For nine years now, the folks at the Winterport Winery have been perfecting the fine art of winemaking.

Now, just in time for summer, Mike and Joan Anderson are branching out...into the beer business.

Amy Erickson has the story.



Owners Mike and Joan Anderson have started Penobscot Bay Brewery...and are now cranking out two of their their own local beers.

"old factory whistle. It's a red scottish ale. It's just a really neat, full flavored scottish ale."

"the whig street...it's a blonde ale. It's very light, and has 4% alcohol...it's very drinkable."

"beer for us was a natural addition. It allowed us to expand our clientele. Beer is much different than wine but it has that same sort of place."

Mike Anderson is in charge of the brewing.

He says the process is a lot more complicated than making wine...but it's worth it when you taste the result.

"fresh made beer is really neat and having something you can claim as your own, like, hey this was made down the street, you know?"

The Andersons are finding that the addition of beers is bringing more males into their Winterport store.

"you have different palates...some people tend to really like wine, some other people like beers. So now we have options for everybody."

"i can't tell you how many guys were getting dragged into the winterport winery by their wives or girlfriends and they'd just stand by the door. We'd say 'would you like a tasting?' and they'd say 'i don't drink wine, I drink beer.'"

And soon, the Andersons will offer a beer for just about anyone's taste...they're planning on adding a seasonal ale...and a dark beer as well.

"maybe a brown, maybe a porter, maybe a stout."

Amy Erickson, WABI TV5 News, Winterport.>

For more information on Penobscot Brewery beers, visit www.WinterportWinery.com

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