Best 10 Breweries in Maryland: Top Picks for Beer Lovers

ByAnthony Smith Last Updated:

Maryland has a thriving craft beer scene with many breweries worth mentioning. From Baltimore to Annapolis to Frederick, there are plenty of options for beer lovers to explore. With so many great breweries to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start.

Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available to help you find the best breweries in Maryland. Whether you’re looking for a local favorite or a hidden gem, there’s sure to be a brewery that suits your tastes. From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, Maryland’s breweries offer a wide variety of beer styles to choose from.

Top Breweries in Maryland

Maryland has a thriving craft beer scene, with many breweries offering unique and delicious brews. Here are some of the top breweries in Maryland:

Heavy Seas Beer

Heavy Seas Beer is a well-known brewery located in Baltimore that offers a variety of year-round and seasonal beers. They are known for their bold and flavorful IPAs, stouts, and barrel-aged beers. Some of their most popular brews include Loose Cannon IPA, Peg Leg Imperial Stout, and Siren Noire.

Website: https://hsbeer.com/

Address: 4615 Hollins Ferry Rd # A, Halethorpe, MD 21227, United States

Flying Dog Brewery

Flying Dog Brewery is a popular brewery located in Frederick that has been producing beer since 1990. They offer a variety of year-round and seasonal beers, including their popular Raging Bitch Belgian-style IPA, Gonzo Imperial Porter, and Bloodline Blood Orange Ale.

Website: http://flyingdog.com/

Address: 4607 Wedgewood Blvd, Frederick, MD 21703, United States

Union Craft Brewing

Union Craft Brewing is a Baltimore-based brewery that focuses on creating high-quality, flavorful beers. They offer a variety of year-round and seasonal beers, including their popular Anthem Golden Ale, Duckpin Pale Ale, and Old Pro Gose.

Website: http://www.unioncraftbrewing.com/

Address: 1700 W 41st St #420, Baltimore, MD 21211, United States

Monument City Brewing Company

Monument City Brewing Company is a Baltimore-based brewery that focuses on creating unique and flavorful beers. They offer a variety of year-round and seasonal beers, including their popular 51 Rye, Battle IPA, and Penchant Pils.

Website: http://www.monumentcitybrewing.com/

Address: 1 N Haven St, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States

Burley Oak Craft Brewery

Burley Oak Craft Brewery is a popular brewery located in Berlin that focuses on creating unique and flavorful beers using local ingredients. They offer a variety of year-round and seasonal beers, including their popular Sorry Chicky Berliner Weisse, 100 Pale Ale, and Lost IPA.

Website: http://www.burleyoak.com/

Address: 10016 Old Ocean City Blvd, Berlin, MD 21811, United States

Jailbreak Brewing Company

Jailbreak Brewing Company is a popular brewery located in Laurel that focuses on creating unique and flavorful beers. They offer a variety of year-round and seasonal beers, including their popular Feed the Monkey Hefeweizen, Big Punisher Double IPA, and Dusk till Dawn Coffee Stout.

Website: http://www.jailbreakbrewing.com/

Address: 9445 Washington Blvd N Ste F, Laurel, MD 20723, United States

Guinness Open Gate Brewery & Barrel House

Guinness Open Gate Brewery & Barrel House is a popular brewery located in Halethorpe that focuses on creating unique and flavorful beers. They offer a variety of year-round and seasonal beers, including their popular Guinness Draught, Guinness Blonde American Lager, and Guinness Nitro IPA.

Website: https://www.guinnessbrewerybaltimore.com/

Address: 5001 Washington Blvd, Halethorpe, MD 21227, United States

Oliver Brewing Company

Oliver Brewing Company is a popular brewery located in Baltimore that focuses on creating unique and flavorful beers. They offer a variety of year-round and seasonal beers, including their popular Creator/Destroyer Double IPA, 206 IPA, and Cherry Blossom Lager.

Website: http://www.oliverbrewingco.com/

Address: 4216 Shannon Dr, Baltimore, MD 21213, United States

Attaboy Beer

Attaboy Beer is a popular brewery located in Frederick that focuses on creating unique and flavorful beers. They offer a variety of year-round and seasonal beers, including their popular Dirty Blonde Ale, Juicebox IPA, and Blackberry Sour.

Website: http://www.attaboybeer.com/

Address: 400 Sagner Ave # 400, Frederick, MD 21701, United States

1812 Brewery

1812 Brewery is a popular brewery located in Cumberland that focuses on creating unique and flavorful beers. They offer a variety of year-round and seasonal beers, including their popular Black Cherry Stout, Honey Lavender Ale, and Peach Wheat Ale.

Website: http://1812brewery.com/

Address: 13006 Mason Rd NE, Cumberland, MD 21502, United States

Maryland is home to many other great breweries, but these are some of the top options to check out when visiting the state.

Exploring Maryland’s Craft Beer Styles

Maryland is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with breweries producing a wide variety of beer styles. Whether you prefer ales, IPAs, stouts, sour beers, barrel-aged brews, or limited-release beers, Maryland has something to offer.

Ales

Ales are a type of beer that is fermented at warmer temperatures, resulting in a fruity, complex flavor profile. Many Maryland breweries offer ales in a variety of styles, from light and refreshing blonde ales to heavier, maltier brown ales.

IPAs

IPAs, or India Pale Ales, are a popular style of beer that is characterized by their hoppy, bitter flavor. Maryland breweries produce a wide range of IPAs, from classic West Coast-style IPAs to hazy New England-style IPAs.

Stouts

Stouts are a type of beer that is characterized by their dark, roasted malt flavor. Maryland breweries produce a variety of stouts, from smooth and creamy milk stouts to rich and decadent imperial stouts.

