This is the first in a series. Eventually, I might even get to tackle all fifty states. In the series, I’ll tip you off to five great beers that are made in or define the beer scene in each state.

Maine is the largest of the New England states, and its beer scene is big to boot. Maine’s largest city, Portland, is a growing craft beer destination, and the larger breweries with regional stature - Allagash, Shipyard, and Geary’s - are now complemented by many smaller breweries and brewpubs from the remote northern woods to the busy southern coast.

1. Allagash Odyssey: Allagash is probably best known for its widely-distributed Belgian White, but this oak barrel-aged standout is the gem among the brewery’s many bigger beers. Packing a punch at 10% ABV, this dark strong ale has a raisin-y, chocolatey taste and finish. Pricey, but well worth it for the complexity it brings to your mouth.

2. Bar Harbor Cadillac Mountain Stout: A roasty, toasty, chocolatey stout that as rich as it is smooth. As sweet as it is bitter, and perfectly drinkable. Hands down, this is the best beer brewed in Downeast Maine.

3. Geary’s Hampshire Special Ale: This English Strong Ale is the most capable of Geary’s offerings. It’s almost offensively bitter, but lives true to the style. A smooth, buttery taste with a hoppy finish. Not bad. I’ve never been a huge fan of anything Geary’s brews, but many Mainers swear by the stuff, if only because it stays true to its local roots.

4. Gritty McDuff’s 21 IPA: Introduced this year to celebrate the brewpub’s 21st birthday, this is a pleasant, citrusy and unusually heavy pale ale that is best enjoyed at the long picnic tables in their Portland location.

5. Shipyard XXXX IPA: Like Geary’s, Shipyard offers many English-style ales. This, however, is not one of them. It’s a powerful Imperial IPA that’s practically overflowing with hops. It’s part of their Pugsley’s Signature Series, honoring their master brewer, Alan Pugsley, who unsurprisingly is a British import.