When Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote “The Day Is Done”, it is too bad he didn’t include a line about having a beer and enjoying old poetry, considering the Shipyard Brewery is built on the location where his house used to stand. Arriving in Portland last Friday, and staying for a long weekend, we decided to check out Shipyard first and foremost.

After a brief video tour of the brewery and its history we got to the business of sampling:

Export Ale, the flagship beer, a smooth well-rounded ale good for any time of year.

Blue Fin Stout, a Guinness-esque stout, not a heavy beer and a little more exciting in flavor than Guinness. If you make a half and half with Sea Dog Blueberry, you’ll always have a winner.

Old Thumper Extra Special Ale, cask-conditioned ale. Named after brew master Alan Pugsley’s old brewery in England, made with English Ringwood hops, this is always a good beer on tap.

Longfellow Winter Ale, named after Henry himself, this was a dark beer with some surprises and bite. This was the only one we had from a bottle.

Prelude Special Ale, the seasonal offering for this chilly time of year, and it was cold in Portland. Great spice and bite, this would be perfect for a cold night anywhere.

Imperial Stout, higher percent than the others and a strong flavor, not an alcohol flavor, it was kind of smooth after a bit.

Barley Wine, I’ve only had the Smutty Big Beer Barley Wine, and I will say Shipyard’s was better. Bitter with that alcohol aftertaste. Not my favorite but it’s good to try new things.

This was a good trip. If you find yourself in the North Country, swing by for some beer samples or Capt’n Eli’s Soda. Anchors away!