a short walk from Banded Brewing. It’s also only a 15-20 minute walk from the Old Port district.

Tip : Batson River has a few locations in Maine, including Kennebunkport, Biddeford, and Wells. If you happen to visit Maine in the winter, definitely consider the 30-minute drive to Kennebunkport to have drinks and snacks in their adorable little private fish shacks! But all the locations are amazingly fun and cozy.

15. Banded Brewing

Even though it’s a bit far from most other places on this list, Banded Brewing shouldn’t be skipped! With fun indoor and outdoor seating areas and great brews, this is another awesome stop to make while touring the best breweries in Portland, Maine.

Best/Most Popular : Daikaiju Double IPA

I Also Recommend: Jolly Woodsman Coffee Stout, which has notes of chocolate, orange, cacao, and cranberry.

• Indoor and outdoor seating available, with fire pits in their outdoor seating area.
• Completely dog-friendly!
• No food served, but light snacks like popcorn available.
• Allowed to bring your own food.

Location : Also in the Bayside neighborhood, and is a short walk from Batson River. They also have a location in Biddeford.

16. Definitive Brewing Company

Lastly for breweries right in Portland is Definitive Brewing, which is a great one to visit that specializes in IPAs. This one is also close to the Allagash brewery circuit in Riverton, making it easy to squeeze into your itinerary. Of course, the brews are worth a visit alone, too.

Best/Most Popular : Particles IPA

I Also Recommend: Double Stuffed Milk Stout, with notes of chocolate sandwich cookies.

• No flights, but they offer 5oz pours.
• Dog-friendly!
• Food trucks on-site, and their website does a great job letting you know which will be there during your visit.
• Wine, ciders and non-alcoholic drinks available.

Location : In Riverton, close to Allagash, Battery Steele, Austin Street, and Foundation breweries.

Best Breweries Near Portland, Maine

While Portland proper is packed with breweries, some of the best ones in the area are just a short drive away, and it felt wrong to exclude them from this list. All of these are 30 minutes or less from Portland’s downtown, and are more than worth your time. Here are the best breweries near Portland, Maine you should definitely add to your itinerary!

17. Barreled Souls Brewing Company – Saco

Barreled Souls is such a cool little brewery in Saco, and has a really fun “underground” vibe to it. Walking in, you almost feel like you’re part of a secret club that happens to serve awesome beer.

All that aside, this brewery balances flavors really well, and I highly suggest you get a flight of small pours and try an IPA, a sour and two stouts (because honestly, I think stouts are where it’s at for these guys).

While they have both indoor and outdoor seating, you’ll definitely want to head indoors and check out their cool barrel chairs!

Known For : IPAs and Sours

Best/Most Popular : Hip Hops Are F*cking Dead Triple IPA and Dark Matter Stout

I Also Recommend: Stout ME with notes of raspberry jam and vanilla (this was honestly shockingly amazing!), and V For Vanilla.

• Flights of 4oz pours available.
• Bottles and cans available to-go.

18. Maine Beer Company – Freeport

Maine Beer Company pretty much kills it when it comes to vibes and awesome beers, so this had to make my list of the best breweries in Portland, ME! Only a 20-minute drive from downtown Portland, the tap room here is expansive and inviting, while still being really cool and modern.

And the beers? Well, they’re pretty amazing, and were also an immediate stand out when we first visited.

Known For : IPAs and Pale Ales

Best/Most Popular : Dinner, a Double IPA

I Also Recommend: While you’re at it, grab Lunch, too! Lunch is an IPA, in case that was confusing 🙂

• Huge indoor space, with covered outdoor seating, too.
• They take reservations!
• Great food menu with wood-fired pizzas, snacks and salads. A lot of people just come here to eat.
• Bottles available to-go.

Location : Maine Beer Company is only a 5-minute drive from the L.L. Bean Flagship store and campus.

19. Mast Landing Beer Company – Westbrook

Mast Landing has 3 locations, one of which is in South Portland, but the Westbrook taproom is the original, and I think it’s actually worth venturing out of the city for. With a bigger seating area (both indoors and outdoors), it feels more like a destination when you’re in Westbrook.

And the beers are wonderful, of course. This is another brewery that offers a wide variety of styles, so flights here are recommended to have a well-rounded experience.

