USA, MD: Antietam Brewery opens in Hagerstown

Benny’s Pub in Hagerstown is brewing up new business, The Daily Record reported on March, 6.

On Tuesday, March, 5, owner Bill Skomski Sr. hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open Antietam Brewery inside the Benny’s Pub building. The event culminated with Mayor David S. Gysberts tapping the first keg.

“This has been a dream of mine since 1998 or 1999,” Skomski said. “This was our vision when we opened the business six years ago … I hope to see the brewery grow to where I have beers in every liquor store in all 50 states.”

Antietam Brewery features three beers — General’s Golden Ale, Pickett’s Porter and Kelly’s Red River IRA (India Red Ale).

Daniel Maerzluft, a brewmaster with 17 years of experience said the brewery will start with three “flagship” beers and gradually branch out.

“Every chance we get we’re going to slip in a seasonal,” Maerzluft said.

The craft beers at Antietam Brewery have a higher alcohol content than a lot of popular American beers. The alcohol content of General’s Golden Ale and Pickett’s Porter are just under 5.5 percent. Kelly’s Red River IRA is 7.5 percent.

The price of the beers ranges from $4 to $5 a pint. The beer isn’t sold in bottles, but bartenders will fill half-gallon growlers for customers to take home.

Skomski said he has hired five new employees to run the brewery side of the operation — bringing his total number of workers to 19.

“We’re hoping to keep business in Hagerstown,” Skomski said. “We want people to come out and enjoy good beer.”

08 March, 2013