Friday, July 31, 2020

Day 22 | July 31 | Troegs Brewery Field Study IPA






Why We Picked It: We often enjoy Troeg's Mad Elf as part of the holiday festivities, and didn't want to leave them out of the summer edition, especially with the summer only IPA. Also, they can be considered localish.

What Troegs Says About It:  In the hop fields we daydream and study, and at the brewery we tinker and test. For Field Study, dry-hopping delivers notes of ripe grapefruit, mango, pear and melon. Add a backbone of local rustic pale malt, and Field Study is just what we were after: a slightly hazy yet bright summer daydream come true.
We taste: ripe grapefruit, pear, hint of melon


ABV: 6.2%

IBU: No

Website: https://troegs.com/ 


More from Troegs About Field Study







Thursday, July 30, 2020

Day 21 | July 30 | Dogfish Liquid Truth Serum IPA






Why We Picked It: I'm a big fan of Dogfish and their constant experimentation, but haven't had this one that often. Time to fix that. 

Note: Just realized I got the numbering wrong, and just updated... sadly, that means we are even closer to the end.

What Dogfish Says About It:  You can handle the truth!


MYTH: IBUs (hop bitterness) can only be achieved in the boil.
TRUTH: Uh-uh!

The truth is, Dogfish Head has been experimenting with tradition-bucking hop schedules since we opened in the mid-90s. From our continual hopping method found in our 60 Minute, 90 Minute and 120 Minute IPAs to our latest innovation, we've been know to zag when everyone else zigs. Liquid Truth Serum is no different, and we've liberated a new truth by adding every single hop to this juicy IPA after the boil is complete.

An unfiltered IPA that's bursting with ALL the hops, Liquid Truth Serum is brewed using a unique process that incorporates four different states of hops: whole leaf, liquefied, pelletized and powdered. The result is a blissfully inefficient IPA full of citrusy and tropical notes, that's truthfully hoppy without being deceptively bitter ... honest.


ABV: 7%

IBU: 65

Website: https://www.dogfish.com/


More from Dogfish Says About Liquid Truth Serum





Wednesday, July 29, 2020

Day 20 | July 29 | Evolution Delmarva Pils






Why We Picked It: Generally a fan of Evolution, but kind of forget about their pils. So let's do a little taste test with the Heavy Seas variation.

What Evolution Says About It:  supremely sessionable Eastern Shore take on a Czech-style pilsner. Golden in color with floral and citrus zest hop characteristics from German Saphir and Opal hops. Crisp with delicate malt flavors and a dry finish. Making any Eastern Shore adventure ever-better! Pairs well with: Summer, outdoor events, steamed crabs, seafood, fried chicken, mild cheeses, salads, Asian food, Mexican food and spicy foods.



ABV: 4.8%

IBU: 30

Website: https://www.evolutioncraftbrewing.com/



What Evolution Says About Evolution Our story starts as a tale of two brothers, Tom with his passion for craft beer, and John with his passion for food. But it goes well beyond that. It involves you and your friends. Backyard barbeques and amazing meals. And beers you won’t ever want to forget. Our top-rated beers are perfectly crafted to complement great food. Whether it’s the food we serve at our restaurants or the foods you make at home. It’s the constant evolution to create the perfect pairings for you to enjoy. Ever-better beer for ever-better food. An excellent recipe for ever-better times.

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Day 19 | July 28 | Heavy Seas Pounders






Why We Picked It: I'll admit. Heavy Seas is an often forgotten about local brewery. They are well established and the Loose Cannon is a nice beer with a nice related family of beers. Plus, a pils was a nice addition to the style mix.

What Heavy Seas Says About It: Made with German malts and a plethora of European hops, Pounder Pils is an American interpretation of a classic European Style. Named the "Best in Show" award in the Brewers Association of Maryland's 2019 Maryland Craft Beer Competition.



ABV: 5%

IBU: 38

Website: 
https://www.hsbeer.com/

What Heavy Seas Says About Heavy Seas We have a pretty clear sense of purpose, make beers that taste exactly the way they should. Every time. No frills. No fluff. We weren’t created by Baltimore’s original craft brewer to be thought leaders, or to thump our chests, or to see who we could outdo. We started this revolution for one reason only: to make ridiculously good beer without any of the ridiculousness.


