If You Like Lagers, You'll Love Maine's New Woodland Farms Brewery

Shane Carley

Brewery Name: Woodland Farms Brewery
Type of Brewery: Retail Brewery

Location: 306 Route 1, Suite C, Kittery, ME 03904. Beer fans in the Kittery area will probably know the area well, as the brewery is located just around the corner from Spruce Creek Provisions, Kittery’s premier place to buy craft beer.

Website: http://www.wfbrewery.com/ (redirects to their Facebook page)
Facebook: Woodland Farms Brewery
Instagram: @wfbrewery

Background: Woodland Farms Brewery opened about a month ago in Kittery, Maine. I first heard about them from the fine folks at Spruce Creek Provisions, and everyone was extremely positive about the place. When I found myself without much to do one Saturday afternoon, I figured it might finally be time to check the place out. Also, it’s worth pointing out that the brewery is called Woodland Farms--not to be confused with Woodland Farm (no 's'), a different brewery located in Utica, NY.

Growlers: Yes, Woodland Farms offers both growlers and squealers in their taproom.

The Beers: Woodland Farms is primarily a lager house, though they also offer mixed fermentation beers and a handful of other regular options. When I stopped in to visit, there were six beers on tap:

• Cerveza Medico - Lager - This is a nice, mellow lager. I don’t claim to be an expert on the style, but when I think “lager,” I think of something like this. A little malty, very smooth, and easy to drink a bunch of.
  
  
• Rowanbrau - Dortmunder Lager - A bit darker and maltier than the Cerveza Medico, this is an easy drinking German lager that I found myself really enjoying.
  
  
• Prenderpils - Pilsner - Although pilsner is a style that I don’t usually find myself loving, this one actually stood out to me. Given that pilsners have a tendency to mostly taste the same, making one that stands out is a real accomplishment. Named for one of the brewery’s employees, the Prenderpils lager is extremely flavorful and tasty.
  
  
• Dunnington - English Mild Ale -  A beer that accomplishes exactly what it set out to accomplish. It’s malty, roasty, and a little bit rich while still drinking nice and smooth. It’s exactly what you want an English Mild to be.
  
  
• Backyard Scientist - IPL - Not a huge body on this one. It drinks light, which actually isn’t a bad thing. It has a decent malt backbone without being as dark as you might expect.
  
  
• T.I.P.A. - IPA - The brewery’s IPA option, T.I.P.A. (“Typical IPA”) is a juicy and refreshing dip into a familiar style. What I love about this beer is despite the fact that Woodland Farms is a self-professed lager house, they are still able to execute a crisp, clear IPA with aplomb.

Vibe: I really enjoyed spending time here. I visited in the middle of a New England blizzard, and as soon as I stepped in the door I was warmed by the cozy environment (the comfortable temperature of the taproom helped, too). The interior space is very rustic, with a beautiful wooden bar and a handful of tables scattered throughout.

The staff was extremely friendly--it just so happens that the guy running the bar while I was there happened to attend the same high school I did. We had a good time shooting the breeze about things back home, and talking about bars and breweries out that way. Everyone there (both staff and patrons) was extremely friendly, and we all had a great time talking about beer and just generally enjoying the space.

One of the things that I really enjoy about Woodland Farms is their dedication to artwork. Not only do they have artwork adorning the walls to commemorate each beer they brew, but they even had business cards made up to advertise them. I thought that was a really cool touch, and not something I have ever seen before--so naturally I had to grab and handful for myself.

Lager houses and breweries specializing in German beer seem to be on the upswing, and while I tend to be more of an IPA fan, I think it’s very cool to see different styles rise to prominence. Within 20 minutes of my house are Woodland Farms, Liars Bench, and Neighborhood, all three of which specialize in crisp, malty, German beers. I’ve always been a big fan of the latter two places, and I’m excited to say that Woodland Farms measures up well. ​

Dogs: I can’t say for sure, but my guess would be that dogs are fine. They don’t have a kitchen and the space is fairly intimate, so as long as your pup is well behaved I’d be surprised if there’s a problem.

Price ($ to $$$$$): $. Extremely reasonable pricing on both tasters and full pours. You’re definitely not going to break the bank here.

Food: Not really. They don’t have a food menu or anything, and as far as I know they have no plans to add a kitchen. But they do offer free popcorn, so if you want a snack to munch on while you drink, you’re in luck. ​

Final Thoughts: I went into Woodland Farms Brewery pretty blind, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I came away extremely impressed. This is a place that I’m sure I’ll be visiting more than a few times. If you’re a fan of lagers (or German beer in general), definitely check it out. And if you’re not, broaden your horizons and go check it out anyway. Woodland Farms has a really cool space, a really great staff, and enough different styles of beer that you’re sure to find something you enjoy. Two big thumbs up!

-- Shane

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