Tapping Into the Craft Beer Craze
If you’re anything like me, the mere thought of a frosty pint of locally-crafted beer is enough to get your taste buds tingling. And let me tell you, when it comes to the vibrant craft beer scene, Howard County, Maryland is where the magic happens. So, grab your pals and get ready to embark on a delicious journey, because we’re about to dive headfirst into the heart of this hops-filled haven.
Howard County: The Craft Brew Capital
Picture this – a charming slice of Maryland, where the air is thick with the aroma of freshly-poured craft brews and the camaraderie among beer enthusiasts is as palpable as the fizz in your glass. That’s Howard County, my friends, and it’s quickly become the epicenter of the craft beer revolution.
According to the Visit Howard County website, this region “boasts a trove of breweries, distilleries, taprooms, and beer-centric havens” that beckon thirsty adventurers like you and me. It’s not just a trail, it’s a full-fledged “camaraderie-filled adventure” where we can sip, savor, and socialize to our heart’s content.
The Up and Under Pub: Where Local Brews Take Center Stage
And where better to immerse ourselves in this craft beer wonderland than at the esteemed The Up and Under Pub? This local haunt is the perfect launching pad for our brewery-hopping escapades, with a menu that reads like a love letter to all things hops and malt.
As I step through the doors, I’m immediately struck by the warm, inviting atmosphere. The walls are adorned with local art, and the bartenders move with the practiced grace of seasoned mixologists. But it’s the towering wall of taps that really catches my eye – a veritable shrine to the finest craft creations Howard County has to offer.
Discovering Hidden Gems on the Brew Trail
Now, I don’t know about you, but I’m the type of person who likes to dive in headfirst. So, without further ado, let’s kick off our journey with a visit to Manor Hill Brewing, Howard County’s very first farm brewery. Sprawling across a sprawling 54-acre plot, this bucolic oasis is the perfect setting to sip on handmade, farmhouse-inspired brews while indulging in brick-oven pizza and food truck delights.
As I take my first sip of their signature Amber Ale, I’m transported to a world where the line between beer and art blurs, and each carefully-crafted flavor profile is a masterpiece in its own right. The staff here are incredibly knowledgeable, and they seem genuinely excited to share their passion for these liquid gems with curious connoisseurs like myself.
But the adventure doesn’t stop there, my friends. Just a stone’s throw away, we have Lost Ark Distilling, Howard County’s inaugural craft distillery. Here, we can immerse ourselves in the world of premium spirits, crafted with locally-sourced ingredients and bottled by hand. It’s a sip-and-savor experience like no other, and the perfect complement to our brewery-hopping odyssey.
Tapping into the Competitive Spirit
Now, I don’t know about you, but I’m always up for a little friendly competition. And luckily for us, Howard County has just the place to indulge our gaming prowess – GameOn BarArcade. This vibrant hot spot in the new Merriweather District is the stuff of retro-gaming dreams, where we can savor locally-brewed “Cold Ass Beer” while unleashing our inner arcade champions.
Whether we’re vying for the high score on Pac-Man or challenging each other to a heated round of skeeball, this place is sure to bring out the competitive spirit in all of us. And let’s not forget the added bonus of being able to enjoy a frosty pint or two as we battle it out for gaming glory.
Pups and Pints: A Winning Combination
But our craft beer adventure wouldn’t be complete without a stop at some of Howard County’s most beloved pet-friendly pubs, would it? That’s right, you heard me – these establishments welcome our four-legged companions with open arms (and maybe even a few dog treats on the side).
Hysteria Brewing Company and The Ale House Columbia are just a couple of the pup-friendly havens we simply must visit. Imagine sipping on a refreshing IPA while your furry friend snuggles up at your feet – it’s the perfect recipe for a truly memorable afternoon.
Of course, as we traverse this craft beer wonderland, it’s important to remember to drink responsibly. Safety should always be our top priority, so let’s be sure to designate a driver or take advantage of ridesharing services when needed.
Elevating the Tasting Experience
But the beauty of Howard County’s craft beer scene isn’t just about the drinks themselves – it’s about the experience. As the Visit Howard County website so eloquently puts it, “It’s not just about the drink, it’s about the experience.” And at The Up and Under Pub, we’re about to take that experience to new heights.
Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy, locally-sourced burger, perfectly paired with a crisp, refreshing lager. Or indulging in a decadent, hand-crafted cocktail, infused with the essence of a small-batch spirit from Lost Ark Distilling. The possibilities are endless, and the team at The Up and Under Pub is committed to elevating every aspect of our tasting journey.
Raising a Glass to Howard County’s Craft Brew Scene
As I sit here, sipping on a frothy, hop-forward IPA and admiring the vibrant atmosphere of The Up and Under Pub, I can’t help but feel a sense of pure joy and gratitude. Howard County has truly become a mecca for craft beer enthusiasts, and I’m honored to be a part of this camaraderie-filled adventure.
So, let’s raise a glass to the local brewers, distillers, and pub owners who are pouring their heart and soul into these liquid masterpieces. And let’s not forget to capture the essence of our experience – after all, there’s a FeBREWary photo competition waiting to be won!
Here’s to sipping, savoring, and socializing our way through the best of what Howard County’s craft brew scene has to offer. Cheers, my friends!
