Blast from the Past

When we put out a press release about a new or upcoming product we often get many different responses commenting about it, but this response was one of the most unique that we had to share it with everyone.

Scott Wykoff, who is now a radio broadcaster in Baltimore Maryland, received our press release about the new Sampler Pack for our Pugsley's Signature Series of beers, and, upon reading it, had a blast from the past.

In 1986, Scott, as a young journalist, interviewed Shipyard Brewing's Brewmaster, Alan Pugsley shortly after Pugsley had arrived in Portland and set about changing the beer scene in Maine. This truly is the most unique response we have gotten to a press release, as Wykoff writes in his blog,

"Funny how a single name, in a single press release (we see literally hundreds a day), on a single afternoon at work can jog so many memories of a time that seems so long ago. But thanks to that press release, today my time in Maine seems just like yesterday.

Now it's time for me to go back and read more about Shipyard Brewing Company and its just released Pugsley’s Signature Series collection in its four bottle sampler box."

Read the rest of Wykoff's story about his time in Maine and interviewing Pugsley HERE.

Pugsley's Signature Series: New 22 oz. Sampler Pack

Read full press release at this link.

PORTLAND, MAINE – (October 29, 2009) – Shipyard Brewing Company has released its popular Pugsley’s Signature Series collection in a four bottle sampler box. This sampler pack contains one each of the four 22 oz. Pugsley’s Signature Series beers and is currently available at fine retailers in New England and Florida with a suggested retail price of $24.99. Distribution of this special package will expand to other markets in 2010. The four beers in this package are:

Smashed Pumpkin is a big-bodied beer with a light coppery orange color and pleasing aroma of pumpkin and nutmeg. Smashed Pumpkin pairs well with sharp cheeses, nuts, lamb, hearty stews and desserts like flan or pumpkin pie. Chefs find this an excellent beer to cook with in dishes such as braised short ribs. On a lighter note, this beer is fabulous with Fig Newtons.

Malt: Pale Ale, Wheat and Light Munich Malts
Hops: Willamette and Hallertau
OG: 1.088
ABV: 9%

XXXX IPA is a non-traditional American IPA with a brilliant copper color and the classic citrus nose of Cascade Hops. This beer demonstrates a unique balance of malt-inspired, delicate red grapefruit sweetness and lingering hop dryness. XXXX IPA won a Silver Award at the 2009 United States Open Beer Championships. This beer pairs well with Cajun dishes, blackened fish, and BBQ.

Malt: Malted Wheat, Pale Ale, Crystal, and Caramalt
Hops: Cascade, Warrior,
Summit and Glacier, 70 IBUs
OG: 1.092
ABV: 9.25%

Imperial Porter is a full bodied, very dark, malty beer with a good roasted character. The beer has an OG of 1.070, rounding out after fermentation with just a slight residual sweetness and cutting dry at the finish. This year, Imperial Porter took home a 2nd place Porter award at the West Coast Brewers Festival. This beer pairs well with meat dishes, shepherd's pie, and stews.

Malt: Crystal, Chocolate and Black Patent
Hops: Warrior, English Fuggles,
and East Kent Goldings
OG: 1.070
ABV: 7.1%

Barley Wine Style Ale is a big beer made with six different malts and balanced with a very full hop charge. It is a deep reddish brown in color with a complex fruity nose, a very full body, and an interesting balance between grains and hops which ends with a pleasing dry taste. This beer pairs particularly well with dark chocolate and sharp cheeses, such as Stilton.

