-
Stop lurking! Log in to search, post in our forums, review beers, see fewer ads, and more. — Todd, Founder of BeerAdvocate
Maine Brewing Supply
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Reviewed by Eey0n from Maine
4.58/5 rDev -0.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
4.58/5 rDev -0.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.75 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
Okay, here goes. Firstly, I just had to find a way to rate this place and I'm giving all the "categories" good ratings because it's one of the few local brew shops around and admittedly, yes, they had EVERYTHING that I needed. Which was nice. Now, what wasn't nice... Was the dang price. Like damn! I went in to get parts to build a kegerator. I needed most everything, the manifold, the lines, the couplers, the taps and intended on getting enough parts for 2 lines. I had to cut it back to 1 and I STILL spent $250+. Like, if I order a shank on Amazon I get the whole thing, nuts, bolts, nozzle, the whole thing and I can even order one with the faucet included too. Here, I. Paid. For. Everything. Even the hose clamps were by the piece. I bought ball lock adapters and had to pay for the poppets separate. Guess what? Amazon, it's all included WITH HOSE CLAMPS. If you need like 1 small thing that you don't want or can't wait to get then sure, this is your spot. But , honestly, I won't be going back too frequently, at least not as a main source for my parts. I will say the extract kits were reasonably priced but... Yeah I just could believe how much I felt nickel and dimed after that transaction. I'm all for supporting local businesses but I think this was just a bit much. I've already ordered my other line via Amazon and it was 1/2 the cost even with the same high quality faucet I got here. They need to come of with some sort of bundle package or something. Anyways, that's all. Good luck. They were nice people and had everything but the $$$ for the convenience of local businesses was excessive.
Dec 10, 2022Reviewed by Hoptasticnasticus from Maine
4.14/5 rDev -9.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.75 | selection: 4.75
4.14/5 rDev -9.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4 | service: 3.75 | selection: 4.75
Excellent Selection of brewing equipment, DME, LME, and grain.
I would say the only down fall is the pricing.
Purchasing grain from this store will cost you just as much if not more that LME or DME thus defeating one of the major incentives to brew all grain beer. Seems like he bases all of his pricing off of fair market value + shipping. Even though his shipments are most likely freight which cost a fraction of personal shipments.
I would guess Maine Brewing supply pays around $30 for a 50lb sack of grain then turns around and sells it for close to $70!!!... Ridiculous.
Jun 03, 2013I would say the only down fall is the pricing.
Purchasing grain from this store will cost you just as much if not more that LME or DME thus defeating one of the major incentives to brew all grain beer. Seems like he bases all of his pricing off of fair market value + shipping. Even though his shipments are most likely freight which cost a fraction of personal shipments.
I would guess Maine Brewing supply pays around $30 for a 50lb sack of grain then turns around and sells it for close to $70!!!... Ridiculous.
Reviewed by mattreba
4.94/5 rDev +7.6%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
4.94/5 rDev +7.6%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
This is a great homebrew store with a good selection of fresh ingredients. The prices are higher than online suppliers but that's to be expected with business expenses in Portland. Support your local homebrew store so they are there when you need them!
The owner is very nice. You can email him a grain bill in advance to have it ready when you pick up.
The store also has a good selection of commercial beers available for purchase.
For those driving into Portland MBS is located next door to The Great Lost Bear which is a great tap house with good food. It will be well worth your trip for both stops.
Mar 18, 2012The owner is very nice. You can email him a grain bill in advance to have it ready when you pick up.
The store also has a good selection of commercial beers available for purchase.
For those driving into Portland MBS is located next door to The Great Lost Bear which is a great tap house with good food. It will be well worth your trip for both stops.
Reviewed by Doshkin from Maine
5/5 rDev +8.9%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
5/5 rDev +8.9%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
This supply store is incredible. I've only been to a few, but this one is at least twice the square footage of the others. Everything in the store is laid out in a very orderly fashion, so you can basically walk around in a circle and get everything you need.
The atmosphere is quiet and cozy. Sometimes I'm the only person there, and sometimes there is a line of a few people waiting to be helped. Nobody ever seems bothered by the line, myself included, because there are plenty of things to keep you entertained while waiting.
