263. Oak Pond Brewery DoorYard Ale

Picked this one up on my first trip to Oak Pond Brewing in Skowhegan. They had a number of options available and because it was a hot afternoon I opted for the nice light DoorYard Ale. 


This beer is pretty simple but quite refreshing. Light in color with a solid white head. Aroma is minimal with a bit of bready malt. Taste starts off fairly sweet and finished with a slight hop bite. This is a beer that almost anyone could drink, even if they usually drink Miller, Bud or Coors Light. A quality brew but nothing too exciting. 
Pros: Light and refreshing
Cons: Simple
Alcohol Content: ??% ABV
Calories: ???
IBU (Bitterness): ??
Rating:  
Brewers Website: Oak Pond Brewing

Brewers Description: DoorYard Ale is a light crisp ale with a smooth, clean finish. Light hopping and a hint of wheat malt blend in a mellow brew with a creamy white head.

Growlers - the best way to drink beer at home

If you have been following my blog lately you will have noticed a lot of growlers purchased and reviewed. Most growlers are sold directly from the brewery at times convenient for the brewers. This is beer that comes straight from the kegs into a 64 ounce glass container, capped and sent home with you and in my opinion the very best way to enjoy craft beer at your home, family gathering or other event. I have growlers from most of the Maine breweries that offer them and refill them as often as possible. They store well in the refrigerator and will last 7-10 days if unopened (in theory they could last a lot longer but somehow they never do in my fridge as they opened and consumed shortly after purchase). Once opened you have a couple of days to finish. 64 ounces is 4 pints of beer so for me 2 pints a night for 2 nights and it is gone. Below is a recap and photos of growlers from several Maine breweries.

Oxbow Brewing Company - Newcastle Maine

Oxbow is one of my favorite breweries and if you want to enjoy their beer at home you have to visit their brewery between 2:00 and 6:00 on a Friday afternoon / evening. This is the only time the brewery is open for growler fills. I do not recall the cost for growlers but I believe it is $15 for a new growler and $12 for a refill. Whatever the cost is this is money well spent as every beer from Oxbow is top notch and unlike anything else you will get in Maine. They also distribute kegs to bars and restaurants in Maine and Washington DC so keep an eye out for their clear tap handles and if Oxbow is on tap give it a try. 

Tim & Geoff are great and you will enjoy the time you spend at Oxbow checking out the artwork and brewery. I believe sales are cash only so make sure you plan ahead.

Rising Tide Brewing Company - Portland Maine

Rising Tide only recently started selling growlers after moving their brewery to Fox Street in Portland. They have installed a tasting room and will be filling growlers from 4-7 on Tuesdays and Thursdays / 12-3 on Fridays and Saturdays with tours at 1:00 on most Fridays and Saturdays. Nathan and Heather have an excellent brewery and are great people, again you will enjoy your time at the brewery and certainly will enjoy the beer.

Cost was around $17 for the first full growler and I believe it was $11 for refills. Cash is preferred however they will run a credit or debit card if needed. I will be down there on Tuesday and will update this post with the accurate cost then. 

Read more after the break

132. Oak Pond Brewing Oktoberfest

A few weeks ago I had a string of high ABV many of which were great beers but not something I could drink on a regular basis. This one from OPB is certainly a session beer although I am not sure what the actual ABV is on this one it was not harsh and I was able to finish the 22 oz bottle very easily. Color is typical for an Oktoberfest with a small head that had good retention. Aroma was minimal but slightly sweet and taste has a solid malt character with a slight bitter hop at the end. Probably could use a bit more on the finish but it is a quality beer and something I would certainly drink again. 
Pros: Easy to drink

Cons: 

Alcohol Content: ??% ABV
Calories: ???
IBU (Bitterness): ??
Rating:  
Brewers Website: Oak Pond Brewing

Brewers Description: Oktoberfest is a complex, malty, bottom fermented lager. It has a wealth of flavor and a slightly caramel character. Hops are used sparingly so as to provide balance to its clean personality. Aging for over five weeks gives this lager a round smooth taste. Oktoberfest is an American term for a German beer style and is meant to be enjoyed year round.

130. Oak Pond Brewing Somerset Lager

Well this is my final review of 2011 - 130 different beers in under 6 months. What a great State, Country and time we live in if you are a craft beer drinker. This was the first beer from Oak Pond Brewing and I was happy with it. Color is a nice orange with minimal head, slight fruity, grapefruit aroma and taste was what I would expect from a small brewers lager. Simple but satisfying and very easy to drink. I will be looking for more from OPB.
Pros: Easy to drink

Cons: Simple

Alcohol Content: ??% ABV
Calories: ???
IBU (Bitterness): ??
Rating:  
Brewers Website: Oak Pond Brewing

Brewers Description: Somerset Lager is a smooth, dry pils in the German tradition. The aroma and bitterness of noble Saaz hops are well balanced with a clean malt base. A refreshing golden pilsner for all seasons