Maryland's Best Craft Beer: Where To Buy

Maryland is a top producer of craft beer, with a variety of breweries across the state. The Brewers Association of Maryland, which supports local craftsmen, hosts the annual Maryland Craft Beer Festival in Frederick, featuring dozens of local brewers and live music. For those seeking a more intimate experience, there are plenty of breweries to visit, such as Burley Oak Brewing Company in Berlin, Ruhlman Brewing Co. in Hampstead, and Mount Airy's Milkhouse Brewery at Stillpoint Farm, Maryland's first licensed farm brewery. City Brew Tours in Baltimore offers group and private tours with tastes of up to 16 beer varieties, while Vino 301 provides beer, wine, and spirit tours in the Frederick area.

Maryland Craft Beer Festival

The Maryland Craft Beer Festival is a celebration of the state's craft beer culture and a showcase of the best local brewers. Held in the spring, the festival is organised by the Brewers Association of Maryland, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025. The event will take place on 10 May 2025, from noon to 5 pm, at the Carroll Creek Linear Park in Frederick, Maryland.

The festival will feature more than 200 beers from dozens of local brewers, including new and established names. Attendees can expect to sample a wide range of beers, from IPAs and stouts to fruity meads. In addition to beer, the festival will also feature live music, food vendors, and activities. Past performers have included the bluegrass band The Plate Scrapers.

General admission tickets are $35 before April 1 and $45 after, while designated drivers get in for $20 and enjoy complimentary water and non-alcoholic beverages. VIP passes are also available for $55 before April 1 and $65 after, granting access to a VIP lounge, exclusive merchandise, and meet-and-greet sessions with brewers.

For those unable to attend the spring festival, the Brewers Association of Maryland also hosts the Baltimore Craft Beer Festival each autumn, which typically attracts around 2,000 attendees. Throughout the year, beer enthusiasts can also explore Maryland's craft beer scene by visiting its many breweries. Some notable breweries include Burley Oak Brewing Company, Ruhlman Brewing Co., and Mount Airy's Milkhouse Brewery at Stillpoint Farm, which is Maryland's first licensed farm brewery.

Burley Oak Brewing Company, Berlin

The Burley Oak Brewing Company in Berlin, Maryland, is a must-visit destination for craft beer enthusiasts. Born from owner Bryan Brushmiller's passion for craft brewing and deep roots in the Berlin community, Burley Oak opened its doors in 2009 during the height of the recession with a mission to create jobs and give back to the community.

More than just a brewery, Burley Oak is a gathering place that welcomes visitors with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The brewery is known for its fun and lively events, often featuring live music, lawn games, and even private events. The venue has a cool, rustic interior, and the friendly staff ensure that everyone feels like they're enjoying a beer in a friend's living room.

The brewery prides itself on its unique and distinctive beers, crafted with care using both new and traditional brewing methods. Their focus on sours has earned them a dedicated following, with their annual Sour Fest being a highly anticipated event. The festival, usually held in the fall, was moved to the spring to avoid conflicting with Controlled Chaos. Music is also an integral part of the Burley Oak experience, with named artists gracing their stage and up to 500 attendees at their special events.

In addition to their renowned beers, Burley Oak also offers a delightful selection of food and cocktails. Visitors can pair their drinks with tasty treats from occasional food trucks or enjoy a meal in the comfortable taproom. The brewery is conveniently located at 10016 Old Ocean City Rd, Berlin and is open Monday through Thursday from 11 am to 11 pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 11 am to 2 am, and on Sundays from 11 am to 9 pm. Whether you're a local or just passing through, a visit to Burley Oak Brewing Company is well worth your time.

Ruhlman Brewing Co., Hampstead

Ruhlman Brewing Co. is a family-oriented brewery located in Hampstead, Maryland, that was formed in early 2011, with production starting in July 2012. The brewery is situated on a 36-acre farm in rural Carroll County, which was inherited from the founder's father in 2010. Ruhlman Brewing Co. prides itself on being a welcoming and inclusive establishment, with its "OUR ALES" brand reflecting this ethos. The brewery offers a range of experiences, including strolling through hop fields, picnic areas, and outdoor seating for relaxation. They also have a disc golf course in the works, catering to all skill levels.

