Ahhhh, beer. These days, brew masters are always finding new ways to ferment ingredients into an elixir enjoyed by humans since the dawn of time.  Whether it be lagers, ales, stouts, sours, or ciders – if it can be brewed into a beverage, someone local is doing it.  With the weather turning colder, it’s a great time to get out and sample some of the concoctions these local artisans have to offer.  Listed below are some of the places I recommend in Washington County to sample some suds.

Antietam Brewery

140 Western Maryland Parkway, Hagerstown, MD  21740

One of the first artisan breweries in the county, Antietam is still going strong, bolstered by their larger location and established following.  Backed by a wide selection of ever-changing brews (their brown ale is one of my personal favs), beer lovers are sure to find a drink that hits their sweet spot.  Live music, specialty nights, and with an onsite kitchen providing the eats, Antietam is a destination spot for a night of food and drink.

Cushwa Brewing Company

10210 Governor Lane Boulevard – Suite 2010, Williamsport, MD  21795

In business since 2016, Cushwa offers an ever-changing menu of both drafts and canned beers.  They also serve local wines, have a weekly trivia night, and also run other drink specials (their ‘River Bottom Roasters Russian’, made with vodka, cold brew, cream, and peppermint is deliciously on-point).  Hankering for some food?  They share the space with Rad Pies, some of the best damn pizza around (their pan pizza was voted #1 in the country at the International Pizza Expo in 2022).  The taproom is loud and always busy.  Outdoor seating is also available.

Homaide Brewing Company

10210 Governor Lane Boulevard – Suite 1012, Williamsport, MD  21795

Right around the corner from Cushwa, Homaide is a much more laid back and intimate place, offering a wide variety of changing brews and specialty beers.  They recently teamed up with Krumpie’s doughnuts for a limited release (which sold out in just 5 hours), so if something catches your eye, don’t hesitate to stop in for a quiet pour.

Thick-N-Thin Brewing Company

18330 Spark Drive, Hagerstown, MD  21740

One of the county’s newest brewing destinations, Thick-N-Thin features a tap wall, where patrons can grab a frosty glass and pull their own – whatever they want and as much as they want (customers pay by the ounce, which is precisely tabulated).  There are all kinds of beers, seltzers, and ciders to choose from.  Fresh, hot popcorn is on the house, and their “TNT Club” ($99 annual fee) gets you free swag, VIP perks, and even free tacos (the first Tuesday of every month).  There are generally food truck offerings in the parking lot and live music on the weekends.  Outdoor seating is also available.

Upper Stem Brewery

20150 Leitersburg Pike, Hagerstown, MD  21742

No, you’re not lost – Upper Stem really is a brewery, tucked neatly away in a location right across from the Leitersburg cinemas.  This hidden gem offers a nice selection of ales, Belgians, stouts, IPAs, and even mixes in a few sours.  The atmosphere here is all local, and visiting this brew house is like visiting a neighbor’s garage (who is really into beer).  Guest food trucks provide the munchies, and covered outdoor seating is also provided.