Just came across this info:

Key Brewing Company & Monument City Brewing Create Strategic Partnership.

Iconic Baltimore-based breweries, Key Brewing Company and Monument City Brewing, are forming a strategic partnership that will create a unified Baltimore brewing platform while maintaining independent and separate brands and product lines. Key Brewing will move production to Monument City’s 1 N. Haven Street location in Highlandtown. Key Brewing’s taproom located on Grays Road in Dundalk will remain open through the end of October. “We’re brewing something big for Baltimore and we’re stronger together,” said Ray Schissler, partner of Key Brewing. “For 10 years, we’ve called Dundalk home and our relationships with Eastern Baltimore County’s vibrant communities will continue. The majority of our customers will not notice any changes and we hope our regular taproom customers find their way to our new taps at 1 N. Haven Street. It’s an exciting and changing time for breweries not only in Maryland, but around the country. The key to thriving for us is innovating and building our customer base and this partnership is an incredible opportunity for both of our companies.”Both Key Brewing and Monument City Brewing have been crafting beers in Baltimore for more than a decade. Customers will continue to find their favorite beers at local stores, restaurants, music venues and stadiums. “The craft beer industry has seen some significant changes over the past four years. As independent breweries, we need to be creative, evolve and meet the needs of our customers and communities,” said Ken Praay, founder and CEO, Monument City Brewing. “This strategic partnership of two strong and seasoned brands not only will allow our companies to take advantage of production efficiencies and shared resources, but we’re stronger together and will have the opportunity to expand our product lines, innovate new products and serve our community for years to come.” The strategic partnership will not result in any job losses and will create future employment opportunities. For more information, visit their websites: Key Brewing or Monument City Brewing.

Compiling a list of breweries in Howard County - any that I’m missing?

• Cushwa & Rad Pies
• Sapwood Cellars
• Black Flag
• Reckless Shepherd
• Manor Hill Brewing
• Jailbreak

Berlin Beer Co (Berlin, MD) and The Street Kitchen opened on Thursday September 26. A cool place with great beer selections (mostly guest taps at this time) and the food was excellent, service was fast and very friendly. Check it out. Drink More Maryland Beer. https://www.facebook.com/berlinbeerco

What MoCo brewers brew something similar to Becks? I would like to give a thank you gift of some local beer to a person who doesn’t live in the U.S. and loves Becks.

Brew Day event at Waverly. Should be a fun event if anyone is interested.

Waverly Brew Day, Beer Sampling and Chef Prepared Meal

Come hang out with Waverly’s Brewmaster and Owner as we brew up Waverly’s famous Oyster Stout. While we brew, we will be sampling many of Waverly’s finest concoctions. After the brew day, local chef Pat Morrow will prepare those Oysters used in the brew to prepare us a fine meal and dessert. All guests will also receive a BMore Brew Crew Ceramic Mug which can be brought back to Waverly Brewing for $5 fills on all of their fantastic beers.

Space is limited to 20 participants. It is sure to be a great day of brewing, eating and drinking.

Price: $70

What you get:

• Interactive Brew Day
• Local Chef Prepared Meal
• Beer Samples and Beer Pairing
• BMore Brew Crew Ceramic Mug good for future $5 fills at Waverly Brewing

2024 DC Region Oktoberfest’s & Fall Festivals

Google Map of events

Week of Sept 20-22

[  ] Atlas Oktoberfest - Navy Yard

Facebook
Sept 19
Type: Local Brewery - Atlas Brew Works
Food: Onsite
Washington, DC

[  ] Atlas Oktoberfest - Alexandria

Facebook
Sept 20
Type: Local Brewery - Atlas Brew Works
Food: Onsite
Alexandria, VA

[  ] Audacious Aleworks Oktoberfest - Fairfax City

Facebook Event
Sept 20
Type: Local Brewery - Audacious Aleworks Brewery
Food: German food onsite
Fairfax City, VA

[  ] Audacious Aleworks Oktoberfest - Falls Church

Facebook Event
Sept 20
Type: Local Brewery - Audacious Aleworks Brewery
Food: German food onsite
Falls Church, VA

[  ] Fair Winds Nautifest

Facebook Event
Sept 20
Type: Local Brewery - Fair Winds Brewery
Food: German food onsite
Lorton, VA

[  ] Joint Base Andrews Oktoberfest

Official Website
Sept 20
Type: Festival
Food: Available onsite
Joint Base Andrews, MD

[  ] Silver Branch Oktoberfest 2023

Facebook Event
Sept 20-21
Type: Local Brewery - Silver Branch Brewery
Food: Themed food
Silver Springs, MD

