Backwoods Blog .178

THIRSTY DAWG

Backwoods Blog;

in the woods and on the road…

Kent’s Kolsch (2024)

Anytime someone visits Houlton and they ask what they should check out while they’re here, at the top of my list is The Thirsty Dawg on Florence Avenue. You may have to use your Google Maps App to find it, tucked away in the old railroad yard next to the town’s transfer station, but The Dawg has one of the largest selections of craft beer, wine and seltzers in the State of Maine. Founder and local beer celebrity, Kent Good, has been running the Dawg and steadily increasing his inventory for over ten bubbly years. When you walk in the door, you can’t help but wonder how did this guy get so much beer in a building this size?! And Kent brewed a brilliant business plan; one side of the building is a bottle redemption center and the other is a beverage store. After you drop off your returnables, you can go right next door and invest in more. It’s an endless cycle.

The first thing you notice when you enter is the full-length “wall of beers” located behind the front counter. This is Kent’s collection of classic beer cans that predate the craft beer craze in New England and the State of Maine. Name one of your favorite beer brands dating back to the 1960s and Kent probably has it on the wall.

When I think about interesting life accomplishments, one of them might be to get your face on a can of beer. Well, Kent has done it! First Mile Brewing Company in Fort Kent, Maine released a limited edition of Kent’s Kolsch earlier this year. This is the fourth collaboration between First Mile and Thirsty Dawg; Shiretown Pale Ale, Boy and the Boot IPA, Shiretown Blackout New England Pale Ale (special Eclipse ’24 edition) and now, Kent’s Kolsch. On the side of the can it states, “Raise a glass for Thirsty Dawg founder Kent Good, pioneer of the craft beer scene in Aroostook County. Just like Kent, this crisp, refreshing Kolsch is a classic.” I bought a four pack of pints to try it out, and besides, it’s kinda cool to have Kent’s face on a can of beer. According to the internet, Kolsch is a German-style beer that combines the best characteristics of ales and lagers; its appearance is a bright, clear, straw-yellow color offering a delicate balance of malt sweetness and hop bitterness, with a slightly dry finish and an inviting and clean aroma with hints of bread crust, light fruitiness and appreciable hoppiness (IBUS 22 and ABV 4.7%). This was my first Kolsch, and I found it light, crisp, easily drinkable with just a hint of Kent.

It’s a limited edition, so if you want to try it, don’t put it off too long. Get it while you can…Support local business and remember to consume your beverages responsibly.

In the woods,

Dave

January 15, 2025