Beer Explorer

What are the best breweries in Maryland? Whether you’re traveling or this is your home, how do you find the breweries that offer top craft beer in Maryland so you can know which ones are the most worthwhile to check out? We’ve compiled a list of the top-rated breweries in Maryland, based upon the ratings of actual fellow beer-lovers on Untapped. We hope this brewery guide will aid you in your brewery exploration of The Old Line State so that you can maximize your beer and brewery enjoyment. Happy beer exploring!

#5 Crooked Crab Brewing Company – 3.94 average Untapped rating

Crooked Crab Brewing Company is a prominent craft brewery located in Odenton, Maryland. Here’s an overview:

1. **Location:** Crooked Crab Brewing Company is situated at 8251 Telegraph Rd, Suite D, Odenton, MD 21113, in Anne Arundel County.

2. **Founding:** Crooked Crab Brewing Company was founded by Earl Holman, Alex Josephs, and Daniel Messeca in 2018. The brewery has quickly become a popular destination for craft beer enthusiasts in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area.

3. **Brewing Philosophy:** Crooked Crab Brewing Company is dedicated to brewing high-quality, handcrafted beers that showcase a variety of styles and flavors. They focus on using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible and are known for their creativity and innovation in brewing.

4. **Beer Selection:** The brewery offers a diverse lineup of beers, including a variety of IPAs, stouts, porters, sours, and seasonal specialties. They are known for their approachable and flavorful beers, which often feature unique ingredients and creative flavor combinations. Crooked Crab Brewing Company frequently releases new and limited-edition beers, ensuring that there’s always something new and exciting to try for beer enthusiasts.

5. **Taproom Experience:** The taproom at Crooked Crab Brewing Company provides a lively and welcoming atmosphere for guests to enjoy a selection of craft beers. With a modern and industrial design, it’s the perfect place to relax with friends or meet other beer enthusiasts. Visitors can sample beers directly from the source, enjoy live music or events, and participate in brewery tours to learn more about the brewing process.

6. **Distribution:** In addition to serving beer on-site at their taproom, Crooked Crab Brewing Company distributes its products to various bars, restaurants, and retailers throughout Maryland. They also participate in beer festivals and events, allowing beer enthusiasts to sample their beers outside of the brewery.

Overall, Crooked Crab Brewing Company offers a dynamic and enjoyable brewing experience in Odenton, with a focus on quality, creativity, and community. Whether you’re a local resident or just passing through, it’s definitely worth a visit for beer enthusiasts looking to explore new flavors and styles.

#4 Elder Pine Brewing & Blending – 3.96 average Untapped rating

Elder Pine Brewing & Blending is a notable craft brewery located in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Here’s an overview:

1. **Location:** Elder Pine Brewing & Blending is situated at 4200 Sundown Rd, Suite F, Gaithersburg, MD 20882, in the Gaithersburg area of Montgomery County.

2. **Founding:** Elder Pine Brewing & Blending was founded by Adam and Laura Ferguson, along with Kevin Luther, in 2017. The brewery has quickly gained recognition for its commitment to quality and innovation in brewing.

3. **Brewing Philosophy:** Elder Pine Brewing & Blending is dedicated to brewing high-quality, handcrafted beers that showcase a wide range of styles and flavors. They focus on using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible and are known for their creativity and experimentation in brewing and blending.

4. **Beer Selection:** The brewery offers a diverse lineup of beers, including a variety of IPAs, stouts, porters, sours, and barrel-aged specialties. They are known for their commitment to quality and consistency, with each beer crafted with precision and care. Elder Pine Brewing & Blending frequently releases new and limited-edition beers, often incorporating unique ingredients and innovative brewing techniques.

5. **Taproom Experience:** The taproom at Elder Pine Brewing & Blending provides a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests to enjoy a selection of craft beers. With a rustic and cozy ambiance, it’s the perfect place to relax with friends or meet other beer enthusiasts. Visitors can sample beers directly from the source, enjoy live music or events, and participate in brewery tours to learn more about the brewing process.

6. **Distribution:** In addition to serving beer on-site at their taproom, Elder Pine Brewing & Blending distributes its products to various bars, restaurants, and retailers throughout Maryland. They also participate in beer festivals and events, allowing beer enthusiasts to sample their beers outside of the brewery.

Overall, Elder Pine Brewing & Blending offers a unique and enjoyable brewing experience in Gaithersburg, with a focus on quality, creativity, and community. Whether you’re a local resident or just passing through, it’s definitely worth a visit for beer enthusiasts looking to explore new flavors and styles.

#3 RaR Brewing – 4.00 average Untapped rating

RAR Brewing, short for Realerevival Brewing, is a well-known craft brewery located in Cambridge, Maryland. Here’s an overview:

1. **Location:** RAR Brewing is situated at 504 Poplar St, Cambridge, MD 21613, in the heart of downtown Cambridge on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

2. **Founding:** RAR Brewing was founded in 2013 by brothers Chris and J.T. Merryweather, along with business partner Alex Helmick. The brewery has quickly become a prominent player in the Maryland craft beer scene, known for its high-quality brews and innovative approach to brewing.

3. **Brewing Philosophy:** RAR Brewing is dedicated to brewing exceptional beers that showcase a wide range of styles and flavors. They focus on using high-quality ingredients and precise brewing techniques to create beers that are both flavorful and approachable.