No matter how popular craft brewing gets, we believe in the craft of brewing. And to us, making beer that people can drink and actually enjoy is what keeps us cranking.

Where we come from, really good beer doesn’t need to be something it’s not. In fact, it never should be. Turns out, really good beer isn’t tricky after all. It boils down to a simple recipe everybody else seems to have forgotten: make it drinkable, make it approachable, execute to the highest possible standards, and have some fun. That’s not just what matters most—it’s the only thing that matters at all. 

Monday, July 27, 2020

Day 18 | July 27 | Seven Lock Devil's Alley IPA






Why We Picked It: An underappreciate Montgomery County brewery and an IPA that needs to be tried.

What Seven Locks Says About It: A hop-forward, dry, west coast style IPA with the single purpose of letting the hops shine.  Using a blend Equinox, El Dorado, and Mosaic hops this beer is a nicely bittered, highly aromatic IPA.


ABV: 6.7%

IBU: 65

Website: 
https://www.7locksbrewing.com/

What Seven Locks Says About Seven Locks We started with a simple idea: To create an array of well executed and thoughtful beers to demonstrate our vision of what local craft beer should be. Welcoming, inclusive, and thoughtful in design and execution-we wanted to make sure that we have a beer for everyone and create a unique gathering space for the local community. We’re proud to have established ourselves as an integral part of the local community since 2015. As one of Maryland’s most award-winning breweries, we’re confident that we’ll have a beer for you!


Our taproom and brewery are housed in a 7,200 square foot warehouse in the heart of Rockville, so we’re easy to find and there’s plenty of parking. Stop in for a pint or flight, hang out with friends, watch a game, and enjoy a tasty treat from one of the food trucks in rotation. You can also find our beers at restaurants, bars and retail locations throughout Maryland and DC.
Every Saturday night, we’ve got live music featuring some of the area’s best musicians. And don’t miss the chance to join us in supporting a wide variety of Maryland charities, including something near and dear to our hearts–animal welfare organizations and environmental causes. Check out the calendar for updated listings!
Leave your worries at the door and join us for a pint after work, bring your friends, or meet new ones to watch the game or enjoy live music. You’ll be in good company!

Sunday, July 26, 2020

Day 17 | July 26 | Union Brewing Divine IPA






Why We Picked It: Did we mention we are fans of Union and with all of these sours.

What Union Says About It: The hops are the breakout stars in this Divine IPA. Plump, juicy, and oozing with tropical fruity charisma. Citra and Mosaic have gotten all dressed up and are ready for their closeup. With an aroma that’s big and bold and a body that’s soft and smooth, we’ve crafted this perversely hoppy IPA to be as free spirited and full of character as Charm City itself. Reach for the stars and grab a taste of the Divine.


ABV: 6.5%

IBU: 50

Website: https://www.unioncraftbrewing.com/


What Union Says Celebrates 8 Years on July 17 We’ve officially been at this for 8 years. That’s 8 years of making beer, community, and good times. Our favorite event of the year is bringing over 4,000 people together to celebrate another year of UNION. Unfortunately, we cannot go forward with a big, bangin’ party this year. So we’re going to celebrate the best way we can at this time– with beer and memories.

Over the next four weeks, we’re dropping three new beers, and an old favorite. YES– Double Duckpin DIPA will make it’s long awaited return. We’ve been working on the recipes for our 8th Anniversary Series for a while and can’t wait for you to try what we’ve brewed up. PLUS we’re hosting an Early Night Talk Show on Saturday 8/8 at 8PM on Facebook Live with our Owners & Staff, Special Guests, and Baltimore’s Favorite Club DJ– James Nasty.
But wait– “beer and a talk show is not enough,” you say? We thought so too…

INTRODUCING: THE 8 BOX
We’ve put together an 8th Anniversary Box that will include: (2) of each of the Anniversary Beers (8 in total), the 8th Anniversary Glass, a UCB Magic 8 Ball, and more. This box will go on pre-sale TOMORROW at 12PM. These are VERY LIMITED, and we don’t want you to miss out so set a reminder in your phone. Get your order in TOMORROW for pick up between August 5th-8th.