[  ] 2 Silo Brewing Oktoberfest 

Facebook Event
Sept 20-22
Type: Local Brewery - 2 Silos
Food: Onsite food and food trucks
Manassas, VA

[  ] Courthaus Social Oktoberfest

Facebook Event
Sept 20-22
Type: Local Bar Festival
Food: German food on site
Arlington, VA

[  ] Oktoberfest @ Eavesdrop Brewery

Facebook Event
Sept 20-22
Type: Local Brewery - Eavesdrop Brewery
Food: Eugene’s Sausages for Oktoberfest
Manassas Park, VA

[  ] St. Benedict Oktoberfest

Official Website
Sept 20-22
Type: Beer Festival - Import and Local Beers
Food: Onsite
Richmond, VA

[  ] Guinness Brewery Oktoberfest

Official Website
Sept 20-22 & Sept 27-29 & Oct 4-6
Type: Local(ish) Brewery
Food: Food Onsite
Baltimore, MD

[  ] Adventure Brewing Oktoberfest

Facebook Event
Sept 21
Type: Local Brewery - Adventure Brewing
Food: German food and other food trucks on site
Fredericksburg, VA

[  ] Atlas Oktoberfest - Ivy City

Facebook
Sept 21
Type: Local Brewery - Atlas Brew Works
Food: Onsite
Washington, DC

[  ] Harpers Ferry Brewing Oktoberfest

Facebook Event
Sept 21
Type: Local Brewery - Harpers Ferry Brewing
Food: German food onsite
Harpers Ferry, VA

[  ] Kena Shriners Oktoberfest

Official Website
Sept 21
Type: Festival - Advance Tickets required
Food: Food onsite
Manassas, VA

[  ] Maltese Brewing Oktoberfest

Facebook Event
Sept 21
Type: Local Brewery - Maltese Brewing
Food: German food onsite
Fredericksburg, VA

[  ] Middleburg Oktoberfest

Official Website
Sept 21
Type: Town Festival - Local Breweries
Food: German food onsite
Middleburg, VA

[  ] Mill St Oktoberfest

Facebook Event
Sept 21
Type: Neighborhood Festival
Food: German food onsite
Occoquan, VA

[  ] Oktoberfest at the Boro

Facebook Event
Sept 21
Type: Neighborhood Festival
Food: German food onsite
Tysons Corner, VA

[  ] Ornery Oktoberfest 2022 - Fairfax

Facebook Event

Sept 21
Type: Local Brewery - Ornery Brewery
Food: Food available onsite
Fairfax, VA

[  ] Port City Wunderfest

Facebook Event
Sept 21
Type: Local Brewery - Port City
Food: Food onsite
Alexandria, VA

[  ] Prospect Point Oktoberfest

Facebook Event
Sept 21
Type: Local Brewery - Prospect Point Brewing
Food: Food onsite
Frederick, MD

[  ] Settle Down Easy Brewing Oktoberfest

Facebook Event
Sept 21
Type: Local Brewery - Settle Down Easy Brewing
Food: German food onsite
Falls Church, VA

[  ] Settle Down Easy Brewing Oktoberfest

Facebook Event
Sept 21
Type: Local Venue
Food: German food onsite
McLean, VA

[  ] Strangeways Oktoberfest

Facebook Event
Sept 21
Type: Local Brewery - Strangeways Brewing
Food: Food onsite
Fredericksburg, VA

[  ] Middleburg Oktoberfest

Official Website
Sept 21
Type: Community Festival
Food: Onsite
Middleburg, VA

[  ] Olde Mother Oktoberfest

Facebook
Sept 21
Type: Local - Olde Mother Brewing
Food: Onsite
Frederick, MD

[  ] Patch-toberfest

Facebook Event
Sept 21
Type: Local Brewery - Patch Brewing
Food: Onsite
Gordonsville, VA

[  ] Running Hare Oktoberfest

Facebook Event
Sept 21
Type: Local - Running Hare Vineyard
Food: Onsite
Frederick, MD

[  ] Bunnyman Brewing Oktoberfest

Facebook Event
Sept 21-22
Type: Local Brewery - Bunnyman Brewing
Food: Bratwurst food truck
Fairfax, VA

[  ] Bluejacket Oktoberfest

Facebook Event
Sept 22
Type: Local Restaurant
Food: German food on site
Washington, DC

[  ] Ornery Oktoberfest - Bristow

Official Website

Sept 22
Type: Local Brewery - Ornery Brewery
Food: Bratwurst food truck at Bristow
Bristow, VA