Best/Most Popular : Gunner’s Daughter Milk Stout

I Also Recommend: Shake Up Your Bones Double IPA

• Small snacks menu, but outside food is welcome.
• They host trivia nights and have live music, too. See their website for updates!

Location : There are two other Mast Landing locations: South Portland and Freeport. So, you can still taste the beers if you happen to be in Portland, and the South Portland location is also right next to Cape Whoopies.

20. Blaze Brewing Company – Biddeford

One of the best breweries near Portland, Maine is Blaze in Biddeford, and guys, they have a sour here that’s really good. And as mentioned, I’m not normally a sour beer person, so that means a lot coming from me. Be sure to check out the recommendations below to make sure you try it during your visit.

And while I was impressed with their sours, they also make some really awesome IPAs, and know how to blend flavor profiles together very well.

Known For : Sours and IPAs

Best/Most Popular : Blazing Love Blueberry Cobbler Sour. This was another sour that totally surprised me (in the best way possible) since I usually don’t love them.

I Also Recommend: Percolate Imperial Stout

• Indoor and outdoor seating available, which sits along the river.
• Nice food menu with appetizers, salads, sandwiches, wood-fired pizzas and even entrees.
• Cider and non-alcoholic drinks available.

21. Flight Deck Brewing – Brunswick

Okay, so Flight Deck is 35 minutes outside of Portland, but it’s definitely worth the drive! Between the awesome beers on tap, the beautiful indoor seating area and the even better outdoor seating options, a visit to Flight Deck feels like a relaxing escape from the city.

Flight Deck also gets bonus points for making all their beers with 100% renewable energy via solar panels and anaerobic digestion.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Flight Deck Brewing (@flightdeckbrewingco)

Known For : IPAs, Ales

Best/Most Popular : Wings New England IPA

I Also Recommend: Breaking The Sour Barrier, which has notes of plum and apricot.

• Indoor and outdoor seating available, including nice Adirondack chairs outdoors with fire pits.
• Completely dog-friendly (indoors, too!).
• Hand-stretched, wood-fired pizzas available to order.
• Heated huts available to reserve ahead of time seasonally (including in the winter).
• Cans and pizza available to order online.

I’m Still Overwhelmed! What Are The Top 5 Breweries In Portland?

If I had to narrow it down to a Top 5, I would say these are my personal picks for the best breweries in Portland, Maine:

• Bissell Brothers
• Belleflower
• Barreled Souls
• Maine Beer Company (I know this one is outside Portland, but man, it’s really fun to visit with awesome beer!)

Where To Stay In Portland To Tour Breweries

A large amount of the breweries on this list are located on the East End of Portland, with a few in Old Port, South Portland, and then, some that are outside Portland, but within a 30-minute drive.

If your main focus is visiting Portland to tour the breweries, I think staying in the East End is a great idea because you’ll be within a short walking distance to several breweries including Lone Pine, Baston River, Oxbow, Belleflower and Rising Tide.

Old Port is also a great choice if you’re visiting for a mix of everything that also includes breweries. Old Port is where I recommend that most people stay because it’s home the most iconic sites and streets in Portland, great restaurants and attractions – including cool waterfront views.

There are a few breweries on this list in Old Port, including Liquid Riot and Banded Brewing, and you’re only about a 20-minute walk (maybe less) to all the breweries in the East End.

Tips For Visiting Portland Breweries

• Be sure to drink responsibly! While many of the best breweries in Portland, Maine can easily be walked to, some may require driving. Be sure to have a designated driver if that’s the case. If you can’t, check out this tour option instead , or rely on Ubers/public transportation.
• Don’t plan to visit more than 2-3 per day. After that, your palette won’t be able to distinguish flavor profiles as much, and they’ll likely all start to taste the same, which takes a lot of the fun out of it.
• All the breweries will have water available, so be sure to stay hydrated (especially if you’re visiting Maine in the summer! ).
• Keep in mind that not all of the above recommendations and best sellers will be available on tap. Usually, the most popular beers are on tap, but since great breweries know to only serve what’s fresh, they may not have it available. This is your sign to try some others and find the next best brew!
• When in doubt, ask the bartenders for recommendations.

