The challenging, awesome, creative, and wonderful ways that Maine Breweries have responded to COVID-19.

@AirlineBrew in Amherst Maine is planning to reopen their brewery/restaurant for dine-in service while complying with measured distances, reduced seats and assigned tables this weekend. They continue to offer curbside services as well.

The venerable @AllagashBrewing has been doing curbside beer pickup and some delivery throughout this crisis, and I've gone several times for a contact-less pickup that was effortless and friendly. (One would expect nothing less from these guys, of course).

@AllagashBrewing also recently ran a very successful donation drive for hygiene products to help their less fortunate neighbors.

And @allagashbeer have done different fundraisers and collections each week for a variety of causes, even offering $1 beers for medical workers and first responders, and partnering with different restaurants to support them too.

They virtualized their "Saison Day" event, hosting a Q&A with brewers., and I could basically go on and on about Allagash's efforts but you get the point, I think.

Ambition Brewing (can't find twitter) in the tiny town Wilton has been creative with their lockdown situation as well, even selling small packs of raw ingredients to local homebrewers.

They even created a really handy infographic about social distancing:

@AtlanticBrewing in Bar Harbor, offered employees working at the Jackson Laboratory (important disease research lab) meals for $1 (with all proceeds being donated to a local food pantry)

They also partnered with a BBQ restaurant to offer drive though, and did similar $1 fundraiser meals for delivery drivers, EMS workers, grocery store employees and more.

@AustinStBrewery has implemented contactless-pickups, and even created beer to celebrate their 6th anniversary despite the coronavirus. They kept it local with an all-local brew celebrating Maine's 200th anniversary.

@BandedBrewingCo is working hard to open a second location and Portland (which I didn't realize was happening until now but YAY) and have managed to keep many of their staff working as they build out the space. At their Biddeford location they are rocking curbside pickup.

To keep their local community engaged, @BangorBeer have even been hosting virtual pub trivia and other online game nights via Twitch.

Back in Saco, @barreledsouls have found a method to have their annual "Stay Puft" beer release to stay safe and distanced for what would normally be a crowded event.

Meanwhile, @bateaubrewing that opened in August of last year, made a quick pivot from growlers to cans, and are now able to get them both out the door in Gardiner to their thirsty customers.

While figuring out how to make their dining space safe enough to open (they are in a county where that's allowed), you can get both beer AND a lobster roll at Bath Brewing Company. And that doesn't suck at all.

Because it is also a distillery, Batson River Brewing & Distilling have been creating hand sanitizer to be distributed at local grocery stores, also allowing some of their staff to stay employed in the process.

Battery Steele Brewing, who are located in the "Industrial Way" area with Allagash, Foundation and the like, would normally be swarmed with people at this time of year. But via their delivery and to-go window, they've been keeping people supplied.

@baxterbrewing has been offering curbside pickup, but also doing fundraisers for @FeedingMaine by selling hand-made face masks. Also, they recently updated their packaging and personally I think its [fire emoji]

In Lewiston, @BearBonesBeer has been creating growler filling "appointments" so that you can schedule a personal trip to refill.

One brewery that I was looking forward to visiting again (but didn't get the chance before COVID-19) was @BigelowBrewing - great people and beer to boot. They've been doing pizza and beer phone/curbside orders, and also donated pizzas to a local nursing home to brighten spirits.

Another newish brewery @birchwoodbrew in Gray has even done some local delivery themselves, bringing their beer - including a collab with a local coffee roaster - direct to their neighbors.

@BissellBrosBrew have shown their creative side by partnering with @KnackFactory to stream concerts by local musicians (the next one starts in a 20 mins, actually) https://www.facebook.com/events/930949294020912/

All the tips for the show go straight to the performers, so they are supporting the music scene directly.

Meanwhile, in Orono, Black Bear Brewing has been doing curbside pickup, and for mothers day, even offered a cupcake and beer pairing package.

