Maryland Official Visitors Guide - 2018 Maryland Official Visitors Guide
Wine, Craft Beer & Distilling
2017-11-29 01:10:40
Cheers: Craft Beverages for Every Taste
Wet your whistle with amazing libations in Maryland.
Maryland didn’t care much for the Prohibition. Indeed, it was the only state that refused to pass legislation pledging state enforcement of the national ban on alcohol production and sales—an outlier, “wet” stance that contributed to the popularity of its nickname, “The Free State.” Today’s booming craft beverage scene builds deliciously on this long love for libations. Touring and tasting opportunities abound. Watch craft beer and spirits being made and then savor them, fresh as can be.
With more than 70 craft breweries producing everything from traditional Baltimore pilsners and Belgian-style farm ales to dessert stouts and cask-conditioned classics, suds fans will be hard pressed not to find a new foamy favorite. You’re sure to discover pleasing pints during FeBREWary, Maryland’s official month-long celebration of craft beer. Looking for something stronger? Back in grandad’s day, Maryland’s famous rye whiskey kept America in the best of spirits coast to coast. Today, nearly 20 craft distilleries have the state barreling back into the booze business, turning out tasty rye and a host of other potent potables.
Must-Try Maryland Drinks
Antietam Brewery in Hagerstown is named for the area’s Civil War battlefield and has a crisp, grapefruity IPA called Little Mac—a nickname for Union General George McClellan. Crabs and beer are a classic Maryland combo and Frederick’s Flying Dog Brewery, the state’s largest beer maker, uniquely unites them with their Deadrise Ale. This summer seasonal is named for a type of crabbing boat and is flavored with Old Bay crab spice. Frederick is also home to three distillers, including McClintlock Distilling Company whose unique Forager Gin is flavored with botanicals inspired by native herbs. The Fiore Winery in Harford County added distilling to their vino business and offerings include limoncello (using an old family recipe) and grappa from their own grapes.
Patrons at Denizens Brewing Company in Silver Spring enjoy a choice of ales, Belgians, barrel-aged and sours. Twin Valley Distillers in nearby Rockville bills itself as “Home of Maryland’s Bourbon.”
Charm City Sips
Baltimore’s Union Craft Brewing named its award-winning flagship beer, the deftly hopped Duckpin Pale Ale, after a homegrown form of bowling. Waverly Brewing, just around the corner from Union, has a quirky cool tasting room and a delicious oyster stout. Monument City Brewing in East Baltimore has an expansive tap room carved out of a historic brick industrial building; their popular 51 Rye IPA has a spicy, citrus bite.
Speaking of rye, Baltimore’s Sagamore Spirit makes premium rye whiskey at a beautifully designed, multi-acre distillery complex on the Port Covington waterfront with water from a spring on its namesake Maryland horse farm. The Baltimore Whiskey Company debuts its straight rye whiskey this year and also produces a much-lauded gin and a distinctive smoked apple brandy. Old Line Spirits in East Baltimore makes single malt whiskey with a complex nose of maple, toffee and vanilla. There is also a peated version—an American take on a smoky Scotch.
An Eclectic Mix
Annapolis is home to Chesapeake Brewing and the U.S. Naval Academy, which goes a long way in explaining the brewpub’s Beat Army Golden Lager with its playful nod to a storied football rivalry. Over on the Eastern Shore, Blackwater Distilling in Kent Island made a splash with its award-winning, organic Sloop Betty vodka. For a fiery taste of the exotic, head to White Tiger Distillery in Stevensville and try their 120-proof Laotian rice whiskey. Lyon Distilling in St. Michaels is perhaps best known for its flavorful rums, which are a hit with the sailors that populate the nautical town.
Thirsty after a day at the beach? Ocean City Brewing Company can help you out in its namesake town or in its new Abingdon restaurant. Or head to nearby Berlin where Burley Oak Brewing also makes root beer and sometimes features live bands along with their brews. Seacrets restaurant and bar has long been one of Ocean City’s largest and most popular waterside hot spots—and now the onsite Seacrets Distilling Company adds craft spirits to the mix, including spiced rum that won a gold medal from the American Distilling Institute.
And have you heard of the field-to-mug movement? Milkhouse Brewery in Mt. Airy, Falling Branch Brewery in Street, Manor Hill Brewing in Ellicott City, and Brookeville Beer Farm in namesake Brookeville are among the growing ranks of “farm breweries” where beers are brewed with grain, hops, or both, grown onsite.
For more information on Maryland craft beer and craft distilling, visit marylandbeer.org and marylandspirits.org.
Travel Maryland’s Wine Trails
Maryland’s distinct microclimates provide diversity and flavor to our wines. Try them out along these wine trails, or at events in March during Maryland Wine Month.
Antietam Highlands Wine Trail
Meander through the mountains of Western Maryland and the heart of the Civil War while visiting eight stand-out vineyards. Don’t miss Cool Ridge Vineyards, winner of the 2017 Governor’s Cup, and Willow Oaks, where organic fruits become unique artisanal ciders.
Carroll Wine Trail
From yoga at Serpent Ridge Vineyard to Solstice celebrations at Cygnus Wines to the Maryland Food & Wine Festival at Old Westminster Winery, the five wineries on this trail will welcome you with open arms and open corks.
Chesapeake Wine Trail
With 16 wineries, this trail is the perfect excuse to explore the treasures of the Eastern Shore. Don’t miss St. Michaels Winery’s Gollywobbler Sangrias, brimming with fresh local fruit.
Frederick Wine Trail
With soil as dark and rich as fresh-ground coffee, the beauty of the Catoctin foothills fills every glass at these six wineries. The wineries on the trail are close enough to visit all six in one day but historic sites, fabulous shopping and renowned restaurants make for a great weekend getaway.
Patuxent Wine Trail
The 10 wineries of the Patuxent Trail capitalize on Southern Maryland’s Old-World growing traditions to bring an exciting new vision to classic wine profiles. Port of Leonardtown has helped lead the charge, winning best in class and gold medals at the 2014 Maryland Wine Masters.
Piedmont Wine Trail
The lush, forested Piedmont plateau is home to eight great wineries; it’s an ideal getaway from summer heat, or to take in the fall foliage. Boordy Vineyards is famous for their outdoor concerts and open-air festivals.
Get more info from The Maryland Wineries Association at marylandwine.com.
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