#13 of the Maryland Brewery Challenge

Once again I used my Maryland Brewery Challenge as an excuse to visit Maryland’s beautiful Eastern Shore. This time my destination was RaR (Realalerevival) Brewing. Crossing the Choptank River, we entered Cambridge, MD.  Originally settled in 1684, the Dorchester County seat is home to a little over 12,000 people. Most people only know Cambridge as a town along Route 50 on the way to Ocean City, MD. However, it is well worth a visit, with its historic waterfront community, many elegant homes and a robust downtown.

RaR Brewing is a vibrant part of Cambridge. The 10-barrel independent brewer has converted an 80-year-old pool hall and bowling alley  into a respected Maryland brewery. This Sunday afternoon, we came to celebrate my son’s and his girlfriend’s birthdays. Our goal was to sample a few beers and find a nice place to eat. I was also in hopes of sampling the critically acclaimed RaR stout, 1st Meal.

The brewery was fairly busy on this cold Sunday afternoon, but we managed to grab a high table in the back. The busy bar was in front of us, and the brewery was open to us on our right. Also on our right were RaR’s many beer labels, stenciled on the walls.

Following my standard approach to discovering a new brewery, I ordered 2 flights, covering all 8 beers on tap. They were:

• Nanticoke Nectar – this is their house IPA. A tasty American IPA
• Hyde (with Galaxy) – a nice American IPA with galaxy hops.
• Chopdank – an earthy Double IPA. I really liked this one. Watch out for the booze – 9.5% ABV. This led to an entire conversation about “dank”.
• Pineapple Grenade – IPA with sweet pineapple. I found it a little odd. Missy, but our Hawaiian pizza lover, enjoyed it.
• Strawberry 10 layers – this stout reminded us of Nestles Strawberry Quick. It smelled strongly of strawberries.
• Mint 10 Layers – This stout reminded me of a peppermint patty.
• Edward Hyde – This one grew on me, perhaps as it warmed up? I enjoyed the malt and hops balance.
• Choptank Oyster – Nice creamy stout with mild coffee flavors.

We purchased a bottle of  the stout, 1st Meal. It is a unique beer – maple syrup sweet with a creamy taste and a smooth mouthfeel. There is some coffee and smoke tastes as well. A complex, boozy beer that is ideal for the adventurous sort of beer drinker. This intense beer reminds me of  DuClaw’s Sweet Baby Jesus or Southern Tier’s Crème Brûlée. My friend Zaven would enjoy this one. And apparently Draft Magazine does as well.

No longer thirsty, we gave way to our hunger and sought out a burger. We chose The High Spot Gastropub, just around the corner on High Street. They had a nice beer list, but all I wanted was a burger. I got their burger with an egg on top, following the 1st Meal theme. Yum!

Cheers!

Warren