I recently traveled to Maine for a visit with my family. Knowing that I would be close to the brewery, I decided it was time to pay a visit to Maine Beer Company. The brewery has created some buzz in the New England beer scene, so I took some time to review their online presence before my visit.
MBC is on Facebook as well as Twitter and Instagram @mainebeerco. Their website is quite nice and starts you off with the story of how brothers David and Daniel Kleban started MBC. Rather than retell it, I encourage you to see for yourself at www.mainebeercompany.com.
They also have a nice section on their motto "Do What's Right". For them, this means giving back and being sustainable. I try to always search out businesses, especially breweries, with this type of ethos as it appeals to my personal feelings on making a contribution to society and providing something tasty. Bonus, I get to drink really good beer since this passion typically yields better product. Win/win in my book.
After finding the MBC email on the website I sent them a note asking about a visit and possible interview. That was when I was reminded that my visit was not on the optimal weekend as the American Craft Beer Festival was also happening. Well, there is still beer to try, so a visit was still in order.
MBC is on Facebook as well as Twitter and Instagram @mainebeerco. Their website is quite nice and starts you off with the story of how brothers David and Daniel Kleban started MBC. Rather than retell it, I encourage you to see for yourself at www.mainebeercompany.com.
They also have a nice section on their motto "Do What's Right". For them, this means giving back and being sustainable. I try to always search out businesses, especially breweries, with this type of ethos as it appeals to my personal feelings on making a contribution to society and providing something tasty. Bonus, I get to drink really good beer since this passion typically yields better product. Win/win in my book.
After finding the MBC email on the website I sent them a note asking about a visit and possible interview. That was when I was reminded that my visit was not on the optimal weekend as the American Craft Beer Festival was also happening. Well, there is still beer to try, so a visit was still in order.
The building is very nice with two giant solar panels to the right
of the entrance as you walk up. On either side of the entrance are
picnic tables for drinking the beers available on tap outdoors.
Since everyone was busy with the festival, I wasn't sure what to expect when I arrived with my dad and brother. Upon entering the building I was immediately greeted by one of the staff members. I said hello and started examining the taproom. It is very welcoming with high ceilings making it feel spacious while the smaller size makes it feel cozy.
If I wasn't on a timeline to get back to my family I would have wanted to spend some time there chatting and sipping.
Since everyone was busy with the festival, I wasn't sure what to expect when I arrived with my dad and brother. Upon entering the building I was immediately greeted by one of the staff members. I said hello and started examining the taproom. It is very welcoming with high ceilings making it feel spacious while the smaller size makes it feel cozy.
If I wasn't on a timeline to get back to my family I would have wanted to spend some time there chatting and sipping.
Since I wanted to get the full experience I then asked the
person who greeted me if there was someone I could talk to about taking
pictures for Two Brews. Turns out I was talking to Ryan Conery-Poulin,
Tasting Room Manager. Thankfully, he was more than willing to bring me
down to the brewery floor to snap some pictures of the shiny tanks.
While capturing the brewing equipment, Ryan shared with me
he lives in a nearby town and is a recent hire. His previous job was
managing a coffee shop, but the opportunity to work for the brewery he
was spending all his time at was too much of a draw. Can't say as I
blame him. He exhibited the warm friendly personality the craft beer
works trends to display.
I also learned from Ryan that all the beers sold by MBC in bottles are 16.9oz in size and are filled on the bottling line to the side of the brewery.
Ryan was due for his lunch break so I made my way back up to the tasting room to grab the All In flight which included all eight of the available beers on tap.
I also learned from Ryan that all the beers sold by MBC in bottles are 16.9oz in size and are filled on the bottling line to the side of the brewery.
Ryan was due for his lunch break so I made my way back up to the tasting room to grab the All In flight which included all eight of the available beers on tap.
We were sad to
see that King Titus was not part off the flight as we both enjoy a good
porter. Turns out this was not a problem as the taproom staff were more
than happy to open a bottle for us resulting in two full pours. King
Titus ended up being the winner of the contest for which bottle to take
with us.
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Ryan once again took care of us by ringing us up on our way
out. It was then that I was informed that the tasting room staff do not
accept tips. Instead, you are handed one wooden token per dollar of tip
and asked to pick from one of four worthy local causes. This fits
nicely with the company motto "Do what's right". I thanked him again for
his hospitality and headed out with my purchases.
Bottom line, if you are planning a Maine brewery trip, make sure to put Maine Beer Company on your list.
Cheers!
Bottom line, if you are planning a Maine brewery trip, make sure to put Maine Beer Company on your list.
Cheers!