THE GIST
Both Maine Brewing Company and Sebago Brewing unveiled that they were finalizing expansion projects yesterday. Maine Brewing Company revealed that it hopes to build a two-story 20,300 square foot facility next to its existing 6,000 square foot building in the town of Freeport. Sebago says it plans to open a $5 million destination brewery in its hometown of Gorham.
WHY IT MATTERS
There's a great degree of fortification happening regionally at the moment with breweries like Southern Tier and Victory going deep in their home markets out East as national players like New Belgium, Oskar Blues, Stone, and others set up second homes in the region. That leaves smaller-but-growing breweries like Maine and Sebago limited options, and time seems to be of the essence. Atop that trend, Portland, Maine and the surrounding area is beginning to look as attractive as Portland, Oregon and the Hood River Valley out West.
All eyes are on New England breweries at the moment as the area’s market begins to settle into its new position as one of the most exciting and economically viable in the U.S. With a regional style now attributed to the area in the form of the hazy, juicy New England-style IPA there has never been more interest in the beer being produced in these Northeastern states.
'Sup Boston?
— Matthew Curtis + Michael Kiser
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Sebago Brewing, Maine Beer Co. Plan Expansions – Via Brewbound