New Maine Distilleries

Portland has many craft breweries, but until recently, no craft distilleries. Before 80 years of prohibition in Maine, there were many rum distilleries, taking advantage of the sugar and molasses trade from the West Indies.

Just last year, New England Distilling began making gin and rum, with a rye whiskey on the way. Tapping further into the history of Portland, their Eight Bells Rum is named after Winslow Homer’s Eight Bells, which was painted during Homer’s time in Maine.

This year, two more distilleries are to open in Portland, Maine Craft Distilling in East Bayside and In’Finiti Fermentation and Distillation from the owners of Novare Res Bier Cafe on Commercial Street.

And those who have been on a Portland Culinary Walking tour know about Cold River Vodka, the potato spirit that flavors Dean’s Sweets Needham truffles. Maine Distilleries brews their vodka and gin up the road in Freeport.

Now your next cocktail party can be truly local, from the beer to the wine to the alcohol.