The beer crafted at Ruhlman Brewing Co. is unique in that it is made with well water sourced directly from the farm, and many of the ales are brewed with hops grown on-site. This integration of local ingredients contributes to the distinct character of their craft beers. The brewery is dog-friendly and family-friendly, offering a retail store on-site for purchasing their "OUR ALES" brand. Visitors can also take advantage of the brewery tours available on most weekends, providing an insightful look into the beer-making process.

The address for Ruhlman Brewing Co. is 2300 Harvey Gummel Road, Hampstead, MD 21074, and they can be reached by phone at (410) 259-4166. The brewery is committed to creating a welcoming atmosphere and hosts various events throughout the year. They also have private event rental options available, accommodating groups of various sizes. Ruhlman Brewing Co. is an excellent choice for craft beer enthusiasts seeking a unique, homegrown experience in Maryland.

Online resources like Untappd provide valuable insights into the brewery's offerings. Users can explore ratings and reviews of Ruhlman Brewing Co. beers, such as the Mr. IPA, which has garnered several badges, including the Brewery Pioneer and Hopped Up badges. These reviews offer a glimpse into the diverse and well-received craft beers crafted by Ruhlman Brewing Co., Hampstead. Whether you're a local or a visitor exploring Maryland's craft beer scene, Ruhlman Brewing Co. is certainly worth a visit.

Milkhouse Brewery, Stillpoint Farm

Milkhouse Brewery at Stillpoint Farm is a must-visit destination for craft beer enthusiasts in Maryland. Located in Frederick County, it is Maryland's first licensed farm brewery, offering a unique experience with beers crafted from local ingredients.

The brewery takes pride in specialising in classic beer styles, enhanced with the finest Maryland hops. Their commitment to using local ingredients extends beyond hops, as they carefully select ingredients grown on Stillpoint Farm itself, ensuring the freshest and most sustainable brewing process.

The taproom at Milkhouse Brewery is a vibrant hub for beer lovers. Throughout the year, they host a range of exciting events, such as the Captain O's Stout & Oyster Fest, where guests can indulge in specialty stouts and buck-a-shuck raw oysters. The taproom also offers a diverse food menu, with options like hamburgers and hotdogs, ensuring a well-rounded dining experience.

Milkhouse Brewery's beer selection is meticulously crafted, featuring seasonal and year-round offerings. Their German Style Hefeweizen, a spring/summer seasonal brew, stands out with its faint banana aroma, soft clove notes, and late honey sweetness. The Green Valley Gose, their first thirst-quenching gose, is perfect for summer days with its crisp, tart, and refreshing flavour profile. For those who crave darker beers, the Dry Irish Stout is a year-round favourite, boasting notes of coffee and dark chocolate with a smooth, dry finish.

In addition to their beer, Milkhouse Brewery at Stillpoint Farm offers a charming farm experience. Visitors can explore the farm's mercantile, featuring early peaches, fresh herbs, greens, and more. The farm also hosts unique events like Star Gazing @ The Farm, where guests can gaze at the stars with the Westminster Astronomical Society, creating a memorable evening of beer and astronomy.

HowardOnTap Craft Brew Trail

Maryland is a top producer of craft beer, and HowardOnTap Craft Brew Trail in Howard County is a great way to experience it. This trail is not just about the drink; it's about the experience and camaraderie. Beer enthusiasts can embark on a delectable journey through charming slices of Maryland, uncovering the essence of the local community.

Howard County boasts a trove of breweries, distilleries, taprooms, and beer-centric havens. Beer lovers can unleash their taste buds at local taprooms, where the air is filled with the aroma of locally produced craft beverages. The trail includes established brewpubs, up-and-coming farm breweries, and exciting start-ups getting creative with their ingredients.

For those seeking a more enhanced experience, an interactive map is available to guide visitors through the trail's highlights. To make the most of your trip, consider staying overnight at one of the charming hotels in the county. This will allow you to explore the vibrant brew culture of Howard County at a leisurely pace.

HowardOnTap.com offers itineraries, hotel suggestions, and information on boozy events. City Brew Tours offers group and private tours of Baltimore, with a taste of up to 16 varieties of beer. Beer guides explain the brewing process, and a designated driver takes care of transportation. Vino 301 provides beer, wine, and spirits tours, picking up adventurers from convenient locations in the Frederick area.

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