Lagers clink at Argenta Brewing Co. Photo by Amanda Bizzaro
With all due respect to our region’s countless distinguished IPAs and other ales, for some lovers of craft beers, it’s time for a change. A trend that’s been slowly brewing for the past several years is taking off in popularity. Now ready for its close-up: Craft lagers.
And that “slowly brewing” is meant literally. Because lagers take almost twice as much time to create (and need both additional refrigeration and a far larger amount of yeast), it’s little wonder that many brewers have instead focused their attention on other, less time-intensive styles. But as these fresh and bright flavors have caught on among more than macrobrew drinkers – particularly as the weather warms up this time of year – more Maine brewers are seeing little reason not to pour some creative and delicious craft lager styles. Here’s where to find some of the best.
ARGENTA BREWERY
This new “lager saloon” in Bayside is a must-stop all season – and its dog-friendly patio outfitted with fire pits is an ideal hang space. Don’t miss the Black Lager, a chocolatey brew with rich notes, or the Generic American Lager, appreciated for its smoothness and lightness. Equally refreshing is the clean and dry Rice Lager.
82 Hanover St., Suite 6, Portland, 775-315-1409, 2-9 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. argentabrewingcompany.com
SACRED PROFANE
Whether you’re catching a pint before a concert at the lager-centric brewery’s new second location at Thompson’s Point or meeting friends at the original space in Biddeford, buckle up for some nontraditional beers lagered in horizontal tanks that are open-fermented. Sacred Profane’s two primary offerings – Dark and Pale – are made with care and expertise by co-owners Brienne Allen and Michael Fava.
Dark Lagers lined up at Sacred Profane. Photo courtesy of Sacred Profane
There’s also an Amber Lager – a blend of the Pale (70%) and Dark (30%) – that’s available periodically at the Biddeford location and is always on draft at the Thompson’s Point location. Keep an eye out this fall for it to be available in cans.
28 Resurgam Place, Portland; 3-9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
50 Washington St., Biddeford, 3-9 p.m. Monday, Thursday and Friday; noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, 207-272-1136. sacredprofane.com
BISSELL BROTHERS
Beloved for its freewheeling vibe and dedication to philanthropic efforts around Maine, Bissell Brothers also happens to turn out some extremely finely crafted lagers. Give the Wet Hop Lager a whirl; it’s a pale version brewed entirely with fresh Cascade hops from The Hop Yard farm in Gorham.
38 Resurgam Place, Portland, 207-808-8258; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
167 Elm St., Milo, 207-943-9190; 3-8 p.m. Thursday, noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. bissellbrothers.com
BATSON RIVER
With locations in Portland, Kennebunk, Biddeford and Wells, all of the highly decorated outposts (chic hunting lodge is the general theme) pour lagers like Acadian Skies, a rich Schwarbier-style dark lager that comes with hints of roasted barley and a crisp, clean finish.
Flagship location: 12 Western Ave., Kennebunk, 207-967-8821; 4-9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. batsonriver.com
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