Black Pug Brewing, bouncing back after an early-spring break-in and vandalism (BOO) are back doing curbside pickup of their unique beers, and even hosted a virtual beer "talk show" to pass the time.

@BCanvasBrewery has been operating as a mini ordering center for lobster, including the option to order a SMOKED one which I seriously need to try as soon as humanly possible (if only it wasn't 105 miles from my house!)

Taking a break for dinner. I'll be back.

Blaze Brewing Company has been killing it with online ordering, but I think its particularly creative that they hosted a "drive through brunch" for Mother's day.

@BCraftBrewery has adapted their business model several times, and has curbside and outdoor seating now. If you're not in the area, you can watch a virtual tour!

@BrickyardHollow has been doing well by offering curbside and gift cards, and the gift cards come with a promise that 15% of the sale will be donated to local food banks. They've also recently been able deliver mixed drinks, including their "6ft Away from Me Iced Tea"

Ok, final brewery beginning with the letter 'B' coming up now... (whew)

In Portland, @bunkerbrewingco has been using @CarhopME to add delivery to their options. They also have become a pick-up spot for a farm share CSA for Daybreak Growers Alliance.

@CornerPointBrew down in Berwick (one of the counties still strictly limited because of its COVID cases) is doing curbside and local delivery, and also hosted a "virtual toast" at the beginning of May, featuring their beer, "For Fox Sake Blackberry Wheat" (great name, no?)

In Augusta (Maine's capital, by the way), their only brewery @Cushnoc_Brewing has got the outdoor-socially-distanced-and-safe-dining thing down to a science. Also, fiddlehead pizza (!!) #justmainethings

Then there's @definitivebrew the two-year-old brewery who had the guts to open a second southern Maine location in Kittery in the middle of all this mess. Can't wait to check it out!

And First Mile brewing, located in the *beginning* of US Route 1 that ends in the Florida Keys, they're doing pockets of delivery to locals, offering curbside pickup, and even collecting "tips" to go towards the Fort Kent Food Pantry. All while maintaining a virtual trivia night.

One of the breweries close to where I live is @FlightDeckBrew who took over an old ammo range building for one of the coolest tasting rooms ever (yes, that's me) is doing the curbside pickup thing...

And they've been using the downtime to do some renovation/expansion so that they can safely serve guests again when they are able to.

And being way out in Harrison Maine hasn't stopped the young Fluvial Brewing - they've got a weekly delivery schedule that goes to central and southern Maine!

@FogtownB brewed a collaborative beer to support the Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation as part of the #alltogether campaign.

Back in Boothbay, @Footbridge_Brew has been doing pickup, and even setting aside special hours for vulnerable/elderly if they need pickup as well. (First brewery I've seen do that, FWIW).

@ForeRiverBrew (who make an EXCELLENT red ale) have been doing pickup/delivery, but also recently gave 20% off to healthcare employees and first responders.

And then in South Portland is @FoulmouthedBeer whose staff are far kinder and gentler than their name might imply. In addition to their beer, they are offering take out of their cocktails in the cutest little jars I've ever seen.

And then @foundationbrew who make such a lovely and varied lineup of beer with gusto, have continued, even during all this, their environmental work, partnering with Sebago Clean Waters for an art project and fundraising.

Then there's Friars' Brewhouse, which is the amazing combination of a taproom, restaurant and bakery (!) and run by monks (not kidding). In addition to beer, they have been making lobster roll boxed lunches and "church suppers" to go!

Up in the woods of Lyman, ME, @organicfarmm (Funky Bow Brewery) has been pumping out canned beers for taking out and delivery, along with their wood-fired pizzas. Last week, they delivered their pizza to second shift workers at the local hospital.

in Rangely, Furbish Brewhouse & Eats is getting ready for reopening, and a local building company even made them a hand-made sanitizing station. Random fact? I had blueberry chicken wings there last summer - and they were great!