More Of My Maine Travel Guides:

• Maine In November: Is It Worth Visiting?
• Maine In The Spring: Where To Go & What To Do
• Maine In October: Best Fall Foliage Spots & Things To Do
• The Best Acadia National Park Itinerary
• Maine In The Winter
• Portland, Maine In The Winter
• Best Stops To Make On A Portland, Maine To Acadia National Park Road Trip
• Where To Find The Best Whoopie Pies In Maine
• Best Day Trips From Portland, Maine
• The Best Maine Lighthouse Road Trip Itinerary
• My Unforgettable Boston To Bar Harbor, Maine Road Trip Itinerary

That’s A Wrap On The Best Breweries In Portland, Maine

And there you have it – you’re now ready to plan the most epic brewery tour around Portland, which is literally one of the best cities in the U.S. for sipping on brews. Whether you’re looking for a fun brewery to chill at in the afternoon, or you’re planning a mini pub crawl, one thing’s for sure – it’s going to be amazing!

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Portland, Maine, Brewery Tours

Price & Hours

• Facilities 4.5
• Atmosphere 4.5

U.S. News Insider Tip: For nondrinkers or those looking to take a booze break, check out places like Root Wild Kombucha and Urban Farm Fermentory . They offer a range of nonalcoholic and alcoholic drinks with atmospheres comparable to the breweries nearby. – Mariya Greeley

Beer is to Portland is what lobster is to Maine. If you visit without sampling some brew, you're missing out. Portland is considered by experts to be one of America's best beer cities thanks to its large crop of local brewers as well as its role in the microbrew movement. For a city with a population of a little more than 68,000, its nearly 20 breweries offer plenty of choices for both residents and visiting beer enthusiasts.

If you're looking for a guided experience, Maine Brews Cruise is highly rated for its knowledgeable guides and ample selections of beer. For those who want to brewery hop on their own, Allagash , Shipyard , Bissell Brothers and the family-owned Rising Tide , are some of the city's most popular breweries. Allagash is consistently recognized as Portland's best by both experts and travelers alike. The brewery stands out for helping reintroduce Belgian-style brews to the country in the mid-'90s and is considered a leader in the microbrew movement.

Prices and hours vary depending on the brewery. Though there are breweries scattered throughout Portland, there are several significant walkable clusters. One is the East Bayside neighborhood of Portland, home to Rising Tide and five or so other breweries within about half a mile of each other. Another is on Industrial Way, toward the outside of Portland. Industrial Way hosts about four breweries, including Allagash and The Cellars at Allagash , where beer enthusiasts and novices alike can enjoy a 90-minute, five-pour tasting experience for $38 per person.

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#1 Old Port

U.S. News Insider Tip: Don't miss Wharf Street in Old Port, which has an eclectic mix of bars and restaurants along its pedestrian-only cobblestone street. Try Street & Co.'s upscale seafood, The Independent Ice Co.'s fine whiskeys and the Bar of Chocolate's specialty martinis and sweets. – Mariya Greeley

This downtown neighborhood is considered the city's center and bustles with things to do left and right, all the while gracefully maintaining its historical facade. The area is lined with cobblestone streets and 19th-century warehouses, and with the wharf just steps away on Commercial Street, the city's heyday as a world-renowned port town is easily felt. Tourists can benefit from ferries and cruise experiences, as well as the delectable catches aboard the lobster boats that dock there daily.

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• Walk this Way

A Walkable Guide to Portland, Maine’s East End Breweries

It doesn’t take long to get a feel for Portland, Maine. As you walk the streets of the tourist-intensive Old Port district, your senses are piqued by the salt-laced air and high-pitched shrill of the ever-present seagulls. Fishing boats bob on their waterfront docks. Scores of local seafood eateries are ready to curb your craving for a lobster roll or fried clam plate accompanied, of course, by a local beer.

Portlanders love their locally-produced brews. The seaside city was a pioneering force in the East Coast craft beer crusade and the brewing scene has only gained momentum. High-profile Portland breweries such as Allagash Brewing and Maine Beer Company have been joined by an expanding collection of upstart beermakers, elevating the coastal community to a premier beercation destination.

(BEER TRAVEL: Plan a Brewery Road Trip )

The brewery walking tour described below begins just east of Portland’s Old Port and takes you across the Portland Peninsula, with visits to four breweries. The total distance is just over a mile.

Shipyard Brewing

A wily veteran of Maine’s craft beer scene, Shipyard Brewing began life in a former shipyard in 1992 and moved to its current large production facility two years later. The business has grown into Maine’s largest brewing operation, and 28th nationally.

