Maryland Beer Updates: June 2025
Some Good Beer News
RAK Brewing at 400 Sagner Ave, Frederick, MD, claimed the #2 spot in the USA Today 1O BEST for 2025 Readers Choice Awards for new breweries. RAK Brewing is named for its creed, which encourages and performs Random Acts of Kindness. RAK had its grand opening in December 2023, replacing the spot formerly occupied by Smoketown Creekside.
Liquid Intrusion Brewing was named a finalist for the Sam Adams Brewing the American Dream Experienceship. Andrew and Jasmine Dill are the Co-Founders and owners of Prince George’s County, Maryland’s first black-owned brewery. The Crafting Dreams Beer Bash was held on June 5 in New York City. The winner has not been announced at the time of this writing.
Andrew and Jasmine had to say about their experience, “Being named a finalist wasn’t just about us—it was about putting Maryland on the map, showing the world what Prince George’s County is brewing, and proving that craft beer belongs to everyone. We walked into that room as disruptors, and we’re walking out more dangerous than ever. Whether we win or not, this is only the beginning. We’re here to build legacy, shift culture, and make sure the next generation knows the DMV doesn’t follow trends—we set them.”
“Being named a finalist wasn’t just about us—it was about putting Maryland on the map, showing the world what Prince George’s County is brewing, and proving that craft beer belongs to everyone. ”
Other Brewery News
Steve Groenke is the owner of M8 Beer (as in G’day Mate) in Baltimore, MD. Steve shared, “The Brewery remains focused on delivering an exceptional customer experience. M8 Beer has added staffing to our team and upgraded our canning line to meet the increasing consumer demand.”
He adds, “M8 Beer has completed a 2-year tap room renovation at our facility in Baltimore that includes new floor-to-ceiling brewery view windows, spacious new bars, expanded bathroom facilities, and new indoor and outdoor furniture. The venue is perfect for hosting corporate events, birthday parties, engagements, baby showers, wedding ceremonies, and welcome parties. If you'd like M8 to host your event, contact their event coordinator, Michele, who has over 20 years of venue experience to plan your next event. Or visit:
https://www.m8beer.com/private-events
M8 Beer has signed a distribution agreement with Otherside Beverage and now delivers products to Maryland, Delaware, and the DC markets. M8 Beer was selected as the exclusive beer of the Baltimore Wine Village, and is now served in Oriole Park at Camden Yards. But wait, a new rooftop deck is planned for 2026!
Elk River Brewing in Elkton, MD has some exciting news. “We’ve had a recent change in leadership: our Head Brewer, Ethan Knettler, has taken on the additional role of General Manager. Ethan will continue brewing alongside our Assistant Brewer, Frank Gillette, but he’s now also steering the ship on the day-to-day operations of the taproom. It’s an exciting evolution for our team and for the future of our beer program.”
In early June, they have brought back Picard’s Folly which has been a fan favorite. “We're thrilled to bring back a fan favorite, launching Tuesday, June 3rd. Picard’s Folly – English IPA. Brewed with a blend of noble hops, a stellar selection of malts, and the calming presence of Earl Grey tea, this English-style IPA offers layers of citrus and bergamot aroma, with a subtle complexity that invites you to linger. Perfect for an evening under the stars — or just pretending you’re among them.”
In other news, they added, “We’re proud to be the official beer sponsor for the Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill, taking place October 16–19. This is one of only two Olympic-level 5 Star horse competitions in the U.S. and one of just seven worldwide. It’s an incredible event, and we’re honored to be a part of it again this year.”
Checkerspot's 7th Anniversary Party
Checkerspot has turned 7! On June 14, they hosted an all-day celebration featuring some awesome music, beer, and food. They had a special beer release named Zeven, a Dutch Küyt.
Manor Hill 10-Year Anniversary Celebration
The Manor Hill team stated, “It’s hard to believe—it’s been a full decade since we brewed our very first beer on the farm. Over the past ten years, we’ve poured our hearts into the craft, explored new styles and techniques, hosted incredible events, and most importantly—met so many amazing people who’ve supported us along the way. Now, it’s time to raise a glass and celebrate the journey!”
On Saturday, June 21st (12-7pm), join us on the farm to celebrate the Ten Year Anniversary Of Manor Hill! Featuring a day full of fun on our 54-acre working farm. There will be Live Music on Three Stages, Beer Releases (Citra Stupor, Blackberry Hayes Creek), New Merch (T-Shirts and Trucker Hats), Food Trucks and dessert from Mr Soft Ice Cream Truck
This event is free and no tickets are needed. All seating on the Farm is first come, first served. We have indoor seating, a large covered tent, and plenty of outdoor space to spread out and find your new favorite spot with friends.