Speaking of wings - then there's @GeaghanBros up in Brewer/Bangor who have developed their own kind of memes and humor that just hits the spot sometimes.

They are staunch community supporters (and make damn fine beer as well!) and are just getting back on their feet to partially reopen their pub and I wish them the best of luck, sincerely.

@gearybrewing is Maine's first brewery - and the first craft brewery on the east coast, incorporating in 1983 (!!). They've just released a new beer where $3 per case goes to @FeedingMaine and @PrebleStreet

@GneissBeer (pronounced "nice") just released a Doppelbock and Maibock in the same week and where else can you get that in the US right now? Nowhere, that's where.

@goodfirebrewing, maker of dank IPAs in creative packaging, is delivering not just to Portland but all the way out here where I live. They could easily subsist on Portland sales alone, but I honestly appreciate them for trying to branch out.

Is dank still a word we use with beer? Or does that date me? haha

The tiny Grateful Grain brewery in Monmouth recently added cans to their lineup, and you can even place orders via facebook messenger to be ready to be picked up over the weekend.

Old school pub @grittys had to get a little creative when they started running out of growlers to fill, offering customers (to-go) jello shots in exchange for the glassware.

Though @HiddenCoveBeer can't yet open their tasting room for dining in, they have a whole lineup of shiny cans that are ready to go for pickup. And also an awesome blueberry beer #justmainethings

Another blueberry beer was just released from @ISLANDDOGBREW who are probably having quite a challenge being located behind a mall that is not currently open. They have pickup for both cans and growlers, and have been really active in helping rescue dogs and other animal orgs.

Though they have decided to remain closed for the time being, Kennebec River Pub & Brewery has not been shy about suggesting other breweries that people should frequent nearby, supporting the greater #beercommunity

I might have to say that "Lobsters Still Available" is probably the best sign I've seen this whole pandemic. @LSGBrewing #beerandlobsters #justmainethings #merica

Speaking of America... Curbside pickup for growlers and bombers are whats on tap for veteran-owned Liberator Brewing Company. They've worked tirelessly to adjust their business to be safe, and look forward to reopening when they are able.

In Liberty, Maine, Liberty Brewing Company had their first open day, with clear guidelines that they are asking their patrons to follow.

One of my favorite brewery/distillery combos, @liquid_riot have been rocking the curbside pickup and delivery as well, and I personally just picked up this Helles bock that was brewed with maple sap whaaaaaat. #justmainethings

Speaking of ridiculous mash-ups, @LonePineBeer have continued their @holydonutmaine beer lineup with a coffee cake donut. Let me just say that this is the best donut and beer combo I've ever tasted and oddly I've had a lot.

Also, have to also applaud this ambitious delivery range. Bravo, @LonePineBeer

To connect with fans near and far, Lost Valley Brewing Company has been hosting a virtual happy hour every Friday evening.

Tiny and far away Lubec Brewing Company has just yesterday announced that they'll be able to support curbside to-go service, they have been closed for a while. Welcome back, Lubec!

Now, @mainebeerco will need a few tweets because you should know that they do a TON of things to support the environment, and local and national causes of all kinds. They donate 1% of all of their sales to these causes by default (part of 1% for the planet).

During this, they've been a place to sell oyster, hosted a photo contest for the Royal River Conservation Trust, have continued their work to preserve and protect Maine's public spaces, and have even hosted a virtual critter meet-and-greet by a local wildlife rescue.

And that was just in MAY. They're doing their part every day, and they're an inspiration to the rest of the beer community here.

Like several other breweries in the state, @marshislandbrew had a hand in the "All Together" collaboration beer, where a portion of the proceeds to back to Hospitality Maine to support restaurant employees directly.

"Try to stay positive through these strange times" says Mason's Brewing Company in Brewer Maine.

While @allagash tweets calming sunsets, @MastLanding posts soothing prose on facebook (all while creating excellent beer in nostalgic packaging).