[  ] RAKtoberfest

Facebook Event

Sept 22
Type: Local Brewery - RAK Brewing
Food: Food Onsite
Frederick, MD

[  ] Atlas Oktoberfest - Navy Yard

Facebook
Sept 19
Type: Local Brewery - Atlas Brew Works
Food: Onsite
Washington, DC

[  ] Atlas Oktoberfest - Alexandria

Facebook
Sept 20
Type: Local Brewery - Atlas Brew Works
Food: Onsite
Alexandria, VA

[  ] Audacious Aleworks Oktoberfest - Fairfax City

Facebook Event
Sept 20
Type: Local Brewery - Audacious Aleworks Brewery
Food: German food onsite
Fairfax City, VA

On August 3, 2024, Guinness Open Gate Brewery, just outside of Baltimore, opened its gates to breweries from across Maryland for the first Beer From Here beer festival. I talked with Ryan Wagner, Guinness’ National Ambassador, and Jon Zerivitz, Union Craft Brewing Co-founder and Maryland Brewer’s Association Senior Marketing Strategist, about the festival and craft beer in Maryland.

https://www.deepbeer.com/journal/2024/9/13/celebrating-craft-beer-and-community-maryland-beer-festival-at-guinness-open-gate-brewery

Super excited for this, certainly looks like they’ve struck a deal with the old true respite spot. Curious if anyone knows anything else about this? They’re doing a round of funding and have a full business plan detailed.

https://invest.honeycombcredit.com/campaigns/silver-branch-brewing-company

I learned yesterday that The Other One Brewing in OC, MD, would be closing very soon. I looked at their website today, and it cannot be found, and their social media accounts have been closed, at least temporarily. I heard that the property owner had shut down the brewery operation. I just met Nate and Gina in July. What great folks. I know Nate wants to brew beer, and I hope he and Gina find another place very soon.

Any soccer fans in here? I’ve been supporting the Maryland Bobcats FC since 2020. It was their first year in 3rd Division Professional Soccer. (What a year to start…). Would to love to see more fans of the European game come and check out a game live. Saints Row is at the games serving beer and is doing a Happy Hour from 6-7pm and will have $4 beers.

The Bobcats have provided professional opportunities for so many talented players in the DMV (and beyond) trying to ply their trade in the 3rd division of US Soccer. That’s why I love supporting the Project. The Bobcats are doing it right. They’ve put an awesome squad together this year that has a great shot at winning. And the youth academy is providing access to so many kids in the area at an affordable rate through their 501c3.

The US is a tough place for a club at their level to operate and break even. That’s why they need your support with ticket sales! Come on out and check out a game next Saturday. Grab a 🍺 at $4 during happy hour (6-7pm) and have yourself a ⚽️ night. Definitely bring the soccer loving kids out as it’s a great way to meet the players. Weather looks to be perfect 🌞 ⚽️ 🍺 Google Maryland Bobcats tickets and come and check the club out.

2024 DC Region Oktoberfest’s & Fall Festivals

Google Map of events (work in progress)

Week of Sept 11-15

[  ] Ocetoberfest

Facebook Event

Sept 11
Type: Local Brewery - Ocelot Brewing
Food: Food Vendors
Sterling, VA

[  ] Farm Brewery Oktoberfest

Official Website

Sept 13-29
Type: Local Brewery - Farm Brewery at Broad Run
Food: Themed food & Food Trucks
Haymarket, VA

[  ] Ocetoberfest

Facebook Event

Sept 11
Type: Local Brewery - Ocelot Brewing
Food: Food Vendors
Sterling, VA

[  ] Farm Brewery Oktoberfest

Official Website

Sept 13-29
Type: Local Brewery - Farm Brewery at Broad Run
Food: Themed food & Food Trucks
Haymarket, VA

[  ] 6B&G Oktoberfest!

Facebook Event

Sept 14
Type: Local Brewery - 6 Bears & a Goat Brewing
Food: Onsite
Fredericksburg, VA

[  ] OktoberFest at Mustang Sally Brewing

Facebook Event

Sept 14
Type: Local Brewery - Mustang Salad Brewery
Food: Food Truck
Chantilly, VA

[  ] Solace Oktoberfest

Facebook Event

Sept 14
Type: Local Brewery - Solace Brewing
Food: German food onsite
Dulles, VA

[  ] Harvest Gap Oktoberfest

Facebook Event

Sept 14-15
Type: Local Brewery - Harvest Gap Brewing
Food: Food onsite
Purcellville, VA

[  ] Vineyard Biergarten 

Official Site

Sept 14 - 15
Type: Local Brewery/Winery - Barrel Oak
Food: Onsite Food
Delaplane, VA

[  ] Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery Oktoberfest

Facebook Event

Sept 14 - 15 
Type: Local Brewery - Wheatland Spring Farm and Brewery (the closest this area has to a German Brewery)
Food: German Food onsite
Waterford, VA

[  ] Swiss Bakery Oktoberfest

Official Website

Sept 15
Type: Local Business
Food: Available
Springfield, VA

Has anyone seen the Fear in the wild? Nowhere in MoCo which doesn't necessarily mean anything but this is the first time I haven't seen it readily available here in 10+ years.

