Maryland Beer Journal
Maryland Beer: People, Places & Ideas
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.
Beer on the Road: Davis & Elkins WV
In June 2018, I traveled to Elkins, West Virginia and stopped into a few beery places along the way. It seems wherever you travel, there are new and exciting breweries popping up, much to a beer lover’s pleasure.
The Maryland Hop: Monocacy
It has said that Maryland doesn't have the right climate to grow hops commercially. Yet, there is a growing movement in the beer industry to use locally grown ingredients in their beer. A new hop has been discovered in Frederick County Maryland that may change that.
Liquidity Aleworks: Brewery in a Bank
Liquidity Aleworks in Mt. Airy MD, opened their taproom doors to the public on November 10, 2022. The building Liquidity sits in was built in 1904, and formerly housed the First National Bank and Farmers and Merchants Banks. The taproom is bright and open and decidedly family oriented.
Guinness Closing Maryland Beer Production
On April 3, Diageo North America, the parent company for Guinness released a statement that in June it will be closing its manufacturing facility at Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Relay, MD. Diageo said that the restaurant and taproom will still remain open as will the brewing of “select experimental beers” in a 10-barrel brewery in the visitor center.
Checkerspot: A Baltimore Brewery on the Move
Judy and Rob Neff opened Checkerspot Brewing in 2018. A craft brewery with a taproom creates a certain kind of kinetic energy. It can change a neighborhood, attracting patrons from around the block or across the country. Currently there are 17 breweries within Baltimore City proper, the majority established within the last five years. Checkerspot Brewing is one of those and has become an important part of the city’s changing vibe.
Other Half Brewing DC
If you have experienced Other Half beers you know they are some of the best IPAs in the business. In an Untappd blog post titled The Top 10 Craft Breweries With the Most 5-Star Check-Ins of 2022 Other Half Brewing was ranked #4, ahead of such well knowns as Toppling Goliath and The Alchemist. Topping the list were Russian River, Bell’s Brewery, and Tree House Brewing.
Guilford Hall Brewing: New Beer History
Guilford Hall Brewery is just one of many brewing establishments that have opened within the heart of Baltimore. The city has a rich history as a beer town, and these modern takes on insuring that tradition continues and even grows.
Wico Street Beer Company: The New Beer in the Neighborhood
Today breweries are tucked into every corner of the landscape. From bucolic farm breweries, those squeezed into suburban industrial parks, to urban quaff houses fit into spots that have lived many lives before. Wico Street Beer Company (pronounced wye-coe) is one of latter. They are the new guy in the Pigtown section of Baltimore.
Deep Beer Journal Log: 2022.12.20
A few weeks ago a brewery rep told me about the Black Flag Bottle Club. It has been on my mind ever since. Today, I joined the club.
Pickett Brewing in Pigtown
With Pickett Brewing and Suspended Brewing already with a presence, and Checkerspot Brewing moving to the neighborhood soon, plus Wico Street Brewing opening their taproom soon, Pigtown is becoming a craft beer hotspot in Baltimore.
Burley Oak Brewing: Not Conceptually Just Brewers
Burley Oak Brewing is a decidedly small brewery in Berlin, MD. ”Not conceptually just brewers, we think about making the coolest beverages. A little unconventional with some convention thrown in.”
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.