Are you a beer enthusiast looking for a new favorite brew? Or maybe you’re curious about the craft beer scene in Maryland? Well, look no further! The 10th Annual Maryland Craft Beer Festival is here to satisfy your thirst for local beer.
Hosted by the Brewers Association of Maryland (BAM), this festival is a celebration of the state’s vibrant craft beer community. With over 100 Maryland breweries participating and more than 200 unique beers on tap, it’s a beer lover’s paradise. But what sets Maryland craft beer apart from the rest?
Join me as we explore the Maryland Craft Beer Festival, discover award-winning breweries, and uncover the hidden gems of the craft beer world right here in Maryland.
Key Takeaways:
- The Maryland Craft Beer Festival showcases the best of the state’s craft beer scene.
- Over 100 Maryland breweries serve more than 200 unique beers at the festival.
- Discover award-winning breweries and unique beer styles.
- Experience the festive atmosphere with food trucks and live music.
- Support local businesses and celebrate Maryland craft beer.
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Celebrating Maryland Craft Beer: Awards and Recognition
One of the highlights of the Maryland craft beer scene is the annual Maryland Craft Beer Cup, a competition that recognizes the outstanding brewing talent in the state. Hosted by the Brewers Association of Maryland, this prestigious event showcases the best beers produced by Maryland breweries and offers them the opportunity to gain recognition for their exceptional craftsmanship.
In 2021, a standout beer emerged victorious at the Maryland Craft Beer Cup. Oliver Brewing Company’s Barrel Aged Liquid Luxury claimed the coveted trophy, securing the top title among more than 270 entries in the competition. This barrel-aged masterpiece stood out for its complexity, flavor profile, and overall quality, demonstrating the innovation and skill of Maryland brewers.
The Maryland Craft Beer Cup doesn’t stop at honoring the overall winner. In addition to the top prize, medals are awarded in 19 different style categories, ensuring that breweries of all types and sizes have the chance to be recognized for their specific strengths. These medals serve as a testament to the dedication and passion that Maryland breweries pour into their craft, highlighting their ability to create outstanding beers across a wide range of styles.
These awards hold great significance for Maryland breweries beyond just the recognition. They serve as a powerful marketing tool, helping breweries establish their reputation for brewing high-quality beer. When consumers see the Maryland Craft Beer Cup medal displayed on a beer bottle or tap handle, they know they’re in for a treat. These awards also provide beer enthusiasts with a valuable guide, helping them discover new breweries and confidently make choices based on the recognition these breweries have received.
The Maryland Craft Beer Cup: Celebrating Excellence
Each year, the Maryland Craft Beer Cup brings together the best of the state’s brewing community, offering a platform to celebrate excellence, foster camaraderie, and drive the industry forward. It’s a testament to the thriving craft beer scene in Maryland and serves as a reminder of the exceptional talent found within the state’s breweries.
The Maryland Craft Beer Cup celebrates the creativity, dedication, and craftsmanship of Maryland brewers. It’s an opportunity for us to come together, showcase our creations, and receive recognition for our hard work. Winning this award is truly an honor and a testament to the passion we have for brewing exceptional beer.” – Brewer at Oliver Brewing Company
Medal Categories at the 2021 Maryland Craft Beer Cup
| Category | Gold Medal Winner | Silver Medal Winner | Bronze Medal Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| IPA | Columbia IPA | Frederick Hopsault | Hysteria IPA |
| Stout | Diamondback Shape of My Hops | Monument City 51 Rye Stout | Oliver Mortal Sin |
| Pale Ale | Smoketown Peach Bum IPA | DuClaw Dirty Little Freak | Cushwa Infinite Trim |
| Porter | Seven Days of Grace | RavenBeer Sabotage | Full Tilt Fleet Street Raspberry Porter |
The Maryland Craft Beer Cup is a testament to the dedication and talent of Maryland breweries. The winners and medalists showcase the incredible breadth and depth of styles that local breweries are producing, cementing Maryland’s reputation as a hub of craft beer excellence. This recognition not only boosts the local beer industry but also contributes to the growing reputation of Maryland as a must-visit destination for craft beer enthusiasts.
Winterfest: Let’s Get Lit at the Cambria Hotel
The Cambria Hotel in Ocean City, Maryland is excited to host Winterfest, a festive celebration in partnership with Shore Craft Beer. This event is not just about enjoying great craft beer; it’s also an opportunity to support the Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) and have a fun-filled winter weekend.
One of the highlights of Winterfest is the craft beer festival, which will take place on December 2nd. With a limited number of tickets available, it’s an exclusive opportunity for beer enthusiasts to indulge in unlimited tastings of local craft beers. Whether you’re a fan of hoppy IPAs, rich stouts, or experimental brews, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
But the beer selection doesn’t stop there. Winterfest also features hard seltzers and mead/seltzer hybrids for those looking to try something different. And for fans of the famous Dogfish Head Brewery, craft cocktails featuring their exceptional brews will be available as well. Prepare your taste buds for a delightful journey through the world of craft beer.
Get into the Spirit with Costumes and Discounts
The fun doesn’t end with the beer tasting. Winterfest includes a costume contest, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event. Dress up as your favorite beer-related character or embrace the winter theme with festive costumes. Compete for prizes and show off your creativity while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
As part of the Winterfest experience, attendees can also take advantage of exclusive discounts at participating establishments throughout Ocean City. From restaurants to retail shops, these discounts allow festival-goers to explore and support local businesses while enjoying their time in this charming coastal town.
