You've seen the green school bus driving through Portland's Old Port. I know you have. You've watched people board this bus and thought, "What is that? What kind of magical place are those people going to?" And if you're a local, you've probably let the thought pass like a cumulus cloud floating through a summer's … Continue reading Let The Maine Brew Bus Drive You To Maine Beer Bliss
Daymark
Results and Analysis of the Elite Eight
Someone commented after yesterday's Elite Eight round that they felt like a traitor voting against any of the remaining beers. But voters steeled themselves and made the hard choices, and we have our Final Four Lineup: Maine Beer Company Peeper (2) vs. Allagash Curieux (9) Maine Beer Company Lunch (1) vs. Rising Tide Brewing Maine … Continue reading Results and Analysis of the Elite Eight
Results and Analysis of Sweet 16
Karin put yesterday's Sweet Sixteen Round of the Maine Madness Beer Tournament perfectly when she commented, "Daymark or Zoe?! You are killing me!" We feel the same way, Karin. And so did a lot of voters by the results of yesterday's voting. (Click here to view full bracket.) By far, the most enjoyable voting to … Continue reading Results and Analysis of Sweet 16
Results and Analysis of Round Two: Maine Darks, Strong Ales, and Ales
Hot damn! Things just got real here in Round Two as the big boys squared off in the Darks, Strong Ales, and Ales categories. As one voter put it, "It is getting harder to choose." And it will only prove harder as the rounds progress. Remember, in less than a week, we will have our … Continue reading Results and Analysis of Round Two: Maine Darks, Strong Ales, and Ales
Seven Local Beers for the Christmas Season
'Tis the season for family feasts, yuletide gatherings, and Christmas mayhem. What better way to celebrate the season than by imbibing in locally brewed beers from around New England? Instead of showing up with a bottle of Cabernet to this year's Festivus party, grab a 22 oz. bomber or a growler of the brilliant beers … Continue reading Seven Local Beers for the Christmas Season
Lost Beer Passage from Kahlil Gibran’s ‘The Prophet’
Then an old man, a keeper of a bar, said, Speak to us of Beer. And he said: Would that you could live simply on the fruits of the earth and be sustained by wine. But since you were born to drink delicious craft beer made locally by brewmasters who harness the powers of grains … Continue reading Lost Beer Passage from Kahlil Gibran’s ‘The Prophet’
Rising Tide Brewing Company Teaches Us How to Truly Drink Responsibly
For a long time, I've wanted to write about Rising Tide Brewing Company's Zephyr. It's an autonomous IPA, a true original in our beer-scape of citrusy West Coast knockoffs. It tastes more of pears than grapefruit or pine. It hits the pallet with something unique. But I have something more pressing on my mind. Something … Continue reading Rising Tide Brewing Company Teaches Us How to Truly Drink Responsibly
Why I Write About Beer: A Manifesto
1. I love the words I get to use when I write about beer. Look at the names of different types of hops: Amarillo, Cascade, Citra, Kents Golding, Bravo, Apollo, Zeus, Cluster, Nugget, Chinook. The hops alone are a verbiage gift that keeps on giving. How about the words associated with the brewing process: mash, … Continue reading Why I Write About Beer: A Manifesto
Rising Tide Brewery: Portland’s Best New Bar
I'm unapologetically breaking my moratorium on writing about beer and beer joints. Why? Life's too short not to indulge our passions. Some people love the symphony, I love beer. I'll never quite fit into the sports coat I bought for high table dinners at Oxford. I'm a low table kind of guy. Now on to … Continue reading Rising Tide Brewery: Portland’s Best New Bar