Interviews with Maine Brewers and Farmers
Alna Hopyard
Mike Barker opened Alna Hopyard and Farm with his mother, Patricia Krebs, in 2012. It is currently one of the few hop-growing farms in Maine, with plantings in five different hop varieties: Cascade, Centennial, Willamette, Nugget, and Fuggle. Learn more and listen to the interview.
Lake St. George Brewing Co.
Danny McGovern has played an important role in Maine craft beer, starting with the opening of an original Lake St. George Brewing Co. in 1993. After its closure, he worked at Belfast Bay Brewing and Marshall Wharf. More recently, McGovern has worked with family to open Monhegan Brewing in 2012 and a second version of Lake St. George Brewing in Liberty in 2017. Learn more and listen to the interview.
van der Brew
Kim Vandermeulen and Linda Young opened van der Brew in Winthrop in 2018—on the shore of Maranacook Lake and within walking distance of Main Street. Over the summer, it attracts vacationers from nearby lakes. Vandermeulen calls the brewery a “community center that sells beer.” Learn more and listen to the interview.
Oak Pond Brewing Co.
Nancy Chandler and her late husband, Don, took over Skowhegan’s Oak Pond Brewing in 2003. Today, Chandler partners with her son, Adam. She is one of the most experienced female brewers around, focusing on German and Czech-style lagers. Learn more and listen to the interview.