Maryland Beer Updates: February 2026
Hard Times for Beer
The landscape of the beer industry across the country and in Maryland continues to shift. While the Brewers Association 2025 Midyear Report shows the number of breweries in the United States is on the decline (-1% mid-year 2025) and the volume of beer is down some 5% year-over-year, we have seen similar trends in Maryland beer. It is difficult to learn when long-time establishments that we have come to love have closed their doors. But at the same time, there are new breweries coming on the scene in nearly every corner of Maryland. So, go forward, there is still great taprooms to be explored and beer enjoyed.
The Brewer’s Art Closes After 30 Years
After three decades as a cornerstone of Baltimore’s Mount Vernon neighborhood, The Brewer’s Art permanently closed its doors on February 2, 2026, leaving employees and the local community stunned.
The closure was announced abruptly via text message from owner Volker Stewart, who informed staff that the business could no longer continue due to financial strain.
“We have run out of money. I cannot pay you,” Stewart wrote in a note to employees. “I’m very sorry for this development, and I wish you all nothing but the best.”
A sign posted on the door echoed the suddenness of the shutdown:
“Dear Friends, Sadly, we had to permanently close our doors today, Monday, February 2, 2026. Thanks to all of you for all of your support over the years. Thanks for the memories. Best Wishes, The Brewer’s Art.”
While ownership did not publicly confirm a specific reason for the closure, local television station WMAR reported that, according to Maryland Case Search records, the Comptroller of Maryland placed an $85,000 lien against The Brewer’s Art on December 12, 2025.
Founded in 1996, The Brewer’s Art was among the pioneers of Baltimore’s modern craft beer scene, known for its Belgian-inspired ales and its role as a longtime gathering place for locals, visitors, and beer enthusiasts alike. Its sudden departure marks the end of an era for the Mount Vernon neighborhood and Maryland Beer, and another sobering reminder of the financial pressures facing independent breweries and brewpubs today.
Idiom is Closing
We have reported on Idiom over the past months, first their exit from its production brewery, and then owner Mike Clements’ search for a buyer for the brewery. And now, it’s announced closure. Mike shared on the Idiom social media the heartfelt news with Idiom staff and friends.
“It is with an incredibly heavy heart that we announce Idiom Brewing Co. will be closing its doors for good. Seven years ago, we opened with a simple mission: to craft great beer and even better conversation. Since then, you’ve shared your milestones, your weekends, and your lives with us. But as many of you know, the brewing industry has faced a "perfect storm" lately, and despite our best efforts to weather it, we’ve reached the end of our road.
We want to go out the way we came in, surrounded by friends. We’ll be open through 2/15/2026, and we’d love to see you one last time. Come help us kick the kegs, share a story, and say goodbye to the taproom we’ve called home.
To our staff, past and present: You are and have been the soul of Idiom. Thank you for every pint poured and every smile shared. To our friends and guests: Thank you for making us a part of your lives and the Frederick brewing legacy.”
Berlin Beer is Brewing
We have covered Berlin Beer Company (BBC) from the beginning and even before then with owner Adam Davis. Opening in September 2024, while pouring excellent guest taps and its contract-brewed beers, the Berlin Beer brewhouse has been working to get the brewery up and running, on taps and beer out the door. BBC announced at the end of 2025, “While we’ve been so grateful to have some of the best breweries on tap at the bar while we finalized the buildout of the brewhouse, a full lineup of our own house beers will be launching on draft January 1st at 11 am for a new year with all new beer.”
On January 16, Adam and company announced, “For the first time ever, Berlin Beer Company’s in-house beers are heading off-premise and into our local community. From our brewhouse to your favorite local spots.” Congratulations to the BBC.
Eden Town Opens
We have been following the progress of Eden Town Brewing in Denton, Maryland, for several months. On December 19, 2025, that day finally arrived when they opened their doors to the public. You can read more about Eden Town in our brewery profiles in this issue.