Rob is awesome. He'll talk to you about anything you want, and he is extremely friendly. He's pretty quick out back getting your grains. I tend to ask a lot of questions, asking for his suggestions and opinions because he is far more experienced than I am with homebrewing, and I have never been disappointed.
There's everything you need from beer brewing equipment and supplies, to wine brewing, even sake brewing. The store is supplied with tons of accessories, from caps and bottles to kegs and mash tuns. I recently went and the hops I needed were not in stock in the freezer, but Rob went out back and got me some loose leaf bags of the variety I needed. There's a great selection of good quality beer, as well. They carry a solid selection of styles and origins.
I have only purchased from LHBS's. Yes, it is a little more expensive for pretty much everything. If you want the cheapest possible prices, then this isn't your place. If you want to support a local small business, have a great conversation with a very knowledgeable brewer and beer drinker, and get pretty much any supply you need, then this is definitely a place you should check out.
As long as I live in the area, I will continue to give my business to Maine Brewing Supply.
Oct 14, 2011The atmosphere is quiet and cozy. Sometimes I'm the only person there, and sometimes there is a line of a few people waiting to be helped. Nobody ever seems bothered by the line, myself included, because there are plenty of things to keep you entertained while waiting.
Rob is awesome. He'll talk to you about anything you want, and he is extremely friendly. He's pretty quick out back getting your grains. I tend to ask a lot of questions, asking for his suggestions and opinions because he is far more experienced than I am with homebrewing, and I have never been disappointed.
There's everything you need from beer brewing equipment and supplies, to wine brewing, even sake brewing. The store is supplied with tons of accessories, from caps and bottles to kegs and mash tuns. I recently went and the hops I needed were not in stock in the freezer, but Rob went out back and got me some loose leaf bags of the variety I needed. There's a great selection of good quality beer, as well. They carry a solid selection of styles and origins.
I have only purchased from LHBS's. Yes, it is a little more expensive for pretty much everything. If you want the cheapest possible prices, then this isn't your place. If you want to support a local small business, have a great conversation with a very knowledgeable brewer and beer drinker, and get pretty much any supply you need, then this is definitely a place you should check out.
As long as I live in the area, I will continue to give my business to Maine Brewing Supply.
Reviewed by CLAUDE007 from Maine
5/5 rDev +8.9%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
5/5 rDev +8.9%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
Maine Brewing Supply is fantastic, I have never felt more welcome and catered too than I did when buying my supplies for an all grain recipe, which was tweaked a little for me by Rob the owner (much appreciated). I also felt the pricing in the store was very reasonable, and am more than happy to support local businesses, in fact I would be willing to pay a little more in order to insure MBS stays just where they are.
Let me explain my last comment to you, while I was brewing my Belgium Dark, I ran into a problem with my yeast, I phoned the store and even though I could hear customers in the back round, Rob took the time to guide me and more importantly my beer too Gold Medal Status.
Thanks MBS and thank you Rob.
Apr 09, 2011Let me explain my last comment to you, while I was brewing my Belgium Dark, I ran into a problem with my yeast, I phoned the store and even though I could hear customers in the back round, Rob took the time to guide me and more importantly my beer too Gold Medal Status.
Thanks MBS and thank you Rob.
Reviewed by bishopdc0 from Maine
3.66/5 rDev -20.3%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4
3.66/5 rDev -20.3%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 3 | selection: 4
I live about hald a mile from this place and being nextdoor to the Great Lost Bear you can't go wrong.