4. **Beer Selection:** The brewery offers a diverse lineup of beers, including a variety of IPAs, stouts, porters, sours, and seasonal specialties. They are known for their commitment to quality and consistency, with each beer crafted with care and attention to detail. RAR Brewing frequently releases new and limited-edition beers, ensuring that there’s always something new and exciting to try for beer enthusiasts.

5. **Taproom Experience:** The taproom at RAR Brewing provides a lively and welcoming atmosphere for guests to enjoy a selection of craft beers. With a modern and industrial design, it’s the perfect place to relax with friends or meet other beer enthusiasts. Visitors can sample beers directly from the source, enjoy live music or events, and participate in brewery tours to learn more about the brewing process.

6. **Distribution:** In addition to serving beer on-site at their taproom, RAR Brewing distributes its products to various bars, restaurants, and retailers throughout Maryland and select locations outside the state. They also participate in beer festivals and events, allowing beer enthusiasts to sample their beers outside of the brewery.

Overall, RAR Brewing offers a dynamic and enjoyable brewing experience in Cambridge, with a focus on quality, innovation, and community. Whether you’re a local resident or just passing through, it’s definitely worth a visit for beer enthusiasts looking to explore new flavors and styles.

#2 Wet City Brewing – 4.02 average Untapped rating

Wet City Brewing is a popular craft brewery located in Baltimore, Maryland. Here’s an overview:

1. **Location:** Wet City Brewing is situated at 223 W Chase St, Baltimore, MD 21201, in the historic Mount Vernon neighborhood of Baltimore.

2. **Founding:** Wet City Brewing was founded by brothers Alex and PJ Marsh in 2016. The brewery quickly gained recognition for its innovative beers and vibrant taproom atmosphere.

3. **Brewing Philosophy:** Wet City Brewing is committed to brewing high-quality, handcrafted beers that reflect the spirit and diversity of Baltimore. They focus on using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible and are known for their creativity and experimentation in brewing.

4. **Beer Selection:** The brewery offers a diverse lineup of beers, including a variety of IPAs, stouts, porters, sours, and seasonal specialties. They are known for their bold and flavorful beers, which often feature unique ingredients and innovative brewing techniques. With a rotating tap list and frequent new releases, there’s always something new and exciting to try at Wet City Brewing.

5. **Taproom Experience:** The taproom at Wet City Brewing provides a welcoming and laid-back atmosphere for guests to enjoy a selection of craft beers. With a modern and industrial design, it’s the perfect place to relax with friends or meet other beer enthusiasts. Visitors can sample beers directly from the source, enjoy live music or events, and participate in brewery tours to learn more about the brewing process.

6. **Food:** Wet City Brewing features a full-service kitchen offering a menu of elevated pub fare designed to complement their beers. From small plates and shareable snacks to hearty entrees and sandwiches, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

7. **Distribution:** In addition to serving beer on-site at their taproom, Wet City Brewing distributes its products to various bars, restaurants, and retailers throughout Maryland. They also participate in beer festivals and events, allowing beer enthusiasts to sample their beers outside of the brewery.

Overall, Wet City Brewing offers a dynamic and enjoyable brewing experience in Baltimore, with a focus on quality, creativity, and community. Whether you’re a local resident or just passing through, it’s definitely worth a visit for beer enthusiasts looking to explore new flavors and styles.

#1 Sapwood Cellars Brewery – 4.13 average Untapped rating

Sapwood Cellars is a renowned craft brewery located in Columbia, Maryland. Here’s an overview:

1. **Location:** Sapwood Cellars is situated at 8980 Route 108, Suite G, Columbia, MD 21045, in the heart of Columbia.

2. **Founding:** Sapwood Cellars was founded by Scott Janish and Michael Tonsmeire in 2018. Both founders brought extensive experience and expertise in brewing and fermentation science to the venture, resulting in a brewery focused on innovation and quality.

3. **Brewing Philosophy:** Sapwood Cellars is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of craft brewing by exploring new flavors, techniques, and ingredients. They combine traditional brewing methods with a scientific approach, leveraging their knowledge of fermentation science to create unique and exceptional beers.

4. **Beer Selection:** The brewery offers an eclectic lineup of beers, including a wide variety of IPAs, stouts, porters, sours, and experimental brews. They are known for their commitment to quality and consistency, with each beer meticulously crafted to highlight its distinct flavors and characteristics. Sapwood Cellars frequently releases new and limited-edition beers, ensuring that there’s always something new and exciting to try for beer enthusiasts.

5. **Taproom Experience:** The taproom at Sapwood Cellars provides a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests to enjoy a selection of craft beers. With a modern and industrial design, it’s the perfect place to relax with friends or meet other beer enthusiasts. Visitors can sample beers directly from the source, participate in brewery tours, and engage with the brewers to learn more about the brewing process.

6. **Distribution:** In addition to serving beer on-site at their taproom, Sapwood Cellars distributes its products to various bars, restaurants, and retailers throughout Maryland. They also participate in beer festivals and events, allowing beer enthusiasts to sample their beers outside of the brewery.

Overall, Sapwood Cellars offers a unique and innovative brewing experience in Columbia, with a focus on quality, creativity, and scientific rigor. Whether you’re a local resident or just passing through, it’s definitely worth a visit for beer enthusiasts looking to explore new flavors and styles.