WWBG: Crafts Of Baltimore

WWBG

Editor’s Note: This weekly column is sponsored by Georgetown Square Wine and Beer (10400 Old Georgetown Road).

I have to be honest. Before I did research for this blog post, I had no idea how deep of a history Baltimore has when it comes to beer. Other than the Heurich Brewery, which was incorporated in 1890, D.C. hasn’t had much to offer until 2011, when DC Brau became the first package brewery in D.C since 1956! (No offense).

This is not the case for Baltimore. With over 100 old breweries in the city’s past, Baltimore was and once again is a great city for beer lovers. From Natty Boh (established in 1885) to Clipper City (established in 1995) Baltimore has provided Marylanders with great local beer options.

Baltimore’s beer industry is thriving more than ever. Until recently, most of these breweries were not made available to us in Montgomery County (more to come soon). Here are some great Baltimore Micro Breweries that we currently carry.

Union Duckpin Pale AleUnion Craft Brewing

Founded in fall of 2011, Union dominates taps in Baltimore area bars and restaurants. After successfully launching its first brew Duckpin Ale in cans, Union has quickly become a top craft can seller. Duckpin Ale itself is a great brew, especially in the summer months. At 5.5% abv, this is an easy drinking, smooth beer. It has just enough hops but isn’t too overpowering, with good citrus notes. Also available is the Union Balt Altbier and Union Blackwing Lager.

Baltimore Beer WorksBaltimore Beer Works

Also known as RavenBeer or Baltimore-Washington Beer Works, this Edgar Allen Poe-inspired brewery set out to make easy drinking German-style brews. Since launching the Raven Special Lager in 2012, Baltimore Beer Works brews have been flying off the shelves.

I personally love the sampler pack they offer that includes The Raven, Pendulum Pils, Tell Tale Heart IPA and the special Cask Double Bock.

Full TiltFull Tilt

Full Tilt is another great story about home brewers taking their brews and turning those into a fully operational business. Incorporating names such as Berger Cookie Stout, Camden Cream, Fleet Street Wheat and Patterson Pumpkin, Full Tilt infuses Baltimore’s culture and landmarks into its beers.

Full Tilt’s Baltimore Ale and Berger Cookie Chocolate Stout are on our shelves now.

The Brewer's ArtThe Brewer’s Art

Situated in a historic townhouse, The Brewer’s Art is a fantastic Belgian restaurant that happens to brew incredible beers. Voted 2009′s No. 1 bar in America by Esquire Magazine, The Brewer’s Art is a must visit if in Baltimore and a must buy if you see their beers on a store’s shelves.

Currently, we have Resurrection (Abbey Style Dubbel) and their Ozzy (Belgium Pale Ale). Sidenote: Ozzy is changing its name to Beazly, thanks to a cease and desist letter from Ozzy Osbourne’s lawyers.

Community discussion guidelines: Our sponsored columns are written by members of the local business community. While we encourage a robust and open discussion, we ask that all reviews of the businesses — good or bad — be directed to another venue, like Yelp. The comments section is intended for a conversation about the topic of the article.

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