Inspired by HowChow’s post about breweries in Howard County, I’m writing today about the HoCo breweries. There are 7 breweries in Howard County that make beer in the county: Ellicott Mills, Bare Bones, Manor Hill, Push (Frisco Tap House’s brewery), Black Flag, Hysteria, and Jailbreak.
Ellicott Mills, of historic Ellicott City, has been making beer well before the craft beer revolution, mostly German lagers. Their restaurant follows the German theme, as well. I have never veered from their yummy sausage platter, which goes well with their beer. Their beers are true to the style. They make a pumpkin beer that almost everyone, even non-beer drinkers, enjoys.
Barebones Grill & Brewery is a barbecue place in Ellicott City on Route 40 that has been making English-style beer for years. Their beer is well-made but not very adventurous. Try their Old Frederick IPA. On the other hand, their ribs are amazing. Also, they regularly host very good live music events.
Manor Hill is Howard County’s farm brewery and a rising star in the beer world. Reservations are requested to visit and the taproom is only open on Friday – Sunday, all to limit traffic on Manor Lane in Ellicott City off Route 108. It is worth a visit. The taproom looks more like a winery with stacks of wooden barrels and dark wooden walls. Even the tap handles are wooden and hand-carved. Driving in, you will pass a field of hops. The beer is exceptional. I especially enjoy their sessionable Grissette. Their many IPAs are also worth exploring.
Push American Brewing Company right now is a tiny 7-barrel system situated at the front of Frisco Tap House. Push is planning a massive expansion next door. The production system is installed but licensing has delayed its opening. Push’s big challenge is Frisco’s own impressive tap list of world-class beers. Their experienced brewer, Ryan Yerdon, has an exceptional resume, including Dogfish Head Brewing. When I’m at Frisco and want to go local, I’ll order their Push Boondock Irish Stout. You can find Push at Frisco’s in Columbia on Dobbin Road.
Black Flag just celebrated their one year anniversary. They are the first production brewery in Columbia. If you enjoy hoppy beers, this is the place for you. I like their Rainbow Road and Flagship IPA. Also, I’m now beginning to see some of their canned beer in some liquor stores. Black Flag is a popular spot on Friday and Saturday, often with a young crowd. Food trucks serve just outside on their busy days. I really like the Homeslyce’s pizza, which actually delivers to the table. I try to visit Black Flag on their less busy days – Wednesday, Thursday or Sunday. You can find Black Flag off Snowden River Parkway near the Lincoln Tech Center.
Hysteria is just around the corner from Black Flag. They opened in July and are limited to brewing on their pilot system. The beers are exceptional. I particularly enjoy their Trash Panda, a juice bomb IPA. Their The Morning After, a rich and creamy coffee stout, is also quite good. Hysteria has temporarily shut down (just a few weeks) to replenish their beer supply. Once Hysteria can meet the demand for their delicious beers, I’m sure they will become a very successful brewery.
Jailbreak is Howard County’s version of Dogfish Head Brewery, with experimental and wildly inventive beers. In fact, their two head brewers once brewed for Dogfish Head. Just a few examples, Jailbreak offers beers made from basil and another from jalapenos. I am an enormous fan of their limited release VanDammit. Also, their Into the Dark and Miami Weisse (also limited releases) are quite good. I recommend getting a flight of their unusual beers and find the ones that you like. Also, Jailbreak offers a terrific brewery tour, which I highly recommend. You can find Jailbreak in Laurel just off Route 1.
But wait, I can hear you now, “What about the Columbia Ale House?” The Columbia Ale House serves their house beer, Oliver’s, which is made in Baltimore City. Other HoCo “alien” breweries include Rams Head of Savage Mill which brews out of Dover, Delaware; BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse in Columbia, MD which brews out of 5 states, none of them Maryland; and Pub Dog Pizza & Drafthouse in Columbia which brews out of Westminister, MD.
Cheers!
Warren