2 O'Clock Tasting: 
Maine Beer Company

Updated on March 30, 2016

In 1999, brothers Daniel and David Klebon moved from the Midwest to New England. Ten years later, they started the Maine Beer Company, which captures the culture of the state from the name of their first beer--Peeper, after the frogs that emerge in mud season--to their slogan, “Do what’s right.”

If you don’t live on the east coast, you may have a hard time getting your hands on a Maine Beer Company brew. Their Lunch beer has developed a Westvleteren-esque allure, with shipments selling out within twenty-four hours and beer enthusiasts seeking ways to obtain this delicious IPA. So just in case lobsters and blueberries weren't enough, you now have one more reason to visit Maine.

1. Peeper

   5.5% ABV

   Named after the frogs that peep up from the mud in the springtime, this light beer made us feel like we were sitting in our rocker on the front porch. Even with our seasonally stuffy noses, the wonderful hop aroma with hints of lemongrass came through. Peeper was fresh on the nose and on the tongue as this nicely balanced American ale made for delightfully easy, enjoyable drinking.
 

2. Lunch

   7.0 % ABV

   The beer that has lured enthusiasts to Maine Beer Company certainly deserves the hype. Named after a frequent vistor to the harbors of Maine, a whale named Lunch with a marking that looks like a giant bite, this beer is hazier than Peeper and slightly more carbonated, defining the color marigold. The aroma nicely represented the state tree, with a good dose of pine and resin. The nose carried through to the taste, with a fresh earthy flavor, like putting your lips to the soil after a storm has cleared.
 

3. Zoe

   7.2% ABV

   Marked by a smiley face drawn by the beer’s namesake, Zoe made us smile too. Pouring a rich brown with a small head, we almost wanted to put a scoop of ice cream on top for a (root) beer float! As with Lunch, there were hints of earth and pine, like clippings from a Christmas tree, but in this case paired with a slight chocolate malty sweetness - smelling almost like hops dusted on a Tootsie Roll. Zoe perfectly captured a rich earthy and roasted flavor while maintaining a light body--not an easy task.
 

4. Mean Old Tom

   6.0% ABV

   This beer looks the part, almost black in appearance with a minimal tan head. The nose still had age to it, but was a bit friendlier with hints of darkly roasted coffee and vanilla bean. Mean Old Tom had a solid body and smooth mouthfeel. This beer achieved a wonderful balance of bitter and sweet, reminding us of a milk stout.

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