The Round of 64 voting is complete, and we have our match-ups for round two of this year’s Maine Madness Beer Tournament. Nearly a thousand votes were cast for each match-up in round one.
Maine Madness Beer Tournament Results: ROUND ONE
Watching the numbers move throughout the six days of voting was pure pleasure. There were a few nail-biters. Sebago Brewing’s Frye’s Leap just edged past Banded Horn’s Pepperell Pilsener. And Baxter Brewing’s Pamola Xtra Pale just eked out a victory over Hidden Cove Brewing’s Patroon IPA.
The most tense back and forth during this round was the match-up between two of Maine’s most crisp, drinkable beers: Rising Tide Brewing’s Daymark Ale and the Allagash Saison. This battle went back and forth with each beer spending time in the lead spot. However, at 8:30 p.m. last night when the polls were closed, Daymark outmatched Allagash Saison 475 to 473. That’s a mere two votes.
The big winner in the Round of 64 was Epiphany Maine IPA from Foundation Brewing with a whopping 705 votes.
For more about how Maine Madness Beer Tournament background, and how we did the draft: Beer Muse explains Selection Sunday
In the Round of 32, the match-ups I’m watching closing closely will be the aforementioned Epiphany versus Rising Tide’s double IPA, Cutter. Those are two brilliant Imperial IPA’s. Liquid Riot’s Headstash IPA versus the low-alcohol, big flavor Baby Genius from Bissell Brothers will also be a wild fight. And keep your eye on Bissell Brother’s Substance against Maine Beer Company’s Mo Pale Ale.
Good luck in making your choices. And remember to get out there and try some of the beers on this list.
Cheers!