Maryland Beer Updates: Sept 2026
Here is what is happening in Maryland craft beer in September 2026. As always; some coming, some going, some slowing, and some growing. And then, some just move.
Oliver Brewing Moves from Baltimore to Millersville
After more than three decades in Baltimore, Oliver Brewing Co. has relocated its production operations to Millersville and is preparing to launch a full-service taproom and restaurant this fall.
As of early September, the new facility at 8370 Jumpers Hole Road off Maryland Route 2 is still under construction, but Oliver is already brewing and packaging beer there. A taproom opening is planned for late October or early November.
Oliver has become a crucial contract brewing partner for several Anne Arundel County brands—Annapolis Beer Co. and Forward Brewing —all of which have now shifted production to the Millersville facility. READ MORE
Brewer’s Alley Marks 30 Years in Frederick
Thirty years after helping launch Frederick’s craft beer movement, Brewer’s Alley is celebrating a milestone few brewpubs reach. Founder Phil Bowers opened the doors at 124 N. Market St. in 1996, when craft beer was still unfamiliar to many Maryland drinkers, and Frederick County lacked the licensing framework needed for a brewpub. Bowers and his partners helped navigate that regulatory path, establishing what became Frederick County’s first brewpub and an anchor in downtown Frederick's revitalization. Brewer’s Alley marked its 30th anniversary in July with special events, throwback menu items and a commemorative 30th Anniversary American Pale Ale, brewed entirely with American-grown ingredients.
“We’re taking all calls and all discussions.”
Rockwell is For Sale
Rockwell Brewery in Frederick, Maryland, is for sale. The Frederick News-Post wrote in July that the owners, Paul Tinney and Matt Thrasher, are looking for new ownership.
"We're taking all calls and all discussions," said Tinney.
Tinney and co-owner Matt Thrasher have been running the company for almost 10 years.
Rockwell Brewery got its start in March 2017, when longtime homebrewing friends Paul Tinney and Matt Thrasher opened a production brewery and taproom at 880 N. East Street in Frederick. As demand for its beer grew, Rockwell expanded in May 2023, opening a much larger second location at 8411 Broadband Drive in Riverside Tech Park. The nearly 14,000-square-foot facility increased Rockwell’s brewing capacity roughly tenfold and added a large taproom, event space and outdoor patio. The owners initially planned to keep East Street operating as a pilot brewery while Riverside handled increased production and distribution.
Rockwell eventually sold the East Street operation, opening the door for Sandbox Brewhouse. The new, family-run brewery took over the former Rockwell space and officially opened in March 2025, holding its ribbon-cutting on March 21. Rockwell, meanwhile, consolidated its operations at Riverside, bringing an eight-year run at its original East Street home to a close.
Johannson’s to Become a New Gastropub
After more than three decades in downtown Westminster, Johansson’s Dining House has closed at 4–6 W. Main St. Owner David Johansson began developing the restaurant in the historic building in 1994, with Johansson’s Microbrewery added soon afterward. The English-style tavern became a longtime downtown fixture, serving American fare alongside beers brewed on site, including Honest Ale, Hoodle Head and Whistle Stop Amber.
A group with strong ties to Carroll County’s food and craft beer scene is now taking over the property. According to the Carroll County Times, the owners of The Liquid Library in Westminster and 1623 Brewing Company in Eldersburg are developing a new gastropub at the former Johansson’s property. Plans call for the downstairs portion to become The Corner Ledger, associated with Liquid Library, while the 1623 Brewing team will operate the upstairs portion and plans to brew beer on site. 1623 Brewing Company currently operates its production brewery and taproom at 5975 Exchange Drive in Eldersburg. The new operators are targeting an October 2026 opening for the Westminster concepts.
Saints Row Gets a Second Life
What looked like the end for Saints Row Brewing has instead become a changing of the guard. Founders Tony and Lacy Prebula, who opened Saints Row in 2017, announced plans last fall to step away and seek new ownership. When a buyer failed to materialize, the Gaithersburg brewery announced it would close April 30 after more than eight years in business.