That said however this place is EXPENSIVE nearly $6 per lb for DME I had to scale back the review to reflect. They have an amazing selection of grains hops and yeast, tho their dry yeast selection was small. I don't like the way you have to order grain from a list which he goes in back to grind. That's fine but the shops popularity makes service slow and there isn't pricing anywhere for grains. I felt like an idiot ordering 4 or 5 different grains and asking how much each was then on a few realizing the price and wishing I hadn't ordered them. I calculated the price per batch and I can make it cheaper with northern brewer, which sucks cause I like helping a local guy
Feb 22, 2011That said however this place is EXPENSIVE nearly $6 per lb for DME I had to scale back the review to reflect. They have an amazing selection of grains hops and yeast, tho their dry yeast selection was small. I don't like the way you have to order grain from a list which he goes in back to grind. That's fine but the shops popularity makes service slow and there isn't pricing anywhere for grains. I felt like an idiot ordering 4 or 5 different grains and asking how much each was then on a few realizing the price and wishing I hadn't ordered them. I calculated the price per batch and I can make it cheaper with northern brewer, which sucks cause I like helping a local guy
Reviewed by gtn80 from Maine
4.2/5 rDev -8.5%
4.2/5 rDev -8.5%
Maine Brewing Supply has been a lifesaver when I have needed yeast, DME or a piece of equipment in a timely manner. Rob's customer service has definitely improved immeasurably since they first opened, and I find him to be a great resource now.
To be honest though if I plan ahead I do most of my purchases from online retailers, because I feel like Maine Brewing Supply's prices are too high on grain and hops, and especially on equipment.
Now, I'm not an idiot, I understand the economies of scale that online retailers get to enjoy, and I definitely throw plenty of dollars the way of Maine Brewing. They servce a purpose for me, for quick, convenient purchases.
On a side note, Rob has a great selection of beer there, again, pretty pricey, but he has some stuff I haven't found anywhere else.
Nov 12, 2010To be honest though if I plan ahead I do most of my purchases from online retailers, because I feel like Maine Brewing Supply's prices are too high on grain and hops, and especially on equipment.
Now, I'm not an idiot, I understand the economies of scale that online retailers get to enjoy, and I definitely throw plenty of dollars the way of Maine Brewing. They servce a purpose for me, for quick, convenient purchases.
On a side note, Rob has a great selection of beer there, again, pretty pricey, but he has some stuff I haven't found anywhere else.
Reviewed by lou50rp from Maine
4.5/5 rDev -2%
4.5/5 rDev -2%
Stopped in for the first time yesterday afternoon. Combined with a trip to RSVP and the Great Lost Bear.
I found a good selection of ingredients. The store was well laid out. Found everything I needed and even a couple that I didn't.
Staff was helpful, when I asked for something, but let me browse when I didn't.
Nice selection of imports, including some Black Albert bottles at a reasonable price -$11.
I found the prices of the brewing supplies I purchased to be in line with what I have purchased elsewhere. Went on line to check.
This will become a regular supplier for me, as I can get good supply and prices (and lunch and a brew nextdoor).
Aug 08, 2010I found a good selection of ingredients. The store was well laid out. Found everything I needed and even a couple that I didn't.
Staff was helpful, when I asked for something, but let me browse when I didn't.
Nice selection of imports, including some Black Albert bottles at a reasonable price -$11.
I found the prices of the brewing supplies I purchased to be in line with what I have purchased elsewhere. Went on line to check.
This will become a regular supplier for me, as I can get good supply and prices (and lunch and a brew nextdoor).
Reviewed by berley31 from Canada (NB)
4.65/5 rDev +1.3%
4.65/5 rDev +1.3%
Oops, didn't realize I hadn't reviewed this place.
I've made a couple of visits here to pick up some supplies (coming from Fredericton, where there is no LHBS), and I've been very impressed each time. The selection of hops, grains, yeasts, supplies, etc. is pretty fantastic. They also have a very nice selection of excellent craft brews, from all over the world, to pick from while you wait, as well as a seating area with reading material.
Where this place really excels is the service. Both times I was here was on a Sunday, which for a lot of people is brew day, so it was quite busy. However, Robert (I think), the owner, never acted rushed. He patiently answered any questions from me and the other customers, and was very friendly and helpful. He could have used some help when I was there, but everyone waiting was very patient and obviously used to the pace for a Sunday.
I wish I had a store like this in Fredericton... ok, A store, but a store like this would be even better.
Apr 27, 2010I've made a couple of visits here to pick up some supplies (coming from Fredericton, where there is no LHBS), and I've been very impressed each time. The selection of hops, grains, yeasts, supplies, etc. is pretty fantastic. They also have a very nice selection of excellent craft brews, from all over the world, to pick from while you wait, as well as a seating area with reading material.
