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.
New Beer Resolutions 2024
I began writing this during chilly November 2023, then added some edits while watching the daffodils blooming in March. And now it’s June and warmer temps. Where does the time go? I have been working on some other writing projects, and I have not brought this one to a conclusion. These are a few thoughts about my writing for this year and how it relates to my relationship with beer, travel, and life.
Reform for Craft Beer Must Happen Now
Craft breweries have to navigate local laws from county and city jurisdictions, and an unfavorable business climate which puts Maryland at a disadvantage when competing with neighboring states and simply keeping the lights on.
Maryland Brewery Closures: 2024
It isn't easy to learn of another local brewery closing. There will always be business cycles, and craft beer is no different. Even so, breweries are opening in Maryland, and successful breweries are growing, adding taproom locations, and expanding markets.
Calvert Brewing: We Are Closed
Even though we are still in its early weeks, this year has not provided much good news for the Maryland brewery scene. Several breweries have closed their doors, with Calvert Brewing being the first.
Great American Beer Festival: 2023
In 2022, I made some New Beer Resolutions. One of those was to attend the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, Colorado. In September 2023, I fulfilled that dream and made the pilgrimage to GABF.
Maryland Top Rated Breweries 2023
What are the best breweries in Maryland? I get asked that question occasionally. Of course I have my opinion, as we all do. Honestly, can this question be answered subjectively? Untappd may have the answer.
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 Maryland Hop: Monocacy
It has said that Maryland doesn't have the right climate to grow hops commercially. Yet, there is a growing movement in the beer industry to use locally grown ingredients in their beer. A new hop has been discovered in Frederick County Maryland that may change that.
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.
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!
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.
National Beer Day 2022
National Beer Day is celebrated every year on April 7, marking the day that the Cullen–Harrison Act came into effect thus ending Prohibition. It’s a great time to be a beer drinker with new breweries opening and fun beers to be enjoyed. We are now 89 years after the ”Great Experiment”. Indeed, we do have much to celebrate. Let’s go have a beer!
New Beer Resolutions 2022
As a rule, I don't make new year resolutions. You probably don't either. But new beer resolutions are a different thing entirely, don't you think?
Arizona & Utah: Beer, Hikes, Coffee & Vegan Food / Chapter 1 Tucson
Our trip was in September 2020 during the midst of COVID-19 travel and dining restrictions. Our trip would take us from Tucson, northward to Salt Lake City over the course of 12 days. Installments included Tucson AZ, Sedona AZ, Grand Canyon, Kanab UT, and finally Salt Lake City UT.
Beer Drinking: the Quarantine Edition
The Session: Quarantine Edition — So once more, the band got back together— some new players, some old favorites—to discuss our beer drinking new normal during this pandemic era of stay-at-home sequestration, work, play, and drinking.
Frederick Beer: Hyper Local
Frederick MD is a small city by many standards. I spend a day there looking for a walkable Frederick beer experience and to learn what elements have aligned that allowed Frederick to blossom into a growing craft beer destination.
Anchor Christmas Ale: 2019
While beer styles keep evolving and expanding, there is much to be said for continuing a thing over the course of many years. The Anchor Christmas Ale is now on its 45-year iteration - always a new beer, a new tree on the label, yet tradition.
Cult Classic Brewing: Kent Island
Cult Classic Brewing (CC) is one of the newer Maryland breweries, opening in August 2018, and the only one on Kent Island. Barely a diversion from Westbound Rt 50, CC offers easy-off and easy-on access with plenty of parking.
REVIVE! Divine Food + Divine Beer 2019
The second annual REVIVE, a SAVOR-like event to highlight Maryland beer and food pairings, was held on August 24, at the Shrine of St. Anthony in Ellicott City.
Bull & Goat Brewing: Catching Up
Almost three years ago I attended the grand opening for Bull & Goat Brewing in Centreville MD. At that time to say it was a hole in the wall was not far off. Things have changed since then.