Freshness and Quality: Using local ingredients ensures freshness and quality in the beer. Ingredients sourced locally, such as hops, malted barley, and other grains, are harvested and processed recently. Fresh ingredients contribute to the overall flavor and aroma of the beer, resulting in a more enjoyable drinking experience.
Terroir: Terroir refers to the unique characteristics of a particular region's climate, soil, and agricultural practices that influence the flavor profile of agricultural products. By using ingredients from Maine, which has its own distinct terroir, we capture the unique flavors and nuances specific to the region. This can result in a more authentic and diverse range of flavors in the beer.
Support for Farmers: Brewing with local ingredients provides direct support to farmers in Maine. By sourcing ingredients locally, we help create a demand for local agricultural products, which in turn supports the livelihoods of local farmers. This support strengthens the local agricultural economy, encourages sustainable farming practices, and helps preserve farmland in the region.
Environmental Sustainability: Local sourcing reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting ingredients over long distances. By relying on Maine source ingredients, breweries like ours can significantly reduce their environmental impact by minimizing transportation-related emissions. This approach aligns with the principles of sustainability and fosters a more eco-friendly beer production process.
Community Development: Choosing local ingredients promotes community development by bolstering local businesses and fostering economic growth. By prioritizing sourcing from local maltsters, hop farmers, and other suppliers, we contribute to the success and expansion of these businesses. This, in turn, helps create job opportunities, generates income within the community, and contributes to the overall vitality of the local economy.
Unique Beer Offerings: Brewing with local ingredients allows for experimentation and the creation of unique beer offerings. By using ingredients specific to the region, we can develop distinct beer styles and flavor profiles that set them apart from mass-produced beers. This can attract beer enthusiasts looking for new and exciting experiences, ultimately benefiting the local beer culture.
Blue Ox Malthouse seeks to push the possibilities of craft beer and spirits and support Maine agriculture by providing high quality Maine-made malt. Reinvigorating a centuries old craft, we are committed growing the connection between brewers and farmers while striving to grow communities and serve as a model for sustainable and environmental practices.
At the Maine Malt House we are on a mission to bring the local flavors of our unique growing region to breweries and distilleries. We expertly malt grains that have been grown here in Maine's nutrient rich soil and that have been nurtured by local farmers who understand their needs. We want to share the passion of what we do and the unique taste of our region with breweries and distilleries that can pass the story and flavors to their happy customers.
With over 90% of all US hops grown in the Pacific Northwest, we are excited to be able to provide Maine’s ever-growing brewing industry with quality local Maine hops. Mainers care about eating and drinking local ingredients, and more and more neighborhood brewpubs are opening to provide the Maine-grown products that consumers are really interested in.
Established in 2011, our primary acreage is grown in Gorham, Maine on a 7th generation piece of family farmland. Hops are the first commercially grown crop on the property in this generation’s memory, as previously the land was used only for hay and livestock. Our onsite processing facility also serves to harvest, dry, bale, and store hops before they are ready for pelleting. Having these processes all within reach of where the hops are being grown helps ensure freshness, and the ability to adjust harvest plans to accommodate the hops as required.
