At a time when much of Maine’s craft beverage industry is bracing for contraction, two homegrown producers are choosing collaboration over competition.
Albion-based Freedom’s Edge Cider has merged with Dasch Seltzer, uniting two craft beverage companies. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Andy Kaplan, one of the founders of Freedom’s Edge Cider, told Mainebiz that for the past year the company had served as a co-packer for Dasch Seltzer, which was founded by a brother-and-sister team from Brunswick.
“We began having discussions on collaborating in other ways, including a product called Dasch of Freedom, which combined the two companies’ flagship products,” said Kaplan.
As those discussions deepened, a larger realization emerged. Given that the brands have complementary products and a shared mission, the partnership was a natural fit.
About the merger
Freedom’s Edge Cider was founded in 2020 by brother-in-laws Andy Kaplan and Ned Ervin. From the start, the company set out to revive the classic Maine hard ciders of the 18th and 19th centuries. The company uses apples grown specifically for fermentation rather than for eating or baking.
Dasch Seltzer launched in 2021, when siblings Nick and Erika Aschauer set out to use Maine-grown fruit in its hard seltzer amid an industry that largely relies on artificial sweeteners and flavorings.
Brewery shifts
In the past several years, Maine has seen several breweries close their doors.
With rising costs for ingredients, packaging, labor, and an overall decline in beer consumption, drinkers are shifting toward spirits and canned cocktails.
Here is a list of breweries that have closed outright:
- Black Bear Brewing Co. in Orono closed in September 2025.
- Gneiss Brewing Co. in Limerick closed in 2024.
- Island Dog Brewing closed its South Portland location in 2023.
- Stars and Stripes Brewing closed its Freeport and Portland locations in 2024.
- Rusty Bus Brewing in Lewiston closed in 2024.
- Side By Each Brewing Co. in Auburn closed in 2024.
Breweries that have scaled back:
- Bissell Brothers Brewing closed its Three Rivers location in Milo.
- Sea Dog Brewing closed its South Portland location in 2023.
- Gritty McDuff’s closed its Freeport location in 2024.
- Mast Landing closed its South Portland taproom at the end of 2025.