September 28 is National Drink Beer Day, so we’re raising glasses to Maryland’s craft brewing industry and highlighting some new breweries and several planning to open in the next few months.
Maryland’s Craft Beer Economy
The number of craft breweries is on the rise in Maryland and across the country. In fact, small and independent craft breweries now represent 12 percent market share of the overall beer industry in the U.S., according to Brewers Association data. In 2015, the industry’s retail dollar value climbed 16 percent nationwide.
And more hops mean more jobs. In fact, Business Climate says that just one job at a craft brewery will create an additional 45 jobs in other industries ranging from packaging and distribution to agriculture.
In Maryland, the 60 craft breweries in 2014 had a $652 million economic impact, according to the Brewers Association. The beer industry in Maryland as a whole – which includes brewing, wholesaling and retailing – supported 24,575 jobs and $1.12 billion in wages, and had a $2.88 billion impact in economic contribution, according to the Beer Institute and the National Beer Wholesalers Association.
New Craft Breweries in Maryland
In recent months, several new craft breweries have started up in Maryland and more are on the horizon across the state.
In Howard County, Manor Hill and Black Flag both launched within the past year. Hysteria Brewing Company also plans to open in Howard County in February.
Heather Gotcher, account director at Manor Hill, says the brewery offers visitors an inviting atmosphere, while offering brews that feature high quality and seasonal ingredients. “Our head brewer crafts hand-made beers from original and unique recipes. The result is aromatic, hop-forward, farmhouse-style beers,” Gotcher said.
In Western Maryland, Cushwa Brewing is planning to open its doors later this year in Williamsport. The brewery will provide small batch experimental beers creating a new experience each week, according to Marcus Thomas, who serves as an owner-operator with partners Garrett Chambers and Scott Coleman.
“Cushwa Brewing is going to introduce Western Maryland to new styles and variations while also offering a few flagship beers that maybe the novice beer drinker hasn’t had a chance to enjoy,” Thomas said.
With each new and forthcoming brewery offering unique atmospheres and brews to check out, Marylanders can fill their fall and winter weekends with tours around the state. Here are some others that have recently opened or plan to open in the coming months.
- Waredaca Brewing Company – Opened late 2015 in Montgomery County (Laytonsville)
- Calvert Brewing Company – Opened a production facility and public tap room in 2016 (Upper Marlboro)
- Waverly Brewing Company – Opened in late 2015 in Baltimore (Hampden-Woodberry)
- Attaboy Beer – Opening this winter in Frederick
- Diamondback Brewing – Opening this fall in Baltimore (Locust Point)
- Monument City Brewing – New brewery and taproom to open this fall in Baltimore (Highlandtown)
Want to check out several breweries at once? Check out events for Baltimore Beer Week October 7-16, or head to Columbia for the Hops & Harvest Beer Festival on October 8 and see what 25 breweries and cideries have to offer. City Brew Tours also recently announced that it will offer tours of breweries, brewpubs and beer bars throughout Baltimore. The Brewers Association of Maryland offers a Maryland Beer Map for exploring on your own.
The post Raising a Glass to MD Craft Brewers appeared first on MDBIZNews.
from https://mdbiznews.commerce.maryland.gov/2016/09/raising-glass-md-craft-brewers/
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