Maryland Beer Journal
Maryland Beer: People, Places & Ideas
Maryland Beer Journal & Atlas (MBJA) — We tell the stories of the beer, the people, and the places that make Maryland beer unique. Maryland traverses a diverse landscape, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Appalachian Mountains, including Baltimore, the Chesapeake Bay, historic small towns, and all points in between. And the beer is as diverse as the landscapes.
Maryland Beer Updates: Oct 2026
Unfortunately, the latest updates on Maryland's beer scene are dominated by closures. But the beer that remains is excellent and is winning medals at national and international beer contests. There's good news for Maryland farm breweries. Most beer aficionados know Max’s Taproom in Baltimore, and it continues to host world-class beer events for a wide range of tastes.
The Gate Closes: Guinness to End Its Maryland Chapter
Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Halethorpe will close to the public after November 1, 2026, ending an eight-year Maryland run. Here's how we got here.
Mully’s Brewing: A Southern Maryland Distination
Mully's Brewery is the work of Cindy and Jason Mullikin, a husband-and-wife team who own and run the business together. The brewery is in Prince Frederick, Calvert County, and it opened its doors in October 2013. It holds the distinction of being Southern Maryland's first production brewery.
Snallygaster: A Great Day for Beer
Named for the fearsome and toothy mythical beast said to terrorize the region at the turn of the century, Snallygaster is a celebration of craft beer, fine food, music and more.
Maryland Beer Opinions: Sept 2026
It's beer festival season in Maryland and around the world. Rumors suggest beer festivals are declining, but we don't want to believe it. What is your opinion about beer festivals? Care to share your thoughts?
Fall 2026 Maryland Beer Events
From Oktoberfest celebrations across the state to rare beer events at Max's Taphouse, Maryland's fall craft beer calendar is packed with 20 events through December 1.
Maryland Beer Updates: Sept 2026
Here is what is happening in Maryland craft beer for September 2026. As always; some coming, some going, some slowing, and some growing. And then, some just move.
Route 50 Brewery Tour
There is a wealth of notable beery diversions not far off US Route 50 along Maryland’s Eastern Shore. If you'd rather sit in a taproom than traffic, drinking a beer than eating sand on the beach, then one (or more) of these drive-ersions may be exactly what you need. Let’s go a little journey, shall we?
The Alchemy of Oak: A Guide to Enjoying Barrel-Aged Beer
I talked with two of Maryland’s top brewers — Mike Tonsmiere of Sapwood Cellars and Paul Davidon of Elder Pine Brewing and Blending about barrel-aged beer. In this third entry in the series, they, along with some additional sources, share practical tips and philosophies on what to cellar, how to taste and pair it, and how to get the most out of the beers they’ve invested in a barrel.
What the Barrel Remembers: Secrets of Aging, Blending, and Tasting Barrel-Aged Beer — Part 2
“How long can I boil this wort without disrupting the production schedule?” Meet Paul Davidson, co-founder and head brewer at Elder Pine Brewing and Blending in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Paul shares his experiences and methods for creating barrel-aged beer.
Maryland Beer Updates: June 2026
What’s happening with the Maryland Beer scene in June 2026? The Maryland Craft Beer Festival returns to Frederick, RaR opens Chessie’s Campus in Salisbury, we say farewell to Wico Street Beer Company, and more.
Mayan Monkey Brewing: Flavor, Heritage, and Craft
In the ever-evolving landscape of craft beer, some breweries stand out not just for their exceptional beers but for the unique stories and philosophies that underpin their operations. Mayan Monkey Brewing, nestled within a vibrant Mexican restaurant, is one such gem.
What the Barrel Remembers: Secrets of Aging, Blending, and Tasting Barrel-Aged Beer — Part 1
This is the first of a three-part series entitled What the Barrel Remembers: Secrets of Aging, Blending, and Tasting Barrel-Aged Beer. In part one, I talk with Mike Tonsmeire, co-founder of Sapwood Cellars in Columbia, Maryland.
Maryland Medals Win at World Beer Cup
Maryland breweries bring home medals at the 2026 World Beer Cup, with silver finishes in highly competitive categories from a large international field.
Maryland Beer Updates: April 2026
In 1963, Bob Dylan fans first heard “The Times They Are a-Changin”. And changes continue to unfold in the Maryland beer landscape. Check it out!
Maryland Brewery Closures: 2026
The landscape of the beer industry across the country and Maryland continues to shift. It is difficult to learn when long-time establishments that we have come to love have closed their doors. There is still great beer to be explored and enjoyed.
Maryland Beer Updates: February 2026
The Brewer’s Art Closes After 30 Years, Idiom is Closing, Eden Town Opens, Berlin Beer is Brewing, Bull and Goat Renovates, 4 Dogs Brewing Has Moved, Forward Brewing Gets Requested Outdoor Seating, Maryland Craft Beer Festival Date Set, and more.
Eden Town Brewing: A Vibrant Destination in Denton
Eden Town Brewing Company, a new destination in Denton, Maryland, is more than just a craft brewery; it's a testament to community, history, and a passion for crafting an experience. Nestled in a town often seen by many as a drive-through on the way to the beach, Eden Town aims to put Denton on the map as a destination.
Watchtower Brewing: Building Community in a Glass
Watchtower Brewing, in Aberdeen, Maryland, is a testament to community revitalization, a harmonious blend of diverse talents, and a commitment to quality beer and experience. It’s a story of three founders, a supportive city, and a vision to build "community in a glass."