265. Bissell Brothers Brewing The Substance

If you are reading this please share this review, page, photo, anything to help spread the word about this new brewery opening in Portland, Maine. The brewery is operated by a 22 year old brewer (Noah) and his brother (Peter), both great guys and if their final product is anything like this beer you will want it.


I met up with Peter and Noah at The Thirsty Pig in Portland last week to talk beer, business and pick up a couple samples. Noah works at the bar and Peter is a photographer that took the pictures for their website. They have a solid selection of Maine beer available at The Thirst Pig including Oxbow Brewing.


Back to the beer - this beer is everything I like in a beer; unfiltered, huge aroma, solid 7.3% ABV and incredible mouth feel. Noah mentioned this batch was brewed with a different hop variety than he prefers but it was still amazing. If the label on the bottle looks bad that is my fault as the samples I received were not labeled and I printed them from their website. This beer pours a bright orange with a single finger white head. Beer is cloudy with some remnants left in the bottom of the bottle. I prefer unfiltered beer so this is right up my alley. Aroma is huge and very inviting, great IPA smell. Taste has tons of hops with just enough malt to balance things out. This beer is a huge IPA from a small brewer and will quickly become a top pick of IPA lovers throughout the State of Maine. 


If you can get your hands on this beer you have to give it a try. This is as close to perfect as I have tasted and rated it 4.5 stars only because Noah said his preferred hop was not available. If the final product is truly better than this it will be hard to beat. Again please share this post, their website, twitter profile, etc to spread the word about this up and coming brewery. 
Pros: Absolutely everything
Cons: Not available in stores
Alcohol Content: 7.3% ABV
Calories: ???
IBU (Bitterness): ??
Rating:  
Brewers Website: Bissell Brothers Brewing

Brewers Description: What happens when you mix an unhealthy love for huge American hops, an apathy towards malt, and a long-running joke born in the Nevada desert? You get The Substance. Our interpretation of the American IPA layers Apollo, Summit, and Columbus hops on top of just enough barley to create a rhapsody of bright citrus, heavy dankness, and resinous pine, delivering a nose and flavor profile which is, in a word, unique. This beer was created by our desire to take everything good about the biggest IPAs of today, and blast those qualities into tomorrow in high gear. Be warned – The Substance assaults the nostrils the moment it’s uncapped, and pours a hazy orange that leaves a whole lot to the imagination. But don’t be scared… just enjoy the ride.