It's Bill, 8/23/26: Brewery Blues

A Final Farewell to Lubec Brewing Company

Last Monday, while grocery shopping in Lyons IGA on Washington St., my longtime friend, Gene, stopped me going the other way in the wine aisle. Gene laughed, “It’s Bill!”, pointing at my “It’s Bill” long-sleeve tee that I had on. Always good to know who you are, and you don’t have to introduce yourself. I said, “Hello, Gene.” I always try not to make a pun by saying “Hygiene.”

We asked about each other’s health and well-being. Gene said, “Not so good, I’m going to a funeral tomorrow. I’m going to the service.” I asked, “Who passed?” I did not know about a local funeral.

Gene said, “A good friend of mine, I thought you knew!” “Who?” I asked again. “Tuesday, tomorrow, is the last night the Brewery will be open. They are closing. They are opening their doors for the last time!” I hooted, “That’s impossible, they can’t do that!”

The News Was True

I found out the Brewery’s closing had been announced on Facebook, posted by Gale’s wife, McGinley. I don’t do Facebook. But now I knew, it was true. The Lubec Brewery had been for sale for a while. There had been rumors that there was only enough beer until July. But the beer kept flowing. Gale and McGinley had considered several options for its sale; however, no viable plan appeared. Gale, the brewmaster, was doing all the brewing, his health was a consideration. Both decided it was time.

One Last Night at the Brewery

The Lubec Brewing Company doors opened for the last time at 4 on Tuesday, August 17. Scheduled until 7, the funeral continued past closing, brewery mourners continuing to pay their respects. We arrived about 4:45, the brewery viewing well in progress. Grief-stricken guests offering homage at a respectable pace. It took about 10 minutes for me to wedge into a spot at the bar to order beer. I met a lot of new and old friends on the way. Two Dorothy Blanch beers in hand, I attempted to find Patricia in the crowd. Where was she?

There was hardly any standing room left as the community gathered for one last beer at the Brewery.

The band “Creosote” was playing, a band we liked and had listened to before. Patricia’s friend, Drew, from court, was playing in the band, vocals, harmonica, guitar. “Creosote” puts on a cohesive performance, highlighting and balancing each musician’s talents. Fine, foot-stomping rhythms! I finally found Patricia, right near the band. We toasted to Gale and Lubec Brewery, wishing them the best future.

Creosote performs for the packed crowd during Lubec Brewing Company’s final night.

Beyond standing room only, there was hardly any drinking-standing room. When we raised our glasses, we elbowed the person next to us. In return, they elbowed us by raising their glass. Between the music and the crowd, we couldn’t hear each other, talking loudly into each other’s ear.

It didn’t matter, we were all having a fine time. And drinking beer with friends!

Friends and neighbors filled Lubec Brewing Company to say goodbye on its final evening.

A Fitting Goodbye

Enough was enough for us old folks. We went across the street and hung on a fence, watching the strong ebb tide roil under the Roosevelt Bridge to Campobello. Many friends [and strangers] came up to us and chatted.

I don’t know of a better way to celebrate a friend’s passing.

Gale and friends raise a glass to Lubec Brewing Company and the memories made there over the years.