Allagash Little Brett 4Pk

Allagash Little Brett 4Pk is a 4.8% ABV Brettanomyces-fermented ale from Allagash Brewing Company in Portland, Maine, sold in a four-pack of bottles. It marked the first time in over two decades of brewing that Allagash released a wild beer fermented entirely with Brett yeast in a 4-pack format — earning a TapHunter Style Score of 98 and an 87 ("Very Good") on BeerAdvocate.

Quick Facts: ABV: 4.8%  |  Origin: Portland, Maine, USA  |  Style: Brett Ale  |  Brewery: Allagash Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Allagash Brewing Company, founded in 1995 by Rob Tod in Portland, Maine, built its reputation on Belgian-inspired ales and has long been regarded as one of America's premier wild ale producers. Little Brett is brewed with a 2-row barley blend malt and 100% Mosaic hops — used for both kettle hopping and dry hopping — then completely fermented in stainless steel with the brewery's proprietary house strain of Brettanomyces yeast. The stainless steel fermentation (rather than the oak barrels typically associated with Brett beers) keeps the funky character restrained and approachable, while the low 4.8% ABV makes this one of the most sessionable wild ales on the market.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Pineapple dominates the nose immediately, followed by bready, yeasty notes reminiscent of fresh bread crust. Underlying hints of citrus and a subtle barnyard funk from the Brettanomyces round out a complex but inviting bouquet.

Taste: The entry is bright with tropical pineapple that carries directly from the aroma, joined quickly by lemony pine character from the Mosaic hops. Mid-palate, notes of fresh-cut grass and soft wheat emerge, giving the beer a layered depth that belies its light body. The Brett influence shows up as a gentle earthiness rather than aggressive funk.

Finish: A mild, pleasant tartness defines the close, balanced by a clean hop bitterness that prevents the beer from feeling overly sour. The finish is dry, crisp, and remarkably refreshing, with just enough lingering pineapple to invite the next sip.

How to Drink Little Brett

Pour into a tulip glass or stemmed Belgian ale glass at around 45–50°F to let the Brett aromatics open up fully. This beer is best enjoyed on its own, but it also works in beer-forward mixed drinks. A Shandy with fresh lemonade plays off the existing citrus tartness beautifully. A Michelada benefits from Little Brett's dry tartness, which cuts through the tomato and hot sauce with more nuance than a standard lager. A Beer Mimosa (Beermosa) pairing it with fresh pineapple juice doubles down on the tropical fruit character while keeping the ABV sessionable.

Best For

• Introducing a craft beer drinker to the world of Brettanomyces and wild ales
• Warm-weather sessions where low ABV and high flavor are equally important
• Pairing with a weekend brunch spread alongside lighter fare
• Gifting to a Belgian-style beer enthusiast who appreciates Allagash's range

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Little Brett taste like? Little Brett delivers bright pineapple and lemony pine hop character up front, layered with bread crust and fresh-cut grass, and finishing with a mild, refreshing tartness from the Brettanomyces fermentation.

How does Little Brett compare to Crooked Stave Surette? Crooked Stave Surette is a more complex, higher-ABV (around 6.2%) saison-style Brett beer with pronounced farmhouse funk, whereas Little Brett dials back the intensity significantly at 4.8% ABV with a cleaner, more hop-forward tropical profile. Little Brett is the more approachable, sessionable option for drinkers newer to Brett-fermented beers.

Is Little Brett good for beginners exploring wild ales? Absolutely — the stainless steel fermentation keeps the funky Brett character gentle and approachable, while the Mosaic hops provide familiar tropical and citrus flavors that ease the transition from conventional craft ales.

Where is Little Brett made? Little Brett is brewed at Allagash Brewing Company in Portland, Maine, a brewery founded in 1995 that specializes in Belgian-inspired and wild ales. All production takes place at the Portland facility.

What foods pair well with Little Brett? Soft-ripened cheeses like Brie or Camembert complement the mild funkiness. Grilled shrimp or fish tacos match its bright acidity. Fresh fruit salads echo its pineapple notes. Charcuterie boards with mild salumi balance the tartness without competing. Lightly dressed arugula salads with citrus vinaigrette mirror the beer's grassy, lemony character.

What sizes does Little Brett come in? Little Brett is available in a four-pack of bottles, which is the standard retail format for this expression.

Is Little Brett worth the price? Little Brett positions as a mid-range craft beer that delivers genuine wild ale complexity at a sessionable strength — a combination that is uncommon in the market. For drinkers curious about Brett beers without committing to a full-priced 750ml bottle of aged wild ale, the 4-pack format provides strong value.

Why Little Brett?

This beer represents Allagash's deliberate effort to make Brettanomyces yeast accessible to a broader audience, distilling decades of wild ale expertise into a 4.8% ABV session beer. The proprietary house Brett strain — developed over years of the brewery's acclaimed barrel program — gives Little Brett a signature character that cannot be replicated with commercially available yeast. It scored a 98 Style rating on TapHunter and an 87 on BeerAdvocate, reflecting genuine critical recognition. For anyone who wants to understand what Brettanomyces brings to beer without diving into the deep end of sour ales, Little Brett is one of the most well-executed entry points available.