USA, MD: Black Flag Brewing Co and Bulk Head Brewing Co joining Columbia beer scene

More IPAs and stouts will soon be coming from Columbia. Black Flag Brewing Co and Bulk Head Brewing Co are the latest craft beer makers taking advantage of loosening regulations in Howard County and the state, BisNow TV reported on January 29.

Black Flag Brewing Co will likely open its 9k SF warehouse and tasting room in April, after its county liquor license hearing, founder Brian Gaylor says. About a dozen investors are spending $1.1 mln to open in the industrial building at 9315 Snowden River Pkwy and expect to produce up to 2,000 barrels the first year. Brian, right, is next to his assistant brewer Warren Hendrickson at an equipment supplier factory in Nebraska. Brian declined to name his head brewer just yet, as he’s currently employed elsewhere.

Black Flag will sell double IPAs, Belgian saison and breakfast stout in the 80-seat tasting room and in liquor stores, starting in Howard County. Guests can bring their own food or purchase some from a food truck parked outside. Beach-themed brewery Bulk Head Brewing will serve 10 beers on tap once it opens in March, says founder and head brewer Joshua Matthews. The 7k SF brewery and tasting room will open Thursday through Saturday, serving seasonal drafts and its five flagship beers, which include He’enalu Honey red ale and Guava Porter, made with Amish guava jam. Located at 8980 Old Annapolis Rd, the brewery will produce up to 15 barrels of beer every couple of weeks.

Black Flag and Bulk Head join the hopping Howard County brewery scene, whose newer entrants include Ellicott City’s Manor Hill Brewing and Laurel’s Jailbreak Brewing Co. Farm brewery Manor Hill recently debuted its tasting room. Manor Hill's owners operate Victoria Gastro Pub and are opening a second restaurant in Clarksville.

03 February, 2016