2025 : A Maryland Beer Year in Review
Writing the Maryland column for the Mid-Atlantic Brew News allows me to document the events around the state’s craft beer scene throughout the year. And, December is a great time to reflect on Maryland's year in beer. It’s been an interesting year. Let’s take a quick look back.
For the sake of some organization, events have been grouped into four main categories: Coming, Growing, Slowing, and Going.
Coming — Brewery Openings
Breweries Opened in 2025
Hub City Brewery (Hagerstown) — Hub City Brewery got the Maryland brewing scene off to a good start with its Grand Opening on Friday, January 31, 2025.
Read: Hub City Brewery: Maryland Beer Grows in Hagerstown
Riley’s Mill Ale Works in Chestertown, MD had their soft opening on Saturday, January 18, 2025. It was reported at the time that they planned to brew their own beer, and least at one point, they did have brewing equipment at their location. As of December 2025, they are only offering guest taps.
Sandbox Brewhouse (Frederick) — Sandbox Brewhouse had its official ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 21, 2025. Sandbox moved into the former Rockwell Brewing location 880 N East St Unit 201 Frederick, MD.
Unauthorized Brewing (North Beach) – The brewery officially opened its doors on August 14, 2025, in the former Rockwell Brewing location.
Watchtower Brewing (Aberdeen) — In October, Watchtower in Aberdeen opened its doors. These three men bring their experience and talents from a variety of fields, serving as an important piece in revitalizing the town of Aberdeen. I fully expect Watchtower to be a success.
Eden Town Brewing (Denton) — This new addition to the Denton beer scene offers not only a new brewery but also an shiney new building and taproom. Eden Town closed out the Maryland beer year with its official opening on December 19.
Growing — Brewery Expansion
1812 Brewery (Cumberland) — This summer (2025), 1812 Brewery celebrated its eighth anniversary and the ribbon-cutting of a new 4,000-square-foot production space, which is now fully operational with state-of-the-art brewing systems. The facility marks a major milestone for the business, which had previously operated out of a historic 1812-era barn on the family’s farm just outside Cumberland. The new space significantly improves production efficiency and scale.
Brewery Fire (Taneytown) — Brewery Fire announced that they will be opening a new venue in nearby Westminster later this year. “We are pretty excited to announce we will be branching out into Westminster later on this year! We signed a lease a few weeks ago! We will have a full kitchen, our beer (obviously), and a focus on Carroll County beer and spirits. Also, we will have a high-end whiskey/bourbon selection as well! We will still be brewing in Taneytown and the taproom will remain open.”
Read: Brewery Fire :: Beer, Heart And Easter Eggs
BabyCat Brewing (Kensington) — In November we reported that BabyCat Brewery has officially expanded beyond Kensington, soft opening its new taproom at 4850 Rugby Avenue in Bethesda.
Silver Branch (Silver Spring) — Silver Branch Brewing officially opened its new Rockville Beerworks location at 7301 Calhoun Place #600, Derwood/Rockville, MD, on Friday, May 30, 2025.
Slowing — Brewery Retraction
Idiom Brewing (Frederick) — In ***, Idiom Brewery announced on social media that it will relocate all its beer production back to its Patrick Street location. Then in August 2025, the Maryland beer scene got surprising news that Idiom Brewing Company is for sale. Founder Michael Clements announced the decision on August 6 via social media, sharing a candid message about the journey.
Black Flag Brewing (Columbia) — Black Flag Brewing in Columbia, MD, has announced they have sold their satellite location in Marriotsville, MD, the Social House. That external venue was opened in January 2024. Black Flag wants to assure patrons that, despite rumors, their main brewery and taproom in Columbia is still open.
Going — Brewery Closures
Breweries Closing in 2025
Gateway Craft Brewing (Salisbury) — On January 15, Gateway Craft Brewing in Salisbury, MD posted on social media that they would be closing permanently. The post stated, “2025 is starting off on a sad note. Unfortunately, we must close Gateway Craft Brewing permanently.”
Bog Turtle Brewery (Rising Sun) — Bog Turtle Brewery in Rising Sun, MD, announced its closure on May 13, 2025, citing challenges in sustaining operations. The tasting room will operate on an adjusted schedule for bar service only, with the kitchen permanently closed.
Silly Yak (Gaithersburg) — Two Story Chimney Ciderworks in Gaithersburg closed its doors after December 21, 2025. The ciderworks collaborated with brewer Ryan Hill, who crafted and served gluten-free beers in the same tasting room under the name Silly Yak Beer in 2023. The owners stated that Silly Yak would also cease operations after December 21. “There are no plans to open or go anywhere else at this time.”
Saint’s Row (Gaithersburg) — While Saint’s Row didn't closed its doors in 2025, the ownership has declared that, “In this upcoming year (2026), Lacy and I will be diligent to find a new owner who can come in, take over, and who is better equipped to meet the challenges of today, and to carry on the legacy that we've been fortunate to create with our amazing community.”
Mergers
Heavy Seas Beer (Halthorpe) - Perhaps the biggest news for Maryland beer in 2025 was the October 9, 2025, announcement that Heavy Seas has merged with B3 Beverage Co. With Heavy Seas, B3 brings together four independent breweries: Yards Brewing Co. (Philadelphia), Two Roads Brewing Co. (Stratford, Conn.), and Bald Birds Brewing Co. (Audubon and Jersey Shore, Pa.). “Together, they form a collaborative network designed to increase production capacity, streamline operations, and expand distribution — all while preserving the unique character and local roots of each brand.”
