Maine Beer Co. Dinner

Tasting Notes

The aroma is forward with tropical fruit — mango, papaya, and a thread of citrus peel — supported by a restrained but present pine note. On the palate it delivers a full, resinous hop character without becoming abrasive, balanced by a solid malt backbone that keeps the bitterness from dominating. The body is medium-full, and the finish lingers with a dry, slightly piney bitterness that trails off cleanly. For an 8.2% double IPA, it manages to feel composed rather than boozy.

About the Brewery

Maine Beer Company is based in Freeport, Maine, and has operated since around 2009. They built a reputation on hop-forward, relatively small-batch ales with a strong environmental ethic — they donate one percent of sales to environmental organizations. Their lineup leans heavily on IPAs and pale ales, and beers like Lunch and Dinner have earned them consistent national recognition in the craft IPA conversation.

Food Pairings

Grilled salmon works well because the beer's tropical hop notes mirror the fish's richness without overwhelming it. A sharp aged cheddar burger holds up to the resinous bitterness and gives the malt backbone something to grab onto. Spicy Thai noodles benefit from the beer's fruit-forward character, which softens the heat rather than amplifying it. Hard, nutty cheeses like aged Gouda or Manchego offer a contrast that makes the hop aromatics pop without fighting the beer's structure.

Style Guide

American Double or Imperial IPAs are essentially intensified versions of the American IPA — more hops, more malt, and higher alcohol, typically running from 7.5% to 10% ABV. The style originated in the early 2000s as American craft brewers pushed IPA conventions further, prioritizing aggressive hop aroma and flavor while using a heavier malt base to keep the beer from becoming thin or harsh. Compared to a standard American IPA, the double version is fuller-bodied and more aromatic, though the best examples still finish relatively dry rather than sweet.