Maryland Brewery Closures: 2026

The landscape of the beer industry across the country and 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 are still great taprooms to be explored and beer enjoyed.

This entry will be updated throughout 2026.


The Brewer’s Art Closes February 2

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.

 

Idiom Closing February 15

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.

“We want to go out the way we came in, surrounded by friends. We’ll be open through 2/15/2026.”

 

Saints Row Closes April 30… But Wait

THE BAD NEWS - We just reported in Maryland Beer Updates: April 2026 that Saints Row Brewing Announces Closing. Going back to the end of 2025, the owners of Saints Row Brewing in Gaithersburg, MD, would be leaving the brewery, and they were looking for new owners. It would remain open through April 30.

THE MYSTERY - “Saints Row will return in a few months after a brief closure while there is a transition in ownership.”

THE GOOD NEWS - On a 2026.05.11 social media post, Saints Row revealed… “Thank you for it all! One chapter closes, and another pours on.”

“These walls have held years of memories, laughter, late nights, and countless beers shared with friends who became family. While one era of this brewery comes to an end, we’re proud to keep the taps flowing as it’s taken over by the very staff who helped make it feel like home all along. Same heart. Same community. New beginning.”

The Saints Row staff have purchased the brewery.

Jack Perdue

Maryland Beer Journal & Atlas (MBJA) was established to celebrate and promote Maryland beer — the beer, the people, and the places. I began writing about my beer experiences through the Deep Beer Journal (DBJ) in February 2013. Currently, I am a first-level Cicerone, studying to advance my certification. I am a member of the North American Guild of Beer Writers. Since 2019, I have been the Maryland columnist for the Mid-Atlantic Brew News.

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Maryland Beer Updates: April 2026

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Maryland Beer Updates: February 2026