Sour Beer

Sour beers are a unique style of beer that is brewed with wild yeast or bacteria, resulting in a tart, acidic flavor. Maryland breweries produce a variety of sour beers, from light and refreshing Berliner Weisse to complex and funky barrel-aged sours.

Barrel-Aged Beer

Barrel-aged beers are a type of beer that is aged in barrels, typically made of oak, which can impart unique flavors and aromas to the beer. Maryland breweries produce a variety of barrel-aged beers, from bourbon barrel-aged stouts to tequila barrel-aged sours.

Limited-Release Beers

Many Maryland breweries offer limited-release beers, which are typically only available for a short period of time. These beers can be experimental, unique, and highly sought after by beer enthusiasts. Keep an eye out for limited-release beers from your favorite Maryland breweries.

Brewery Tours in Maryland

Maryland is a great place to explore the thriving craft beer scene, and brewery tours are a great way to experience it. There are several breweries in Maryland that offer tours, each with its own unique experience. Below are some of the best brewery tours in Maryland.

Maryland Brewery Tours

Maryland Brewery Tours is a popular tour company that provides behind-the-scenes access to four Maryland breweries in Montgomery County, Howard County, Baltimore County, and Frederick. The tour includes luxury transportation, one pint of your choice at each brewery, cool swag, and more. The tour lasts for around six hours, and you get to visit up to four breweries. The tour guide will take you through the brewing process, and you will get to learn about the history of each brewery. Maryland Brewery Tours is a great way to explore the best breweries in Maryland.

Charm City Helicopters

Charm City Helicopters is a unique way to experience Maryland’s breweries. The tour is a helicopter ride that takes you to three different breweries in Maryland. The tour lasts for around three hours, and you get to visit breweries in Baltimore, Frederick, and Carroll County. The tour includes a beer flight at each brewery, and you get to see the brewing process from a unique perspective. Charm City Helicopters is a great way to experience the best breweries in Maryland from a whole new level.

Maryland Brewery Tours by Bus

Maryland Brewery Tours by Bus is another great way to explore the best breweries in Maryland. The tour lasts for around six hours, and you get to visit up to four breweries. The tour includes a personal tour guide, your choice of pick-up and drop-off location, or free parking and discounted room rates. You get to tour each brewery and learn about the brewing process. The tour also includes trivia and free swag. Maryland Brewery Tours by Bus is a great way to explore Maryland’s breweries in style.

Events and Offers at Maryland Breweries

Maryland breweries offer a range of events and offers throughout the year, making them a popular destination for beer lovers. From live music to food trucks, there is always something happening at Maryland breweries.

Events

Many Maryland breweries host events throughout the year, including beer festivals, live music, and trivia nights. The Baltimore Craft Beer Festival is a popular annual event that showcases more than five dozen local breweries and their portfolios of ales, lagers, ciders, and meads. Another event worth checking out is the Charm City Bluegrass Festival, which features craft beer from local breweries, as well as live bluegrass music.

Offers

Maryland breweries also offer a range of deals and promotions to attract visitors. Some breweries offer happy hour specials, while others offer discounts on growler fills or merchandise. For example, Union Craft Brewing in Baltimore offers a “Monday Funday” deal, which includes $2 off pints and $5 off growler fills.

Tours

Many Maryland breweries offer tours of their facilities, giving visitors behind-the-scenes access to the brewing process. Some breweries offer self-guided tours, while others offer guided tours with a knowledgeable guide. Flying Dog Brewery in Frederick offers a variety of tours, including a “Brewery & Beer Geek Tour” and a “Beer & Cheese Pairing Tour.”

Food

In addition to beer, many Maryland breweries also offer food options. Some breweries have their own restaurants or food trucks, while others partner with local food vendors. For example, Inverness Brewing in Monkton has a rotating lineup of food trucks that visit the brewery on weekends.

Overall, Maryland breweries offer a range of events and offers that make them a great destination for beer lovers. With so many options to choose from, there is sure to be something for everyone.

Unique Features of Maryland Breweries

Maryland is home to some of the best breweries in the country, with a thriving craft beer scene. Each brewery has its unique features that make it stand out from the rest. Here are some of the unique features of Maryland breweries:

  • Adventure: Many breweries in Maryland are located in scenic areas, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the beautiful countryside while enjoying their favorite beers. For example, the Hopkins Farm Brewery in Harve De Grace, MD, is located on a farm, giving visitors a chance to see farm animals and crops.
  • Tasting room: Most Maryland breweries have tasting rooms where visitors can sample different beers and learn about the brewing process. The tasting rooms are usually spacious and have a relaxed atmosphere, making them ideal for hanging out with friends.
  • Live music: Many breweries in Maryland feature live music, making them popular destinations for music lovers. The Union Craft Brewing in Baltimore, MD, is known for its live music events, which attract a diverse crowd.
  • Untappd: Maryland breweries are popular on Untappd, a social media platform for beer enthusiasts. Many breweries have high ratings on Untappd, making them a must-visit for beer lovers.
  • Small batches: Maryland breweries are known for producing small batches of beer, which ensures that the beer is fresh and of high quality. The small batches also allow the brewers to experiment with different flavors and ingredients, resulting in unique and interesting beers.
  • Hops: Maryland breweries use locally sourced hops, which gives their beer a distinct flavor. The hops are grown in different parts of the state, resulting in a variety of flavors and aromas.

In conclusion, Maryland breweries offer visitors a unique experience, with each brewery having its unique features. Whether you are looking for adventure, live music, or a chance to sample different beers, Maryland breweries have something for everyone.