Watchtower Brewing to Open in Aberdeen

brewery
Written By Jack Perdue

Downtown Aberdeen is getting its own beacon of craft beer. Watchtower Brewing Company — the brainchild of three Harford County friends, George Handlin, Frank Young, and Joe Fino — opened its doors for a special preview on October 24, 2025

 

Downtown Aberdeen is getting its own beacon of craft beer. Watchtower Brewing Company — the brainchild of three Harford County friends, George Handlin, Frank Young, and Joe Fino — opened its doors for a special preview on October 24, 2025, at 22 Howard Street, right across from Festival Park. What began with a humble Mr. Beer kit in a basement has evolved into a full-scale 5-barrel brewery and taproom, built from the bones of a former dry cleaner’s shop.

Their mission is clear: good people, good beer, good life. Watchtower aims to become a gathering place for locals and travelers alike — a space where stories are shared over fresh pours and where the craft of brewing meets the art of community-building. “It’s really exciting to be part of the rebirth of this area of Aberdeen,” says co-founder Young, reflecting the group’s pride in helping revitalize the city’s core.

Inside, visitors will find a small but mighty brewhouse turning out bold, approachable beers designed for flavor and freshness. The founders promise a lineup that balances creativity with drinkability — think expressive ales and crisp lagers meant to showcase the best of Maryland’s brewing spirit. An outdoor patio overlooking the park will host events, live music, and the inevitable food-truck collaborations that fuel great nights out.

Beyond beer, Watchtower represents a story of local entrepreneurship — built through hard work, community backing, and a bit of crowdfunding faith. Their journey embodies the optimism driving Maryland’s next wave of small-town breweries: rooted in place, powered by passion, and pouring for the people who helped make it possible.

Watchtower Brewing Company has announced it will open its doors on December 3, 2025, ready to light up Aberdeen’s downtown.

Address: 22 Howard St., Aberdeen, MD 21001

Website: watchtowerbrewing.com

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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