The expansive gift shop is evidence of the brewery’s popularity among tourists. Hour-long tours are offered Wednesday through Saturday. While many breweries who are a similar size as Shipyard have installed highly-automated brewing systems, the Shipyard system remains a largely hands-on operation. Of special interest are the rarely-seen open fermenters, ranging in size from 50 barrels to an impressive 300 barrels.

(FALL SEASONALS: Oh My Gourd: Offbeat Pumpkin Beers for 2017)

The tasting room dispenses over a dozen mostly session-strength beers. The brewery’s flagship is Export, an unassuming golden ale originally created to appeal to the many Canadians who vacation on the Maine coast. Shipyard’s largest seller is its seasonal Pumpkinhead, which was first brewed in 1996 and is distributed in 40 states. While the brewery has an old school feel, they try to keep things fresh with new brews such as the recently-introduced line of tea-infused beers.

Oxbow Blending and Bottling

The short walk to your next stop will take you past the Eastern Cemetery, established in 1668. A short stroll through the grounds is a worthwhile diversion.

Oxbow Blending and Bottling is tucked discreetly down a short alleyway adjacent to a brick structure housing a meadery and distillery. Beyond the nondescript exterior is an airy warehouse-like space that’s been tastefully imbued with an artsy look and feel. Picnic tables and a long copper bar populate the large tasting room. A short wall separates drinkers from the production area. Rows of wooden barrels stacked floor-to-ceiling mostly obscure a collection of stainless fermenters lined up along a wall displaying an intriguing graffiti-style mural.

Oxbow’s farmhouse-style beers are brewed on a farm located about an hour north in Newcastle, then trucked to the Portland facility where mixed culture fermentation, barrel-aging, blending and packaging take place. The house beers are an interesting assortment of dry-hopped, sour and fruited saisons, grisettes and other styles that are both approachable and nuanced, making for a rewarding tasting experience.

Rising Tide Brewing Company

In 2010, longtime homebrewer and Portland native, Nathan Sanborn, decided to test the waters of commercial brewing by opening a modest one-barrel nanobrewery. Two years later, Sanborn went full throttle, expanding the brewhouse to a 15-barrel operation, and eventually adding a tasting room. From its humble beginnings, Rising Tide is now riding a wave of popularity.

The brewery’s easy-going ambiance attracts both thirsty locals and out-of-towners enjoying Portland’s vibrant beer culture. A variety of indoor seating options is supplemented by a fleet of picnic tables on the parking-lot-turned-patio, where crowds gather for warm weather imbibing.

Heather Sanborn, Nathan’s business partner and wife, is a former lawyer and past-president of the Maine Brewers’ Guild. Her work helping legalize brewery tasting rooms in the state was an important step in elevating Maine’s reputation as a great beer destination.

Rising Tide’s brewhouse produces beers in a wide range of genres. Maine Island Trail Ale, a hoppy session ale, is a longtime crowd pleaser. Partial proceeds from the beer go to the Maine Island Trail Association, an organization dedicated to protecting the wild islands of the Maine coast.

Lone Pine Brewing Company

Although Lone Pine is a relative newcomer to the local beer scene, it has made a big splash among Maine’s beer devotees. This is largely due to the runaway success of Portland Pale Ale, which drew instant accolades when the fledgling brewery opened in the spring of 2016. The eminently quaffable American Pale Ale is now on tap at 120 locations throughout the state.

Lone Pine specializes in American-style hoppy beers. That’s just fine with local hopheads who flock to the brewery to linger over pints of IPAs, double IPAs and, of course, the pale ale. On Thursdays, brewery fans line up en masse outside the peach-pink building when new canned offerings are released to the public.

On occasion, Lone Pine tones down its hop obsession to brew more esoteric creations featuring locally-sourced ingredients. One example is the Maple Coffee Brown Ale brewed with Maine maple syrup. An earthier formulation is the Chaga Stout, brewed with health-enhancing Maine Chaga mushrooms.

A modestly-sized tasting room is furnished with a few cushy sofas contributing to a relaxed vibe. An assortment of board games encourages you to kick back for an extended stay at your final stop on the Portland East End walking tour.

Dan Rabin is an award-winning beer and travel journalist from Boulder, Colorado. He is author of the guidebook, Colorado Breweries, and has contributed to numerous beverage and travel publications during his 20-year writing career. As a longtime homebrewer, he has won dozens of awards in regional and national competitions.

