MD Brewery Challenge #15
We drove to Dundalk, MD to visit Key Brewing Company and a political rally broke out.
Key is number 15 of 57 breweries in my Maryland Brewery Challenge. Driving through a maze of warehouses, we found the brewery ready for a rally about HB1283.
MD State Comptroller Peter Franchot was introduced by head brewer Mike McDonald. Peter Franchot is angry about HB1283. He says without changes, it will destroy the Maryland brewing industry. He says 3 things need to change in this bill:
- HB1283 reduces the hours a tasting room can be open. He says let local jurisdictions determine the hours.
- HB1283 increases the amount of beer that can be served, but not enough. Maryland is the most restrictive state in the country in regards to serving at taprooms. He says we should not restrict the amount of beer that can be served or at least greatly increase the amount allowed.
- HB1283 requires distributors to distribute brewery beer to their warehouse, requiring breweries to buy their own beer back from the distributor. That’s just nuts.
We sampled a few of Key’s beverages:
- On Point – Earthy hopped ale. Nice up front malty and hop blend.
- Copy Cat Sour – Kettle soured, lemony tart.
- Ten Pound Test – a tasty malty IPA.
The brewery is well-known for its community involvement. We witnessed that as a group carrying yoga mats wandered through the rally and maze of cameras for their yoga class in the back.
Laura and I split a delicious pork sandwich from This Swines For You! The horseradish and pineapple habanero sauce was fantastic!
Cheers!
Warren