Pennant Distilling & Brewing
Overview of the distillery
Pennant Distilling & Brewing is based on Portland's waterfront and combines a brewery and a distillery under one roof. The brand is carried by a team with local roots and an ambition to translate summer memories and community into beer and spirits produced by suppliers in Maine.
History
Founding story and backing
Pennant was created by a team with roots in Bramhall, Paper Tiger and Liquid Riot. The brand's identity draws on memories of summer and outdoor experiences and a desire to translate these into beer and spirits. From its inception, the company has emphasized collaborating with local malt and agricultural suppliers in Maine and engaging with the local community through donations and support for local organizations.
Ingredients and production
At Pennant, both beer and spirits are produced with ingredients supplied by Maine-based suppliers such as Blue Ox Malthouse, Bouchard Family Farms and Buck Farms/Maine Malt House. A concrete example of their production choices is Pennant Agave, which is made from 100% organic blue agave syrup and then aged briefly in used single malt barrels. The character of the production is emphasized by local partnerships and a craft approach in a combined brewing and distilling environment.
Maturation and barrel types
The company uses used barrels for shorter aging periods for some spirits. Pennant Agave is aged 2–3 months in used single malt barrels; a method described as reposado-style and used to add complexity quickly by leveraging previous barrel contents.
Whiskies
Pennant's range includes both beer and spirits. On the beer side, notable examples include Not Safe For Camping (imperial IPA), Safe for Camping (non-alcoholic IPA) and Mittens (winter warmer). On the spirits side, Pennant Agave is highlighted, an affordable agave spirit for cocktails and sipping, made from organic blue agave syrup and briefly aged in used single malt barrels. The range reflects the use of local ingredients and a balance between festive and everyday drinks.
| Whisky | Type / Series | Age | Barrel and Style | Flavor Profile | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennant Agave | Agave spirit (reposado-style) | 2–3 months | Used single malt barrels; finish: 2–3 month reposado-style aging | Handcrafted agave spirit made from 100% organic blue agave syrup and aged 2–3 months in used single malt barrels. The product is described as smooth, sweet and 'absolutely tequila-like' and sold from the distillery at a price listed as $34.99 per bottle. | Current; Core range; Sold in Maine; the company states that their beers and spirits can be purchased across the state. |
General flavor profile
Visit the distillery
The distillery has a tasting room at 250 Commercial St. in Portland's Old Port, where you can taste and purchase their products. For practical details and appointments, a phone number is provided that can be used to plan visits and tastings.
Philosophy and craft
Pennant focuses on local ingredients and community memories: 'Made in Maine' and collaboration with local suppliers are central values. Additionally, the company works with local charitable initiatives and donates a portion of proceeds from certain releases to local causes.
Sustainability
Collaboration with local farming and malt suppliers in Maine.
A portion of the proceeds from a beer goes to local animal shelters and charitable initiatives.