Bizjournals.com is reporting Oliver is leaving Baltimore city and moving to Millersville next spring.

"The brewery has purchased a flex-industrial site for $5.5 million to relocate their operations."

I'd link the article, but it's behind a paywall.

Chinooks and Cascades are harvested, but the ol’ Monocacy is just gettin’ started.

Howdy everyone! Oktoberfest season is upon us once again. We are lucky to live in an area with so many fantastic breweries and communities that love their German heritage.

Oktoberfest List:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-bTR3jY-zr_Lan1CLhkolVNi2keweMuxsSTMo3R1QoA/edit?usp=sharing

Google Map: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1lFxK0oLnWDtWR7UY3sT0zjkwiNIChRI&hl=en&usp=sharing

I am still awaiting a response from several Breweries and Groups on if/when they will be holding their festivities this year. Of note, Lovettesville is not having its celebration this year, and it is one of the largest in the region (no idea why).

There are also some local(ish) festivals included in the document. I have also included a Google Maps version of the list if you want to go roadtriping!

If you see anything missing or needing to be updated from the list, comment and I will get it updated. Prost!

https://www.summerfestmd.com

List of breweries:

Evolution Craft Brewing

Guilford Hall Brewery

Steinhardt Brewing Company

Cushwa Brewing Company

Pipe The Side Brewing Company

1623 Brewing Co

Big Truck Farm Brewery

Pub Dog Brewing Company

Monocacy Brewing & Brewers Alley

Falling Branch Brewery

Liquidity Aleworks

M8 Beer

Lone Oak Farm Brewing Co

RAK Brewing Co

Stone Silo Brewery

There are also wineries and distillers and around 30 food trucks.

I much prefer Märzen to festbier, so my top 3 from last year are all Märzens.

1. Dan - Checkerspot

2. Autumn Awaits - Elder Pine

3. Oktoberfest (2023) - Black Flag

I know some others here are Monocacy hopped beer enthusiasts. There’s a new one out just in time for Oktoberfest!

Milkhouse Brewery brewed their 100% Maryland Märzen with Monocacy hops this year. They had a sneak preview at their recent mini-fest/celebration of the Monocacy hop, and it was delicious.

Sad to see that the 2024 Catoctin Heritage Vienna Lager isn’t available anymore, but Catoctin Heritage Märzen sure eases the pain.

And speaking of the Monocacy hops, I should have a pretty limited number of extra starts available around fall planting time. Just tossing that out there.

Can anyone confirm that Maryland Beer in Elkton has closed? I heard a rumor a couple of weeks ago that they were going to close their doors near the beginning of August, and then I just searched to find their status as permanently closed, but I cannot find any official announcement.

Donohoe Commercial Real Estate (DCRE) last month announced that Kensington's BabyCat Brewery is Gallery Bethesda's newest retail tenant (4800 Rugby Ave).

https://mocoshow.com/2024/08/06/babycat-brewery-to-open-second-location/

Is anyone planning on going to the Beer From Here event at Guinness on Saturday, August 3?

Yesterday at Midnight Run, the beertender clued me in on this site.

https://brewerystars.com/maryland-brewery-rankings/

(Post approved by mod)

Pinter is hosting our first International Backyard Bar Awards. The winner gets $10,000 and its free for anyone to submit. (no purchase.) Just a photo and some basic info is needed!

We’re welcoming bars large and small, simple and complex, sleek and silly. It’s all about the bar that creates the best experience. (aka, it's not about the biggest or who spent the most money)

US Entry: https://bit.ly/3LzPwV8

Hey, I was in Berlin, MD, not long ago to check out the progress at Berlin Beer Company. This will be a brewery you'll not want to miss. As of now, they are not open but expect to be soon - stay tuned. Read my post and tell me what you think. Cheers! https://www.deepbeer.com/journal/2024/7/12/berline-beer-company-june-2024

I used to really enjoy Karbach radlers during the Houston summers several years back. Any breweries in the area that sell radlers?