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Will you run for craft beer? The Maine Brew Bus and Port City Running Tours have partnered up to offer you running tours to local craft breweries!
Quick Details
Old Port Meeting Location: Old Port Spirits and Cigars
East Bayside Meeting Location: Rising Tide Brewing Company
Industrial Way Meeting Location: Spare Time Recreation
A WALKING TOUR TO DRINK THROUGH PORTLAND BEER HISTORY
First founded in 1632, Portland’s location along the sea has always been its strength.
The harbor is actually situated on a tidal river so it does not freeze. That makes Portland the closest, sheltered, deepwater, ice-free harbor to Europe on the East Coast. This has led to tremendous growth in the city based on the maritime shipping and fishing industries, and later with the railroads that connected Portland to locations throughout the United States and Canada.
Portland has suffered more than its share of devastating fires, with the most significant coming in 1866. Each time, Portland has rebuilt, and by showing its resilience it has earned the motto Resurgam (I will rise again) and the city symbol of the Phoenix.
And Portland has had a tumultuous relationship over its history with alcohol. Leading up to the 1850’s, all of Portland was fueled by New England Style rum which was made from molasses shipped in from warmer climates. But Portland is also the birthplace of Prohibition, with temperance crusader Neal Dow leading the charge and gaining momentum after penning the Maine Law which made Maine the first dry state in 1851.
The City of Portland saw the first craft brewery to be established in all of New England, Geary Brewing Company (1983). It welcomed Gritty McDuff’s (1988) as they opened their doors in the Old Port to become the first brewpub in the state. It witnessed the dramatic rise of Shipyard Brewing Company (1992) to be one of the county’s largest brewing enterprises that now spans well beyond the U.S. to shores far away. The world-renowned Belgian-influenced Allagash Brewing Company (1995) is also found within the city limits. Sebago Brewing Company (1998) counts Portland as one of their five locations serving their delicious beer along with amazing food. Even one of the world’s only brewery-distillery-restaurants was formed on Portland’s waterfront once Liquid Riot (2011) turned on their open sign.
But there are many other breweries in neighborhood pockets around Portland that are forging their own history in the present day. Maybe you have heard of Foundation, Lone Pine, Austin Street, Definitive, Rising Tide, or Urban Farm Fermentory?
The guides of The Maine Brew Bus are here to expertly tell their stories on our Walk, Talk, and Taste tours. Each open-air tour is limited to a maximum capacity of seven people to stay within state guidelines for organized groups.
Three different neighborhood locations each with two departures available every day. Choose among the Old Port, East Bayside, and IndustriALE Way itineraries.
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This leisurely walking tour allows you to visit and learn about notable Portland landmarks including numerous former brewery sites, the Workingmen’s Club, Mariners’ Church, the Seamen’s Club, and the working waterfront that was essential for importing many goods and the exporting of alcohol during times of prohibition.
Samples
Samples of craft beer, seltzer, and cider will be available at each stop and are included in the tour.Food
Snacks to be provided at one of the three stops.Schedule
Available daily with 2 departure times: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Please arrive 15 minutes before tour start time for check-in and to ensure a timely departure.
As part of this historical journey, we will stop at three of these legendary Portland breweries for included samples (schedule varies).
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- Shipyard Brewing Company
- Sebago Brewing Company
- Gritty McDuff’s
- Liquid Riot Bottling Company
At the end of the tour, you can stay at our last stop or we will bring you back to Old Port Spirits and Cigars on Commercial Street where you can continue to explore the downtown area on foot!
Please note that tour stops may change without notice due to events and availability of staff at each venue.
Walking Distance and Difficulty
1 mile to 1.5 miles of walking on brick and concrete sidewalks, with small inclines and limited stairs. There is also a short distance (200 yards) of walking on uneven cobblestones. -
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This two-hour walking tour allows you to visit three different breweries that are all making a name for themselves in the industrial area known as East Bayside. Along the way, your expert guide will talk about the historical importance of Portland Harbor, how attitudes towards drinking alcohol changed drastically in the 19th century, and how the craft alcohol industry has exploded in more recent times.
Samples
Samples of craft beer, kombucha, mead, or cider will be available at each stop and are included in the tour.Food
Light snacks to be provided at one of the three stops.Schedule
Available daily with 2 departure times: 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Please arrive 15 minutes before tour start time for check-in and to ensure a timely departure.
As part of this historical journey, we will stop at three of these Portland breweries for included samples (schedule varies).
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- Austin Street Brewery
- Rising Tide Brewing Company
- Urban Farm Fermentory
- Lone Pine Brewing Company
At the end of the tour, you can stay at our last stop where you can continue to explore the lively East Bayside area!
Please note that tour stops may change without notice due to events and availability of staff at each venue.
Walking Distance and Difficulty
1 mile to 1.5 miles of walking on tar and brick sidewalks or multi-use paths, with small inclines and limited stairs. -
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David Geary first chose this area in the mid-1980s for his trail-breaking brewery based on proximity to the highway and the relatively low price of the land. Now, many breweries past and present call the neighborhood their original home anchored by the industry giant in Allagash Brewing Company. You may be surprised to learn the names of other well-known companies who also started their journeys in the brewery incubator building called One Industrial Way.
Samples
Samples of craft beer will be available at each stop and are included in the tour.Food
Light snacks to be provided at one of the three stops.Schedule
Available Thursday through Sunday with 2 departure times: 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Please arrive 15 minutes before tour start time for check-in and to ensure a timely departure.
On this adventure, we will stop at three of these Portland breweries for included samples (schedule varies):
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- Foundation Brewing Company
- Austin Street Brewery
- Battery Steele Brewing
- Definitive Brewing
At the end of the tour, you can stay at our last stop where you can continue to explore the IndustriALE Way area. Or, if you have placed an order with Allagash in advance for curbside pickup we will bring you to pick up your purchases.
Please note that tour stops may change without notice due to events and availability of staff at each venue.
Walking Distance and Difficulty
Less than 1 mile of walking on tar or multi-use paths, with small inclines and no stairs. -
