Shipyard Brewery is Maine’s largest brewery. Thus, how could I turn down the opportunity to visit the brewery? Upon arriving I was greeted by the gift-shop attendant. I was initially taken a little back because I was asked to not take pictures inside the brewery gift shop. Brewery rules apparently!
I was told I could take some pictures in the next room over, and was gladly escorted to said area. The bottles shown are everything that Shipyard bottles including their own Shipyard brand, SeaDog (their sister brand), and various other brews that they either own themselves, or do the contract brewing for other companies. Sorry I don’t have more detail here…I was busy listening instead of writing down the details. 
We then watched a 10 minute video on the history of Shipyard. I learned that the brewery started in Kennebunk in 1992, and in 1994 moved to Portland. They now have nationwide distribution.
Once the video was over, I was delighted to find out that we’d been invited to a private tour of the brewery. Tours normally are only on Tuesday evenings and require a reservation. Our hosts bent the rules for me (without me even asking for a tour), which I was greatly appreciative for.
Ben, a 7-year Shipyard veteran, was our tour guide. Ben was very knowledgeable, but didn’t come over as beer-snobbish at all. In this respect, Ben get’s much love from Lost in the Beer Aisle.
After the tour we got to try some beers with Ben. I had previously reviewed the Export Ale, Chamberlain Pale Ale, and the IPA so these were a refresher for me. The Shipyard Summer and the Shipyard Wheat were new to me. The Summer became my go-to beer for the remainder of the weekend.
While tasting, we asked Ben for some tips about places we should visit in Portland. He gave us a handful of excellent ideas, many of which we followed up on. The folks at Shipyard really impressed me, and I take my hat off to them.
I couldn’t leave the brewery without doing some shopping. I grabbed a mixed 6-pack for myself, a mixed 6-pack for a friend, and a 4-pack of the Pugsley’s Signature Series (high ABV).
Sweet. I also picked up the Pugsley Signature 4-pack (have yet to try any of them, but I've got the XXXX IPA and the Barleywine in the fridge waiting to be cracked open). Fun fun. Did they talk about how they bottle for several other companies as well (including soda)?
BERT!:
Yeah, they mentioned the contract brews. As I mentioned in the post, I wasn't taking good notes. If you click on the pictures with all of the bottles, it will enlarge and you can take a look at all the stuff they offer. There are pix of the soda they "brew" too.
-Josh
Mash tun not turn.
Thanks! Fixed.
-Lost
As a year-round Mainah, I feel Shipyard is a state treasure. That Summer Ale is pretty special stuff. Glad you enjoyed the trip!
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