Best 5 Breweries in Annapolis MD: A Guide to the Top Craft Beer Spots in Town
Annapolis, MD is home to a thriving brewery scene, with a variety of options for beer lovers to choose from. Whether you’re a fan of hoppy IPAs, fruity sours, or classic lagers, there’s a brewery in Annapolis that will have something to suit your tastes.
From small, independent brewpubs to larger, well-established breweries, Annapolis has it all. Many of these breweries offer outdoor seating, live music, and food options to accompany their beers, making them a great destination for a night out with friends or a casual weekend afternoon. With so many choices available, it can be hard to know where to start.
Prominent Breweries in Annapolis
Forward Brewing
Forward Brewing is a popular brewery located in Annapolis, MD. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. The brewery is known for its friendly staff and comfortable atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy outdoor seating, takeout, and delivery options.
Website: http://www.forwardeastport.com/
Address: 418 Fourth St, Annapolis, MD 21403, United States
Guinness Open Gate Brewery and Barrel House
The Guinness Open Gate Brewery and Barrel House is another well-known brewery in Annapolis, MD. This brewery offers a unique experience for visitors, as it is the only Guinness brewery in the United States. They offer a variety of beers, including their famous stouts, as well as tours of the brewery. Visitors can also enjoy food and live music at the brewery.
Website: https://www.guinnessbrewerybaltimore.com/
Address: 5001 Washington Blvd, Halethorpe, MD 21227
Ministry of Brewing
Ministry of Brewing is a popular brewery located in Baltimore, MD, just a short drive from Annapolis. The brewery is known for its historic building, as it is located in a former church. They offer a variety of beers, including IPAs, sours, and stouts. Visitors can enjoy indoor and outdoor seating, as well as takeout and delivery options.
Website: https://ministryofbrewing.com/
Address: 1900 E Lombard St, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States
These breweries are just a few of the many great options in Annapolis, MD. Beer lovers can also check out other breweries in the area, such as Crooked Crab Brewing Company and Chesepiooc Real Ale Brewery.
Beer Varieties and Specialties
Annapolis is home to many breweries that offer a wide variety of beer styles, from classic brews to innovative craft beers. Here are some of the most popular beer varieties and specialties found in Annapolis breweries:
IPA
India Pale Ale (IPA) is a popular beer style that is known for its hoppy flavor and aroma. Many breweries in Annapolis offer their take on this classic beer style, with variations ranging from West Coast to New England-style IPAs. Some of the most popular IPA options in Annapolis include the Forward IPA from Forward Brewing and the Flagship IPA from Crooked Crab Brewing Company.
Porter
Porter is a dark beer style that originated in London in the 18th century. This beer style is known for its rich, roasted flavor and smooth finish. Annapolis breweries offer a variety of porter options, including the Blackbeard’s Delight Porter from Annapolis Homebrewers and the Robust Porter from Magothy River Brewing Company.
Classics
In addition to IPA and porter, many Annapolis breweries offer classic beer styles that have stood the test of time. Some popular options include the American Pale Ale from Union Craft Brewing, the Hefeweizen from Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant, and the Belgian-style Tripel from Mad Fox Brewing Company.
Craft Beer
Craft beer is a term used to describe beer that is brewed in small batches and often incorporates unique ingredients and brewing techniques. Annapolis is home to many breweries that specialize in craft beer, including the innovative Drum Point Brewing and the experimental Black Flag Brewing Company. Craft beer enthusiasts can enjoy a wide range of flavors and styles, from fruity sour ales to barrel-aged stouts.
Overall, Annapolis has a thriving beer scene that offers something for every beer lover. Whether you prefer classic beer styles or innovative craft brews, you’re sure to find a brewery in Annapolis that meets your tastes and preferences.
Brewery Experiences
Tastings and Tours
Annapolis, MD is home to several breweries that offer tastings and tours. Visitors can try a variety of beers and learn about the brewing process. Some of the popular breweries that offer tastings and tours include Crooked Crab Brewing Company, Forward Brewing, and Pherm Brewing Company. These breweries have spacious tasting rooms and offer a wide range of beers.
