It's getting to the point where you really have to try NOT to
stumble on beer in Portland. Casco Bay, for example, is located in an
industrial park off of Forest Avenue, not far outside the city. Right across
the street from them is Allagash Brewing. A few minutes away in the same
park is Geary's. Down the road a piece on Forest Avenue you'll find Casco
Bay beers, as well as a great selection of other bottled beers, at RSVP
liquors. Drive a few miles more down Forest and you'll find plenty of beers
from this brewery and just about every other in Maine at the Great Lost
Bear, one of the best beer bars I have ever parked my butt in. Go downtown
and you'll find more Casco bay taps in Three Dollar Dewey's, Brian Boru, the
new Old Chicago multi-tap across the street from Gritty McDuff's, and
countless other bars and restaurants. And of course there is Gritty's
downtown as well as Shipyard and the new Sebago Brewery, plus Seadog across
the bay in South Portland.
I Received several bottles of Katahdin red a while ago in excellent
condition from Beer Across America's Big 22 club. The beer is Reddish-orange
in color, with low to moderate carbonation and head retention. Slightly
malty nose. Palate is crisp, very malty, biscuit like, slightly candyish
sweetness, lots of dextrins. Very flavorful and quaffable. Slightly fruity
hop finish, drying bitterness rounds out this brew nicely. An excellent brew
for a warm summer evening.
Can I cheat here and talk about Casco Bay Riptide Red? It reminds me a lot
of the Katahdin. Riptide Red features a deep red color, fair head formation,
fruity, malty nose. It's rich with dark malts to the taste, very nice
mouthfeel here, some fruit, hints of green olive. I get a lot of the same
character I did with Katahdin Red. Wish I had a bottle to do a side by side.
Nice grassy hop finish. I purchased it cold with a best by date of August
2000, it seems quite fresh. Very drinkable, very tasty.
Can't go wrong with either one in my opinion. I'd recommend both with beef ,
chicken, or fish dishes. Might fare well with spicy foods too.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For
reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.