Founded in 1994 by Rob Tod, Allagash sold its first batch of beer in the summer
of 1995. Tod had been working in breweries around the U.S. and recognized a void
in the craft brewing movement. While both German and British styles had become
prevalent throughout the country, Belgian-style beers were very difficult to
find. He established a small 15 barrel brewery initially and began brewing
Allagash White, modeled after Belgian Wit beer. This style of beer gets its
unique flavor from the use of wheat in place of barley as well as the addition
of Curaçao orange peel, coriander and other spices.
All of the beers Allagash produces are bottle conditioned. Bottle conditioning
is also referred to as the méthode champenoise. The technique calls for two
fermentations, the first in the fermenting tanks and the second in the bottle
itself. Before the beer is bottled, a small amount of yeast and sugar is added
and a second fermentation occurs. It is this second fermentation which produces
a notable increase in carbonation, a softer feel and remarkable complexity. This
method of bottle conditioning leaves a small amount of yeast in the bottle,
creating what is known as a “living” beer. Allagash products can currently be
found on the east coast, while distribution of their Reserve line of corked
750ml beers throughout the mid-west and western states remains in progress.
Allagash is currently distributed in over 20 states in the US. Though it no
longer brews the Summer Ale it has expanded its portfolio to include a barrel
aged series of beers and a tribute series of beers. The barrel aged beers
include: Curieux, Odyssey and Musette. Allagash's tribute series of beers,
through which they donate $1 from each bottle of beer sold to a Maine
organization, includes: Victor, Victoria, Hugh Malone and Fluxus. Allagash also
has a beer, Interlude, that is brewed with their own proprietary yeast strain.
CLASSIC ALLAGASH
Allagash White
Allagash Dubbel
Allagash Tripel
Allagash Grand Cru
Allagash Four
Allagash Black
BARREL-AGED BEERS
Allagash Curieux
Allagash Musette
Allagash Odyssey
TRIBUTE SERIES
Allagash Victor
Allagash Victoria
Allagash Hugh Malone
SERIE D' ORIGINE
Allagash Interlude
COLLABORATION
Isabelle Proximus