Bull and Goat Renovates
On December 21, Bull and Goat Brewery at 204 Banjo Lane, Centreville MD, announced they were closed for renovations. “Paint, floors, and new furniture are just the beginning.” After a short time off, they announced on December 31 that the remodel was complete and that they were open again. Stop by to check out the new digs. Bull and Goat Brewery runs a small 7 BBL tap house, brewing everything on site.
4 Dogs Brewing Has Moved
4 Dogs Brewing Co. & Pub at 10 East Avenue, Easton, MD, is a lively brewpub and restaurant in Easton, MD, founded by four friends sharing a passion for craft beer, community, and good times. They brew a rotating selection of beers on site and pair them with a full menu of pub-style food in an inviting, dog-friendly atmosphere that often features live music, trivia, and other events. The brewery first opened in 2023 and closed for a short time before reopening at its new location on East Avenue in November 2025. Karaoke and trivia are back, too! Follow updates on Instagram for upcoming events!
Forward Brewing Gets Requested Outdoor Seating
Forward Brewing in Annapolis, MD, was facing civic friction. Since opening in 2020, the Annapolis microbrewery has leaned hard into outdoor dining—first as a pandemic lifeline, then as a defining feature of its neighborhood-facing identity. With just 28 seats inside, the brewery’s private parking lot has long doubled as a communal beer garden, hosting trivia nights, clubs, and cold-weather regulars. But as the City Council formalized outdoor dining rules last year, owners Cam and Claire Bowdren found themselves at the center of a broader debate unfolding in Annapolis and cities nationwide. Their application for 89 outdoor seats—consistent, they say, with recent operations—was met with a city planner’s recommendation to cap seating at 45, igniting a local firestorm over how much of the pandemic-era expansion should endure.
On February 4, Forward announced, “We got our special exception! It may have been a long and painful process, but the Board of Appeals awarded us the 77 seats we ultimately applied for, and we can’t wait to seat you outside again in early March. To everyone who supported us in this process - we can’t thank you enough. In a city environment where it’s often felt like we have to fight for our existence, it is overwhelming and affirming to see the public support and hear what Forward means to you all. Thank you for letting us be here and for sticking up for us. We’ll never take any of it for granted.”
Mully’s Brews Maryland Malt
Cindy Mullikin, owner at Mully's Brewing in Owens, Maryland, has committed to using Maryland-grown and malted barley from Bear Branch Malt (Carroll County) in every batch brewed in 2026.
Mully’s Fitness Festival and Tír na nÓg Trot 5k is on for Saturday, March 14. Also, Mully’s has announced, “We're planning on a Southern Maryland Beer Fest on Saturday, April 11, with several Southern Maryland breweries all in one place. If you don't make it down to Southern Maryland often, this will be a great opportunity to try beer from several Southern Maryland breweries at one location!” Check out all their events at mullysbrewery.com/upcoming-events.
Liquid Intrusion Raising Capital
Liquid Intrusion Brewing Company has entered a capital raise to secure its first brick-and-mortar taproom and production facility. After a little over three years of distributing across Maryland, DC, and Delaware as a contract brewery, they are preparing to scale with a permanent home.. This raise is moving quickly, with a goal is to complete the round by the end of the year (2025),. Supporters and partners who want to review the details and explore participation are encouraged to do so now while the window is still open.
Guilford Hall News
The biggest update is that Guilford Hall Brewery is celebrating their 5-year anniversary this year! Additionally, below are some of the new beers they have on tap. Station Export is back on tap — Biscuit & bready malt tones are backed by hints of chocolate, caramel and roast. Noble hops balance the malt out for a clean finish. Doppelback (7.9 % ABV ) is monster of a beer with aromas reminiscent of fresh baked dark breads and sweet caramel.
Maryland Craft Beer Festival Date Set
The Brewers Association of Maryland has announced the 2026 Maryland Craft Beer Festival will be held on Saturday, May 9, at Carroll Creek Linear Park in Frederick Maryland. VIP ticket holders can enter at 12 pm and for General Admission the event begins at 1:30 pm. The event website stated tickets will go on sale in February. Visit mdcraftbeerfestival.com for updates.
