Baxter Brewing Co., Lewiston Maine: Bold Adventure, It’s In The Can!

Recently, my dad asked for help navigating to his medical appointment that was apparently located somewhere in the deep backwoods of Maine. I joked that the GPS may not even find this place because it’s so far gone from the map and looked like an “undefined green blob”. Always an optimist (and devout beer fanatic) I decided to seize the opportunity, travel to a new location, and pray there was a local brewery that was open. After all, travel makes can make one mighty thirsty. Enter Baxter Brewing Company.

Baxter Brewing Company is nestled in scenic and historic Lewiston, right inside the old Lewiston Bates Mill, a former textile mill founded in 1850 that produced and supplied textiles to the Union army during the civil war. Now, occupants much like the brewery have breathed new life into the building while giving playful nods to and honoring the manufacturing history of the building. I didn’t realize that not only were we about visit one of Maine’s premier brewing companies but the first one in the state to can their own beer!

Our first steps onto the property made us think maybe we were in the wrong spot and were actually stepping foot into a horror movie. Like a scene straight off the pages of a Stephen King novel, the decrepit remains of the old mill off to the left served as a reminder of busier, more robust times. The brickwork aged fairly well, but quite a few windows unfortunately did not survive the ravages of time.

A solitary tarp blowing out of a broken window waved a woefully weak welcome and served as a reminder that it was probably livlier inside. At the very least it was going to be warmer than our current situation.

Brewed For The Bold,

Once inside, it was a like stepping into a whole other world, a completely different atmosphere, one that had a warm and inviting space with plenty of open area to entertain a large number of people. We hit it just right as “The Pub” wasn’t that busy and so had our pick of any of the comfortable seats.

An eclectic mix of country songs played in the background giving the pub a familiar down-home blue-collar feel with songs from mainstream artists like Zach Bryan, Morgan Wallen, and Chris Stapleton that were mixed in with some from lesser known musicians (at least to me anyways) like Koe Wetzel, The Red Clay Strays, and Treaty Oak Revival. Very noticeable was that almost all of the men sitting at the bar were wearing flannel, blue jeans, and work boots.

Yeah. Definitely blue collar and definitely backwoods Maine. This was a place where you felt you’d get an honestly great tasting meal and beer that was worth every penny of your honestly earned paycheck.

Canned For The Adventure.

There seems to be a certain art form when it comes to pub food, from the presentation to the actual taste, and the chefs in the kitchen have elevated the art form to another level.

My dad ordered the French Onion soup (which seemed to be the wiser choice for the cold weather that waited to re-introduce itself to us once we left) and I went for the standard Smash burger but with a twist: I ordered the “dirty fries”. It was a little nod to how my mind is on most days: dirty and fried. But there was nothing dirty to report about this meal…except the burger was moist and dripping juices while the fries were hot and spicy, both leaving my mouth panting…for more.

My dad commented that the French onion soup had no shortage of cheese and demonstrated with a pretty impressive cheese pull (almost a good six inches), exposing a very aromatic broth underneath. My burger, while it had some cheese on it fell a little short in the cheese-pull department, but it’s not the size of the pull now is it? It’s about how it tastes, and the flavors combined to conjure up feelings of comfort and we were just so lucky to have stumbled on this place.

And the beer? Very tasty and the tap list had so many styles that if you couldn’t find a favorite you probably really didn’t like beer in the first place. Sours, IPAs, Stouts, and seltzers were on tap. Even THC infused beverages were available if you needed that little extra push to feel comfortable.

Of note and my recommendations to anyone visiting (and hope these are still on tap when you go) are the Blood Orange Habenro IPA and Jordyn’s Award Winning Irish Red Nitro edition. Yes they produce a beer with Habanero peppers and yes it does kick where it needs to. You’d think oranges and peppers don’t mix but it does so in a playful and tasty manner. If you’re like me and can’t decide on what to drink then flights of five sampler pours are available to enjoy.

And there is a cooler to take home some drinkable souvenirs. Get the Delta 9 Blueberry Kush to go. So good to drink at home on any given evening and so very refreshing. Like a light seltzer water full of blueberry flavor.

Fresh Approach (IPA)

What started as a trip with a purpose and helping navigate the trip turned into a delightful surprise and discovery of what will surely turn into repeated visits in the not too distant future. Baxter Brewing and ‘The Pub” have all the elements of a great time. Great tasting food, a fantastic and fun blue-collar vibe and plenty of seating to accommodate any size party, and best of all: There’s a parking garage close by so this isn’t an issue!

If you’re visiting “The Pub” then let me know how you liked it (because I’m sure you will) and if you can recommend something from them I haven’t tried yet (go ahead and entice me to go back-you don’t have to try too hard though!), then please recommend away. Just a final thought. Don’t forget your flannel. After all, their beer is brewed for the bold, and canned for the adventure. Enjoy the journey!