Breweries of the Week: Black Bear Brewing and Bray’s Brew Pub

This weekly blog series will feature each of our member breweries located throughout the state of Maine. We invite you to grab a pint, sit back and relax, while we fill you in on the lively brew scene in our state.

Who:  Black Bear Brewery, located in Orono Maine, is family owned and operated and focused on hand crafted, small batch, high quality beers. Owner and Brewmaster Tim Gallon, installed a 10bbl brewhouse in 2007 and began brewing in 2008. Black Bear brews are available on tap at several restaurants and pubs around the state, as well as in growlers and 22 oz bottles at the brewery.

What:  The brew team is all about supporting local. ‘I take every chance I get to incorporate something local into the beer. This is what makes a local brewery so special’. Their local spirit begins with their Brewery name, which of course is in honor of the beloved UMaine Black Bears. The Black Bear Pail Ale is an example of their fun and creative style and certainly lacks nothing in taste either! The hoppy American Pale ale offers big aroma and flavor, balanced with a sweet malty backbone for what has become known as a ‘very drinkable ale’.

Where:  The brew team offers brewery tours and tastings and can be found in the center of downtown Orono, at 19 Mill Street. They are also known to frequent area establishments, where they host ‘Brewers’ night’, which features their great beer, prizes and giveaways. Be sure to follow them on facebook to find out where to follow them around town!

Get to know the Black Bear Team:

Visit their website
Email them at facebook

Who: Bray's Brew Pub, located in the heart of the lakes region, Naples, Maine, has been pleasing locals and visitors with their outstanding food and hand crafted ale since 1995. The experience only gets better when enjoyed under the roof of their historic Victorian farmhouse, or as you step outside into the beer garden. Yup, you heard right, they have a beer garden and it is the perfect spot to sip on a savory hand crafted ale, while soaking up the sun, listening to live music and hanging out with the Naples cool crowd. 

What:  The brew team produces ales with a Pacific Northwest influence and offer pretty much the full gamut when it comes to flavor, aroma and style. Their Brandy Pale Ale, named after the popular summer hot spot in Naples, Brandy Pond, is delicious wheat ale that shouts ‘summertime in Maine’ with the very first sip. It’s that kind of ale that gives you spring fever and makes you think of nothing else but getting your boat in the water…or of course, spending an afternoon with friends in the beer garden!

When:  Bray's Brewing is part of the 7th annual Maine Blues Festival that takes place in the Lakes Region over Fathers Day weekend and features 10 stages and 40 bands throughout the weekend. Bray’s kicks off the weekend with a preview show on Friday night and closes with an all star open mic night on Sunday. It’s an event not to miss and you can get all the information you need by visiting the pub anytime between now and then.

Get to know the Bray's Brew Team:

Visit their website
Email them at braysbrewpub@roadrunner.com
Blog written by:  Lori Pecor of Marketing Cents4u.com