What's On Tap, Portland, Maine - The Great Lost Bear

by Mike Pomranz, Posted Jun 24th 2009 @ 1:00PM

The Great Lost Bear celebrates their 30th anniversary this week.
Photo: greatlostbear.com

A weekly look at the draft selection in beer-friendly bars across the country.

Last week, What's On Tap visited Portland, Ore., one of America's top craft beer cities. But there's another Portland on the opposite coast of the country that deserves recognition, in the great state of Maine. Despite a population that ranks 40th in the nation, the state manages to hold its own in the suds department, and is home to such well-known craft brewers as Allagash, Atlantic, Sea Dog and Shipyard.

Boasting more than 60 taps from more than 40 different brewers nationwide, perhaps the most recognizable brew-focused Portland watering hole is the Great Lost Bear. This week, on Sunday, June 28, the pub will be celebrating its 30th anniversary.

"We started adding micro brews in 1986. At that point we only had six beers on draft," says president and co-owner Dave Evans, explaining the transition to a focus on craft beers. The pub broke the 60 tap barrier about six months ago after adding some dedicated Allagash lines.

Evans insists that the Bear is more about having a great bar than about just having great beers. "We also have PBR in cans," he says. "We try to get every beer patron in the world, and we still sell more food than beer."

The Great Lost Bear also supports its local community.

"We all have to work together," Evans says about stocking the merchandise of other brewpubs in town. But working together goes beyond simply supporting the city.

"It's a family affair," says Evans, who has co-owned the bar since it opened. "Every one of us have had kids who worked here at one point or another." He looks forward to Sunday's celebration, when generations of patrons and employees "touch base with people who haven't seen each other in awhile."

Can't make the 30th anniversary party? Here are all 71(!) draft beers available from the Great Lost Bear reprinted from its Web site (current as of June 17)...