There’s nothing more we’d rather do than throw a party, drink beer, and dance to live music with you. That’s the UNION way. But, our first priority is the safety of our Staff & Patrons, so we hope you can celebrate with us virtually this year.
Good beer brings good people together for good times– and good works. Beer Unites…even from a distance.

Saturday, July 25, 2020

Day 16 | July 25 | Union Brewing Old Pro Summer Seasonal Gose






Why We Picked It: We are fans of Union (obviously since they have three beers in the list) and this is the first of back-to-backs for the west Baltimore brewery. I know it's another gose/sour. But don't worry non-sweet fans, this is the final one of the 24 Days of Beer, Summer edition.

What Union Says About It: A dash of salt. A touch of tart. That’s what makes this unique German-style wheat beer a seasoned professional at serious summer thirst quenching. With its glowing golden color, peach & citrus nose followed by a prickly mouthfeel that leaves a gentle tartness and a dash of salt on the palate, the Old Pro never fails to bring you back for another sip.

ABV: 4.2%



IBU: 10

Website: https://www.unioncraftbrewing.com/





What Union Says About Union Beer is the union of water, barley, hops and yeast. A brewery is the union of beer, its brewers and the community it serves. Beer Unites! is not just a tagline, it’s the underlying philosophy of everything we believe in as a business. Good beer brings good people together for good times—and good works.

Located within the Union Collective business hub in the Medfield neighborhood of Baltimore, MD, Union Craft Brewing makes great beer and great company. With reverence for tradition and place, we brew beers that unite old and new ideas, the science and craft of brewing, and boldness and balance of flavor.

Founded in the fall of 2011 by Kevin Blodger, Adam Benesch and Jon Zerivitz, brewing operations officially began in the spring of 2012 with the installation of a 20 barrel brewhouse and the initial launch of Duckpin Pale Ale.

After 5 years, UNION moved their production plant and tap room up the road to a 148,000 sq ft, former Sears warehouse that now houses the Union Collective of small, local manufacturers and Earth Treks Climbing gym.

Friday, July 24, 2020

Day 15 | July 24 | Silver Branch Brewing Squeegee Master






Why We Picked It: Bill and Jeremy speak highly of Silver Branch, which for some stupid reason I was unfamiliar with. Crazy! Another gose folks. Speaking of, we really need to arrange a Silver Spring beer crawl when people start doing those things again. Denizens, Silver Branch, and Astro Lab all lined up

What Silver Branch Says About It: This tart ale was brewed with passion fruit, grains of paradise, Titian lime, coriander, and Himalayan pink salt. Squeegee Master is like drinking in a fresh ocean breeze!

ABV: 4.7%
IBU: No


Website: https://www.silverbranchbrewing.com/


What Silver Branch Says About Silver Branch We celebrate the beers that arose from centuries of brewers experimenting and refining their recipes and approaches in Belgium, Britain and Ireland, Central Europe and the Americas. The casual ambiance of our taproom will evoke the gemütlichkeit and camaraderie enjoyed in turn-of-the-century American biergartens; British pubs; a sidewalk café in Prague; or a low-key taproom in Portland or Poland.




Thursday, July 23, 2020

Day 14 | July 23 | Sierra Nevada Pale Ale






Why We Picked It: One of the forefathers of craft beers, and a regular member of our Xmas tradition. The biggest reason we selected it was the throwback label (see above).

What Sierra Nevada Hill Says About It: Heavy on hops, that was always the brewery plan. So in 1980, we loaded Pale Ale up with Cascade—a new hop at the time named after the mountain range—and the intense aromas of pine and citrus sparked the American craft beer revolution.

ABV: 5.6%
IBU: 38


Website: https://sierranevada.com/


What Sierra Says About SierraTurns out, good beer can do a lot of good. We shook things up in the ’80s, and it helped launch a beer revolution that’s in full force today. We keep pushing boundaries, whether that’s in the brewhouse, with sustainability, or in the great outdoors.




Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Day 13 | July 22 | Stone Brewing Stone Notorious POG





Why We Picked It: Wanted to add some daring fruit-forward selections, and this seemed like one. Stone always makes some nice aggressive brews.

