Watchtower Brewing: Building Community in a Glass
In the ever-evolving landscape of craft beer, new breweries emerge with varying ambitions. Some chase trends, others seek rapid expansion, but a select few plant their flag with a deeper purpose. Watchtower Brewing, nestled in the heart of Aberdeen, Maryland, is one such establishment. More than just a purveyor of fine ales, Watchtower is a testament to community revitalization, a harmonious blend of diverse talents, and an unwavering commitment to quality beer and experience. It’s a story of three founders, a supportive city, and a vision to build "community in a glass."
The Triad
“I’d done like five extract brewers at this point in my life... And I’m going to start a million-dollar business? No, it’s not going to work.”
The foundation of Watchtower Brewing rests on the complementary strengths of its three founders: George Hanlin, Joe Fino, and Frank Young. This balanced “triad” brings together brewing science, brand storytelling, and guest experience—forming a leadership team as thoughtfully constructed as the beers they produce.
At the center is George Hanlin, managing partner and brewing mind behind Watchtower. A seasoned homebrewer and self-described “data head,” Hanlin is drawn to the technical nuance of beer—how small shifts in mash temperature or fermentation can dramatically alter the final result. That curiosity is matched by humility. Early dreams of opening a brewery were tempered by self-awareness. “I’d done like five extract brews at this point in my life,” Hanlin recalls. “And I’m going to start a million-dollar business? No, it’s not going to work.” Instead, he committed to learning the craft properly, laying the groundwork for Watchtower’s quality-first approach.
Hanlin’s first key connection was Joe Fino, now Watchtower’s marketing and storytelling director. The two met more than a decade ago at a Bel Air Chamber of Commerce meeting, where a shared background in software development quickly gave way to a mutual love of homebrewing. That overlap of analytical thinking and creative expression became the seed of the brewery. Fino, also a certified beer judge through the Beer Judge Certification Program, shapes Watchtower’s public identity—from the logo to much of the interior aesthetic—ensuring the brand’s look and message resonate as clearly as its beers.
The final piece arrived through an architect’s introduction to Frank Young, the Director of Experience. With a background in customer service and finance from his mortgage business—and a music degree that reflects his career as a professional musician—Young brings an invaluable outside perspective. “We hit it off immediately,” he recalls, citing shared good nature, open-heartedness, and a slightly nerdy mutual love of music. As the self-described “non-beer person” in the partnership, Young focuses on the full customer journey, helping ensure Watchtower appeals not only to seasoned beer enthusiasts but to the broader community as well.
Together, the trio balances brewing precision, marketing insight, and customer-centric business sense. Ideas are debated, refined, and tested, guided by a simple internal mantra: figure it out. It’s a philosophy that reflects both their adaptability and the collaborative spirit at the heart of Watchtower Brewing, and they have the sign prominently posted above the door in the brewhouse.
“I don’t care what any other brewery place might pop up, they’re not gonna have two things. One, they’re not gonna have the park, and two, they don’t have George.”
Frank Young (l) and George Hanlin (r) show off Watchtower pints.
The Aberdeen Revitalization
A look inside the Watchtower brewhouse.
You can't tell the story of Watchtower Brewing without mentioning the town of Aberdeen.
Aberdeen, Maryland, is known for the Aberdeen Proving Ground, a major U.S. Army post, and its association with the Ripken family of baseball fame, including Ripken Stadium. The city is also home to various community attractions like Festival Park, and serves as a transportation hub with its location on the Amtrak Northeast Corridor line.
Aberdeen Festival Park is located in the heart of downtown on North Parke Street in Aberdeen. It is home to many city events such as the Aberdeen Farmers Market. It includes an outside field, a playground, and the APG Memorial.
Watchtower's commitment to Aberdeen is perhaps its most defining characteristic. The brewery occupies a site that was once a boarded-up dry cleaner, a symbol of the area's past stagnation. The founders saw not just a building, but an opportunity to be a "seed" for revitalization. Their byline, "building community in a glass," isn't just a catchy phrase; it's a guiding principle. This vision resonated deeply with the city of Aberdeen, which was actively seeking a brewery to anchor its downtown renewal efforts. Watchtower’s proactive approach, even suggesting amendments to city laws that initially prohibited breweries, highlights the depth of this partnership. The city council, led by Mayor Patrick McGrady, responded swiftly, changing the laws within 30 days. This level of commitment from city officials, with the Mayor even physically helping pour the foundation and stand up tanks,fostered an unparalleled sense of collaboration. "That showed desire from the city to bring something in and make things happen," George notes, emphasizing the true partnership they found.
