Maine Blueberry, perfected

Have our brewers perfected the blueberry ale? Let’s look at the evidence. Sebago’s blueberry ales have always used real blueberry, either whole berry or concentrate. Throughout the years our blueberry ales have focused on being refreshing and crisp instead of medium-bodied and sweet.  (Fans may remember Bass Ackwards from back in the day.)

With Maine Blueberry, the brewers used American ale yeast, fermented with Maine blueberry fruit juice. Why juice instead of whole berries? It allows for the best integration of its natural flavor, using about a half a pound of blueberries per 6 pack. The beer begins with a straw colored that turns to a remarkable pale shade of purple when the blueberry juice is added — no artificial coloring needed!

The brew team wanted the berries, malt, and hops to make their contributions count, diligently balancing the flavors and ingredients. They started with a malt recipe for a crisp and refreshing beer that uses new botanical hops specifically selected for their berry aromatics that pair perfectly with the native Maine blueberry, intentionally steering clear of artificial flavors. They kept the body of the beer light, while still serving up berry aroma and flavors.

When asked if Maine Blueberry is the perfect blueberry ale, Peter Dahlen (Director of Brewery Operations) was typically modest: “Maine Blueberry is easy to enjoy, and you don’t have to be a hop head, sour beer aficionado, or fruit beer-only drinker to love how crisp and refreshing it is. We think folks are going to love it, whether they’re Mainers or from away.”

Maine Blueberry is now available at all Sebago Brewing locations on draft and in 12-ounce cans.