CraftBeer.com is fully dedicated to small and independent U.S. breweries. We are published by the Brewers Association, the not-for-profit trade group dedicated to promoting and protecting America’s small and independent craft brewers. Stories and opinions shared on CraftBeer.com do not imply endorsement by or positions taken by the Brewers Association or its members.

Living a Stout Life

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A Walking Brewery Tour of Portland, Maine

April Pishna | October 26, 2023 June 15, 2022 | Breweries and Beer , Craft Beer

There is a continuous argument over what city has the most breweries, but when it comes to breweries in Portland, Maine, the tally is always among the top two or three per capita. Portland is the largest city in Maine with only 66,000 people, but nearly half a million when you add in the surrounding area. With a population so comparably small to the rest of the country, Portland has a whopping 30 breweries with 17 of them being in Portland proper. And according to the Maine Brewers Guild , Maine is home to 165 breweries. There’s no lack of good beer here.

Portland, Maine Breweries

While we’ve got the full list of breweries in Portland, Maine, laid out below for you to explore, sadly we only made it to a few, along with one of our non-brewery favorite stops, Maine Craft Distilling (which also had some great beer).

• Allagash Brewing Company
• Austin Street Brewery
• Banded Brewing Company
• Batson River Brewing & Distilling
• Battery Steele Brewing Company
• Belleflower Brewing Company
• Bissell Brothers Brewing Company
• Brickyard Hollow Pizza & Brewpub
• Bunker Brewing Company
• Definitive Brewing Company
• Fore River Brewing(temporarily closed)
• Foulmouthed Brewing
• Foundation Brewing Company
• Freeport Brewing Company
• Geary Brewing Company
• Goodfire Brewing Company
• Gritty McDuff’s Brewpub
• Hi-Fidelity Brewing
• Island Dog Brewing
• Kit NA Brewing
• Liquid Riot Bottling Company
• Lone Pine Brewing
• Mast Landing Brewing Company
• Newscapes Brewing
• Oxbow Blending and Bottling
• Rising Tide Brewing Company
• Sea Dog Brewing
• Shipyard Brewing Company
• Stars & Stripes Brewing
• Urban Farm Fermentory

Portland, Maine One Day Walking Brewery Tour

This was our Portland, Maine, brewery tour, which we managed to accomplish in a day. We hope you find yourself with more time to spend here, because these breweries deserve your attention. Remember, we are only here to guide you, to get you started. So be sure to let us know all about your Portland beer tasting experience in the comments below .

East End Portland Walking Brewery Tour

Since we only had a day in Portland, we planned our walking brewery tour around the East End along Washington Avenue, where we were also lucky enough to find an off the main road spot to park overnight on the streets of Portland.   Having your house with you wherever you go is one of the best things about living in an RV, especially when you are on a walking tour of breweries.  

We began our day at Goodfire Brewing Company , located on the backside of Lone Pine.  Good beer, good use of limited space, but with so many breweries, this one just wasn’t going to make the cut to return to.

Walking just a few feet to the front of the building, we wandered into Lone Pine . There was a vast selection of IPAs, an open and airy brewery, along with a cute open space with community tables right on the street, allowing for some great people watching and fostering community.

You all know IPAs aren’t my thing, so Kenny chose a flight of them, and I sampled from him.  A couple of good hazy IPAs, but nothing over the moon to draw us back.  While we did strike up a good conversation with another couple thanks to the community tables that encourage conversations, the place itself was, again, just another brewery in a long line of breweries that we have visited on our travels.

We’re not huge kombucha fans, but always up for something new. So we walked across the street to Urban Farm Fermentory where they brew using locally foraged ingredients with a special fermentation process.  This place had wonderful ambiance with wooden picnic tables, benches, and a farm-like ambiance complete with high wooden beams in the inside and beautiful wooden touches matched perfectly with greenery and herbs throughout the tasting room.  Specializing in kombuchas, gruits, and meads, what they do, they do well.  If you like these types of beers, this is one we highly recommend you check out.  Great place, great feel, comfortable, cozy, like a cabin in the middle of a farm.

