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. Owners Matt and Sarah Dahl have poured years of dedication into creating a space that not only produces exceptional beer but also serves as a vibrant hub for locals and visitors alike. Their story delves into their deep connection to Denton, the thoughtful design of their brewery and taproom, and their synergistic partnership with Caroline's Kitchen food truck, all of which contribute to a unique craft beer experience.
“We said, oh, it wouldn’t be cool to open a brewery in Denton. There’s not even another brewery in Caroline County.”
Why Denton?
The roots of Eden Town Brewing Company run deep in the soil of Denton, Maryland, thanks to co-owners Matt and Sarah Dahl. Matt, who spent 15 years in the cybersecurity industry, left his corporate career to fully immerse himself in this ambitious project. The decision to establish the brewery in Denton was deeply personal. Sarah was born and raised in the town, giving them an inherent connection to the community. After living in Washington D.C. and Raleigh, North Carolina – Matt's home state - where they frequently explored the burgeoning brewery scene, they returned to Denton about seven or eight years ago. It was then that the idea sparked: "Wouldn't it be cool to open a brewery in Denton?" At the time, there wasn't a single brewery in Caroline County, making their vision even more compelling.
The specific location for Eden Town Brewing was also a deliberate choice, championed by Sarah, Matt's wife. She identified a unique 2.25-acre property right in the heart of town, a significant parcel that offered ample space for growth, unlike many other businesses situated along Maryland Route 404, Denton’s bypass. This was the former Nuttle Lumber warehouse property. They had hoped to retain some of the structure to maintain the character and historic connection, but were advised against it. So, an entirely new structure would be built.
Eden Town Brewing in Denton, Maryland
This central location was crucial to their vision of integrating the brewery into the town's fabric. The name itself, "Eden Town," is a nod to Denton's past, as historical documents confirm it was the town's original designation. This historical accuracy and local resonance made "Eden Town" a perfect fit for their venture. Matt and Sarah envision Eden Town Brewing as more than just a place to drink beer; they hope it becomes a cherished part of the community's routine, a place where families gather, and friends connect. They aspire for the brewery to elevate Denton's profile, drawing visitors from Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, much like Burley Oak Brewing has done for Berlin and RAR Brewing for Cambridge. This ambition reflects a deep commitment to their hometown and aims to showcase Denton's charm and potential to a wider audience.
“Denton was established in 1781. It was first called Eden Town, for Sir Robert Eden, the last royal governor of Maryland, and over time, Eden Town was shortened to Denton. ”
The journey to bring Eden Town Brewing to life was a meticulous three-year endeavor, marked by significant challenges and thoughtful design choices. The initial hurdle was the property's zoning; it wasn't designated for a brewery, necessitating a lengthy process of rezoning, plan development, and approvals with the town . This period, which included over six months for rezoning and more than a year for plan approval, was followed by the crucial task of finding builders and overseeing the actual construction.
The Brewhouse
At the heart of the brewing operation is a brand-new 10-barrel brewhouse, a size Matt describes as the "sweet spot" for a new brewery. This capacity allows them to produce enough beer to supply their taproom generously while also offering the flexibility for some distribution, should demand warrant it. The decision on equipment size was informed by extensive research and consultation with industry veterans, including the director of brewery operations at Manor Hill Brewery. They opted for new equipment from Alpha Brewing Operations, a choice that, despite facing tariff-related delays and increased costs, ensured reliability and peace of mind.
Brewing kettle
Stainless kettle is a famous Star Wars look-a-like
The Taproom
The brewery's physical space is a harmonious blend of industrial heritage and modern aesthetics. From the exterior, the building retains a warehouse character, a deliberate choice to honor the existing structure. Inside, however, visitors are greeted by a striking combination of old-style post-and-beam architecture, complemented by contemporary lighting, creating a bright, unique, and inviting atmosphere with overstuffed leather couches and antique tables for resting bodies and beers.
