Maryland Beer Journal
Maryland Beer: People & Places
Maryland Beer Journal & Atlas (MBJA) — We tell the stories of the beer, the people, and the places that make Maryland beer unique. Maryland traverses a diverse landscape, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Appalachian Mountains, including Baltimore, the Chesapeake Bay, historic small towns, and all points in between. And the beer is as diverse as the landscapes.
Franklins: Restaurant, Brewery, General Store
You might ask yourself, “What is Franklin‘s?” Is it a restaurant? Is it a brewery? Is it a general store? The answer to any of these would be, yes!
Forward: A Quaint Eastport Brewery
Forward Brewing is a small brewery doing some big things. Located in the quaint neighborhood of Eastport, just south of Annapolis proper, Forward has done a lot with their small footprint.
Musings on the Pour
I enjoy a brewery taproom that not only offers good beer, but also a good beer drinking experience. That can come if the form of a sociable taproom atmosphere, appropriate glassware, good food, or can be as simple as the way you pour the beer.
National Beer Day 2022
National Beer Day is celebrated every year on April 7, marking the day that the Cullen–Harrison Act came into effect thus ending Prohibition. It’s a great time to be a beer drinker with new breweries opening and fun beers to be enjoyed. We are now 89 years after the ”Great Experiment”. Indeed, we do have much to celebrate. Let’s go have a beer!
Streetcar 82 Brewing
Most of the locals know S82 is a deaf-owned brewery. Some new customers only become aware this when they see the staff communicating with their hands. “We don't tell you we are deaf, you find out after you come through the doors.” Some may wonder if they are welcomed, but of course the answer is a huge yes.
Whatever You Dig, Dig Deep!
Dig Deep Brewing (Cumberland, MD) officially opened September 13, 2019. Located in the heart of Cumberland in the historic Footer Dye Works Building, they are conveniently located with easy access to recreational attractions such as the C&O Canal and the Great Allegheny Passage trail.
Ten Eyck: At the Oak
Ten Eyck Brewing Company is locally owned by a team of women veterans and first responders. Their mantra is, “We've served around the globe, and now we want to serve our Eastern Shore community.“
Sapwood Cellars: Beer Geek Destination
Sapwood Cellars is a beer enthusiast’s destination you are not likely to stumble upon. Found at the back of a nondescript business park along Maryland’s Route 108, near Columbia, Maryland, many come this way either in want of more as the result of a local beer festival or as directed by a spouse or colleague.
Elder Pine Brewing & Blending: Bucolic Roads
When you first enter the taproom you will notice the oak barrels, racks of them. Sure, it may be a convenient store space, but it also makes a statement about who they are. As you walk further into the taproom you take in the large black and white murals behind the bar and front wall that demand your attention.
Brookeville Beer Farm: My Favorite Cookie
The Brookeville Beer Farm property is beautiful and the taproom relaxing. Brookeville has a beer for everyone including hazy IPAs, rum barrel stouts, a strawberry chocolate stout. You may come for the great beer, but don't be surprised if you fall in love with their brick oven pizza and inviting atmosphere.
Homaide Brewing: Succeeding Together
The Homaide Brewing front line includes Stephan Perez and Lucas Pinyan. Now residing in the former Cushwa Brewing location in Williamsport MD, Homaide makes a variety of beer styles, with a focus on Belgian-styled beers with their playful yeasts.
Cushwa Brewing Co.: Williamsport MD
The Cushwa Brewing Co. brewery and taproom is neatly tucked into back of the Bowman Business Park in Williamsport Maryland, with the Potomac River and West Virginia just a couple of miles away. The taproom is bright and open, with lots of space and light to welcome craft beer drinkers.
Frederick Beer: Hyper Local
Frederick MD is a small city by many standards. I spend a day there looking for a walkable Frederick beer experience and to learn what elements have aligned that allowed Frederick to blossom into a growing craft beer destination.
Baltimore Craft Beer Fest 2019
The Baltimore Craft Beer Festival (BCBF) is a premier showcase for Maryland breweries. If you want the breath of what Maryland breweries are producing, this is the one event to attend each year.
7 Locks Brewing
In October 2019, I sat down with Michael Linzmeyer, head Brewer of 7 Locks Brewing in Rockville, MD, to learn about their brewery and beer.
Joy Hound Beer Company: A Step of Faith
If you are a start-up brewery, a huge step of faith and confidence may be pouring your beer at the Baltimore Craft Beer Festival. This year, there were four breweries that did just that. One of those was Joy Hound Beer Company.
1623 Brewing: A Brewery in the Making
Zac Rissmiller is very confident in his ability to make great beer. And, he is one honest and laid back guy. The first is the product from his ten years of brewing experience. The second is most likely from his living in Colorado.
Cult Classic Brewing: Kent Island
Cult Classic Brewing (CC) is one of the newer Maryland breweries, opening in August 2018, and the only one on Kent Island. Barely a diversion from Westbound Rt 50, CC offers easy-off and easy-on access with plenty of parking.
REVIVE! Divine Food + Divine Beer 2019
The second annual REVIVE, a SAVOR-like event to highlight Maryland beer and food pairings, was held on August 24, at the Shrine of St. Anthony in Ellicott City.
Bull & Goat Brewing: Catching Up
Almost three years ago I attended the grand opening for Bull & Goat Brewing in Centreville MD. At that time to say it was a hole in the wall was not far off. Things have changed since then.