Maine Brews Rise to the Top: Allagash and Shipyard Rank Among Nation’s 50 Largest

The craft beer industry in Maine is a certified powerhouse.

As of this writing, there are over 120 breweries in the state. According to Statista, Maine had the second-highest number of breweries per capita in the U.S. in 2023, with 14.6 per 100,000 residents.

This points to two things: Mainers love their beer—and their local businesses. But what about beyond the state’s borders? What kind of national impact is Maine making?

Quite a significant one, actually. Two of Maine’s most popular breweries rank among the largest in the country.

What Maine Breweries Have the Highest Production Numbers?

According to the Brewers Association, the organization that represents small craft breweries, both Allagash Brewing and Shipyard Brewing are in the Top 50 for annual production. That’s quite an impact for such a small state.

Allagash Brewing comes in at an impressive 21st place.

Allagash is Maine's Largest Brewery

Located in Portland, Maine’s craft beer capital, Allagash is a specialty brewery that has been perfecting Belgian-style beers since 1995. It was founded by Rob Todd, who set out to focus on a style of beer that wasn’t widely available or brewed in the United States at the time.

Boy, did that turn out to be a good idea, Allagash has become a national juggernaut in the Belgian-style and craft beer industry.

There’s good reason for this: the beer is delicious. You’ll find all sorts of innovative styles and flavors, including countless ales, stouts, saisons, barrel-aged brews, lagers, IPAs, and plenty of Belgian styles I can’t even pronounce. Even the pickiest beer fan is likely to find something they love at Allagash, and might even admit it’s one of the best things they’ve ever tasted.

The other Maine representative, Shipyard Brewing, came in at a respectable 45th place.

Shipyard Brewing is the Second Largest Maine Brewery Based on Production

This Portland brewery has been a titan in Maine for over three decades. From its humble beginnings in Kennebunkport at Federal Jack’s to becoming a national brand, Shipyard is a true American success story.

Shipyard is known for its English-style ales and wheat beers. Its most notable brews are the original Export Ale and the immensely popular Pumpkinhead Ale, a seasonal favorite in the fall. It’s also the American brewer for Ringwood’s Old Thumper, an English classic.

The brewery has evolved over the years, including a full remodel of its tasting room and the addition of a food menu featuring delicious pizzas and other treats. It’s an inviting destination for both tourists and locals alike.

Allagash and Shipyard weren’t the only New England breweries to make the Top 50 list. Here’s a look at where the others ranked:

2. Boston Beer Company (MA)
8. Athletic Brewing (CT)
13. Barrell One Collective (MA)
19. Narragansett Brewing (RI)
23. Fiddlehead Brewing (VT)
32. Hendler Family Brewing (MA)
47. Zero Gravity Craft Brewery (VT)

You can check out the entire list of 50 here. It's quite the murderer's row of breweries.