What Stone Hill Says About It: We’ve had plenty of fan-favorite beers over the years, but few have garnered the cult-like adoration of this one. Stone Notorious P.O.G. was originally brewed at our 10bbl Liberty Station brewhouse in San Diego, as a collaboration with comedian / actor Jonah Ray. It’s a tribute to the passion fruit, orange and guava juice (aka POG) he grew up drinking in Hawaii. This Berliner Weisse-style ale is loaded with the aforementioned trifecta of fresh, tropical fruits, making for a unique flavor that’s tart and refreshing yet deeply rich and complex. It’s as ridiculously tasty as it is deliciously unique.



This beer was first brewed with Jonah Ray for Hop-Con 4.0. It was such a hit that we decided to brew a limited amount again this year. Jonah grew up playing POGs while he was living in Hawaii and drinking POG Juice so he wanted to create a beer with POG in mind. A very refreshing tart ale with plenty of fruit character. Passion fruit and guava intermingle with an intense orange punch.

ABV: 4.7%
IBU: 20


Website: https://manorhillbrewing.com/

What Stone Says About StoneFounded by Greg Koch and Steve Wagner, Stone Brewing has come a long way since opening in San Diego County in 1996. Now the ninth-largest craft brewer in the U.S., we operate brewing facilities on both coasts – Escondido, California and Richmond, Virginia. On top of making badass beers for over two decades, we operate a number of restaurants and tap rooms as well as the largest craft-centric beer distribution business in the U.S. Our beers are available in all 50 states and more than 40 countries worldwide.

Tuesday, July 21, 2020

Day 12 | July 21 | Manor Hills Hayes Creek Blonde Ale





Why We Picked It: I often overlook Manor Hill. They are so close, so I'm not sure why. Admittedly, I have never loved anything I have had from them. However, we found a case of this unexplored beer and thought we would add it to the mix.

What Manor Hill Says About It: This incredibly aromatic and refreshing warm weather seasonal is brewed with Tangerine peel! It will pour a golden body crowned by a pillowy white head. A slightly tart first sip is complemented nicely by sweet citrus fruit flavors and a mild bready backbone in the finish. It is best enjoyed directly out of a can among friends and sunshine!


ABV: 5%
IBU: No

Website: 
https://manorhillbrewing.com/




What Manor Hill Says About Manor HillLocated on the Marriner family’s 54-acre working farm in Ellicott City, we are home to 14 acres of crops (typically corn, wheat, or soy), 2+ acres of hops, approximately 30 chickens,  several honey bee hives, and more than 20 free-range angus cattle.  Our garden produces tomatoes, herbs, squash and squash blossoms, zucchini, asparagus, blackberries, blueberries, and much more that are  used at our nearby restaurants (Victoria  Gastro Pub and Manor Hill Tavern)

Brewery operations began in June of 2015, making Manor Hill Brewing Howard County’s first farm brewery.  Our head brewer uses high-quality seasonal ingredients to craft hand-made beers from original and unique recipes.   We believe strongly in supporting local and practicing sustainability and work to achieve these values as often as possible.


Monday, July 20, 2020

Day 11 | July 20 | Denizens Brewing Animal Hazy IPA





Why We Picked It: Jeremy's pick up directly for the brewery in downtown Silver Spring. Highly recommend their beer garden.

What Denizens Says About It: Our DDH IPA is light and hazy in appearance, highly aromatic, and packed full of juicy hop flavor. It strikes a balance between the notes of tropical flesh fruit, citrus rind, and pine sap showcased in American grown hops. A top seller in our taprooms, this Animal is sure to drive you wild.


ABV: 6%
IBU: 43

Website: 
https://www.denizensbrewingco.com/




What Denizens Says About Denizens: Co-founders Emily, Jeff, & Julie opened the doors to Denizens Brewing Co. in 2014 as the first production brewery in Montgomery County, MD. A place to enjoy great, locally made craft beer in a warm and welcoming space. They were critical in fighting for and succeeding in removing prohibition era laws that paved the way for Denizens and other local beer, wine, and spirit makers to exist and thrive. A successful first 5 years saw us brew over 150 different beers, firmly establish an in-demand flagship lineup, build a loyal and engaged following, host unforgettable events as a space for the community, and in May 2019 we opened our second location in Riverdale Park to serve as a Production House & Taproom. This expansion has allowed us to meet the demand for our increased distribution arm throughout the DMV. We welcome you to a seat at our table. 

