Mar 18, 2026
Maine’s craft brewing industry has always punched above its weight
despite being among the smallest in population. The state ranked
second in breweries (14.3 per 100,000 21+ adults) and economic
impact per capita, and third in gallons (9.8) per 21+ adult in
2024, according to Brewers Association data.
That outsized impact along with the state’s robust tourism business
gives Maine craft brewers a unique perspective on the industry’s
ebbs and flows.
The latest edition of the Brewbound Podcast features two of those
voices – Baxter Brewing president Jenn Lever and Orono Brewing
co-owner Abe Furth – in separate conversations recorded during the
New England Brew Summit. Both are also Maine Brewers Guild leaders
and board members.
Up first, Lever explained what it’s like to navigate a business
when seven months account for the lion’s share of
volume.
“We’re so proud to represent Maine year-round, but we also
recognize the challenges that come when your population quadruples
for less than half of the year,” she said. “You’ve gotta be ready
to activate and react as quickly as possible to that summer
season.
“The people that come to Maine the first time, it’s never their
last time.”
Lever also touched on how Baxter’s mix shifts during the busy
season, the loss of Canadian tourism amid strained international
relations and why blueberry-flavored offerings have become big
business for the company.
Then, Furth discussed why guild participation remains important. He
also shared why operating in a college town allows him to peer into
the future and plan accordingly, and explained the importance of
working through innovation plans with the brewery’s distributors to
find products that fill real whitespace in their
portfolios.
Before the interview, Justin and Jess recap Tilray’s purchase of
BrewDog’s U.S. assets and the future of the platform. They also
look at some not great shipment numbers to start the year and some
not-so-bad scans.