New Brew Thursday: 'Thank You (2020)' from Maine Beery Company

 

As many of you know, a few months ago I went to Maine and visited a few breweries and brough back a bunch of beer. Unfortunately, this is my last beer from that trip. While a trip back is likely in the cards for next year, I can think of no better send off than a beer that thanks me for the trip.

With a name that at this point of the year can only be read sarcastically, with an eye roll, ‘Thank You (2020)’ is an annual release from Maine Beer Company with a new twist each year. Brewed as a Thank You for customers, nonprofit partners, employees, wholesalers, retailers, and so on, this beer is a love letter from one of my favorite breweries that highlights everything they do right.

Get it? It’s their… moving on.

Pouring a slightly hazy golden yellow in the glass with a white head this standard American IPA is nothing but standard. There are subtle notes of pine and mango that remind you of freshly cut grass. The taste is classic Maine Beer Company. A light mouthfeel with a bright, crisp hop and slight lingering bitterness that builds ever-so-slightly with each sip. Clocking in at a respectable 6.2% ABV which gives the beer just the perfect amount of booziness, this is the perfect way to say thanks.

In short. Maine Beer Company, You’re Welcome.

Maine Trip

We have been back from Maine for about a week now and it was an awesome trip. While we only went to two breweries, Maine Beer Company and Rising Tide we were able to get cans from Bissell Brothers, Liquid Riot, and Lone Pine. We also visited a bunch of restaurants and walked all around the Old Port. It was a bit surreal at times as it was empty due to various social distancing restrictions but it was still fantastic. Here are some highlights:

- It stunk not being able to get pours at Bissell which is always one of my stops in Portland. But I was able to pick up one of my favorite beers 'The Nuclear Whim With The Fuse Of A Mile.' It is an exceptional beer with an even better name. As I've written before I am always a sucker for a good name.

- We were not able to get to Allagash but had a few of their offerings at some of the nearby restaurants. I was a little disappointed they didn't have 'Sixteen Counties' but it has been distributed nearby so I will be on the lookout.

- The food was incredible, we did not have a bad meal the entire time we were there.

- There were a lot of good summer beers around. Very good lagers, pilsners, and sessions as well. However, one of the best beers from the weekend was 'Totally Tubular' from Orono Brewing. This double IPA was super juicy and really nice.

- While it was an awesome trip there were lots of breweries that were not open for pours that we couldn't get cans at: Sebago, Shipyard, and Austin Street just to name a few. We will definitely be back next year.

Brewery Trip! Maine Beer Company

Greetings from Portland, ME. My girlfriend and I booked this trip a few weeks ago needing a bit of a getaway and Portland is just the best but more on that later. While things still feel very different than the last time I was up here, it is nice to see all of the businesses, restaurants, bars, and breweries adapting to the restrictions and social distancing guidelines. While there are a lot of breweries that have not been able to open yet, Maine Beer Company has been able to.

The last time I visited the brewery was a couple years ago. The new addition to the tap room is absolutely beautiful as is the new outdoor seating. Inside the tap room is a fountain along with a second retail shop for bottles, glasses, and other merchandise. The back wall it a showcase to the kindness and generosity of the brewery, outlining their business practices and charitable donations.

While they are not doing flights of beer, I was able to get two smaller pours and my girlfriend was able to get one as well. I was able to try 'Bicentennial' and 'Wolfe's Neck' which were both awesome. 'Bicentennial' had a very nice hoppy flavor with a surprisingly crisp finish while 'Wolfe's Neck' had a really nice haze to it. Additionally, my girlfriend tried 'Prince Percy' which was one of the best pilsners I have ever had. It was incredibly light, crisp, and citrusy with a refreshingly clean finish. Moreover, they have some of the best wood fired pizza around.

'Bicentennial'

If you're in the area HERE. There is a ninety minute seating limit so plan accordingly you can book your reservation.