Indulge in Winterfest’s Exclusive Atmosphere
Winterfest is more than just a craft beer festival; it’s an invitation to immerse yourself in a unique and festive ambiance. To enhance your experience, the Cambria Hotel offers VIP ticket packages with additional perks.
VIP ticket holders get an extra hour of tasting, allowing them to discover even more exceptional beers. They also receive tickets to the Winterfest of Lights, an enchanting display of holiday lights that illuminates the Ocean City skyline. And to top it all off, a special Christmas stocking filled with festive goodies is included, making the VIP experience truly memorable.
To enjoy the full benefits of the VIP package, consider booking a stay at the Cambria Hotel. Indulge in comfortable accommodations and make the most of your Winterfest experience.
Pickle’s After Party: Keep the Celebration Going
After tasting a wide range of craft beers at Winterfest, you might want to continue the celebration. Luckily, Pickles Pub on 8th Street in Ocean City is the official after-party location for the event.
If you’re wearing your Let’s Get Lit festival wristband, you can enjoy discounts on Dogfish Head beers. Plus, with the purchase of a Dogfish beer, you’ll receive a free Dogfish Head pint glass, a perfect keepsake to commemorate the occasion. Head to Pickles Pub, mingle with fellow beer enthusiasts, and savor more delicious craft brews in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
Let’s Get Lit VIP Experience
At the Let’s Get Lit festival at the Cambria Hotel, we offer VIP ticket packages that will enhance your experience and make it truly unforgettable. As a VIP ticket holder, you will receive exclusive perks that will take your festival experience to the next level.
- Additional Hour of Tasting: Enjoy an extra hour of unlimited tastings, allowing you more time to sample a wide variety of beers from Maryland’s finest breweries.
- Tickets to the Winterfest of Lights: Experience the magic of the Winterfest of Lights, a spectacular holiday light display in Ocean City. As a VIP, you will receive complimentary tickets to this enchanting event.
- Special Christmas Stocking: Get into the holiday spirit with a special Christmas stocking filled with festive goodies. It’s our way of spreading some holiday cheer!
This VIP experience is designed to provide you with extra value and ensure that you have a truly memorable time at the festival. It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit and enjoy the best beer events in Maryland.
The Let’s Get Lit VIP Experience Package
| Package Includes | Price |
|---|---|
| Additional Hour of Tasting | $20 |
| Tickets to the Winterfest of Lights | $15 |
| Special Christmas Stocking | Included |
Note: VIP packages are available exclusively with hotel bookings at the Cambria Hotel. Make sure to book your stay in advance to secure your VIP experience.
Pickle’s After Party: Keep the Celebration Going
After a day of indulging in delicious craft beer at the Let’s Get Lit festival, the festivities don’t have to end. Make your way to Pickles Pub on 8th Street in Ocean City for the official after-party, where the celebration continues late into the night.
Pickles Pub is known for its vibrant atmosphere, friendly staff, and great selection of beers. It’s the perfect place to unwind, mingle with fellow craft beer enthusiasts, and keep the party going.
As a special perk for festival-goers wearing their Let’s Get Lit wristbands, Pickles Pub offers discounts on Dogfish Head beers. You can savor the flavors of this renowned Maryland brewery while enjoying the lively ambiance of the pub. And that’s not all! With the purchase of a Dogfish Head beer, you’ll also receive a free Dogfish Head pint glass to take home as a memento of the unforgettable festival.
Whether you’re looking to continue the beer tasting adventure or simply want to enjoy the post-festival buzz, Pickles Pub is the place to be. Join the throngs of thrilled attendees, share your favorite brews from the festival, and raise a glass to an amazing day of Maryland craft beer.
Don’t miss out on the Pickle’s After Party at Pickles Pub. It’s the perfect way to extend the fun, camaraderie, and appreciation for craft beer that the Let’s Get Lit festival embodies.
Festival Highlights at Pickles Pub
- Discounts on Dogfish Head beers
- Free Dogfish Head pint glass with a purchase of a Dogfish beer
- Vibrant atmosphere and friendly staff
Keep the celebration going and make unforgettable memories at Pickles Pub’s After Party!
Wrap Up and Cheers to Maryland Craft Beer
The Maryland Craft Beer Festival and other craft beer events in Maryland are a toast to the state’s rich brewing history and the passion of its breweries. These festivals provide an incredible opportunity for beer enthusiasts to explore the diverse offerings of Maryland’s craft beer scene and support local businesses.
At the 10th Annual Maryland Craft Beer Festival, hosted by the Brewers Association of Maryland, over 100 Maryland breweries showcased more than 200 unique beers. This festival was a celebration of the artistry and creativity that goes into crafting exceptional beers. From flavorful IPAs to rich Stouts, festival-goers had the chance to savor a wide range of styles and flavors.
Another notable event is the Winterfest at the Cambria Hotel in Ocean City, Maryland. In partnership with Shore Craft Beer, Winterfest offers a weekend of winter-themed festivities. The craft beer festival, featuring unlimited tastings from local breweries, is a highlight for beer lovers. Additionally, the event includes a costume contest and exclusive discounts throughout Ocean City’s establishments, creating an immersive and fun experience for all.
These craft beer festivals in Maryland not only provide an enjoyable experience for attendees but also serve as a platform to showcase the incredible talents of Maryland’s breweries. With every sip, beer enthusiasts can appreciate the quality, passion, and uniqueness that define the craft beer scene in Maryland. Raise a glass and cheers to Maryland craft beer!