We Are Closed
Unfortunately, this has been a continuing list.
It isn't easy to learn of another local brewery closing. I've interviewed many Maryland breweries, and to hear where they came from and what went into opening the doors to their dream is inspiring. There will always be business cycles, and craft beer is no different. Even so, breweries are opening in Maryland, and successful breweries are growing, adding taproom locations, and expanding markets. Still, it’s a great time to be a Maryland beer drinker.
Pariah Brewing - April 12
Pariah Brewing in Baltimore, MD has announced that effective Friday April 12, they have closed their doors. Brian Mitchell, Founder & CEO, posted on Facebook, “Hey Everyone. It is with a heavy heart that I have to announce that effective today Pariah is closed for business. It has been a more than difficult road and we fought as hard as anyone could. We honestly should have closed a year ago. The toll this has taken is immeasurable. I am incredibly proud of team Pariah and close this chapter proud to have gotten to know some of the best and most genuine people in my life. We made great f*cking beer, hosted some legendary parties, and truly feel we offered a unique place for people to gather and be proud of our community both in San Diego and Baltimore. This last 7 years have been incredible. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” Pariah Brewing was founded in San Diego before coming to Baltimore, taking over the former Union Brewing location just two years ago.
Hysteria Brewing - April
Hysteria Brewing in Columbia, MD, has closed. I'm not certain of the actual date of their closing, but February 15 was the first notice that the brewery was for sale. There was no official announcement. The affiliated Hysteria Taphouse in Pasadena, MD (not a taproom) is still open.
Scorpion Brewing- March 17
Scorpion Brewing in Calvert County has closed, pouring their last glass on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 2024.
Brian Dailey, CEO at Scorpion Brewing, shared on social media, “This was not an easy decision to make. A change in our building's ownership took place a few years ago and in January 2024, our lease that was negotiated with the previous landlord expired. We were unable to agree on terms with the new landlord, primarily due to a 239% increase in monthly payments. We founded Scorpion Brewing in February of 2012 and after two years of hard work we opened our doors to the public.”
Adding, “The interesting spin on this development is that some of Scorpion Brewing's current co-owners have some exciting new business plans of their own at a new location in North Beach.” Will this mean a new brewery in Calvert County? Stay tuned!
AleCraft Brewing - February 29
AleCraft Brewing in Bel Air closed its Maryland brewery on February 29. We reported in 2021 that they had hoped to grow their brewery in Harford County but were thwarted from opening a farm brewery. Those plans were realized by their opening a second brewery in Railroad PA. That location will continue.
“We’ve had a great 6 years meeting new friends, hosting home brew lessons and fundraisers, sampling beers from local brewers, getting and giving beer advice, partnering with local businesses… But our time here in Harford County is at an end. We hope you don’t become strangers and come to visit us in Railroad PA.”
Calvert Brewing - January 31
Even though we are still in its early weeks, this year has not provided much good news for the Maryland brewery scene. Several breweries have closed their doors, with Calvert Brewing in Upper Marlboro being the first.
One of the staff’s social media posts in early January stated, “I was told the week before Christmas they would be closing their doors. There won't be an announcement of their closing for whatever reason.”
Then, on January 31, DC Beer reported Calvert Brewing Closes. Finally, some indication of that earlier prediction had come true, “We are closed, thank you for everything, see you around” was displayed on the Calvert website. That was it. No further explanation.
Suspended Brewing - January 1
Suspended Brewing in South Baltimore has closed. That’s the bad news — at least temporarily. A snippet from social media read, “Pigtown has been Suspended's home over the past seven years. In 2017, we poured our first pint on New Year's Eve. This New Year's Eve we will pour our last pint at 912 Washington Blvd. We've spent countless hours inside our space. This journey would be impossible and meaningless without you.”
But wait, there is more. “Suspended barely made it through the pandemic. Like many other small businesses we have struggled to find steady footing ever since and, lately, having such a large taproom has presented its own challenges. We've found a small, cozy building in North Baltimore that will become our brewery's new home. The move is more than an address change: it's an opportunity to reinvent ourselves. There is a lot of work ahead so we don't have a timeline yet, but will share the journey along the way.”