Check out their website for more info: manorhillbrewing.com/event/10/
“It’s hard to believe—it’s been a full decade since we brewed our very first beer on the farm. Over the past ten years, we’ve poured our hearts into the craft, explored new styles and techniques, hosted incredible events, and most importantly—met so many amazing people who’ve supported us along the way. Now, it’s time to raise a glass and celebrate the journey!”
Hayley Beck, the Director of Marketing at Guilford Hall Brewery, wants everyone to know, “Yes, we have our Maibock Beer Release Pairing Dinner, Goat Yoga, DC United Fan Fest and a Jazz Series every single Tuesday. Plus, “We have our Italian Pale Lager that is now a part of our Fireman Series to give back to the Baltimore City Fire Department.”
Amy Dudrow is the Co-owner of Smoketown Brewing in Brunswick, MD. They are under new ownership as of August 2024. Amy shared, “We now have a new 1-barrel pilot system to add more variety to our regular offerings. We'll keep core beers on tap year-round, but now have the flexibility to try new recipes at a small scale. We have three fermentation tanks that have been dubbed Dorothy, Blanche and Rose.”
Smoketown has recently dressed up their patio with new shade sales and replaced the picnic tables with comfortable PolyWood couches. Their event hall, Upstairs at Smoketown, has undergone a facelift and will receive a new sound system installation in the next couple of months. With a capacity of ~450, they will begin booking bands for ticketed events this summer.
Mike Tonnsmier at Sapwood Cellars in Columbia, MD shared, “Our taco restaurant inside the Sapwood Cellars tasting room is finally opening on May 23! Albura Taqueria is helmed by Chef Brock Clonchmore, who is focusing on the classics (carnitas, barbacoa, tinga, fish), with some fun vegan options (fried avocado and mushroom asada). We're making Albura Lager our first year-round beer too, it's a Mexican-inspired corn lager with 100% local barley and corn malted by Murphy & Rude in Virginia. Our tasting room is expanded as well with more room for seating and private events!”
Opening, Closing, and Plans
Riley’s Mill Ale Works in Chestertown, MD, opened in January 2025, featuring guest taps with plans to offer their brewery creations soon. That day has arrived, and they are currently featuring five in-house beers on tap — Finn’s Dry Irish Stout, River City Pilsner, McIntyer’s Peated Scotch Ale, Murphy’s Irish Red Ale, and Treason Colonial Style Ale. Currently, they offer limited food options, including burgers, with plans to expand the menu soon.
Silver Branch Brewing officially opened its new Rockville Beerworks location at 7301 Calhoun Place #600, Derwood/Rockville, MD, on Friday, May 30, 2025. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held that evening, kicking off a three-day grand opening celebration that ran through Sunday, June 1, complete with special beer deals, live music, family-friendly events, and more. We reported last year that the Silver Spring brewery announced plans to expand to Rockville and relocate its brewing operations to the former True Respite Brewing Company location that closed in 2023.
The Rockville Beerworks is Silver Branch’s third location, following the opening of its original downtown Silver Spring brewery and taproom in March 2019 and expanding to Warrenton, VA, in 2023.
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.
I met Goodloe Byron at the Maryland Beer Festival in Frederick, MD. He was pouring a few beers from Brüdr Bier, a brewery and taproom he is working on opening not far from where he was pouring. Byron shared, “I've been working on opening up the brewery for the past year and a half or so, and it's slowly but surely coming together.” The brewery and taproom will be located at 53 E All Saints St in downtown Frederick. “I'll have a 7BBL system and a pilot system to keep things fun. And I’m hoping mostly to focus on taproom sales complemented by some fun art and events. I have been involved with breweries for a long while now as an artist, and do tons of art for local breweries and meaderies and events. I mostly want to make some really dry ales, brut IPAs, Saisons.”
Maryland Craft Beer Festival at 25
The 2025 Maryland Craft Beer Festival on May 10, at Carroll Creek Linear Park in Frederick, MD marked a milestone—celebrating 25 years of Maryland craft beer. The event drew an estimated 3,000–4,000 attendees, uniting beer lovers across the state and region.
Featuring over 200 unique beers poured by 58 Maryland breweries, the festival showcased established names like Heavy Seas, Burley Oak, and Denizens alongside newcomers such as Sandbox Brewing, Brüdr Bier, and Mayan Monkey. Brewers from every region—from Berlin’s Burley Oak to Cumberland’s 1812 Brewing—offered attendees a taste of Maryland’s brewing diversity.
The new Super VIP ticket tier sold out. This ticket offered exclusive perks such as a 12 PM entry, lounge access, select tastings, brewer meet‑and‑greets, and rum cocktails.
The festival featured live music at the venues and alongside a lineup of local food trucks and artisan vendors. Proceeds support the Brewers Association of Maryland’s advocacy and education efforts.
It’s not too early to plan for the Baltimore Beer Festival, which is usually held on the first Saturday in November.