Art Along the Tour

Off again to check out something different.   While we are not on vacation, we have created our own schedule in life since moving into RAIF.   Having done this, it is very nice to take a stroll on a late summer’s day in a new city.   Talking about the people we just met, the places we have been, and just strolling along, our attention wandered to an interesting fence surrounding some apartments.   This was not your normal fence, but an art project created by local school kids. Their stories crafted directly into the metal via a non-profit called the  Telling Room .

Feeling inspired, we made our way to Oxbow Blending and Bottling .   We didn’t make it to the farmhouse tasting room in Newcastle, t he recommended location , b ut we enjoye d the Portland location. I t is a   gorgeous facility, sharp in its elegance, but managing a modern and cozy feel at the same time.  Stock full of community tables inside, the outside hosted barrels strategically placed all around the courtyard, encouraging intimate conversations with friends.  

Not to be outdone by the breweries that also offer food (aka brewpubs), Oxbow shares space with the famous Duckfat sandwich shop’s newest creation. (Duckfat is featured on many restaurant recommendation sites.) The  Duckfat Friteshack , a snack shack specializing in quick eats and its infamous duck fat fries, is located on site at Oxbow. Good food, good beer, good people.

East End Portland Walking Distillery Tour

But we had more to sample, so sample we did. Normally, we don’t search out distilleries, but we passed by one on the way to Oxbow that caught our eyes. So we decided to head back, but lo and behold, we came across another distillery and decided to check that one out, too.

Hardshore Distilling Company used its limited space well, taking up the parking lot on Washington Avenue, turning it into an inviting outdoor space.  And with a garage door opening onto the street, we couldn’t help but feel personally invited into its artistically lit tasting room. Not being a fan of gin, which Hardshore specializes in, the bartender took the time to ask us what flavors we did like and proceeded to create a latte inspired gin cocktail. This is a place worth visiting again.

Maine Craft Distilling

But, still unwilling to call it a night, we wanted to check out the one we had initially seen – Maine Craft Distilling . Located in the same building as a homemade bagel shop and right behind a fresh oyster house, this place couldn’t be bad.   A s we rounded the corner, we could hear music pouring from the doors, conversations and laughter everywhere.

Honestly, when I first walked into this place, I was a bit overwhelmed.   Not because of the place, but because of all the feelings that surfaced.   I wanted to be here, wanted to feel like an adult, wanted to savor the food and sip on a handcrafted cocktail, all while tapping my foot to the beat of the music.   I wanted to do all of this without worrying about money.

In our travels, we love food and drinks and going out to experience new places.   Who doesn’t like this when they travel? But we are not on vacation, we are working and on a budget.   Or at least we try to be. So, budget be damned, we stayed. We had a cocktail, decided against the food (our kitchen was parked just a few feet down the road), and we enjoyed the boot stomping music.   After all, we are adults.

Kenny had heard many good things about Lunch and Dinner, two highly acclaimed IPAs from Maine Beer Company , and since we did not get a chance to go there, he was excited to find one of them, Lunch, on the menu here. Worthy of the acclimations, he quite enjoyed this beverage and definitely recommends it.

I, on the other hand, usually not much of a fancy cocktail drinker, budget be damned, went for the coolest concoction on the menu: the Common Ground.  Made from their very own Whipple Tree Apple Brandy, honey, and bitters, and handcrafted by the bartender, this cocktail was divine.   Enjoying our drinks and the festive atmosphere, I finally relaxed about the budget, knowing that we wouldn’t be spending money the next few days.   Kenny wandered off for a moment and came back with a new friend.

Always the one to say hi and start a conversation, this time, he started one with an employee who happened to be off-duty. He, however, offered to give us a tour of the distillery.   Feeling like VIPs, we were ushered through some beautiful glass double doors. (They actually offer tours and tastings to anyone who is interested.) We were given a full description of their spirits, as well as several tastings of anything they had to offer.  

Learning more about their system of farm to flask distilling, using locally sourced ingredients was enlightening, but what really made the connection for us with this distillery over the other breweries that we visited was the people, as usual.  The second we walked in the door, we felt like guests and wanted to stay, but it was time to go.

Hearts and Bellies Full

As the night waned, and the stars brightened, we made our way back home, content in the knowledge that while tonight felt familiar and comforting, tomorrow would be filled with the unknown, making it, ironically, familiar and comforting.