Then came an unexpected reprieve. Three Saints Row employees—Steve Parrish, Jim Martin and Barry Culleen—banded together to purchase the brewery and carry it forward. Founder Tony Prebula described the transition as passing the torch to the people who had helped embody the brewery’s community-focused mission. The new owners plan to maintain that character while beginning Saints Row’s next chapter at 15 Fulks Corner Ave. in Gaithersburg.
An exact reopening date has not yet been announced, although the brewery posted on social media that Saints Row Brewing is currently closed for renovations and a change in ownership and plans to reopen in the Fall of 2026.
Bmore Brew Crew Promotes Maryland Beer
In January 2024, the Bmore Brew Crew went online, producing brewery interviews and organizing events to support Maryland breweries. Before that, founder Sean Flynn said it was just a bunch of guys going beer shares and beer reviews in his basement that no one watched.
Now, with over 3,000 members on Facebook, it has gained growing recognition and presence around the Maryland brewing and beer community. I asked Sean to share what he’s been up to in his efforts to promote Maryland beer.
“My biggest news story would be the Maryland Trek with Meteorologist Justin Berk Fundraiser we just completed, where we trekked 329 miles across the whole state of Maryland over the course of the week to raise money for children with pediatric cancer. We highlighted seven local Maryland breweries, one at each daily pit stop. The team raised over $240,000 for the Just in Power Kids Foundation. The pitstop breweries included: Liquidity Aleworks, Independent Brewing, Falling Branch Brewery, Freedom Brewing, 1623 Brewery, Manor Hill Brewing, and Checkerspot Brewing. The BMore Brew Crew raised over $11,000 with the support of the Maryland craft beer community. Since our inception in 2024, the BMore Brew Crew has now raised over $135,000 for local and national charity organizations.”
Look for Bmore Brew Crew on Facebook to keep up with their latest activities.
“Wander through the park and discover Maryland-made beer, wine, spirits and cider, along with great food, live entertainment, family-friendly activities and unexpected experiences throughout the day. ”
Wanderland Returns October 24!
Kelly Dudeck, Executive Director of the Brewers Association of Maryland (BAM), has announced that Wanderland is back for 2026! “Join the Brewers Association of Maryland on Saturday, October 24, at Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods in Columbia for a full day celebrating Maryland’s craft beverage scene.”
“Wander through the park and discover Maryland-made beer, wine, spirits and cider, along with great food, live entertainment, family-friendly activities and unexpected experiences throughout the day. This year, we’re also putting a bigger focus on to-go bottle sales, making it easier to discover something you love and bring it home with you.
Wanderland brings producers from across the state together in one beautiful fall setting, giving guests a chance to explore new favorites while supporting Maryland’s local craft beverage industry.
Tickets are on sale now, so make plans to join us for one of Maryland’s most unique fall tasting events. For more information, visit marylandbeer.org/wanderland/
Maryland’s Best Beers, Head to Head
In another BAM announcement, “The Maryland Craft Beer Competition returns this fall, bringing together breweries from across the state to showcase the quality, creativity, and diversity of Maryland-made beer.“Beers will be evaluated by trained judges across 20 competition categories, representing a wide range of styles and brewing traditions. The competition culminates with the Maryland Craft Beer Awards Ceremony on November 6 at Heavy Seas Beer, where the brewing community will gather to celebrate this year’s entries and recognize standout beers from across Maryland.
“Registration opens this week for eligible Brewers Association of Maryland member breweries. More details about the Awards Ceremony will be coming soon. Visit the competition website to learn more.”
Hen & Hound Opening Soon in Washington County
Hen & Hound Farm Brewery in Smithsburg, Maryland, announced it has received its license to become Maryland's newest farm brewery.
They shared on social media, “We recently finally received our farm brewery license from the state of Maryland. This license was the last remaining major permit hurdle for us (we're officially the newest Maryland farm brewery!). We are wrapping up installation of our equipment over the next few weeks and are hoping to be brewing in September. Assuming we stay on track, we're looking at a grand opening in October! We won't have a firm date until we get some beer in the tanks, but we're getting very close.
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