Maryland Beer Journal & Atlas
Beer Across The Free State
Maryland Beer Journal & Atlas (MBJA) — Our purpose is in our name — only Maryland, only beer. We tell the stories of the people and places that make Maryland beer unique. Maryland traverses many landscapes, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Appalachian Mountains, Baltimore, Chesapeake Bay, historic small towns, and all points in between. And the beer is as diverse as the landscapes.
Chicago Beer Hunting: Part 1 - Trekking a Great Beer Town
Chicago has been on my beery bucket list ever since learning about its beer scene through the voice of Michael Kiser and Good Beer Hunting. I had an opportunity to visit the Windy City in April 2023. Going was an easy choice. With so many breweries, choosing which breweries to visit was not.
Guinness Closing Maryland Beer Production
On April 3, Diageo North America, the parent company for Guinness released a statement that in June it will be closing its manufacturing facility at Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Relay, MD. Diageo said that the restaurant and taproom will still remain open as will the brewing of “select experimental beers” in a 10-barrel brewery in the visitor center.
Checkerspot: A Baltimore Brewery on the Move
Judy and Rob Neff opened Checkerspot Brewing in 2018. A craft brewery with a taproom creates a certain kind of kinetic energy. It can change a neighborhood, attracting patrons from around the block or across the country. Currently there are 17 breweries within Baltimore City proper, the majority established within the last five years. Checkerspot Brewing is one of those and has become an important part of the city’s changing vibe.
Other Half Brewing DC
If you have experienced Other Half beers you know they are some of the best IPAs in the business. In an Untappd blog post titled The Top 10 Craft Breweries With the Most 5-Star Check-Ins of 2022 Other Half Brewing was ranked #4, ahead of such well knowns as Toppling Goliath and The Alchemist. Topping the list were Russian River, Bell’s Brewery, and Tree House Brewing.
Guilford Hall Brewing: New Beer History
Guilford Hall Brewery is just one of many brewing establishments that have opened within the heart of Baltimore. The city has a rich history as a beer town, and these modern takes on insuring that tradition continues and even grows.
Wico Street Beer Company: The New Beer in the Neighborhood
Today breweries are tucked into every corner of the landscape. From bucolic farm breweries, those squeezed into suburban industrial parks, to urban quaff houses fit into spots that have lived many lives before. Wico Street Beer Company (pronounced wye-coe) is one of latter. They are the new guy in the Pigtown section of Baltimore.
Deep Beer Journal Log: 2022.12.20
A few weeks ago a brewery rep told me about the Black Flag Bottle Club. It has been on my mind ever since. Today, I joined the club.
Pickett Brewing in Pigtown
With Pickett Brewing and Suspended Brewing already with a presence, and Checkerspot Brewing moving to the neighborhood soon, plus Wico Street Brewing opening their taproom soon, Pigtown is becoming a craft beer hotspot in Baltimore.
Burley Oak Brewing: Not Conceptually Just Brewers
Burley Oak Brewing is a decidedly small brewery in Berlin, MD. ”Not conceptually just brewers, we think about making the coolest beverages. A little unconventional with some convention thrown in.”
Franklins: Restaurant, Brewery, General Store
You might ask yourself, “What is Franklin‘s?” Is it a restaurant? Is it a brewery? Is it a general store? The answer to any of these would be, yes!
Forward: a Quaint Eastport Brewery
Forward Brewing is a small brewery doing some big things. Located in the quaint neighborhood of Eastport, just south of Annapolis proper, Forward has done a lot with their small footprint.
Musings on the Pour
I enjoy a brewery taproom that not only offers good beer, but also a good beer drinking experience. That can come if the form of a sociable taproom atmosphere, appropriate glassware, good food, or can be as simple as the way you pour the beer.
Prairie Bomb
Next time you are in a bottle shop take some time to look around. Hopefully, your old favorites will be waiting for you but sometimes something new will sneak itself onto the shelves. Ask the staff what’s new, were there any new breweries picked up. Because sometimes that answer may be the Bomb!.
Streetcar 82 Brewing
Most of the locals know S82 is a deaf-owned brewery. Some new customers only become aware this when they see the staff communicating with their hands. “We don't tell you we are deaf, you find out after you come through the doors.” Some may wonder if they are welcomed, but of course the answer is a huge yes.
Whatever You Dig, Dig Deep!
Dig Deep Brewing (Cumberland, MD) officially opened September 13, 2019. Located in the heart of Cumberland in the historic Footer Dye Works Building, they are conveniently located with easy access to recreational attractions such as the C&O Canal and the Great Allegheny Passage trail.
Ten Eyck: At the Oak
Ten Eyck Brewing Company is locally owned by a team of women veterans and first responders. Their mantra is, “We've served around the globe, and now we want to serve our Eastern Shore community.“
Sapwood Cellars: Beer Geek Destination
Sapwood Cellars is a beer enthusiast’s destination you are not likely to stumble upon. Found at the back of a nondescript business park along Maryland’s Route 108, near Columbia, Maryland, many come this way either in want of more as the result of a local beer festival or as directed by a spouse or colleague.
Elder Pine Brewing & Blending: Bucolic Roads
When you first enter the taproom you will notice the oak barrels, racks of them. Sure, it may be a convenient store space, but it also makes a statement about who they are. As you walk further into the taproom you take in the large black and white murals behind the bar and front wall that demand your attention.
Brookeville Beer Farm: My Favorite Cookie
The Brookeville Beer Farm property is beautiful and the taproom relaxing. Brookeville has a beer for everyone including hazy IPAs, rum barrel stouts, a strawberry chocolate stout. You may come for the great beer, but don't be surprised if you fall in love with their brick oven pizza and inviting atmosphere.
Homaide Brewing: Succeeding Together
The Homaide Brewing front line includes Stephan Perez and Lucas Pinyan. Now residing in the former Cushwa Brewing location in Williamsport MD, Homaide makes a variety of beer styles, with a focus on Belgian-styled beers with their playful yeasts.