In recent years, Bangor and beer have become synonymous. The region has become a legitimate hotbed for interesting and talented beermakers. The craft beer explosion has been a remarkable thing to watch as more and more passionate brewers decide to try and bring their sudsy dreams to fruition.

Leaving aside the economic impact – which is undeniably significant – it’s just great to know that there are places all over where you can find and enjoy an exceptional beer. We’re up to our ears in options from breweries large and small. In fact, by some measurements, Maine is one of the beeriest states in the union.

The beer is definitely out there. No matter what your taste might be, you’ll be able to find something to suit your particular palate at an area brewery. And since National Beer Day is here, we thought it might be nice to take a moment and celebrate.

BANGOR – There’s no disputing the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on businesses large and small. Everyone has been forces to find ways to adapt, to seek out a new normal and carve out a spot for themselves.

Craft brewing – long a booming industry here in Bangor and all over the state – is no exception.

Here’s the thing: The Maine Edge digs beer. We cover it a fair amount in these pages. We feature it on our cover at least a couple of times a year. We’ve run a beer column in the past. And our editor (also the writer of this piece) enjoys the wares of just about every one of the brewers in the region.

So let’s talk about ways in which we can continue to enjoy those wares while still being responsible and safe, shall we?

Now, I’m not going to sit here and tell you that I am intimately familiar with the protocols in place for every single area brewery. I’ll freely admit that there are some – even on the list you’ll see later in this piece – that I personally have not visited since the pandemic struck. I’ve visited many of these spots, but not all of them, so I can’t speak in absolutes.

What I WILL say is this: Everything that I’ve seen from the places I HAVE visited tells me that the vast majority of the region’s breweries are taking all of this very seriously and doing their very best to follow the rules and keep their patrons and employees safe. Not that it should surprise anyone familiar with the scene – these are all good people who want nothing more than to make good, interesting brews and do right by the world.

And that’s the thing – even in the midst of all this, these people are still making really good beer.

BANGOR – Here in 2019, the beer scene continues to shake things up.

The craft beer landscape in the greater Bangor region is as robust as ever these days. Over a dozen breweries are plying their trades in the vicinity, bringing their delicious and diverse beers to the masses. Plenty of thirsts are being quenched as these businesses – some just a few years old, others with decades-long histories behind them – offer up a wide variety of tasty brews.

And make no mistake – this boom is good for business, too. These breweries, large and small, are helping to drive the area’s economic engine. They’re providing jobs and spending money and paying taxes. They’re drawing people in, and not just to their tasting rooms – there are plenty of local restaurants and bars that have taps pouring locally-sourced suds.

A weekend adventure with new releases from area breweries

Company offers pre-fab breweries for the lazy and unmotivated

It’s Homecoming week! Well, I mean … sorta. Let me explain.

I know what you're probably thinking - 'Another Thanksgiving themed column?! Tim is really milking this holiday for content.'

(Full Disclosure: The writer is a founder, co-owner and director of Marketing at Gneiss Brewing Company. Heavy bias and personal feelings definitely contributed to the writing of this article.)

Normally, I try to reserve this space for news and information about breweries in the Greater Bangor area, but since my fearless editorial leader Allen Adams asked for some words about Gneiss Brewing Company's forthcoming 3rd Anniversary Celebration, I had no choice but to oblige.

Marsh Island Brewing opens tasting room in Orono

ORONO Craft beer is proving to be big business in the Bangor area. Now, another one of the brewing operations in Orono is making the leap to pouring their own beers from their own taps.