How to Visit a Brewery

Visiting a brewery is not always as easy as it seems. To get the most out of your brewery stop, lots of planning really helps.
You should pick a brewery to visit, when to go, how to get there (and back) and what to drink.  After some practice, I’ve come up with some pointers.

For those loyal blog followers, you know I am planning to visit all 57 Maryland Breweries (well, now only 56 since one closed). As of this writing, I have been to 14 breweries. You can read about these brewery adventures by selecting postings under the category “Maryland Brewery Challenge”.

Choose your brewery

If you are headed to a new town, or just wonder about what’s in your neighborhood, the internet is a great starting point. As a lover of cartography, I like to use google maps. You can virtually visit anyplace on the globe, then search for your topic (breweries) and get driving directions. If you get ambitious, you can even create your own maps. Someone has already done a lot of that for you in The Beer Mapping Project. Click on a potential brewery for basic info like the hours open and their website.

Collect a little info

Once you pick a brewery, visit their website and maybe call the brewery or email them. A little basic research can make all the difference. When is the brewery open? Do they offer tours? When is happy hour? Is there an event or potential conflicts? Do they offer flights or samples? And of course, what beers are on tap?

The beers

Now comes the hard part. From the available beers, I recommend picking the ones you might like to try. I often turn to Beer Advocate or Untappd to see what other people think. Once I’ve narrowed my list down, I jot those beers down. Sometimes I get ambitious and put them in my Untappd wishlist.

Plan your transportation

Your exit strategy is always much easier to plan when sober and in the comfort of your home. Recruit a designated driver, walk, ride your bike, get a lift from a friend, take a taxi, Uber, Lyft, or public transportation. Or drive, but don’t drink too much. If you drive, only finish your favorite beers. I hear your collective groans, but safety overrides not wasting beer.

The Beer Adventure

After all that work, the fun begins. Order a flight (small samples), especially on your first visit. Take the brewery tour if you can. Go on off hours, sit at the bar and talk to the bartender. Talk to the locals. Take pictures. Take notes – I use Untappd.  Collect some swag – although I try to avoid that advice as I’m trying to limit the clutter I take home.

Most of all savor the beers. Don’t forget to smell, swirl the glass, and take your time. This is why you came here. Read Cicerone Julia Hertz’s article about enjoying the beer flavors.

Tell your friends

Let your friends know you are having a good time. With all the social media, there’s almost no excuse. Send a picture through Instagram, text your friends, post on Facebook or tweet. Or better yet, post your visit on your personal blog.

Cheers!

Warren