Thirsty Dawg provides vast collection of beverages in one convenient location

Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Gloria Austin
CHECKING THE STOCK — Kent Good checks out the label on one of the many bottles of wine available at his business, The Thirsty Dawg, in Houlton.
By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — Six hundred beers, 400 wines, 30 countries! The Thirsty Dawg offers this and more.
    Located at 9 Florence Ave., the Thirsty Dawg, formerly Gordons Beverages, went under new management in May 2010 when Kent Good reopened the business.
    “Initially, I reopened the store as a way to recapture some of the cash I was paying out at my redemption center, but it soon evolved and took on a life of its own,” explained Good. “My wife would tell you it’s my hobby, and in all honesty, it has become a passion for me. The saying goes ‘If you love your work, you will never work a day in your life.’ That is so true. This is a fun and fascinating industry.”
    The name change was also Good’s brainchild.
    “I was seeking a name that would be fun, create a destination, while at the same time brand my business, if you will,” he said. “I like the Dawg concept. I have a beer cave called the “Dawg House,” and I sell single bottles of beer called Dawg Treats. I carry Thirsty Dawg sweatshirts and T-shirts. I am always looking for a new idea to promote the Thirsty Dawg brand.”
    The past several months have been busy for the Thirsty Dawg.
    “I doubled the square footage and expanded my beer and wine inventory,” Good said. “I stock a very unique and eclectic selection of beer and wine.”
    For example, anyone tried Porter from Norway? Stout from Sri Lanka? Belgium sour or Russian lager? How about German eiswein or ice cider from Vermont?
    “I also stock many styles of Maine and U.S. crafted beers,” Good added.
    For those whose palette does not go beyond the good ol’ American beers, fear not, the Thirsty Dawg carries favorite domestics including Budweiser, Miller and Coors.
    Good also encourages special orders.
    “I want people to ask if they are seeking a specific beer or wine. I have a fairly good success rate because I deal with several vendors. The catch is, most do not deliver north of Bangor. This poses a logistical challenge, but not one I have been unable to overcome,” he smiled.
    “Interestingly enough, I often do as much out of town business as in,” Good explained. “I draw customers from a 75- to 100-mile radius — from as far north as Fort Kent to as far south as Patten — along with those in Canada from Woodstock to Fredericton.
    “Houlton’s summer residents are very supportive of the Thirsty Dawg,” said Good. “They are a fun crowd and it is always great to catch up and get reacquainted. Most are very surprised and pleased with the diverse selection of beer and wine I offer.”
    The Thirsty Dawg can also facilitate a customer’s beverage needs for parties, wedding receptions and such.
    “I have already booked orders for this summer,” said Good. “Again, I am usually successful in meeting patrons’ needs in this area.”
    Beer and wine make great gifts, according to Good, and the Thirsty Dawg can fill the bill in this area as well.
    “We offer something at about any price point you may be seeking,” Good said. “Our Thirsty Dawg gift certificates are also very popular.”
    In the near future, Good would like to offer beer and wine tastings.
    “This is something that is in the works,” he said. “Long term, the possibilities are limited only by my vision for the Thirsty Dawg. I’m just getting warmed up,” he said.
    Visit the Thirsty Dawg located around the corner from S.W. Collins on 9 Florence Ave. or check them out on Facebook as well.