“I read the city’s laws. I said, by law, you can’t have a brewery. Make it say exactly this, and then we’ll talk. 30 days later, she calls me back because it takes 30 days to change the law. She says, okay, the law’s changed. Okay, let’s talk.”
George recalled a conversation with the town regarding a brewery in Aberdeen. “But back in 2018, Joe and I actually met with Phyllis Grover, the director of economic development for the city of Aberdeen, because they wanted a brewery. We wanted to come to Aberdeen because there was no brewery here. I said to Phyllis, let me read your laws. So I read the city's laws. I said by law, you can't have a brewery. Make it say exactly this, and then we'll talk. 30 days later, she calls me back because it takes 30 days to change the law. She says, okay, the law's changed. Okay, let's talk.”
The brewery's integration into the community extends beyond its physical location. Watchtower actively names its beers after local icons, such as "Golden Eagle" for the high school mascot and "2131" in homage to baseball legend Cal Ripken Jr. They collaborate closely with the Main Street coordinator on local festivals and parades, ensuring they are an active participant in the city's cultural fabric. This deep-seated community involvement has created a ripple effect, attracting other businesses like the popular Top Notch food truck (which will open its first brick-and-mortar location nearby) and an ice cream shop. Frank Young articulates this philosophy: "A rising tide raises all ships." The brewery also recognizes the significant military presence from Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) and aims to be a welcoming hub for service members and their families, as well as local corporate entities seeking off-site meeting spaces.
Watchtower Brewing and the city of Aberdeen collaborated with Vicky Horn, the Aberdeen Main Street coordinator, on various community initiatives. This collaboration involved organizing festivals, parades, and decorations, which helped strengthen the brewery's ties to the community and contributed to the overall vibrancy of downtown Aberdeen.
What the People Want
At the heart of Watchtower Brewing lies a profound commitment to quality beer and exceptional experiences. George Hanlin's brewing philosophy is refreshingly customer-centric: "What the people want." While he brings his extensive knowledge and passion to the craft, the ultimate goal is to brew beers that resonate with the community's palate. However, one beer holds a special place: "Pat’s Choice," a Belgian Saison, brewed as a tribute to George's late mother, who enjoyed this style above all others. This personal touch underscores the heart behind the craft.
The brew house itself is a testament to thoughtful planning and future growth. It features a five-barrel DME commercial brewing system, with a mix of five and ten-barrel fermenters, designed for an initial annual production of 250-300 barrels. Infrastructure is already in place for future expansion, including additional tanks and a planned rooftop deck, demonstrating a long-term vision. To ensure a diverse and ample supply for their grand opening, Watchtower has engaged in strategic collaborations with established breweries like Independent, Hopkins, and Oliver, showcasing a collaborative spirit within the broader craft beer community.
George Hanlin, Watchtower Brewing
Crafting Experience
Watchtower Brewing is intentionally designed to be more than a place to drink beer—it’s a place to belong. From the ground-up rebuild of its former dry-cleaner space to the carefully considered “industrial chic” interior with 12-foot ceilings, exposed beams, and genuinely comfortable seating, every detail reflects a commitment to hospitality and connection. The signature roll-up garage door—championed by Frank Young—physically and philosophically opens the brewery to the outdoors, seamlessly linking the taproom with adjacent Festival Park and creating a natural gathering space for families, friends, and even their dogs.
“My background is music. I have a music degree, and that’s what I do. I want people to come here and know that whoever they’re going to see is going be quality.”
Frank’s musical background gives him contacts in the music community. He likes to emphasize that when people come to Watchtower for music events, it will be good. “My background is music. I have a music degree, and that's what I do. I want people to come here and know that whoever they're going to see is going be quality.”
Live music curated with a musician’s ear, trivia nights, open mics, and a welcoming approach to non-drinkers through mocktails and outside food all reinforce the idea that everyone has a place here. Even before opening, the overwhelming interest from prospective staff signaled that Watchtower had already cultivated something special: a positive, magnetic energy rooted in community. In every sense, Watchtower isn’t just pouring beer—it’s crafting an experience that invites people to linger, connect, and build lasting memories, truly “building community in a glass.”
The Watchtower taproom.
Final Thoughts
“Our little byline is building community in a glass.”
Watchtower Brewing is more than a new brewery. It’s a carefully built partnership between brewers, creatives, and a city invested in its own renewal. The balance of Hanlin’s brewing discipline, Fino’s storytelling vision, and Young’s experience-driven focus has created something durable and inviting.
As Watchtower settles into its role in downtown Aberdeen, it offers a model of what modern craft breweries can be: grounded, collaborative, and deeply woven into the communities they serve.
Watchtower Brewing
22 Howard Street
Aberdeen, MD 21001
watchtowerbrewing.com
(410) 487-0000