Malt: Pale Ale, Crystal, Caramunich, Wheat, Chocolate and Roasted Barley
Hops: Summit, Challenger and Fuggles
OG: 1.088
ABV: 8.5%

Pugsley's Signature Series Garnering a Buzz

There has been a lot of talk all over the internet about Shipyard Brewing Company's latest line of beers, Pugsley's Signature Series. The Pugsley's Signature Series currently includes four beers: XXXX IPA, Imperial Porter, Barley Wine Style Ale, and Smashed Pumpkin. Here are what people are saying:

Via mustlovebeer.com:

"The XXXX IPA (Pugsley's Signature Series) from Shipyard Brewing Company in Portland, Maine pours out a deep, coppery amber in color with good clarity and a dense, light tan head that sticks around for a while. On the nose pungent scents of ripe grapefruit with bready malt and caramel. In the mouth flavors of citrus hop (grapefruit and orange) mellowed with caramel and bready malt goodness. Great balance. Neither too malty nor too hoppy. Medium bodied. Moderate carbonation. Fantastic lacing. Slightly slick mouthfeel. Good length on the finish which is bittersweet. A fantastic brew that, although not as potent bitter wise as other DIPAs, is a fine beer to drink."

Via Twitter:

"shipyard pugsley's barleywine is amazing. think rich fruit chocolate ale. most eye-opening beer I've had in awhile"

"Enjoyed Shipyard Brewing Smashed Pumpkin last night. First one I have tried that delivered the Pumpkin Pie I have been searching for."

The brewery also announced today that a sampler pack including all 4 varieties of the signature series will be available to purchase. (Read Press Release HERE).

Smashed Pumpkin is the Beer of the Week in Lakeland, Florida

The Ledger out of Lakeland, Florida, had an article in today's edition claiming Shipyard Brewing Company's newest beer, Smashed Pumpkin, as the "Beer of the Week."

In the article, Eric Pera writes that "Shipyard Brewing Company has formulated an imperial pumpkin ale that's garnering plenty of buzz, in every sense of the word. At 9 percent alcohol by volume, Shipyard's Smashed Pumpkin is aptly named. But the Maine brewer keeps the alcohol heat in check for a smooth, refined rendition of this seasonal style."

Smashed Pumpkin is the lastest addition to the Pugsley's Signature Series and will be available through November.

Read the full article HERE!

Nov. 2--Full Moon Cask Beer Night

Join Shipyard Brewing Company at the Sebago Brewing Company (164 Middle St., Portland, Maine) on November 2 for the Full Moon Cask Beer Night.

The festivities begin at 7:00 PM and there will be cask conditioned beers from breweries across the state including Shipyard Brewing Company's Longfellow Winter Ale.

Other breweries taking part include: Andrew's Brewing Company, Bray's Brewpub, Marshal Wharf Brewing, Run of the Mill, and Sebago Brewing Company.

Celebrate Thanksgiving at the Regatta Room

Why spend the day cooking when you can have a Thanksgiving meal served to you?

Join us at the Regatta Room in Eliot, Maine on Thanskgiving Day (November 26) and enjoy all of your favorite dishes. We can accommodate tables as small as 2 or as large as 20, so bring the whole family!

Adults $21.95 and Kids under 11 $10.95

We will be serving dinner from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

The game room will also be open to entertain kids of all ages!

Reservations are required and can be made by calling 207-351-4623

The Regatta Room is located in Eliot Commons (Next to Shipyard Brew Pub) 28 Levesque Dr. (Rt. 236) in Eliot, Maine.

Pumpkinhead a hit in Rochester, New York!

The Democrat and Chronicle out of Rochester, New York, ran an article in today's edition focusing on fall beers and among one their favorites was Shipyard Brewing's Pumpkinhead Ale.

"Shipyard Pumpkinhead (Portland, Maine). Featuring the infamous Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow fame on the bottle, Pumpkinhead is a crisp wheat ale with a delicious and balanced blend of cinnamon and nutmeg (4.5 percent ABV).

Shipyard also just released a second pumpkin ale, Smashed Pumpkin (9 percent ABV), as a part of its signature series. Though it's only been out a short while, beer reviewers and fans are raving about it online."

Read the full article HERE!

Looking for Something to do for Halloween Across Maine?

