Portland, Maine: Old Port Brewery & Pub Walking Tour

The Old Port Brewery & Pub Walking Tour in Portland, Maine offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the city’s rich craft beer culture. Over the course of 2.5 hours, participants embark on a scenic 1-mile stroll through the historic Old Port district, stopping at renowned local breweries and pubs to sample an array of locally-crafted beers. Along the way, they’ll learn about the fascinating history and evolution of Portland’s thriving beer scene, which has become a significant draw for beer enthusiasts from near and far. With generous tastings and a guided experience, this tour promises to delight both novice and seasoned beer drinkers alike. What secrets might the Old Port hide, just waiting to be discovered?

Key Points

• A 2.5-hour walking tour through Portland’s Old Port district, featuring beer tastings and pub snacks at three local breweries and pubs.
• Participants learn about the history of Portland’s craft libation industry, from Prohibition to its current status as a brewing hub.
• The tour offers exclusive access to behind-the-scenes brewery areas and a 10% discount on purchases at the Portland Beer Hub.
• Guided by knowledgeable local experts, the tour is highly rated by customers for its engaging historical context and diverse beer sampling.
• The tour is suitable for individuals aged 21 and above, who must bring a valid ID and wear weather-appropriate clothing.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Portland Pub Walk is a 3-stop, 1-mile stroll through the Old Port district of Portland, Maine.

This 2.5-hour tour takes visitors to local breweries and pubs, offering beer tastings, pub snacks, and exclusive access. Priced from $2,005 per person, the tour features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a "reserve now, pay later" option.

Highlights include visits to Shipyard Brewing Company, Liquid Riot, and the Portland Beer Hub, home to Maine Brews Cruise.

The tour isn’t suitable for those under 21 and requires participants to bring a passport or ID and wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing.

Itinerary Details

Starting at Shipyard Brewing Company, the tour begins with 45 minutes of beer and local snack sampling.

Participants then enjoy a 15-minute guided scenic walk to the second stop, Liquid Riot, where they spend 45 minutes tasting craft beers.

After another 15-minute guided walk, the group arrives at the final destination, Portland Beer Hub.

Here, they spend 30 minutes sampling beers from over 30 local breweries and receive a 10% discount on any additional draft or to-go purchases.

Throughout the 2.5-hour experience, the knowledgeable guide provides historical context about Portland’s evolving craft libation industry.

Historical Context

Portland, Maine has evolved from a historical stance against alcohol consumption into a hub for breweries and cocktail lounges. This transformation can be traced back to the early adoption of Prohibition, which inadvertently led to a thriving craft libation industry in the region. Noteworthy examples include Liquid Riot, which honors the Portland Rum Riots of 1855, and Shipyard Brewing Company, a staple in Maine’s craft beer culture for over 25 years.

Historical Event	Outcome
Early Prohibition Adoption	Thriving Craft Libation Industry
Portland Rum Riots (1855)	Inspired Liquid Riot Establishment
Shipyard Brewing Company (Est. 1994)	Staple in Maine’s Craft Beer Culture
Craft Brewery Growth	Portland, Maine Became a Libations Hub
Cocktail Lounge Emergence	Complemented Brewery Offerings

Inclusions

Included in the Portland Old Port Brewery & Pub Tour are beer tastings, a pub snack, water, transportation, a guided tour, and exclusive access.

The tour provides the following inclusions:

• Beer tastings at each of the 3 stops on the tour
• A pub snack at the first stop, Shipyard Brewing Company
• Bottled water to stay hydrated during the 1-mile walking portion
• Transportation via a walking tour, guided by a knowledgeable local
• Exclusive access to the behind-the-scenes areas of the breweries

While gratuities for the driver/guide are optional, the tour isn’t suitable for individuals under 21 years old.

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Important Information

Guests are required to meet at the inside of Shipyard Brewing Company in the merchandise/cans to go area to begin the tour.

