Craft Beer Haven: Exploring Portland, Maine's Top Breweries and Unique

Portland, Maine is known for a lot of things and nothing defines it better than its vibrant craft beer scene, with numerous breweries offering a wide variety of styles and flavors. A visit to PWM isn’t complete without indulging in one (or three) local breweries. So next time you’re making a plan of where to start your drinking - I mean research - into Portland’s craft brew scene, we have a few recommendations! We’ve focused our list around different types of beers so that there would be a little bit for everyone, so try one, try them all, and let us know your favorites!

1. Allagash Brewing Company:

Allagash is one of the most well-known breweries in Maine, renowned for its Belgian-inspired beers. They specialize in producing exceptional Belgian-style ales, including their flagship Allagash White, a classic wheat beer. It is home to a spacious and modern tasting room with a lively atmosphere. They offer guided brewery tours and have an outdoor patio for enjoying their beers. They’re home to the Bite Into Maine food truck where you can get tons of great food, but our favorite is definitely the lobster rolls!

2. Bissell Brothers Brewing Company:

Bissell Brothers is known for their innovative and hop-forward beers. They produce a range of IPAs, pale ales, and experimental brews, often pushing the boundaries of beer styles. Their flagship IPA, "The Substance," is highly regarded. The vibe is definitely trendy and energetic, attracting beer enthusiasts and locals alike. The taproom features industrial-chic decor and often has a bustling crowd. One of the few breweries with an onsite kitchen, you can grab a lunch in addition to a great beer.

3. Austin Street Brewery:

Austin Street Brewery focuses on producing well-crafted and balanced beers. They offer a diverse range of styles, including hoppy ales, saisons, and stouts. Visitors often praise their attention to detail and consistently high-quality beers.

Austin Street offers a more cozy and laid-back atmosphere if that’s more your scene. Their small taproom has a communal feel, encouraging conversation among visitors. They also always have a couple of snacks and non-alcoholic options available on their menu.

4. Rising Tide Brewing Company:

Rising Tide Brewing is a popular destination in Portland. They produce a diverse lineup of beers, from hoppy IPAs to farmhouse ales and barrel-aged offerings. Their spacious tasting room combines rustic charm with an inviting atmosphere. The space is often filled with natural light, and they have a spacious outdoor patio. Rising Tide is also home to The Galley, a great burger spot for some perfect complements to a flight of hoppy IPA’s

5. Foundation Brewing Company:

Foundation Brewing is known for its approach to brewing modern, creative beers. They experiment with different hop varieties, yeast strains, and aging techniques to create unique flavors. Their hop-forward beers and barrel-aged offerings are particularly noteworthy.

Foundation goes for a more sleek and modern taproom that exudes a hip vibe. The space is adorned with local artwork, and they often host live music and events. This is another one of the few breweries with an in-house kitchen, their specialty is their Detroit style pizzas. While they do not serve food, they frequently collaborate with local eateries and allow patrons to bring in outside food.

6. Battery Steele Brewing:

Battery Steele Brewing focuses on brewing bold and flavorful beers, particularly hop-forward and hazy IPAs. They also produce stouts, barrel-aged beers, and other rotating seasonal offerings. The brewery's taproom offers a relaxed and friendly ambiance with a more industrial aesthetic and knowledgeable staff. While they do not have a kitchen, they often host food trucks or allow visitors to bring their own snacks.

7. Goodfire Brewing Co.:

Goodfire Brewing is known for producing hop-centric beers with intense aromas and flavors. They specialize in IPAs and pale ales, often experimenting with different hop profiles. Visitors appreciate their commitment to quality and consistency.

Goodfire is definitely lively and energetic with a bustling crowd. The atmosphere is vibrant, and the staff is known for their friendly and welcoming demeanor. Their Freeport location has a full menu, but their main taproom in Portland doesn’t have a kitchen.

8. Oxbow Brewing Company:

Oxbow Brewing has gained recognition for its farmhouse-inspired ales and innovative brewing methods. They often incorporate local ingredients and barrel aging into their beer production. Oxbow's rustic and welcoming taprooms are popular destinations for beer enthusiasts. With a rustic and farmhouse-inspired vibe, the focus is on creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Their taprooms feature communal seating and often have outdoor spaces to enjoy their beers. It also happens to be our favorite on the list because it is home to the Duckfat Frites Shack, with the best French fries in the state.

While there are a million more brewery options around town, these are just a few of our favorites that we think no visit to Portland is complete without. Exploring the city's beer scene will reveal even more hidden gems, as the craft beer industry continues to thrive and define this lovely little hamlet.