USA, MD: Diamondback Beer to open new brewery in Baltimore next summer

Less than a year after joining Maryland's craft beer scene, Diamondback Beer is gearing up to open its own brewery, Baltimore Business Journal reported on August 5.

The company is searching for warehouse space between 6,000 and 10,000 square feet in several Baltimore neighbourhoods. Francis Smith, one of the brand's three co-founders, said Diamondback Beer has a few locations in mind and hopes to select a space by October, with a goal of opening the brewery next summer.

Diamondback Beer contracts out of Beltway Brewing Co. in Sterling, and previously contracted out of Eastern Shore Brewing Co. The company had always planned to open an independent brewery within its first few years and is now looking to bring its production back to Maryland.

"We definitely wanted to do it quickly," Smith said. "We know it's easy to get stuck in the contract brewing situation." The new agreement will expand its reach throughout Baltimore City and Baltimore, Howard and Anne Arundel counties.

"When it comes to the beer, there is every type of beer out there and there are so many great ones, so it’s extremely difficult to differentiate yourself on that aspect,” Smith said.

To that end, having a physical location will help Diamondback Beer resonate with Baltimoreans. Smith said Diamondback Beer will look to be actively involved in its neighbourhood when the brewery opens, and he hopes the brewery becomes a gathering space for nearby residents.

07 August, 2015