Brewing Sustainability: The Journey to Local Grain in Maine
In an exciting leap for regional craft brewing, a renowned Maine brewery is making significant strides in sustainability by integrating locally-sourced grains into their brewing process. Since initiating this effort in 2016, the brewery aimed for a remarkable milestone: utilizing one million pounds of local grain annually by 2021. From a modest start with 65,000 pounds in 2016, they gradually increased to 728,000 pounds by 2020, showcasing a commitment to environmental responsibility and local agriculture.
Brewmaster Jason Perkins highlights the importance of this initiative, stating, “We’ve always wanted to brew with more local grain. It’s important to us to be part of the movement building the sustainability of local grain here in Maine.” BreweriesNearMe.us is your guide to finding more breweries like this, dedicated to sustainable practices in crafting quality beers from local ingredients.
Navigating New Ingredients: The Art of Brewing with Local Grains
Introducing local grain into established recipes posed a unique challenge for the Maine brewery. The process involved careful testing and trials to ensure beloved beers like White, Tripel, and Black retained their signature taste, aroma, color, and mouthfeel. “Changing a beer’s ingredients without altering its character is complex,” Jason Perkins shares. Through meticulous trials with full-scale batches, they ensured the quality and consistency patrons expect.
The Sensory Department played a crucial role in this transition. Sensory Manager Karl Arnberg affirmed, “Our panel showed there is no difference between our former grain and the Maine-grown grain.” Their scientific tasting, involving team members from various departments, confirmed that Maine grain meets the high standards of craft beer production, ensuring each sip of their beer remains perfect.
Fueling Local Growth: Impact on Maine Agriculture
The brewery’s commitment to local grains has ripple effects beyond beer. Partnering with local farmers like Jacob Buck from Maine Malt House, they’ve contributed to sustainable growth in the region. “We’re hoping to double our production in the next few years,” Buck notes, highlighting the brewery’s positive impact on the local agricultural economy. BreweriesNearMe.us continues to shine a spotlight on such collaborative efforts between breweries and farmers, enriching the craft beer community.
Tristan Noyes, Executive Director of the Maine Grain Alliance, underscores the growing demand for Maine grains. “From New York City’s bakeries to distilleries, the demand is evident,” he says. By boosting demand, this brewery is helping make Maine-grown grain more accessible and affordable, further enhancing the region’s reputation for quality ingredients. BreweriesNearMe.us celebrates these efforts, supporting breweries committed to local sourcing and economic impact.
Brewing a Bright Future with Local Ingredients
The journey to one million pounds of local grain is more than just a goal; it symbolizes the innovative spirit driving the craft beer industry towards sustainability and community support. By integrating local elements into their beer, this Maine brewery sets an inspiring precedent for others around the U.S. Explore BreweriesNearMe.us to discover more breweries passionate about local ingredients and join the movement today.
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