The morning came on with a force, just like our appetites, and we wouldn’t be doing our jobs, if we didn’t recommend a stout breakfast to start your stout day.  We highly recommend Forage Market , located in the same building as Maine Craft Distilling, it offers freshly brewed coffee and homemade, wood-fired bagels.  You’re already drooling, aren’t you.  I am!

We’ve always said that the beer we love, no matter where it was found, is due to the people we meet while drinking it.  It’s the same with good coffee, good cocktails, and good food. Here’s to the people we meet while searching for the good things.

PRO TIP: Portland Industrial Way Mini Tour

(aka the allagash brewing neighborhood brewery tour).

While we didn’t hit up our pro tip tour during a whirlwind 24 hours walking Portland’s East End, a Maine brewing icon, Allagash Brewing, is at the heart of an excellent little brewery walking tour of its own. If you trek on over to Industrial Way off of Interstate 85 and Forest Ave., you’ll find Allagash Brewing, home of the infamous Allagash White.

But, not only will you find Allagash, literally within footsteps, there are four other craft breweries to visit! Seriously, all five breweries are either across the street or right next door to each other. Aside from Allagash, you can easily saunter to Austin Street Brewery, Battery Steele Brewing, Foundation Brewing, and Definitive Brewing.

And before we let you go, there’s one more brewery you’ll need to visit, Monhegan Brewing Company . Located 10 miles out to sea on Monhegan Island, Maine, this is a must visit brewery that, um, we didn’t visit. Hopefully you do as we say and not. as we did and give Monhegan a visit, so you can tell us all about it !

Maine’s Craft Brewing Hidden Gem

If you make it to the far northeastern portion of Maine, you know, where you’re not sure if you are in the U.S. or Canada? Be sure to check out a tiny town called Lubec Brewing Co. in Lubec, Maine .

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The #1 Portland Oregon Craft Brewery Tour experience

"Whether you are just visiting, have guests from out of town or live here and just want to have a fun day, a Brewvana Tour is the ticket. There are tour choices, the guides are knowledgeable and lots of fun and of our tasting the beer is what its all about. You usually visit 3 or 4 breweries and will three or four samples at each brewery. Some tours include trying sours and other innovations in brewing. Best part of the trip is you're not driving just enjoying the beer. This had been a go to experience whenever we have out of town guests and even as a local, this. is just plain fun!"

We had a great time in May, cruising through a handful of local craft breweries in Portland. (Baerlic, Unicorn, Migration, etc.)

We spent time learning about beer making, lots of different tastings, and plenty of fun on the bus. There was a wide variety of local beers and had a great meal at the end (best pub nachos ever). Our guide was an excellent source of information (and entertainment). Our favourite tour of the three we did that weekend!

I booked this tour to learn more about the differences in the fermentation process between cider, beer, and whiskey. I had a ton of fun! Everyone at the stops were very informative, and our Brewvana guide was great! Highly recommend this tour, as well as spending additional time (if possible) at any of the stops along the way. Definitely a highlight of my Portland trip. Thanks for the visit!

Q9071POmichelleb

On a recent trip to Portland we decided that we wanted to do a brewery tour and found Brewvana, and so glad that we did. Our guide, Kelene, was informative and fun! She got to know our likes and adjusted to meet the needs of everyone, introducing us to many great beers that some may have never tasted if it wasn’t for her. Thanks for a great day, Kelene!

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Hop on the bus for an all-inclusive tasting experience providing insider access to discover the best breweries, cideries, and distilleries in Portland, Oregon. Leave buzzing in the elated state of BREWVANA with a new appreciation for craft, Portland and life.

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The strength of our experience lies in the strength of our relationships with local brewers. We get up close and personal with Portland’s best beer, giving you exclusive knowledge of the process behind your favorite brews at each of these amazing places. We proudly wear their logo on our bus because they love to see the BREWVANA bus roll up at their destination as much as possible. If you don’t visit them on a tour, make them a part of your Portland experience.

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Taste many different craft brews as one of our expert Beer Guides navigates the streets and traffic to provide you with the ultimate Portland craft beer experience; all you have to do is lift your glass. During your tour, you will have unique access to some of Portland’s best breweries and will enjoy a gourmet snack. Explore the history and excitement of Portland Oregon through the most complete beer experience offered in the state.