There are a ton of great Pumpkinhead parties taking place across the state of Maine this weekend for Halloween! Check them all out:

10/30 and 10/31

Newry (Sunday River)--The Phoenix House & Well

10/30

Scarborough--The Landing at Pine Point

10/31

Eliot--Regatta Banquet and Conference Center

Smashed Pumpkin--"Seek it out… you will not be sorry!!"

Steve Koenemann, the Vermont Hop Head, reviewed a number of pumpkin beers and Shipyard Brewing Company's latest hit, Smashed Pumpkin, was his favorite!

"Shipyard Brewing Company – Pugsley’s Signature Series – “Smashed Pumpkin” (ABV 9.0%, 3.6/5.0)

Draft at Great Lost Bear (Portland, ME) – Poured a coppery amber in color with almost no head and very little carbonation. Aroma is malty and sweet with the expected pumpkin pie spices. Flavor is interesting. I am not usually one for pumpkin beer, but this one was actually quite good. What made it for me was the reasonable amount of spices that were used… not overpowering at all. Plenty of malty sweetness with just enough hops to keep it from being too sweet. This one is actually a good pumpkin beer…"

He closed his blog by stating that "Shipyard “Smashed Pumpkin” really stood out as my favorite. Seek it out… you will not be sorry!!"

Read the full blog post HERE!

Pumpkinhead Video Review

This awesome video review of Shipyard Brewing's Pumpkinhead Ale came into us from the great guys over at Beer America TV. Cheers to Pumpkin Beers!

Don't miss this beer dinner! -- Fri, Nov 6

Don't miss the Maine Brewer's Festival beer dinner on Friday, November 6 from 6-9pm at the Clarion in Portland, Maine.

Jason Perkins from Allagash, Ed Stebbins from Gritty’s, David Kleban from the Maine Beer Company, Kai Adams from Sebago, and Alan Pugsley from Shipyard Brewing will all be there to talk about beer and food pairings.

Chef Lee has prepared a beautiful sampling menu for the brewers. Everyone who went to last year’s dinner raved about the food and the chance to listen to and talk with the brewers, so buy your tickets now! Ticket prices include all tax and gratuities.

The 16th Annual Maine Brewers Festival
The Clarion Hotel Portland
Is proud to present
The 2009 Maine Brewers Festival
Dinner With the Brewers

SCHEDULE
6:00pm -- Enjoy appetizers, drinks & live music

6:30pm -- Q&A with Maine’s best brewers

7:15pm -- Dinner with the brewers

THE FIVE COURSE MENU:

Fryes Leap IPA, Sebago Brewing Company
Fresh, chilled, u.s. grade a oysters served in a ginger mignonette


Spring Peeper Ale, Maine Beer Company
Honey brushed French goat cheese medallions topped w/crisp micro greens & an apple pumpkin seed dressing


Smashed Pumpkin Ale, Shipyard Brewery
Smokey pumpkin bisque served w/ crisp bacon cigars


Gritty’s Halloween Ale, Gritty McDuffs
Traditionally prepared Peking Duck served w/julienned english cucumber, green onion & steamed pancakes


Allagash Four, Allagash Brewing Company
Warm blueberry & Pumpkin cobbler served w/homemade vanilla ice cream

Orlando Shipyard Beer Dinner at Cricketers Arms

Join us on Wednesday, October 28 for another great night of food and drink as we pair up Shipyard Brewing Company's Signature Series Beers with a fantastic menu from the Chefs at Cricketers Arms in Orlando Florida. Here are some of the tasty items that will be served:

Hand Served Appetizer:

Scotch Egg with Fuggles IPA Pickle Sauce and Mini Welsh Rarebits Toasts (Paired with Cask Aged Old Thumper)

First Course:

West Country Crab Cake with a Baby Watercress Salad and Tartar (Paired with Pugsley Signature Imperial XXXX IPA)

Second Course:

