Year of New Beer: Dinner, Maine Beer Company (ME)

Written By: Dion on 11/16/2018

As I approach seven straight years of trying a new beer every single day, I've come to realize that I don't get too excited about many beers these days. There are so many good ones available, especially locally, that I think I'm a bit spoiled. A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to spend an hour or so with one of the founders of Maine Beer Company, as he visited Country Boy Brewing in Georgetown. Today I get word that he has forwarded one of my "white whales" to me through the Boys, and I realize that I can still be excited by beer. The aroma is weedy and dank. Straight herb dripping with honey and hints of melon. A little warmth brings candied pineapple and a pithy grapefruit. This is one of those rare brews where the nose translates seamlessly and completely to the tongue. So much citrus pith to provide a substantial initial bitterness, but enough honey and bread crust malt backing to provide balance. Earthy, grassy, and resinous on the finish. I love the hazy IPA trend as much as anyone, but this is old school, "New England" IPA. And it's probably the best Double IPA I've ever tasted.