Maryland Beer Updates: October 2025
Independent craft brewery news lately has been mostly one way — the wrong way. And at the same time, new breweries are still opening and challenging the tide.
Brewery Beginnings
Unauthorized Brewing is a small artisanal craft brewery founded by three longtime friends who turned their love of craft beer into a shared vision. The brewery officially opened its doors on August 14, 2025, quickly drawing crowds of locals and visitors.
“Our vision at Unauthorized Brewing is to be a locally celebrated and regionally recognized brand, renowned for our innovative and exceptional craft beer, and sustainable community impact.”
“Our vision at Unauthorized Brewing is to be a locally celebrated and regionally recognized brand, renowned for our innovative and exceptional craft beer, and sustainable community impact.”
Located at 9132 Bay Avenue, Unauthorized Brewing is built on a two-barrel brewhouse, giving the team the flexibility to brew small, innovative batches that highlight their creativity and passion. Currently, their beer is sold exclusively at our brewery tap room. Keep up at unauthorizedbrewing.com
Eden Town Brewing Co. at 108 N. 8th Street, Denton, MD, is planning on opening its doors in Late October /Early November. “We hope to share something a little more concrete in the next week or two.” Matt and Sarah Dahl shared their vision on the website, “When we had the opportunity to acquire the former Nuttle Lumber property on Gay Street, we knew it was the perfect place to build our dream. We're thrilled to revitalize the property for the town and our neighbors.” Keep up at edentownbrewing.com.
Also, be on the lookout for Watchtower Brewing opening soon in Aberdeen MD, 22 Howard St, Aberdeen, MD 21001.
Moving On
“Lacy and I have decided that it is time to step away from Saints Row Brewing. This decision has not been an easy one to make.”
Saints Row Brewing in Gaithersburg, MD, was founded in 2017 by Tony and Lacy Prebula. In a recent message on social media, they announced they are looking for a buyer to take over their brewery. A message from Tony shared, “Lacy and I have decided that it is time to step away from Saints Row Brewing. This decision has not been an easy one to make, for SO MANY reasons. At the end of the day, what it boils down to is that Lacy and I only hope to make decisions we earnestly feel are for the best for our family, for one another, and the best for our fullest flourishing as individuals, partners, parents, and friends.” Tony added, “In this upcoming year, 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.”
Breweries Growing
1812 Brewery in Cumberland, MD, has expanded with a new brewhouse. Allegany County Economic and Community Development stated in a press release, “The McCagh family’s vision has now become a reality. With support from state and local funding partners, 1812 Brewery has completed a purpose-built production facility, expanded its reach across Western Maryland, and added jobs to meet growing demand for its locally crafted beer. 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. The automated system not only increases brewing capacity—with the potential to produce thousands of barrels annually—but also introduces more environmentally sustainable processes. It uses less water, allows for greater ingredient flexibility, and positions the business to source more local grain from regional farms.”
Brewery Fire in Taneytown MD 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.”
Michael Tonsmeire, Co-Owner at Sapwood Cellars in Columbia, shared an update, “A few weeks ago, we expanded our hours a little. We're now open for food and beer at noon on Fridays and Brunch on Saturdays starting at 11 AM!” Mike added, “We have a big Halloween Party each year! October 31st, the staff dress up, we have a costume contest, and serve a bunch of draft-only candy-themed beers (including a Butterfingers Stout, Dubai Chocolate Brown Ale)!”
Sapwood recently celebrated its 7th anniversary with a special event on October 4th, featuring new beers, vintage kegs, and one-off variants.
Breweries Slowing
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.
Make Mine A Maryland
Maryland’s breweries, wineries, and distilleries are raising their glasses together under one powerful rallying cry: “Make Mine a Maryland.” Launched by the Maryland Wineries Association, Brewers Association of Maryland and the Maryland Distillers Guild, with support from Cultivate + Craft, this new statewide movement invites consumers to support local businesses by choosing Maryland-made beer, wine and spirits. Consumers are encouraged to join the “Make Mine a Maryland” movement, learn more and explore Maryland’s craft beverage destinations at makemineamaryland.com.
