Freeport, Maine is Quietly Becoming a Destination for Craft Beer Drinkers

When you think of beer tourism in Maine, all signs point to Portland. Portland's brewery scene has already become the stuff of legend, with walkable areas of the city filled with breweries, seltzeries, and distilleries that have helped Portland's tourism boom. But as the crowds have gotten larger each and every year in Portland, two other Maine cities have begun to sprout their own destination brewery scene. Biddeford's beer scene is on the rise, featuring Run of the Mill, Banded Brewing, Blaze Brewing, and Maine's only totally gluten-free brewery, Lucky Pigeon. If you're willing to travel a little further north, Freeport's beer scene is multiplying rapidly, and people are noticing.

Maine Beer Company - 525 U.S. Route 1

One of Maine's most prolific breweries in Maine Beer Company. It has been a destination for fans of craft beer for years, and as Maine Beer Company's popularity has grown, so too has the size of its brewery and offerings. Their tasting room is open 11am-8pm seven days a week, and there's always plenty of their most popular beer, Lunch, on tap.

Mast Landing - 200 Lower Main Street

Mast Landing Brewing started in Freeport before jumping to Westbrook to expand their operations and fully establish themselves. Mission accomplished. Their most popular beer, Gunner's Daughter, has reached must-have popularity while allowing for expansion back into Freeport. Mast Landing took over a large-scale space that was once home to a children's clothing company, and has designed a destination taproom that shouldn't be missed.

Gritty McDuff's - 187 Lower Main Street

Gritty's has been slinging beers in Freeport for a long time, and still maintains a certain charm. Gritty's operates as a full brewpub, meaning that if you're on a tour with a beer drinker and you don't drink beer, Gritty's has got you covered with other options. During the warmer months, they have an expansive deck space and outdoor play area where the entire family can enjoy themselves.

Stars and Stripes - 8 Varney Rd

Stars and Stripes Brewing greets everyone departing I-295 with a giant American flag hanging on the road side of their taproom. Stars and Stripes is a veteran-owned brewery and donates a portion of their proceeds to different veteran organizations. Stars and Stripes has a terrific outdoor seating area, including a large fire pit for a chillier day or to end a perfect summer evening.

Goodfire Brewing - 117 U.S. Route 1

Initially, Goodfire Brewing planned to open a brewpub in conjunction with Mr. Tuna. Those plans fell through, but Goodfire remains committed to opening a new taproom in Freeport in the old space that housed El Jefe. Goodfire plans to bring many of the same offerings that have made their Portland taproom popular, plus some additions with expanded space and outdoor capabilities. They remain hopeful to open by the summer of 2022.