Slow Roasted Belly of Pork marinated in Pumpkinhead Ale, served with Caramalized Apple Wedges and Mashed Celery Root (Paired with Pugsley Signature Smashed Pumpkin)

Third Course:

Beef Wellington with Old Thumper Mushroom Gravy and Creamed Leeks (Paired with Pugsley Signature Barley Wine)

Dessert Course

Traditional Tiramisu with Dried Australian Wattle Seed. Made by Sundial Cafe's Master Patisser, Olivier Saintmarie (Paired with Pugsley Signature Imperial Porter)

Pairing talk by Shipyard Brewer Ron Raike
$39 per person and seating is limited to 40 people.

Buy your tickets now at Cricketers Arms on International Drive at Festival Bay (I-drive and Oak Ridge Rd.).

For more information call Cricketers Arms at 407-354-0686

Don't Miss Out! Harvest on the Harbor at the Inn on Peaks

It looks like its going to be a beautiful fall day this Sunday, just in time for the cruise of Casco Bay and brunch at The Inn on Peaks Island as part of Harvest on the Harbor. The cruise will depart at 10:00 am for a spectacular scenic cruise of Portland Harbor before landing at Peaks Island at 11:00 am for a delicious gourmet brunch and live music by East Wave Radio at The Inn on Peaks Island. (And of course there will be plenty of great beer from Shipyard Brewing Company!)

There are still a some tickets left for the event, but they are going to go fast, so don't delay!

Click HERE to purchase tickets. (note that all purchased tickets are Will-Call and can be picked up at Casco Bay Lines Ferry Terminal)

Battle of the Pumpkins

Rob, over at the blog "Brew n' Music," wrote about Shipyard Brewing Company's two fall beers, Pumpkinhead and Smashed Pumpkin, in what he called the "Shipyard Showdown." In the entry he writes:

"Before I get going, I have to comment on the Shipyard website. It's probably one of the most elaborate that I've ever seen. The sounds are a bit much but entertaining at least on the first run through. The beer bottle opening and the pour of the beer in particular was more that suggestive. One of the more interesting parts of the site is the video under the "What's hot" section. It gives a brief history of the company and I think most importantly, an introduction to the brewer, Alan Pugsley. This guy knows his stuff and I think the brewery has greatly benefited from having him on board. The only disappointing part about the website is the "news" Section. I would think with such a fine suite of beers and the attached brewpubs (Federal Jack's in particular) that Shipyard would have more press. However, at this point, the only thing they have is a link to their public relations person. Regardless, a great website. Pressing onward, Kommst du mit!

Never before have I seen one brewery put out two pumpkin beers, but less two beers that are so drastically different. The most famous of the two is the Pumpkinhead beer. It's Shipyard's fall seasonal beer and frankly it's not bad. It is not, however what I expected. There's very little in the way of pumpkin flavor and a hint of what I would consider to be traditional pumpkin spice flavor. Overall a light flavor and a somewhat uninspired finish. However for those that are looking for a light beer that fits with fall, this is it. I might suggest this for those that are looking to expand their horizons but aren't willing to really jump into the frey of truly experimental beers.

Beer number two is from the Pugsley's Signature Series. The "Shipyard Smashed Pumpkin" sold in a single 22oz bottle and perhaps is a bit more expensive than your average six pack at about $9 a bottle. Made with Pale Ale, Wheat and Munich malts as well as Hallertau and Willamette hops, it has a thick and rich body, dark malty hue. It also comes with a HEFTY 9% ABV. The high alcohol volume and the heavy use of malt helps it to have a full bodied character and frankly was a pleasure to consume. The interesting thing is, however that the alcohol is almost non present in the taste. This is due in part to the fact that they have flavors that really come through, Pumpkin, Nutmeg, Allspice. It TASTES like fall. The brewer states that this beer is best served at 55 degrees and pairs well with sharp cheeses, nuts, Lamb, Stews and deserts. They pretty much covered the bases for me as far as pairings, so I'll say no more. They did suggest that this beer be mixed with their Blue Fin Stout (another favorite of mine) to make a fall warmer. Interesting theory and I think I'm up to performing the experiment on my next go around. In short, I was REALLY impressed with this beer.

