Craft beer’s meteoric rise over the past ten years has had an astounding economic impact on dozens of states in the United States, including Maine. According to Brewers Association, Maine has the third most breweries per capita. We entered 2018 with 119 breweries, and that number continues to skyrocket as homebrewers, investors, and entrepreneurs put their hats into the craft brewing ring. There are nearly two dozen Midcoast Maine breweries within one hour of Linekin Bay Resort, home to one of the premier dock-and-dine, dog-friendly restaurants in the state. Almost every day, guests ask our staff about the best breweries in Maine. So, we decided to piece together a handy guide that highlights three of our favorite local craft breweries.
The Best Breweries in Maine near Linekin Bay
While nearby Portland is certainly a craft beer hotbed, there are several hidden gems right here in Midcoast Maine near the communities of Boothbay, Newcastle, Brunswick, Waldoboro, and beyond. Keep reading to learn more about three of the best breweries in Maine.
Boothbay Craft Brewery
The closest brewery to Linekin Bay Resort is Boothbay Craft Brewery, a staple amongst locals and travelers alike. Boothbay Craft Brewery is just a few miles from our oceanfront getaway, making it a popular pit stop for thirsty patrons and beer aficionados. This dimly-lit, multi-purpose brewpub always has a wide variety of beers on tap that range from barrel-aged sours to session IPAs. Many guests order a woodfired pizza for the table and a five-beer flight before choosing a pint that fits their palate. We highly recommend the Thirsty Botanist, a juicy New England-style IPA, and the Black Rocks Stout, a rich, chocolatey delight. We always carry a few seasonal beers on tap from our local friends, Boothbay Craft Brewery included, right here at the Deck Bar & Grill.
Oxbow Brewing Company
One of the best breweries in Maine (according to Untappd) rests in Newcastle, ME, which is just a scenic, 21-mile drive from Linekin Bay Resort. Oxbow Brewing Company is a unique, wilderness retreat that features wooded outdoor seating, a pet-friendly facility, and on-site hiking (or biking) trails. Oxbow has three Maine breweries, but their Newcastle location provides a genuinely unforgettable experience. And their beer is second-to-none, especially the signature Farmhouse Pale Ale, Luppolo, and Crossfade. In fact, just about every one of their blended, barrel-aged, or spontaneously-fermented ales is worthy of a gulp.
Odd Alewives Farm Brewery
Twenty-nine miles northeast of Boothbay Harbor, ME, rests a quaint, rustic farmhouse brewery called Odd Alewives. The name is an ode to the “alewives” from the European Middle Ages. The taproom rests inside a newly-renovated 1820s barn, which overlooks 22 acres of gardens and forestry. While the farmland setting and unique history are undoubtedly magical, the beer itself is what brings beer aficionados back time and time again. Their tasting room is open five days a week, where you’ll discover a wide variety of rotating farmhouse ales. Lovers of subtly sweet and well-balanced saisons will be in heaven! Don’t be surprised to be greeted by a litter of adorable farm cats upon arrival.
Weekend Getaways in New England
For those who are searching for another nearby brewery, we also recommend Moderation Brewing Company in Brunswick, ME. While modest in appearance, their downtown Maine Street locale is quite convenient for a curious passerby. After visiting some of the best breweries in Maine, retreat to Linekin Bay Resort for a quiet evening along the shoreline. Dine on succulent lobster, enjoy a local ale on the deck, and gather around a crackling campfire before returning to your charming waterfront lodge. Check availability by visiting us online, or give us a call today at 207-633-2494.