Overstuffed leather couch in the taproom
An antique wooden table in the taproom
Eden Town special events meeting room
Eden Town seating and roll up door
A standout feature is the pergola that spans the bar area. Initially considered for removal to cut costs, Sarah insisted on keeping it, a decision Matt now wholeheartedly endorses. The pergola effectively breaks up the visual of the lofty taproom wall, adds architectural interest, and defines the space, drawing compliments from many visitors.
The lofty Eden Town taproom with pergola, sail, and contemporary lighting
Eden Town wanted to pay homage to Nuttle Lumber's legacy, and the pictures on display at the front entrance show how the Nuttle’s used to fill the entire area around the brewery. Also, the wood on the bar face is boards salvaged from the warehouse that once stood on the property.
Matt Dahl showing off the new taps and Nuttle Lumber legacy wood
Another deeply personal and visually captivating element is the boat sail hanging in the taproom. This isn't just decor; it's a family heirloom. Crafted by Sarah's grandfather, it once graced a sailboat on the Choptank River. Later, it was repurposed for a political campaign, bearing the stitched letters "Dale Minner for Clerk of Court" for Sarah’s father, who served Caroline County for 35 years. Now, adorned with the Eden Town Brewing logo, the sail fits the space with uncanny perfection, a testament to serendipity and a rich family history.
The Eden Town Sail
The story of the sail displayed in the taproom
And There is Food
Understanding the critical role of food in a brewery's success, Eden Town Brewing made a strategic decision not to operate its own kitchen. Instead, they forged a partnership with Caroline's in Denton, a local Denton restaurant. This collaboration offers the best of both worlds: a permanent food truck on-site whenever the brewery is open, eliminating the administrative headaches and unreliability often associated with rotating food vendors.
Caroline’s food truck stationed at Eden Town
Caroline's provides a diverse and appealing menu designed to complement the beers. Offerings include a half-pound smoked burger, signature truffle fries, smoked wings with a choice of chef's sauce or Old Bay, a Cajun oyster po'boy, and a massive Bavarian-style pretzel served with house mustard and optional crab dip or beer cheese, and flatbread pizzas. Matt and Sarah are committed to using compostable materials for all their food service items, aligning with an environmentally conscious approach. This partnership ensures that guests can enjoy a full culinary experience alongside their beer, enhancing their visit and encouraging longer stays.
Caroline’s food truck menu
Don Lewis the Brewer
The brewer at Eden Town Brewing is Don Lewis. He has extensive experience working on commercial systems, having previously worked at Blue Earl Brewing (now closed) in Smyrna, Delaware, then Revelation Craft Brewing for about four or five years, and briefly at Ten Eyck Brewing near Centreville, Maryland, before joining Eden Town. Don is also responsible for making the brewery's artisian root beer.
Don Lewis, brewer in the Eden Town brew house
Don Lewis at work
Getting There
Eden Town is in the heart of Denton, just a few blocks off of Market Street, the town’s business center. If coming from the west on Maryland-404, you can either navigate through town and exit onto MD-404 Business or continue on the highway and exit at Gay Street. The brewery is just a short drive from there. The brewery has plenty of on-site parking.
Final Thoughts
“I hope that it will become a place that people from Denton and Caroline County come to all the time. That it’s a place that people say, we’re going to go to the brewery.”
Eden Town Brewing Company is poised to become a cornerstone of the Denton community and a significant draw for craft beer enthusiasts across the region. With a deep personal connection to the town, a beautifully designed space that blends history with modernity, and a thoughtful partnership with a local culinary favorite, Eden Town Brewing is set to offer a truly unique and enriching experience. It's a place where quality beer, community spirit, and local heritage converge, promising to put Denton firmly on the map as a must-visit destination for Maryland craft beer lovers and beyond. Check their website and social media for updated hours.
Eden Town Brewing
108 N. 8th Street
Denton, MD 21629
edentownbrewing.com
(443) 786-9235