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An Insider’s Summer Weekend Itinerary for Portland, Maine

If you’re coming to Portland, Maine, this summer, we have some suggestions. As people that live and work here, we’ve gotten quite familiar with the ins and outs of our food-filled, scenic, and fun-loving little city. Below, you’ll find all of our suggestions for your ideal summer weekend itinerary in Portland, Maine. Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Here are a few tips to start:

• Pack for all weather conditions. You never know when rain, or a chilly evening, might descend.
• In early summer, be prepared for Mosquitoes and black flies if you’re headed out for a hike. So bring some bug spray, just in case.
• Make dinner reservations (way) ahead of time. A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to getting into some of our city’s most popular restaurants.
• Take the train for a relaxing, and traffic-avoiding, way to travel. We love a good trip on the Downeaster !

Morning: Baked Goods and Portland Head Light

First, grab yourself a baked good from one of the many excellent bakeries we have here. We have bakeries all over Portland, so it’s hard to go wrong.

Now that you’ve got something in your belly, time to take in the view. A short drive along the coast will bring you to Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Here you’ll find Portland Head Light, the oldest, and one of the most-photographed, lighthouses in Maine. For good reason. The lighthouse and surrounding trails will give you some sightseeing time to experience Maine and make room for some more food and libations.

Mid-Morning: Head out for a Lobstering Cruise

Now that you’ve beheld the waterfront, time to get out on the water itself! You can enjoy either a private tour or lobstering tutorial with L ucky Catch or Rocky Bottom . Both offer scenic tours of our bay, and an intro to the lobstering life. Definitely look into booking either in advance, if you want to secure a spot.

Lunch: Breweries + Food

It’s time, in our opinion, to take advantage of one of Portland’s many wonderful breweries. Like us here at Allagash, most, if not all, offer food along with the beer.

In our case, you’ll find award-winning lobster rolls from Bite Into Maine (along with plenty of other non-lobster options). You’ll also be able to enjoy Allagash White fresh from our one and only brewery. We also have plenty of brewery-only releases, along with a 12-tap draft list filled with a huge variety of beer styles and flavors. You can check out what’s on tap, and on the menu, right now through the button below.

Mid-Afternoon: Take a (manageable) Hike

For a step not too far into the wilderness, Portland is home to miles and miles of public trails. All maintained and well-marked thanks to Portland Trails, just head to their website and find the trail that looks best to you. Our favorites happen to be the Riverton Trolley Park (which is right near our brewery), as well as the Fore River Sanctuary (home of Jewell Falls, the only natural waterfall in Portland).

Check out all the trails with their digital trail map through the button below.

Dinner Time: Oh the Choices You Have

In relation to the size of our city, there really are an embarrassment of choices for dinner. From small plates to fresh seafood to award-winning chefs, we have pretty much everything you could want. Honestly, we could go on and on about the standout restaurants all over our city, but quite a few people have done that for us. 

Pro Tip: Book your reservations far in advance, if at all possible. If you can’t do that, bar service is always a solid option. And then again, if you try for a walk-in reservation and have to wait, there’s like a bar nearby that you can pop into for a quick cocktail, mocktail, wine or beer while you wait.

This list right here from the Portland Press Herald encapsulates pretty much every gem you could find.

Morning: Coffee and a Paddle

Part of our “great food & drink” reputation comes from our unique coffee roasters. So look for a local coffee shop (found on most corners) and grab a cup before heading to the Eastern Promenade Beach. There, you can actually rent kayaks or SUPs (Stand-Up Paddleboards) and head out for a morning paddle on scenic Casco Bay. They also offer lessons and guided tours, if you’d like for a more guided tour.

Pro Tip: Check the tides before you go!

Mid-Morning: Children’s Museum + Theatre of Maine

If you have some children, or friends with kids in the area, the Portland Children’s Museum is a super fun stop. Enough space and activities for the kiddos, as well as some interactive displays that any adult could enjoy messing around with.

Lunch: Beer Bars Aplenty

We have some extremely well-curated, and well-stocked bars in the area for the folks who want to try a variety of local beer—with equally tasty food options to match. The Old Port is densely populated with a number of great beer bars, but you’ll find some on the waterfront and even further inland.

Afternoon: Head on Out

Best to hit the road while the getting is good. Like you, many folks like coming into Maine for a weekend trip. And the closer to early afternoon you get, the more likely you’ll hit some traffic. If you drove, you can try to either head out earlier or later than early afternoon. And if you took the train up, then you can enjoy a leisurely trip back down!

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