It think it's clear by my commentary that there is a clear winner between these pumpkin pugelists in this battle of the bier. The Pugsley's hands down is champion. Tasty, lovely velvety texture; this beer epitomizes fall harvest beer. Mr. Pugsely, both beers function well, but the Pumpkin Smasher is by far a better beer."

Read the full post HERE.

The Landing at Pine Point Pumpkinhead Bash

Here is another great event for all you Pumpkinhead fans out there in the Southern Maine area!

The Landing at Pine Point, located at 353 Pine Point Road in Scarborough, will host its inaugural "Shipyard Pumpkinhead Bash" on Friday, October 30.

The festive, 21+ event will feature music by DJ Greg Powers, who will spin music spanning the decades from 70s classics to today. A heated cigar tent will be on site, and several cash prizes will be awarded for best costumes.

Halloween specials on Shipyard Brewing's Pumpkinhead Ale and martinis from The Landing’s new cocktail list will be offered all evening, as well as a variety of Halloween treats for guests.

The Landing is offering a round-trip transportation option for event guests, as well. A shuttle will leave the Portland Park & Ride (I-295 Exit 7, near Marginal Way and Franklin Arterial) at both 8 pm and 9 pm, with return rides at 11:30 pm and 12:30 am.

Doors open for the bash at 8 pm. Tickets are $20 per person, plus $7.50 for the round-trip transportation option. Tickets may be purchased by calling (207) 774-4527 or visiting www.thelandingatpinepoint.com/events.html.

Get some friends together and Hike the River!

Download the registration form at this link.















Sunday River, The Phoenix House and Well, and Shipyard Brewing Company have partnered together to sponsor Hike the River. This two mile hike will be held Saturday, October 31 at 11:00 a.m. 100% of the funds raised will go to the Maine Cancer Foundation in support of breast cancer research, education, and patient support programs in Maine.

This hike will begin at The Phoenix House and Well, 6 Timberline Dr. in Newry and travel up some of Sunday River’s most beautiful trails. Registration starts at 10:00 a.m. and the entry fee is $25. The registration form can be downloaded at this link.

This hike is dedicated to the memory of Candace Forsley, sister of Hike the River founder Fred Forsley.

Hike the River is part of Pumpkinhead Festival weekend at The Phoenix House and Well. Weekend entertainment at The Phoenix will include a performance by comedian Bob Marley on Friday, October 30 at 9:00 p.m. On Saturday, October 31 at 8:00 p.m. the Rustic Overtones will perform at a special costume party. Tickets for these performances are $20 each and can be purchased by calling 207-824-2222.

Sunday River is offering overnight accommodations at the Grand Summit Hotel for a special rate of $79 per night, including an early season ski ticket for each reservation. Reservations can be made by calling 800-207-2365.

Dodge Ball at Federal Jack's....

For 17 years, a special lobster bake fundraiser has been a Columbus Day tradition at Federal Jack's Restaurant and Brew Pub in Kennebunk, Maine.

When the lobster bake ends around 4:00, the staff finds their way down to the parking lot for a spirited game of dodge ball. Follow this link to check out pictures of the team in action (and rare form...). These shots were captured by Fred Forsley, the crew's official iPhone photographer....

All we can say is, watch out for that guy with the iPhone!

Pumpkinhead Festival at The Phoenix House and Well

Read about Hike the River at this link and download a registration form HERE!



Join Shipyard Brewing Company and the Phoenix House and Well on Sunday River for Pumpkinhead Festival, an action packed two days on October 30 and 31.

The fun begins on the night of Friday October 30 at 9:00, with the always funny Bob Marley.