Where this place really excels is the service. Both times I was here was on a Sunday, which for a lot of people is brew day, so it was quite busy. However, Robert (I think), the owner, never acted rushed. He patiently answered any questions from me and the other customers, and was very friendly and helpful. He could have used some help when I was there, but everyone waiting was very patient and obviously used to the pace for a Sunday.
I wish I had a store like this in Fredericton... ok, A store, but a store like this would be even better.
Reviewed by brewdog12 from Maine
4.35/5 rDev -5.2%
4.35/5 rDev -5.2%
I stopped by there last week and was not sure what I would find. I just needed a few things for my next brew.
Parking is on street, not bad just don't park on the other side of Forrest Ave. The store is right next to the Great Lost Bear, next time I'll try to plan on meeting friends there then shop for my brewing supplies.
The store is well set out with just the right amount of stuff so that you can find what you need and don't feel overloaded. I like the fact there is a section of beers that you wouldn't find just anyplace. The type of place were you could spend hours just talking about beers. I'll be back.
Nov 02, 2009Parking is on street, not bad just don't park on the other side of Forrest Ave. The store is right next to the Great Lost Bear, next time I'll try to plan on meeting friends there then shop for my brewing supplies.
The store is well set out with just the right amount of stuff so that you can find what you need and don't feel overloaded. I like the fact there is a section of beers that you wouldn't find just anyplace. The type of place were you could spend hours just talking about beers. I'll be back.
Reviewed by jmstod from Maine
4.35/5 rDev -5.2%
4.35/5 rDev -5.2%
This homebrew store is a very welcome addition to Portland, Maine. For the last 5 years I've been ordering supplies online bc the nearest homebrew store was an hour away. The store's owner is very knowledgeable and very helpful. He will even fill an an order and mill your grain via. an emailed order placed with plenty of notice. He has homebrew equipment you wouldn't expect from hard to find adjuncts to full homebrew sculptures. So I would say very top notch quality and service. On the selction side I gave a 4 bc there is a great selection of everything you need from hoses to clamps to stainless pots to racking canes however on a few occassions I haven't been able to find the yeast or hops I was looking for. My only slight problem with the store is the price. I did a price comparison between my favorite online brewing store (free shipping) and Maine Brewing Supply. For a 10 gallon batch I spent $77 at this store where it would've cost me $57 at the online shop. This is more than a 25% difference or a couple of really nice bottles of beer. I'm definitely an advocate of supporting local business but I think the prices should be looked at.
Oct 22, 2009Reviewed by caseymconley from Maine
5/5 rDev +8.9%
5/5 rDev +8.9%
The owner of this store is extremely helpful. I came in as a first timer with no gear and he walked me through everything and didn't try to "up sell." I went back a second time with lots of questions and he even talked me out of buying something i wouldn't need right away.
The store is very well stocked and the prices are fair. Everything from individual hop packets to yeast packets to full kits are available. Of course, everything you need to brew beer that day is also sold here.
He also carries quite a selection of strong ales and big beers.
Strongly recommend.
Sep 30, 2009The store is very well stocked and the prices are fair. Everything from individual hop packets to yeast packets to full kits are available. Of course, everything you need to brew beer that day is also sold here.
He also carries quite a selection of strong ales and big beers.
Strongly recommend.
Reviewed by plaidbox from Maine
4.85/5 rDev +5.7%
4.85/5 rDev +5.7%
We drove from Conway, NH to grab a few things in Portland. Stopping at Maine Brewing Supply was one of the big things on our list. We were disappointed to arrive and find that Mondays and tuesdays are their days off! We went next door to the Bear to drown our sorrows in a Belgian taster and ended up chatting with our bar neighbors, who turned out to be the owners! They graciously invited us over and opened up the shop for us. We were blown away by their hospitality and their kindness. We picked up a few things, got some advice, and were excited to find Pannepot and some exciting sours and flemish wild beers available. The prices on several items were lower then we saw just down the street. Thank you very much!
