When a brewmaster mentions a beer made with fresh fruits from THEIR orchard, my ears perk up. 

Beers like today’s Mixed Culture Ale from Maine’s Orono Brewing are simply a dream come true, weaving the art and science of beer-making into every glass.

Brewmaster Asa Marsh-Sachs started by using fresh quince (a close relative to the pear) and cherries from his orchard. After adding a second dose of sweet cherries, he aged the beer in oak barrels for 12 months, allowing the natural Maine terroir to create a subtle funk and complex farmhouse flavor.

After the barreling, Asa and the Orono crew aged the beer on more quince and cherries in stainless steel, to up the ante on sweet orchard aromas and tart, luscious sensations.

Touches of real lilac flowers bring a bright, floral finish that lingers on the taste buds as well as the nose. Sure — some beers may claim to “whisk you away,” but it’s extra special to find one with ingredients sourced THIS locally. 

Take a sip, close your eyes, and picture yourself barefoot in a lilac field, fruit bowl in hand. You’re taking sumptuous bites of a cherry, or a quince, and walking along while coastal Maine’s salty breeze whistles by. 

Now, open your eyes and see what I mean about Everlasting Farm being a dream come true.

This dream doesn’t last forever; Orono only made 700 bottles!