You might notice that partnerships with farmers, growers and fishers are a thing here - it's part of the ecosystem that Maine breweries operate in. No different at @moderationbeer where they have transformed their oyster nights into oysters-at-home. (!!)

On the tiny fishing island of Monhegan, @monheganbrewing delayed their typical opening (May 1) to make sure that they could provide a safe place for islanders to get their beer. As of today, they are now offering growlers, bottles and cans to go. Congrats!

Nonesuch River Brewing Company has added to-go cocktails to their curbside delivery, and you can even add an option to your order to buy the staff a shift beer if you are feeling grateful!

Another island brewery, North Haven Brewing Company can have delivery to North Haven or their sister island, Vinalhaven. (P.S. it is SO gorgeous out there).

Way up in Caribou Maine (yes, that's a real place), Northern Maine Brewing Company decided to set up a smoker on their property so they could deliver not only beer, but meats too!!

Meanwhile in Norway (Maine)....

...also a real place, BTW...

@NorwayBrewingCo has been doing online happy hours for their fans, and gave away 100 pasta dinners to anyone in their community that needed them or could use a fresh hot meal.

NU Brewery in New Gloucester, ME has been doing rigorous sanitation since mid-march, and has been offering to-go beer from their brewery. You can get cans or growlers... and if you get growlers, you can try their pickle gose (once again, not kidding).

When Oak Pond Brewing heard that Germany had to cancel Oktoberfest this year, they pulled out a couple of kegs of marzen from their cold storage and sold 220 oz bombers of it to local mourning german beer fans.

Then there's @OddAlewives that is a farm brewery in all senses of the word, brewing unique beers with seasonal touches. They were able to bring back some of their staff thanks to getting a PPP loan. Oh did I mention they ALSO have fiddleheadpizza? #itsathing

It is nearly midnight, and I'm fading fast. I'll be back tomorrow to finish the last thirty or so breweries remaining. Cheers all.

Okay, where was I?
Ah yes, @OronoBrewingCo who have been doing curbsite and delivery (from a van that looks like the Mystery Machine) and have cut a big space out of the side of their building in anticipation of spreading out their tables for guests this summer.

Thanks the the easing of rural dining restrictions, @oxbowbeer has just opened up this weekend for outdoor service at their Oxford location and for those who aren't ready, they still have the curbside and local delivery options too.

Penobscot Bay Brewery / Winterport Winer (a brewery/winery combo) have been doing "pick me up" orders, and also partnered with local restaurants to pair their beverages with plates fro nearby restaurants for "paired" takeout.

@risingtidebeer (another one close to my heart) hosted a virtual beer release party for MITA, their popular summer beer that benefits the Maine Island Trail Association, brewed an #alltogether IPA and even fundraised for @EqualityMaine

I also have to point out that co-owner Heather Sanborn ( @risingtide_hbs) is a state rep that has been working tirelessly to communicate information put out by the state during this crisis. She pens a daily newsletter with invaluable in-depth information for small businesses.

And also, because its just cute, @risingtidebeer transformed their beer labels into coloring book pages that parents can print for free for bored quarantined kids. Creative!

In Rockland, home of the Maine Lobster Festival, @RockHarborBrew is, of course, teaming up with local lobstermen to create a one-stop-shop to get both at their location. #lobsterandbeer #toldyouitwasathing

Up on Fryeburg, @sacoriverbrew got into the #ALLTOGETHER action, and has been doing preorder, curbsite and drive-up service (if you don't know what you want, they'll hand you a beer menu in your car so you can decide o the spot!)

Thanks (again!) to @GovJanetMills, some farmers markets are back open, and farm-brewery Sasanoa Brewing on Westport Island was thrilled to be back on the menu in Bath in May.

In addition to offering to-go beer sales, @sebagobrewing donated some of their excess growlers to local restaurants who were allowed to sell their draught beer in to-go containers but didn't have any on hand.

