If you’ve been following us since our beginnings in 2013, you know that our connection to Maine runs deep. From day one, we’ve strived to showcase the best of our home state through the beer we brew. We’re proud to finally share a milestone that truly embodies that mission: in 2024, we used over 1 million pounds of Maine-grown grain in our brewing.
Our friends at Maine Malt House confirmed that we sourced 1,007,630 pounds of malted grain from their family-owned Buck Farms in Aroostook County last year. That’s 25% of all Maine-grown ingredients used in brewing in 2024 according to Brewers Association, a number we’re incredibly proud of.
WHY THIS MATTERS
For us, this isn’t just a number. It’s a testament to the power of local partnerships, sustainable agriculture, and a commitment to quality. By working directly with Maine farmers and maltsters, we’re not only strengthening the state’s farming economy but proving that world-class beer can be brewed with ingredients grown right here at home.
This effort has been fueled in part by two of our most beloved beers: Substance and Swish. Over the years, we’ve been tweaking and refining their recipes, and have finally transitioned to 100% Maine-grown grain. And they’re far from the only ones—many of our beers now feature 100% or more than 50% Maine-grown grain, further strengthening our ties to local agriculture.
Swish, in particular, represents a huge step forward. It’s one of the highest-rated beers in its style—ranked the 6th most popular New England-Style Double IPA in the world on Untappd—and starting this spring, it’s moving to year-round production. This means even more opportunities to showcase Maine grain on a global stage.
A DECADE OF COLLABORATION
We didn’t get here alone. Our partnership with the Buck family at Maine Malt House has been instrumental in making this possible. When we first started brewing Swish, we relied on Golden Promise, a Scottish heritage malt that simply doesn’t thrive in American soil. The team at Buck Farms spent two years developing a Maine-grown version, now known as Mapleton Gold. This is now the base of today’s Swish recipe, alongside 10% Maine-grown wheat.
It’s this kind of dedication and innovation that makes us endlessly grateful for the relationships we’ve built over the past decade.
WHERE WE GO FROM HERE
Hitting the Million Mark is just the beginning. With Swish going year-round and our continued commitment to local ingredients, we’re poised to increase our use of Maine-grown grain even further in 2025. We’re not just brewing beer; we’re helping to redefine what it means to be a Maine brewery.
JOIN US IN SUPPORTING MAINE AGRICULTURE
Every pint of Bissell Brothers beer tells a story—of collaboration, of community, and of a deep respect for the place we call home. You can find our beer at popular retailers throughout Maine, New England, and beyond. Or come visit us and grab it straight from the source.
Here’s to another year of commitment to Maine agriculture, and many more pounds of Maine grain in our silo!