Visiting Allagash, Maine

Hello,

I’m a West coast transplant and have been living in Boston for 5 years now, but have still never made a beer trip up to Maine. I wanted to get people’s take on a few things:

- How is the tour at Allagash? Do they have a nice brewpub or is there some place close that is better?
- How crazy are special release days at Allagash? Crazy like Kate the Great days? Can you take a tour on those days too?
- What other beer bars are worth traveling to in that area? It’s a long drive, so is there enough to justify an overnight stay?

Thanks everyone!!

Travis

Well, all the Allagash releases lately have been quietly announced the very day they happen, so there tends to be more of a steady trickle in rather than lines out the door at 3AM.

As for a brewpub, Allagash doesn’t have one but Portsmouth is right on the way and The Lion’s Pride is only about a half hour away.

I went up during the summer and picked up a few tings from the gift shop but was dying to take the tour with the coolship and all. I will be going back this summer for sure. Portland is not too far from the brewery and there are many great places to get a good beer. I recommend Gritty McDuff’s a good brewpub with good food.

Cheers,

Portland is an awesome city with some great restaurants. I highly recommend Novare Res as a must visit for beer. They had a Cantillion on tap when I went along with tons of other good stuff. Cool outdoor patio if the weather is nice as well.

Portsmouth Brew Pub is also a must visit on your way up. Hopefully you get this in time. Gritty’s is fun, but the beer quality is avg at best.

I just got an email this morning about the Vrienden release on april 5th. Allagash collabortation with New Belgium. 10$ bottles (limit 2) available that day only at the brewery.