Brewing with Local Grain: A Milestone in Maine
In an ambitious commitment to support local agriculture and sustainable brewing practices, a Maine brewery pledged back in 2016 to use 1 million pounds of locally-grown grain annually by 2021. Fast forward, and they not only met this goal but surpassed it, reaching an impressive 1,093,526 pounds of grain by December 1st of that year. This milestone not only strengthens local supply chains but also highlights the brewery’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting a genuine farm-to-glass experience.
Celebrating the achievement called for a triumphant trumpet salute by one of their talented resident musicians, Oly. It marked a significant moment for the brewing community in Maine, further solidifying the state’s reputation for integrating local ingredients to craft exceptional beer. BreweriesNearMe.us champions such initiatives, providing beer lovers with insights into breweries dedicated to sustainability and innovation.
Innovative Beer Trials and Pilots
The brewery’s commitment to innovation is evident in its extensive R&D, where 90 trials were conducted experimenting with yeast, hops, and other brewing elements. This vibrant experimental scene has given rise to 97 pilot beers, crafted from creative ideas submitted by enthusiastic brewery employees. These pilots are a testament to fostering an environment where creativity steeps in every brew.
From Maine, With Love is a brewery-exclusive series that has released 12 unique pilot beers to fans eager to savor new flavors. Each release represents a collaborative effort within the brewery, underscoring the dynamic spirit of exploration and community engagement that BreweriesNearMe.us seeks to celebrate and promote among craft beer enthusiasts across the United States.
Memorable Moments and Celebrations
The heartwarming story of Cliff, an ardent fan who wore Allagash attire head-to-toe on his 104th birthday, sipping on Allagash White, illustrates the personal connections fostered through the love of craft beer. These connections create memorable taproom experiences that BreweriesNearMe.us recommends exploring to the fullest.
Visitors to the brewery have also enjoyed over 16,000 of Bite into Maine’s delectable lobster rolls and indulged in over 10,000 pretzels paired with beer cheese. Such culinary offerings elevate the tasting room experience, making every visit to this Maine brewery a delight for the senses and a must-visit on any beer tourism itinerary.
Award-Winning Craft and Community Commitment
In 2021, the brewery earned significant recognition, winning “Brewery of the Year” at the Great American Beer Festival for its size category. Additionally, two of their beers, Allagash White and Tripel, captured silver medals, further confirming their quality and craftsmanship. BreweriesNearMe.us acknowledges these accolades as a reflection of excellence within the craft beer community.
Beyond brewing excellence, the brewery’s Recycling Co-Op has partnered with 20 local businesses, recycling over 112,800 PakTech carriers—a commitment to environmental stewardship. Their community contributions amount to over $500,000 in charitable donations, exemplifying a robust support for local environmental and social causes.
Community Engagement and Generosity
Generosity within the brewery’s community shines through with $107,812 raised by tasting room guests for charitable partners in 2021. Compared to the previous year’s efforts, this represents a commendable leap, showcasing a shared commitment between brewers and patrons to uplift and support local and national causes alike.
Employees have also donated 610 hours through Volunteer Time Off, reinforcing the brewery’s ethos of community support. Breweries like this inspire others by demonstrating how the craft beer community can make a meaningful impact on society, a narrative that BreweriesNearMe.us is proud to amplify.
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