Jun 23, 2009Reviewed by TonyReaves from Maine
4.7/5 rDev +2.4%
4.7/5 rDev +2.4%
Easily the best selection of yeasts I've seen in Maine. Nice selection of hops, and great equipment. A nicely-curated beer selection, friendly service. The only reason I don't buy more homebrew supplies here is that everything seems to cost 10-20% more here than other places. But most places don't have nearly the selection or the inviting atmosphere.
And it's open for a few hours on Sunday, which is usually brewing day, which is usually the day I realize I don't have any cheesecloth bags or that my yeast has expired. If I'm there, it's probably a Sunday, and I'm probably buying 3 cheesecloth bags, a tube of White Labs yeast and 5 bottles of Belgian beer.
May 17, 2009And it's open for a few hours on Sunday, which is usually brewing day, which is usually the day I realize I don't have any cheesecloth bags or that my yeast has expired. If I'm there, it's probably a Sunday, and I'm probably buying 3 cheesecloth bags, a tube of White Labs yeast and 5 bottles of Belgian beer.
Reviewed by twelvsies from Maine
4.7/5 rDev +2.4%
4.7/5 rDev +2.4%
I love stumbling into a place unaware and finding a hidden gem. That's sort of what this place is like. Went to the Great Lost Bear for lunch and popped into the shop conveniently right next door kind of just to poke around. I didn't even know this place existed. If you go to either place, be sure to hit up the other. They have a great array of homebrew supplies, lots of things you don't see elsewhere. The biggest surprise I got was that this place has beer! Like, really good beer, for sale. Small but very carefully thought out selection. Lots of Shelton Brothers imports and hard to find beers such as De Struise, Cantillon, Fantome, and some other interesting choices. I hesitate to blow up the spot but I want to see this place do well. The owner was real friendly and eager to talk beer. Even directed us down the road to another shop that might have Cadillac Mt Stout, which is what we were looking for, but what sold out everywhere in town. I will definitely stop back when in the great town of Portland again, which will be soon.
May 08, 2009Reviewed by ToasterChef from Maine
4.65/5 rDev +1.3%
4.65/5 rDev +1.3%
I'm a newcomer to homebrewing, and so far this is the only supply store I've visited, but I was very impressed with it. The owner was very friendly and answered any questions I had, even offering suggestions for ways to improve my set-up. It never felt like he was trying to sell me on upgrades or better ingredients, he was passionate about great beer and wanted me to brew the best beer I could.
So far I'm still brewing using kits, so I can't comment on the selections of individual ingredients, but there are plenty of kits for a beginner like myself, in a wide range of styles. The owner even let us know that buying the kits works out as a better deal than buying each ingredient separately.
If you need a beer to enjoy before your first batch is ready, the store has a number of fine beers for sale. It's not as wide of a selection as other stores in town, but I don't think it gets picked over as quickly; I saw Black Albert bottles for sale here when they had sold out everywhere else in Portland.
I imagine that I will be buying my brewing supplies here for a long time and will continually be impressed with Maine Brewing Supply.
Update: Since posting my initial review, I've been back to Maine Homebrew Supply a number of times, and as I predicted, I'm continually impressed with everything about this place. Looking just at the bottled beer that is available for purchase, this place ranks with the best beer stores in the area. Rob, the owner, has been very friendly every time I've gone in, offering advice and going above and beyond what one would expect from a guy who owns a store and is there working every single hour it is open. Lastly, I've gotten a bit more adventurous in my brewing, and I've yet to look for an ingredient that isn't available here. This store really is a gem.
Apr 15, 2009So far I'm still brewing using kits, so I can't comment on the selections of individual ingredients, but there are plenty of kits for a beginner like myself, in a wide range of styles. The owner even let us know that buying the kits works out as a better deal than buying each ingredient separately.
If you need a beer to enjoy before your first batch is ready, the store has a number of fine beers for sale. It's not as wide of a selection as other stores in town, but I don't think it gets picked over as quickly; I saw Black Albert bottles for sale here when they had sold out everywhere else in Portland.
I imagine that I will be buying my brewing supplies here for a long time and will continually be impressed with Maine Brewing Supply.
