Brewmaster Mike Gill with a Holy Moses Ale at the Sweat-Morin Homestead
Photo: Barbara Sutcliffe
By Lawrence Furbish
Those who enjoy an occasional glass of beer or ale and have not yet visited River Junction Brewing Company’s taproom at 1491 Main St. (adjacent to Shain’s) in South Sanford might want to plan on doing something about that soon. Owner and brewmaster Mike Gill and his staff serve up an intriguing and tasty variety of libations.
Gill and assistant brewer Noah Boucher showcased their skills recently when the Sweat-Morin Homestead asked if they could brew up a colonial-era beer or ale for last weekend’s Tavern Night at the historical house. Provided with a few recipes from the era, Gill and Boucher came up with what they called Historic Ale, renamed Holy Moses Ale in honor of Parson Moses Sweat, the first Congregation minister in Sanford from 1786 to 1822.
The ale is a light 3% alcohol by volume (ABV) brew; most beers and ales are 4.2% ABV and some IPAs as high as 6 or 8%. Gill describes Holy Moses Ale having “a creamy, smooth body with deep, roasted notes of coffee and toasted bread while also remaining exceptionally light and drinkable…an authentic taste of the past.” He plans to serve it at his taproom. “We made it and people really like it,” he said. “We’ll keep making it.” He donated a keg of it to the Homestead for Tavern Night, where it was greatly enjoyed.
Gill’s interest in beer brewing began as a hobby around 1994. He got more serious in 2008 when the English style IPAs came out and wowed beer drinkers. They were hazy, which was considered a fault until people started tasting them and realized how terrific they were. He started brewing in his garage for the wholesale market in the summer of 2021 and called his microbrewery Riverstone Brewing Company. His brews were available in several local establishments. His taproom opened two and a half years ago and is now known as River Junction Brewing Company.
There are usually 12 different beers and ales on tap at any one time. There is a Mug Club for regulars, but it is capped at 120 people and there is a waiting list to get your own mug. Some nights feature music from a variety of bands, and food is available next door at Shain’s. Gill says people often ask him what his favorite beer is, and his standard reply is, “I don’t have a beer that I don’t like.”
To get a taste of Holy Moses Ale, ask for it at River Junction Brewing, which is open Wednesday through Sunday (be sure to check hours). If you want to enjoy your historic ale at the 1786 Sweat-Morin Homestead, you’ll have to wait until Tavern Night next year.
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