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CONVENTION + VISITORS BUREAU /

visitportland.com

Something’s BREWING

Whether you ride the Beast of the y'East tour bus, join a hash run, or strike out on your own, be sure

to explore Portland’s prolific scene of microbrews, spirits and viticulture.

Photo: courtesy Sebago Brewing Company

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The growing breadth of craft beer, wine,

and distilled spirit producers is astounding,

but in an era of discerning drinkers it takes

creative flair and a competitive edge to

flourish. Maine is at the forefront of this

beverage boom and Greater Portland

offers some of the most accessible, palate

pleasing imbibing opportunities around.

In the area fondly referred to as y'East

Bayside, family owned and operated

businesses like Rising Tide Brewing and

Maine Craft Distilling garner a following

with favorites like Daymark, a pale ale, and

Fifty Stone Whiskey. Just off the Portland

peninsula Allagash Brewery, New England

Distillery, and a growing number of

up-and-coming breweries are another hub

of liquid refreshment. Then there’s the

Old Port, home to hot spots like the

Sweetgrass tasting room where quintes-

sential Maine ingredients, like blueberries

and maple syrup, flavor dessert wines. It’s

also where the granddaddy of Maine beer

producers, Shipyard Brewery, resides.

If you're pressed for time, the best way to

visit the widest variety of these businesses

is to join a tour. The premier touring

companies, for lovers of libation, are the

Maine Brew Bus and Maine Beer Tours.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the

fermentation processes and tools of the

trade as guides offer an informative and

entertaining dialog to complement your

experience. Oh, and there's plenty of

samples too!

Portland Beer Week is an event that

celebrates beer culture taking place in late

autumn. Increase your beer knowledge

exponentially as you enjoy special beer

and food pairing menus at bars and

restaurants throughout the city. Collabora-

tions between breweries, home brewers,

and local coffee roasters ensure there’s

new and tantalizing tastes at every table.

The Craft Beer Cellar on Commercial

Street carries a commendable selection

of award-winning local brews bottled and

canned to perfection. You can peruse

their wares and continue expanding your

beverage horizons or find a few favorites

to take home.

There's something new brewing every

season, so to stay on top of the latest buzz,

we recommend repeat visits. The fourth

weekend of October, the waterfront

is hopping with food, wine, and beer

aficionados celebrating the vibrant

culinary scene at our annual Harvest on

the Harbor—come see what's on tap!

LOCAL TIP

Visit Vena’s Fizz House for an

education on using diversely

flavored bitters to accent your

purchase of Maine distilled

spirits, beer, and even food!