Is there anything more evocative of a New England summer than a lobster roll? My mom owned a seafood company as I grew up on the mean, deer-infested streets of Bucksport, Maine, so I know a thing or two about lobster rolls. For one, that roll (a split-top hot dog roll) had better be buttered and toasted — and it should be the only thing buttered (sorry/not sorry, Connecticut, but you’re doing it wrong).
Next, we only dress that sweet, delicate lobster meat with the lightest amount of mayo, a little bit of minced celery, a splash of lemon juice, and that’s really it. Finally, if you’re a drinker, you need to wash it all down with a seasonally appropriate beer — ideally from Maine. These are the three I think best complement a lobster roll.
1. Allagash White
No other beer screams SUMMER to me more than Allagash White. It’s one of the brewery’s signature beers, and the winner of the most awards of any beer in its category (notably taking home the gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival six times since 2002). This Belgian-style wheat beer is brewed with Curacao orange peel and coriander, which gives it a sunny, citrusy flavor with a punch of spice that pairs beautifully with delicate lobster meat. It has a smooth, creamy consistency that makes it easy to drink on those hot summer days, and garnishing it with a slice of orange makes those citrus notes really sing.
Buy: Allagash White, $13.99 for 4 (16-ounce) cans at Total Wine
2. Shipyard Summer Ale
I spent most of my late 20s living within walking distance of the Shipyard brewery in Portland, Maine, which meant taking advantage of the free tours and samples as often as they’d let me (listen, I was broke, not proud). I got to be very familiar with its summer offerings, particularly this American pale wheat ale. It’s crisp and golden like pure sunshine with a clean, refreshing flavor (think: slightly malty and very low on hops, for a subtle sweetness that matches the mild sweet flavor of the lobster).
3. Oxbow Hexen
I can’t talk about Maine beers without mentioning Oxbow. Best known for its Farmhouse Pale Ale, Oxbow famously produces a plethora of limited releases and experimental beers, some of which take months and even years to produce, using locally sourced ingredients. One of my very favorite beers in the rotation is Hexen, which is a saison made from malt, hops, dried elderflower, and raw honey, all produced in Maine. This beer is floral and slightly sweet, but crisp and clean with a slight pepperiness and a little bit of funk. It’s complex, but mellow and smooth — perfect for enjoying on a summer day with a buttery, succulent lobster roll.
What’s your favorite beer to pair with lobster rolls? Tell us about it in the comments below.
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