Sunday, July 19, 2020

Day 10 | July 19 | RAR Groove City Hefe





Why We Picked It: A good reliable Maryland brewery, and it was nice to add a hefeweizen into the mix.

What RAR Says About It: Golden-yellow and hazy in appearance, this brew is a soulful combination of American and German ingredients. Complex yet incredibly subtle, a faint sweetness immediately greets your palate followed by a distinctive wheat note. Notes of banana and clove are ever so subtly detected on the finish.



ABV: 5.2%
IBU: No

Website: 
https://rarbrewing.com/


What RAR Says About RAR: Based in Cambridge, MD on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, local boys brewing local beers.

We built our brewery in an 80-year-old former pool hall and bowling alley with the goal of maintaining the building’s history while producing well-balanced American brews 10 barrels at a time. Proudly brewing since the summer of 2013 with no intention of slowing down, striving to continuously produce products that our community can take pride in.

Saturday, July 18, 2020

Day 9 | July 18 | Union Craft Brewing Duckpin





Why We Picked It: Another local favorite that often goes over well. I haven't been in a few years, but the brewery in Baltimore is worth the trip.

What Union Brewing Say About It: This generously hopped pale ale is a strike in your mouth! Brewed with lots of Pacific Northwest & New Zealand hops this beer is ten frames of big citrus and tropical fruit aroma and flavor. A strong malt backbone rounds it out and makes this pale ale a delight for the senses. The pins may be small but the flavor is huge! In our town, we roll Duckpin—a true Baltimore original.

ABV: 5.5%

IBU: 55

Website: https://www.unioncraftbrewing.com/



What Union Says About Union: Beer is the union of water, barley, hops and yeast. A brewery is the union of beer, its brewers, and the community it serves. Beer Unites! is not just a tagline, it’s the underlying philosophy of everything we believe in as a business. Good beer brings good people together for good times—and good works.

Located within the Union Collective business hub in the Medfield neighborhood of Baltimore, MD, Union Craft Brewing makes great beer and great company. With reverence for tradition and place, we brew beers that unite old and new ideas, the science and craft of brewing, and boldness and balance of flavor.

Founded in the fall of 2011 by Kevin Blodger, Adam Benesch and Jon Zerivitz, brewing operations officially began in the spring of 2012 with the installation of a 20 barrel brewhouse and the initial launch of Duckpin Pale Ale.

After 5 years, UNION moved their production plant and tap room up the road to a 148,000 sq ft, former Sears warehouse that now houses the Union Collective of small, local manufacturers and Earth Treks Climbing gym.

Friday, July 17, 2020

Day 8 | July 17 | Oliver Brewing Bmore Active





Why We Picked It: Bill already noted his appreciation for Oliver, and this is one none of us had ever tried.

What Oliver Brewing Say About It: An easy drinking and refreshing dry-hopped pale Ale. Light on calories and abv, but big on flavor and aroma.

ABV: 4%

IBU: No

Website: https://www.oliverbrewingco.com/


What Oliver Says About Oliver: Since 1993, we've created distinctive American ales inspired by traditional brewing methods. As one of Baltimore’s original craft brewers, we’re always pushing the boundaries with new styles, ingredients, and flavors.

Thursday, July 16, 2020

Day 7 | July 16 | Jailbreak Big Punisher





Why We Picked It: This is a known beer to most of us, and the fact that we agreed on it quickly is a good sign. Also, with so many blondes and sours, we needed a double IPA. I do recommend a visit for the locals. They have a really nice setup, especially since opening a food service side a couple years ago.

What Jailbreak Say About It: A well balanced double IPA with a semisweet malt backbone and complimented with generous amounts of citrus and tropical fruit hops. Rich, delicious, and rewardingly punishing.

ABV: 8.5%
IBU: 93

Website: https://jailbreakbrewing.com/

What Jailbreak Says About Jailbreak: Jailbreak is a freedom expression. Beginning in 2013, and becoming fully operational in 2014, our artfully crafted beer is meant to be an escape from whatever drama is present in your life. We are made up of professionals from various industries, all brought together by the common desire to make something different and do something with our lives that has more purpose.