Brewery Fire

October 6, 2019

It finally happened! After many hurdles and bumps in the road and a few more yet to overcome, and one full year after winning the 2018 Carroll Biz Challenge, Jesse Johnson and Dave Palmer have opened Brewery Fire in Taneytown on September 27, 2019.

Brewery Fire is currently the third Carroll County brewery but not the last, with three others in planning- Flood Zone, 1623, and Pipe the Side. The Taneytown brewery is ideally situated off of Old Taneytown Road next to Thunderhead Bowl and within view of the roundabout taking advantage of the main thoroughfare and foot traffic. It is a great neighborhood for such a venture, and one that has been much welcomed by the town.

The men behind Brewery Fire certainly enjoy the support of the community. The local business owners understand what a draw the brewery can be in addition to the agro-tourism, the picturesque scenery, charming (real) bed and breakfasts, antique shops, restaurants and bakery I close proximity to the brewery. Local Business leaders understand and completely buy into the philosophy that a rising tide lifts all boats, and by that measure if one succeeds, they all benefit. This also happens to be Jesse and Dave’s philosophy, and they are laser focused on being a positive and most contributory part of Taneytown.  

Brewery Fire has incredible patronage from local residents (of all ages). If you were expecting to find a predominantly millennial crowd- think again.  There is a not a demographic (of legal drinking age) that Brewery Fire has missed in its appeal and the results are impressive- from the groups of senior citizens that are making this their regular go to place, to the discerning style-centric millennials, and of course those in the middling area between the two. The buzz extends well beyond Taneytown to Westminster, Baltimore, Annapolis, and Southern Maryland.

The brewery is a vivid mix of industrial meets vintage- from Kirk Seese’ 1980’s themed mural (which of course includes The Princess Bride and Indiana Jones) in the bier garden,  and digital beer menu nestled above the taps of the bar. There of course is the taproom which adds to the ambience by adeptly mixing corrugated aluminum with beautifully carved wooden countertops created by Makers Woodshop (in nearby Woodstock), with Super Nintendo (yes you too can play), providing the fun and inviting atmosphere for everyone. Makers Woodshop is also going to use Brewery Fire as a place to showcase some of their work- a terrific partnership and a win for everyone!

Make no mistake-the beer is the main event. The “Executor” West Coast IPA exactly what it should be- they did not miss a thing. The Red Ale “Start Now” was named after a favorite and inspiring Comptroller of Maryland employee, and one that most in the industry knows well- Lou Berman. His years of experience is always an asset, and “Start Now” serves as a lovely and delicious reminder of that expertise. Even before Brewery Fire officially opened Jesse and Dave were working on collaborations with other Carroll County brewers from Pub Dog to 1623. More collaborations are coming because this is a united community of brewers aiding one another to realize their dreams, and all of Maryladn is benefitting

Dave and Jesse are still working on a few things to maximize the Brewery Fire experience, but they are finally open and the beer is sublime. Take a drive, enjoy the scenery, and be ready to bring a few crowlers home…because yes it is that good!

Cheers!