Wanderland BAM
The Brewers Association of Maryland (BAM) partnered with the Hops & Harvest Festival to debut Wanderland, a one-of-a-kind craft beverage experience on October 4, at Symphony Woods at Merriweather Park in Columbia, Maryland. Learn more at wanderlandmd.com.
“The craft beer spirit was definitely in the air at Wanderland.”
Wanderland festival in Columbia, Maryland
BAM’s Senior Marketing Strategist, Jon Zerivitz, summarized the inaugural event, “Wanderland had a promising debut this year. The venue and layout were well received by our guests and the inclusion of wine and spirits was a great addition. The craft beer spirit was definitely in the air at Wanderland. We're currently taking in feedback, assessing what worked well and what didn't, and strategizing how to improve an even better Wanderland II in 2026.”
Heavy Seas Joins B3 Beverage
Heavy Seas Beer, Maryland’s largest craft brewery, has announced a partnership with B3 Beverage Co., a growing East Coast craft beverage platform.
With Halethorpe’s Heavy Seas now on board, B3 unites four independent breweries along the Northeast Corridor: 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.
“The craft beer and beverage industry is at an inflection point,” said Heavy Seas founder Hugh Sisson. “By combining resources, we create efficiency, scale, and reach that would be difficult for any one brewery to achieve on its own. ”
“The craft beer and beverage industry is at an inflection point,” said Heavy Seas founder Hugh Sisson. “By combining resources, we create efficiency, scale, and reach that would be difficult for any one brewery to achieve on its own. This partnership gives each brand the ability to thrive while staying true to its roots — a way to face future challenges together: stronger, smarter, and more sustainable.”
Under the B3 umbrella, the group also plans to explore category diversification, including non-alcoholic beverages, craft sodas, and other innovations that align with shifting consumer tastes.
Questions about local production and employment have followed the announcement. Caroline Sisson, representing Heavy Seas’ next generation of leadership, offered reassurance:
“From a production standpoint, we’ll continue brewing in Maryland. But going forward, we’ll also leverage our B3 partner facilities to expand capacity or explore new product categories. The shared network gives us flexibility, cost savings, and access to equipment and expertise that help Heavy Seas grow more sustainably.”
She added that the partnership was “structured as teamwork, not a takeover.” Each brewery, she emphasized, will maintain its own identity and local relevance, while collaboration drives shared success across the region.
Meanwhile, Heavy Seas is planning its 30th Anniversary Celebration for Saturday, December 6. All-day event at the Heavy Seas Taproom will debut their 30 Year Storm, and an evening anniversary party with live music. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Brewers Association of Maryland. 30 Year Storm — thirty years in the making, it is being described as a bold, complex barrel-aged strong ale aged in bourbon, rye, and sherry barrels, coming with at 11.5% ABV. Packages will include draft and 4-pack cans (16oz).
Maryland Breweries Win at GABF 2025
Congratulations to the Maryland breweries earning medals at the recent Great American Beer Festival in Denver, CO. Winning Gold with Glass Castle, a Czech-Style Pale Lager, was Silver Branch Brewing (Silver Spring MD). Bringing home a Silver for Old Pro Gose, the venerable German Sour Ale, was Union Craft Brewing (Baltimore MD). Winning a Bronze in the category for Kellerbier or Zwickelbier was Treetop by Franklins Restaurant, Brewery & General Store in Hyattsville MD. And winning a Bronze in the Rye Beer category was Monocacy Riot Rye from Brewer's Alley & Monocacy Brewing (Frederick MD). Also, Mayan Monkey Brewing in Collaboration Waredaca Brewing Co. won a Silver medal for the smoked lager La Lumbre.
You can see all the winners at greatamericanbeerfestival.com/2025-winners