MoCo has finally caught up with neighboring Northern VA, a bit. No, not in economic activity and job creation… in brewing pretty solid craft beer. And in having some pretty relaxing places to consume it, outdoors.
Long a wasteland for local craft brew due to outdated laws, high state taxes and regulations (along with a liquor monopoly distribution scheme set up in the 1950s, when CE Marc Elrich was but a small lad), Montgomery County now has several enterprises sprinkled across up-county dedicated to brews and views.
A tip of the hat to these entrepreneurs who are no doubt getting squeezed by MoCo’s (and Maryland’s) regressive and plain stupid throwback beer laws to this day. They are at least making a go of it. Frederick, MD-based Flying Dog had to abandon plans to expand in the state a few years back. Now, they are moving the entire brew operation to NY, as part of a merger / acquisition.
On a Sunday this April, I was able to visit Two Story Chimney Ciderworks in Gaithersburg (really, Damascus) and sample the fare (they host / tap Silly Yak Beer Company product as well). This means I have visited pretty much all the brew farms / brewery type businesses up-county, and in and around Olney, Maryland. At least I think.
So — I apologize in advance for missing any on this quick sketch of an (unofficial) rankings list. I do need to visit Saints Row Brewing in Gaithersburg. I have heard good things from people way more into beer and hops purity then I am.
And you should support your local MoCo brewers and brew farms this spring-summer-fall. They are swimming upstream against big beer competitors in the market and — in MoCo — big activist government.
Taste/Product Rankings:
- Elder Pine Brewing & Blending Co – the most consistent brewer, in my experience. Menu of brew isn’t extensive — they focus on a few craft options and do them all well.
- Lone Oak Farm Brewing Company – did not like the product initially, but new brewers on staff have made this a really compelling spot. The Mexican Lager is A-Ok with me.
- Waredaca Brewing Company – Also had to grow on me. IPAs can only take a craft brewer so far.
- Brookeville Beer Farm – just not a huge fan of the beer for the price offered. But that takes nothing away from the great ambiance and family atmosphere of this place. Go check it out. Solid pizza and live music some nights.
- Silly Yak Beer Company – I only sampled one beer, but it was kind of flat and with limited flavor. That being said, the hard cider at this same location was delicious and worth the trek north.
Ambiance / Setting Rankings (really difficult as they all offer something unique):
- Waredaca Brewing Company – the vistas are all around. Rolling hills, this is Maryland horse country defined. Almost feels like you are in Kentucky. The horses trotting by the nearby fences just add to it. You may encounter a lot of dogs, however.
- Silly Yak Beer Company / Two Story Chimney Ciderworks – Really awesome views in the back area, behind tasting room. A nearby orchard. Even an interesting scrap wood built area for ax throwing competitions (reservation required). New tasting room is rustic, well built.
- Elder Pine Brewing & Blending Co – the pines are a great place to sip and escape summer heat. Very large, open porch area with taps that can be rented for parties. Only one indoor bathroom, so it can get crowded.
- Brookeville Beer Farm – great for families with little kids. All kinds of things to keep them occupied here. Limited space compared to others on this list, however.
- Lone Oak Farm Brewing Company – tons of space, and even some yurt-like tents you can rent. New outdoor covered event space was built during the pandemic. Lots of construction happening on site now – a new distilling / tasting room for the business is going up, to welcome still more crowds.
More to come. Let us know what you think of this local farm brew start-up scene in up-county MoCo.
