Mad Scientist Brewing
Beer Education

Craft Beer Tour of Maine
With over 150 breweries, Maine is one of the top craft beer destinations in the country! You can find amazing brews as far south as Kittery, as far north as Fort Kent and anywhere in between. In this class, participants will sample a variety of craft beers from across the state. Learn about each brewery, its unique products, and its location in Maine. This class is a great introduction to our state’s beer scene and a quick and easy way to sample a variety of its offerings.A Beer Tour of Belgium - New for 2025!
Belgium has a history of brewing that goes back long before the modern day country came to be. Many very unique styles of beer come from Belgium, some which are hard to come by or replicate anywhere else in the world. In lieu of getting on a plane, participants in this class will get to try several curated beers from Belgium covering different styles and regions of the country while learning about the history of brewing in Belgium and how those special brews have made an impact on the world of beer.Malty Beers and Maine Malts
Malted grains provide the backbone for beer, influencing its color, flavor, aroma, and mouthfeel. In this class, participants will learn about how malt is made here in Maine and around the world, and about the techniques that maltsters use to make different malt products from the same base grain. You’ll have a chance to taste samples of malt and learn how different malts can be used together to produce the characteristic flavors of classic beer styles. The class will also showcase several malt-forward Maine craft beers that participants will sample. If you’re interested in a break from hop-heavy beers, this class will provide a refreshing change of pace into the many varieties of malty beer. This class can also be adjusted to taste malts and beer examples from other regions if desired.Hoppy Beers and Maine Hops
Hops provide flavor, aroma, and balance to the sweetness in beer. In this class, participants will learn about how hops are grown here in Maine and around the world, and about the techniques that brewers use to influence the flavors and aromas of beer using hops in different brewing techniques. You’ll have a chance to experience samples of hops and learn how different hops can be used together to produce the characteristic flavors of classic beer styles. The class will also showcase several hop-forward Maine craft beers that participants will sample. If you’re a lover of hop forward beers, this class will provide an opportunity to learn about how these varied styles are made and different flavors and aromas can be produced from the unassuming hop plant. This class can also be adjusted to taste hops and beer examples from other regions if desired.Beyond the Buzz: Maine's NA Beer Revolution - New for 2025!
The craft market is changing, and many consumers are seeking out non-alcoholic options. The industry has responded with a greater focus on non-alcoholic and low alcohol beverages, including beer. In this class, participants will learn about the different ways that brewers can control their processes to produce NA or LA beers, benefits and challenges when keeping and serving them, and getting to taste several examples made here in Maine. If you're curious about the widening market of non-alcoholic and low alcohol beers or wanting to be more mindful of your level of alcohol consumption, this class is for you. This class can also be adjusted to taste NA and LA examples from other regions if desired.

Course 1
Alpine salad prepared with local apples, pecans, wild blueberries, mushroom olive oil & wild blueberry balsamic dressing, and Josh Pond Meddybemps Alpine Cheese
Paired with: Black Pug Brewing Company Flat Face KölschTasting Notes: Flat Face Kölsch is a light and refreshing ale with flavors of white bread, honey, and a hint of apple, and this wet hop version adds light citrus and red candy notes. While the original kölsch may not stand up to the strong flavors of the walnuts or aged cheese in the salad, the additional flavors from the wet hops provides balance and contrast without being too bitter. Meanwhile, the apple notes from the beer pair nicely with the apples highlighted in the salad as the beer’s carbonation and creamy mouthfeel helps to temper the tanginess in the vinaigrette.Course 2
Purple onion tart prepared with purple onions, York Hill Farm Garlic Dill Duet cheese, and a balsamic glaze
Paired with: Bath Ale Works Equinox MärzenTasting Notes: Equinox Märzen showcases this classic autumn beer style with flavors of bread crust and light caramel. There are lovely bridges in this beer with the bready crust of the tart and the caramelly sweetness of the onions. Meanwhile, its carbonation and body help stand up to the rich cow and goat cheeses and the tangy balsamic reduction while emphasizing the natural sweetness in both the onion and the reduction.Course 3
Lobster and monkfish pie prepared with Maine lobster and monkfish in a creamy bechamel and topped with grated Parmesan and toasted breadcrumbs
Paired with: Allagash TripelTasting Notes: Allagash Tripel is a celebrated American version of this style with notes of honey, citrus, and pear along with a sweet graininess and lively carbonation. It pairs beautifully with this seafood pie without overwhelming the delicate lobster as the carbonation and elevated alcohol content cut the richness of the custard. The light malt flavor resonates with the toasted breadcrumbs while the beer’s dry finish helps bring out the natural sweetness in the lobster.Course 4
Needham inspired cake prepared with dark chocolate and potato cake and topped with vanilla buttercream with shaved coconut
Paired with: Blaze Brewing Company Needham StoutTasting Notes: Needham Stout is a classic Maine dessert in a glass with bold coconut aroma blended with flavors of dark chocolate and espresso from roasted malts. The overall sweetness of this stout helps to bring out more of a Needham character from the milder sweetness in the cake while echoing the dark chocolate notes in both the dessert and the beer. The richness of the cake brings the coconut flavor of the beer into balance and helps better highlight the chocolate in the cake. Finally, the beer's carbonation helps cut through the rich frosting and denseness in the dish that is boosted by the inclusion of potatoes.