Allagash Brewing Co

May 28

Tucked into an industrial stretch of Portland, Allagash Brewing Company has built something that feels both deeply local and nationally recognized. What started as a one-person operation has grown into one of Maine’s most influential brands, without ever leaving its original footprint. Every beer is still brewed and packaged right here in Portland, a point of pride the team comes back to often.

The story begins with founder Rob Todd, who set out to make something different. At a time when most American beers were clear and hop-forward, Allagash White arrived hazy, citrusy, and unfamiliar. “You couldn’t give it away in the beginning,” Liz Wilson told me. “People would ask, what’s wrong with this?”

That persistence paid off. Today, Allagash White accounts for the majority of what the brewery produces, brewed nearly around the clock during the week. It’s a recipe that’s been refined to a science, supported by trained sensory teams who ensure every batch tastes exactly as intended. And yet, creativity still has a seat at the table. Through an internal pilot program, anyone on staff can pitch a beer idea, some of which have gone on to become national releases.

Walking through the brewery, there’s a clear balance between precision and play. The main brewhouse runs on sophisticated systems, while the barrel room tells a slower story, where wild and sour beers age for years and fermentation can come from the open Maine air. “If Allagash White is the science, this is the art,” Wilson said.

The experience extends well beyond the beer. Their Portland and Scarborough locations are both home to Bite Into Maine, with some of the best lobster rolls in the state served just steps from the tasting room. It’s the kind of place where you can come for a tour, or simply settle in with friends for an afternoon. The Portland location also includes a dedicated kids area, making it just as welcoming for families.

More than 100,000 visitors pass through each year, many returning as part of their Maine tradition. Start with an Allagash White at the source, then follow your curiosity from there.

Famous for:
Staff train for months as sensory tasters, and some beers are aged for years before release. Also, (obviously!) Allgash White.

50 Industrial Way in Portland, ME / allagash.com