@ShipyardBrewing has been getting creative with their curbside pickup deals, including a pair of lobsters and six pack and a "make your own Portland Pie pizza kit" - staving off our hunger, thirst AND boredom! #beerandlobster

Shipyard also brewed a commemorative ale for Maine's 200th birthday, and now I need to find a pack of that ASAP. (Sorry, to those from away - only available in Maine!)

At Side By Each Brewing Co (a combination brewery and coffee shop, with a poutine food truck built into the wall), has been keeping their fans entertained by posting a series of educational posts and trivia about how beer is made, featuring their hard-working crew.

At @somebrewing / @yorkbeachbeerco have been sharing encouraging messaging from their staff as their communities weather this unusual storm.

They also hosted a "Virtual Blues & Brews" where they used their tasting room space to livestream local music to their fans.

Veteran-owned Stars and Stripes brewing in Freeport has been pumping out new beers for curbside pickup, many brewed specifically to honor those who have served.

Only a few years old, and located in Bethel, Maine, Steam Mill Brewing was able to add bottling to their capacity at the end of April, opening them back up for to-go sales of their beer.

@StrongBrewingCo in Sedgewick knew that with social distancing in place, they wouldn't be able to host the local musicians that usually play their tasting room regularly throughout the summer - so they started a fundraiser to cover what they would have paid them.

This is the tweet where I don't talk about Sunday River Brewing Company.

The @LiberalCup in Hallowell has been open for takeout of both beer and food - ad their cocktails in mason jars.

Warning: if you visit their FB page be prepared to get really, really hungry. #illhaveoneofeverything

In Union Maine, @thepourfarm raised over $1200 for their local food pantry, and also donated some beer to be turned into hand sanitizer at some of Maine's distilleries.

@rotmpub served 40 free meals for service industry workers and those in need, and also added "family-sized" to-go meal options like mac & cheese to help tired families.

And, just like their sister pub, be prepared to get REALLY hungry when you look at their FB page.

Threshers in Searsmont is also contributing to the creation of hand santiziers, while also doing their own to-go and retail sales of their beer.

@tributarybrew came up with a creative schedule to release their famous "Mott the Lesser" RIS over a period of a few days to maintain social distancing.

@tributarybrew has also been donating $1 from 4-packs sold on certain days to go to NH's Meals 4 Kids program.

Then there's Trinken Brewing Company, who haven't even been open a year, but are getting creative with their to-go, including pairing with a local oyster farm for a "Buck O Shuck" take home kit.

Maybe the most ambitious and custom delivery arrangements I've seen yet is @TumbledownBrew that encourages you to reach out to them even if you're not *directly* on that path and they'll work it out.

Another lovely combination - Turning Page Farm Brewery is both a goat farm and a brewery, and you can order beer, goat cheese, honey and soap all at once in their to-go orders. Also they have a little fun "kidding" around.

In addition to-go beer, kombuncha and cider, @Fermentory will even sell you a kkombucha scoby so you can make your own.

Also, they have both seaweed cider and lilac kombucha and those are definitely #mainethings

Waterville Brewing Company has been brewing up beer for to-go in growlers, including a new raspberry/blueberry/blackberry sour.

At @wfbrew, when ordering you have the option to #beeritforward by purchasing two four-packs for deserving strangers. Then, the community nominates people to be the recipient.

XOTA Brewing company offered a gift card in exchange for anyone who was able to make headbands that help healthcare workers find some relief from wearing masks all day.

Yes Brewing has been doing call-in pickups to make sure there aren't too many people in one place, and just brought their lemon-lime sour back for a beer release on Friday.

The beaches in York might be closed, but @yorkbeachbeerco is continuing their contactless curbside pickup nonetheless.

That's all of them. If I've skipped any, let me know, but know that it wasn't intentional if I did.

But, in summary, when I say that Maine's beer and brewing community is amazing, THIS what I'm talking about. All of them are struggling, but they are all still reaching out to their customers, many still pitching in to help their communities even with tightened belts.