Update: Since posting my initial review, I've been back to Maine Homebrew Supply a number of times, and as I predicted, I'm continually impressed with everything about this place. Looking just at the bottled beer that is available for purchase, this place ranks with the best beer stores in the area. Rob, the owner, has been very friendly every time I've gone in, offering advice and going above and beyond what one would expect from a guy who owns a store and is there working every single hour it is open. Lastly, I've gotten a bit more adventurous in my brewing, and I've yet to look for an ingredient that isn't available here. This store really is a gem.
Reviewed by deltatauhobbit from Maine
4.65/5 rDev +1.3%
4.65/5 rDev +1.3%
So my boss and I are going to try and do some homebrew. We decided to go to this place to pick up a kit and just figure out what we need. What we ended up doing was talking to the owner for about 40 minutes about what we'll need to do and just about other beer related topics.
The store is well-organized and very clean, they have some interesting stuff, good selection or beer, and I suppose they have a good selection of malt and hops, still learning the craft so not entirely sure what I'll be needing or using in the future.
It helps that it's located right next to the GLB, just in case I can't wait for my beer to finish fermenting.
Nov 20, 2008The store is well-organized and very clean, they have some interesting stuff, good selection or beer, and I suppose they have a good selection of malt and hops, still learning the craft so not entirely sure what I'll be needing or using in the future.
It helps that it's located right next to the GLB, just in case I can't wait for my beer to finish fermenting.
Reviewed by snowranger05 from New Hampshire
4.65/5 rDev +1.3%
4.65/5 rDev +1.3%
This is the cleanest and most inviting homebrew shop I've ever been to. They even have a leather couch for relaxing and reading the newspapers/books. They have just about everything you might possibly need right there, on the shelves and in the open. No need to ask if they have something. It's a great place to browse. To top it off, they have a sweet selection of bottled beers, including a good supply of belgian ales. And it's right next door to the Great Lost Bear, one of Portland's best beer bars!
Aug 26, 2008Reviewed by Bowdoinbeerboy from Maine
4.7/5 rDev +2.4%
4.7/5 rDev +2.4%
The place that launched my odessey in homebrewing! Found this place through an online search and wasnt really expecting all that much, boy was I wrong! The store contains all the supplies one needs to get started (and plenty to keep the verteran well stocked as well) and a decent selection of ingrediants. I have trouble finding some varities of hops and malts sometimes but they have most of what you could ever need. Also contained here is an impressive supply of quality brews at fairly good prices. Many of these beers are difficult to find in the southern Maine area and its nice to have them all in the same location. To top it all off the owner is extremely knowledgable, friendly, and a homebrewer himself, a solid find all around!
Jun 11, 2008Reviewed by danielkleban from Maine
4.85/5 rDev +5.7%
4.85/5 rDev +5.7%
Best homebrew supply shop I have been in. Great selection of ingredients (even hops), any equipment you can think of, friendly and knowledgable service, spacious, and inviting. Owner is willing to take the time to make sure all your questions are answered and will mill all your grain. The store also contains a good library to assist in recipe formulation on-site. In the back is a good selection of brew including hard to find belgians and other top-rated libations. Overall, definitely worth a trip to check out.
May 13, 2008Reviewed by Chowdahead from Maine
4.85/5 rDev +5.7%
4.85/5 rDev +5.7%
This is a new home brew supply store in Portland and in my opinion is the best store in Maine. Unlike most home brew stores where you crammed in to a space the size of your coat closet, Maine Homebrew Supply is large and spacious. It's neat and easy to navigate with a great selection of ingredients and equipment. They even offer a selection of quality microbrews and Belgian beers in bombers. The prices are pretty standard and the owner is friendly and very helpful answering any questions. During this time of hop shortage they have the best selection I have see around these parts. All in all I highly recommend this store for any homebrewer in the southern Maine or eastern NH area.
Jan 29, 2008
Maine Brewing Supply in Portland, ME
Place rating:
4.59 out of
5 with
26 ratings
We love reviews (150 characters or more)! You don't need to get fancy. Drop some thoughts on the place's attributes plus your overall impression. Something that backs up your rating and helps others. Thanks!