Participants should bring a valid passport or ID, wear comfortable shoes, and dress appropriately for the weather. The tour is only suitable for individuals aged 21 and above.

With an impressive overall rating of 4.8/5 from 11 reviews, this tour offers a knowledgeable guide and an enjoyable experience exploring Portland’s Old Port, its breweries, and its vibrant pub culture.

Gratuities for the driver/guide are optional but appreciated.

Exploring Old Port

The tour kicks off at Shipyard Brewing Company, a staple in Maine’s craft beer culture for over 25 years. Guests enjoy beer and local snacks before embarking on a scenic 15-minute walk to Liquid Riot, which honors the Portland Rum Riots of 1855.

After a 45-minute beer tasting, the group ventures to the final stop, the Portland Beer Hub, home of the Maine Brews Cruise. Here, they savor a 30-minute tasting and receive a 10% discount on additional draft and to-go purchases.

The tour provides a glimpse into Portland’s evolving stance on alcohol, from early Prohibition to its thriving craft libation industry today.

• Explore Shipyard Brewing Company
• Visit Liquid Riot, honoring Portland’s history
• Taste beers at the Portland Beer Hub
• Discover Portland’s craft beverage transformation

Craft Beer Culture

Portland’s craft beer culture has evolved significantly, transforming the city from a historical stance against alcohol consumption to a hub for breweries and cocktail lounges.

The tour features stops at Shipyard Brewing Company, a Maine staple for over 25 years, and Liquid Riot, which honors the Portland Rum Riots of 1855.

Guests can enjoy beer tastings, local snacks, and exclusive access to the city’s thriving craft libation scene.

The tour provides a glimpse into the city’s rich history and its embrace of the modern craft beer movement, offering a well-rounded experience for beer enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Customer Testimonials

With an overall rating of 4.8/5 based on 11 reviews, the Portland Old Port Brewery & Pub Tour has consistently impressed customers with its knowledgeable guides and enjoyable experiences.

According to the reviews, key highlights of the tour include:

1. Engaging guides who provide insightful historical context about Portland’s craft beer evolution.
2. Seamless coordination of the 3-stop itinerary, allowing participants to efficiently explore the city’s vibrant brewing scene.
3. Generous beer tastings that introduce visitors to a diverse range of local craft beers.
4. Exclusive access to the Portland Beer Hub, offering a unique opportunity to sample from over 30 Maine breweries.

Ultimately, the tour’s combination of educational and experiential elements has resonated strongly with customers, making it a popular choice for those seeking to enjoy Portland’s thriving beer culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour is not suitable for individuals under 21 years of age, as it includes beer tastings at the participating pubs. The age restriction is in place to comply with local alcohol consumption laws.

What Types of Snacks Are Included in the Tour?

The tour includes local pub snacks along with the beer tastings. Specific snack options are not detailed, but they’re likely to complement the beer samples and provide a tasty accompaniment to the drinking experience.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

No, you cannot bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes beer tastings and a pub snack, so outside food and drinks are not permitted. Participants must adhere to the tour’s inclusions.

Is the Tour Wheelchair/Disability Accessible?

The tour does not explicitly state whether it’s wheelchair/disability accessible. It’s best to contact the tour provider directly to inquire about accessibility accommodations, as they can provide the most up-to-date information on the tour’s capabilities.

Can I Customize the Tour to Visit Specific Breweries?

While the tour generally follows a set itinerary, the provider may be able to accommodate customization requests to visit specific breweries, subject to availability and guide scheduling. Customers should inquire about customization options when booking the tour.

Recap

The Old Port Brewery & Pub Walking Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Portland’s rich craft beer heritage. With guided stops at renowned breweries, generous tastings, and insightful historical context, this tour provides a well-rounded experience for both beer enthusiasts and history lovers. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this walking tour is an excellent way to explore the vibrant beer culture of Portland’s charming Old Port district.

You can check if your dates are available here: