Thursday, September 28th, is National Drink Beer Day!  It marks the end of Oktoberfest (yes, it takes place in September NOT October) and is typically celebrated by enjoying a glass of beer with your friends at a local tavern.

Celebrate by visiting one of Maine's AMAZING breweries or brew pubs!

Here are five Central Maine establishments that you need to visit:

The Liberal Cup - Established in 2000, this Hallowell brew pub was modeled after those found in the English country-side.  A place where friends and family could gather for a meal, beer, and company.  They featuring a rotating selection of six taps and and some amazing food.  The name, by the way, is not political.  It refers to portion size.  Despite the fact the establishment is only a few miles from the Maine State House.


 

Gritty McDuffs - Established in 1988, Gritty's is Maine's ORIGINAL brew pub.  Serving up a host of ales (including seasonal varieties) and food at their locations in Auburn, Portland, and Freeport.


Rock Harbor Brewing Company - Located in Rockland, this brew pub is fairly new to the scene (opening in June of 2011).  They brew and serve mostly ales and stouts.  For food, they offer traditional pub fare like sandwiches, soups / stews, and Fish & Chips (of course).  And, if you like seafood, try their Haddock Rockefeller.


Sunday River Brewing - Located in Bethel, down the street from the ski area of the same name, this brew pub has been around since 1992.  They brew and serve a wide variety of styles from ales, to stouts, to alts.  Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a skier could make multiple stops there each day (breakfast before the slops, apres ski drinks, and dinner).


 

Baxter Brewing - Located in an old mill in Lewiston, Baxter Brewing has been around since 2010.  They brew a variety of beers and, while they don't serve food, they do offer free tours (and tastings for those 21+) Thursday through Saturday at 2 PM.


 

And, while it is not open yet, we need to mention the newest addition to the Central Maine beer scene.  According to their social media, the Cushnoc Brewing Company is set to open in downtown Augusta at the end of October.

I think we're all counting down the days until Cushnoc opens!

 

More From 92 Moose