Then join us at 11:00 AM on Saturday morning for Hike the River benefitting the Maine Cancer Foundation.

The entertainment then continues into the night with a costume party and the Rustic Overtones performing at the Phoenix House and Well.

As an added bonus you can stay at the Grand Summit Hotel at Sunday River for only $79 per night, which also includes a free early season ski ticket for each reservation! Call 800-207-2365 to make your reservation.

Tickets for the Bob Marley show and the Rustic Overtones costume party are both $20.

Click HERE for more information or call 207-824-2222.

Massachusetts Pumpkinhead Events

Throughout the month of October, Shipyard Brewing Company is having a bunch of great events in Massachusetts for our Pumpkinhead fans. We hope to see you at one!

October 14

BU Pub
225 Bay State Road
Boston
7:00-9:00 PM

October 15

The British Beer Company
15 Columbia Road
Pembroke
9:00-11:00 PM

October 22

The British Beer Company
412 Main Street
Hyannis
9:00-11:00 PM

October 29

The British Beer Company
46 Route 6a
Sandwich
9:00-11:00 PM

Sylvan Street Grille
12 Sylvan Street
Peabody, MA
TIME TBD
(978) 774-1724

Day in the Life of a Shipyard Brewer

Portland Press Herald Reporter Ray Routhier has a new series called "Maine at Work" which kicked off today by shadowing senior brewer Mark Boissonneault at Shipyard Brewing Company. The series aims to "look at iconic, visible or just plain interesting jobs done by folks in Maine."

"PORTLAND — Mark Boissonneault is standing about 20 feet from a giant brick tank of boiling beer – as wide as your average one-stall garage, but taller – and there's a roaring flame, visible and audible, underneath.

Boissonneault, a senior brewer at Shipyard Brewing Co., has been kind enough to let me follow him around during part of his 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. shift.

But at the tank, he stops me cold..."

Read about the rest of Ray's experience at Shipyard Brewing Co. HERE.

Harvest on the Harbor at The Inn on Peaks

As part of Harvest on the Harbor, on October 25, The Inn on Peaks Island and Casco Bay Lines Ferry are partnering up to offer a harbor cruise and a gourmet brunch. The cruise will depart at 10:00 am for a spectacular scenic cruise of Portland Harbor before landing at Peaks Island at 11:00 am for a delicious gourmet brunch and live music by East Wave Radio at The Inn on Peaks Island. (And of course there will be plenty of great beer from Shipyard Brewing Company!)

Click HERE to purchase tickets

Please note that all purchased tickets are Will-Call and can be picked up at Casco Bay Lines Ferry Terminal, 56 Commercial Street, Portland, Maine.

FMI contact Caity Baker: (207) 774-7871

New Hampshire Shipyard Ale Society

Join us tonight (October 7th) in Manchester, New Hampshire at the Strange Brew Tavern from 7-9 pm for our October meeting of the Shipyard Ale Society.

There will be tons of prizes and giveaways including Manchester Monarchs tickets.

And to all who have been waiting patiently to try Smashed Pumpkin, the newest beer in the Pugsley's Signature Series, it will be on draft tonight.

Along with Smashed Pumpkin other great beers from Shipyard Brewing will be on draft including Pumpkinhead, Export Ale, and XXXX IPA in cask condition.

Sea Dog Brewing's Blueberry Ale and Strange Brew Hazelnut Porter will also be available.

We hope to see you tonight!

October 31: Motor Booty at the Regatta in Eliot, Maine

Buy your ticket online today!

WHAT:
Get your funk on with Motor Booty Affair

WHEN:
Saturday, October 31
Doors open at 7:00pm

WHERE:
Regatta Banquet & Conference Center
Eliot Commons -- Route 236 -- Eliot, Maine
DIRECTIONS
GPS and Mapquest: 28 Levesque Drive

COST:
$20
TICKETS
(Must be 21 to attend)
Shipyard beer specials all night

FMI:
207-351-4623