Portland, Maine, Brewer Finalist for Major National Beer Award

We already know that Maine's craft beer industry is one of the best in the country, so it really shouldn't surprise anyone that one local brewer is up for a major award.

Congratulations to Argenta Brewing owner Ryan Dunlap on being named a finalist for Brewer of the Year by VinePair in its annual Next Wave Awards.

What are the Vinepair Next Wave Awards?

This is a huge deal for Dunlap and Argenta, considering how massive VinePair has become. Quite frankly, it's one of the most influential digital media companies in the drinks world. These awards celebrate all of the most important folks in this wolrd, so, to be named a finalist for a Next Wave Award is pretty darn cool.

Where Type of Brewery is Argenta Brewing?

Located in Portland, Argenta Brewing has been cranking out tasty beers since it was founded in 2024. The brewery focuses on lager-style beers, which is a solid niche, considering the majority of the joints around here tend to be IPA-heavy.

Lagers are quite a popular style of beer. With deep roots in Germany and Czechia, lagers are known for their crisp, clean flavor and are perfect for session drinking. A lot of the domestic gems that we all grew up on (Hello, Miller High Life!) are lagers, so when breweries make them well, you know they're going to be incredibly delicious. And clearly, Argenta is doing something right, considering Dunlap has been named a finalist by VinePair.

Dunlap is up against two other finalists: Eomoni Collier of Urban Garden Brewing in Washington, D.C., and Shawna Hays of Miel Brewing in New Orleans. The winners of all the VinePair awards will be announced in a special publication on Oct. 15.

Best of luck to Dunlap and all the finalists. But let's be honest, I'm just saying that to be nice. Obviously, I want Dunlap to win.

Anytime a Mainer wins anything, it's like a collective win for the whole state. So, let's go, Ryan! And make sure to check out Argenta Brewing the next time you're in Portland.