Crooked Crab Brewing Company offers tours of their brewery, where visitors can see the brewing process up close. They also have a spacious tasting room where visitors can try their beers. Forward Brewing has a cozy tasting room and a large outdoor seating area. They offer a variety of beers on tap, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers. Pherm Brewing Company has a spacious tasting room and a stage for live music. Visitors can try their beers and enjoy some live music.
Trivia
Trivia nights are a popular event at many breweries in Annapolis, MD. Visitors can enjoy a few beers while testing their knowledge. Some of the popular breweries that offer trivia nights include Crooked Crab Brewing Company, Iron Rooster, and Pherm Brewing Company.
Crooked Crab Brewing Company hosts trivia nights every Tuesday night. Visitors can enjoy some beer and participate in a fun trivia game. Iron Rooster also hosts trivia nights on Tuesdays. They offer a variety of beers on tap and a delicious menu of American cuisine. Pherm Brewing Company hosts trivia nights on Wednesdays. Visitors can enjoy some beer and test their knowledge while listening to some live music.
Outdoor and Dog-Friendly Breweries
Annapolis, MD is a great place to enjoy a cold beer with your furry friend by your side. Many of the local breweries offer outdoor seating where dogs are welcome. Here are a few of the best outdoor and dog-friendly breweries in Annapolis:
Crooked Crab Brewing Company
Crooked Crab Brewing Company is a popular spot for beer lovers in Annapolis. They have a spacious outdoor seating area where dogs are welcome, and they even offer dog treats to keep your pup happy. Their beer selection is impressive, and they offer a variety of styles to suit any taste.
Website: http://www.crookedcrabbrewing.com/
Address: 8251 Telegraph Rd Suite D, Odenton, MD 21113, United States
Rams Head Tavern
Rams Head Tavern is a popular spot for beer lovers in Annapolis. They have a spacious outdoor seating area where dogs are welcome, and they even offer dog treats to keep your pup happy. Their beer selection is impressive, and they offer a variety of styles to suit any taste.
Website: http://www.ramsheadtavern.com/
Address: 33 West St, Annapolis, MD 21401, United States
Whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy a cold beer with your furry friend or just want to soak up the sunshine while you sip on a delicious brew, these outdoor and dog-friendly breweries in Annapolis are sure to please.
Brewery Atmosphere and Service
When it comes to choosing the best brewery in Annapolis, MD, the atmosphere and service can make all the difference. A brewery with a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere and excellent customer service can make a huge impact on your overall experience.
Many of the top-rated breweries in Annapolis have a cozy and inviting atmosphere that encourages patrons to stay and enjoy their beer. For example, Forward Brewing has a warm and rustic interior with exposed brick walls, wooden tables, and a cozy fireplace. The brewery also has a spacious outdoor patio area where you can enjoy your beer in the fresh air.
In addition to a welcoming atmosphere, excellent customer service is also important. A knowledgeable and friendly staff can help you navigate the menu and choose the perfect beer for your taste preferences. Cult Classic Brewing is known for its exceptional customer service, with staff members who are passionate about craft beer and always willing to offer recommendations and answer questions.
Another aspect of service that can make a difference is the speed at which your beer is served. No one likes waiting in a long line or for their beer to be poured slowly. Chesepiooc Real Ale Brewery is known for its efficient service, with staff members who are quick and attentive.
Food and Breweries
Annapolis, MD is home to some of the best breweries in the area. Visitors can enjoy a variety of craft beers while also indulging in delicious food. Many of the breweries in Annapolis offer food trucks on site or have a kitchen that serves up tasty bites to pair with their brews.
One of the top breweries in Annapolis, Forward Brewing, offers an American traditional menu to complement its beers. Visitors can enjoy outdoor seating and takeout options while sipping on a cold beer. Crooked Crab Brewing Company is another great spot that offers a variety of food trucks on-site. Visitors can enjoy different cuisines while sipping on their favorite beer.
For those who prefer a more traditional dining experience, Preserve and Iron Rooster are two great options. Both restaurants offer American traditional cuisine and have a variety of local beers on tap. Iron Rooster even serves up breakfast and brunch for those early-morning beer cravings.
Overall, visitors to Annapolis, MD can expect to find a great selection of breweries that offer delicious food options. Whether it’s a food truck on-site or a full-service kitchen, there’s something for everyone to enjoy while sipping on a cold beer.