Grab a Pint at Baltimore's Breweries

Would you be surprised to learn that beer is the third most popular drink in the world, after water and tea? Here in Baltimore, our roots in beer-making are nearly as old as the city itself. You are probably familiar with our beloved National Bohemian, or as we like to say, Natty Boh. While it's now brewed out of state by Pabst Brewing Company, 90% of its sales are to Baltimore customers. Today, that legacy is being built upon by a new generation of breweries, each with its own unique flair.

Baltimore, like the rest of the country, is experiencing a craft beer boom. We easily have more than a dozen craft breweries within our city limits. If you're thirsty for a smooth pilsner, a malty lager or a hazy IPA, Baltimore's got you covered! Drink your way (responsibly, of course) through Baltimore and its beer culture by checking out some of these modern craft breweries.

The closest brewery to our historic bed and breakfast is Suspended Brewing Company. Just follow Washington Boulevard about half a mile west to their two-story taproom in Baltimore's Pigtown neighborhood. This ecologically and socially conscious microbrewery loves lagers, hoppy things, dark beers and brewing for the season.

Two breweries to our south are Checkerspot Brewing Company, making small batch, gluten-reduced beers, and Diamondback Beer, experimenting with unfiltered lagers and hop-forward ales. To our east, Ministry of Brewing is located in the former St. Michael's Church. This brewery offers a unique gathering space and gets rave reviews for its delightfully complex beers. Continue further east to find Mobtown Brewing Company, Monument City Brewing and Oliver Brewing Company.

There's a sizable concentration of craft breweries to the north of Rachael's Dowry. Wet City Brewing, a nanobrewery and restaurant, is a favorite of locals, while The Brewer's Art, a quarter-century fixture in the Mount Vernon neighborhood, was once named "Best Bar in America" by Esquire Magazine. More breweries to our north include Peabody Heights Brewery, Guilford Hall Brewery, Waverly Brewing, UNION Craft Brewing and Nepenthe Brewing Company.

Book a City Brew Tour to let someone else do the driving while you drink. It's a great way to experience multiple craft breweries in one outing. You'll learn about Baltimore's brewing history, take behind-the-scenes brewery tours, sample a dozen or more beer styles, and enjoy great food pairings. Another opportunity to savor the flavor of Baltimore's craft brews is at the Baltimore Craft Beer Festival on November 5 at Canton Waterfront Park. It's a huge showcase of beers from Baltimore and all of Maryland, complete with food trucks, live music, vendors and more.

One last brewery worth a mention... The Guinness Open Gate Brewery.  Located just outside the city in Halethorpe, this is Guinness's only U.S. brewing location. It doesn't brew the iconic stout. Instead, its flagship beer is a lighter, lager-style Baltimore Blonde. Take a tour of this experimental brewery and grab a bite to eat in the taproom or beer garden. Then, have your designated driver or Uber bring you back to Rachael's Dowry to nestle in for a quiet, relaxing stay.