NORTH BEACH, Md. — North Beach has a new craft brewery in town. Unauthorized Brewing opened its doors on Aug. 14 and has been drawing in crowds looking to enjoy local beers. The brewery is located at 9132 Bay Ave. and is open Thursdays and Fridays from 4 to 9 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 9 p.m.
Unauthorized manufactures its beer on site and has a small taproom where people can order drinks or do a beer tasting. The beer tasting is proving to be a popular arm of the business, with many enthusiasts heading in to try the new brews. The brewery’s social media highlights include a sour beer and a French/Belgian ale called “Sabotage.” The website’s “What’s on Tap” page has an updated list of beers ranging from stouts to pale ales, so you can make sure there’s something you like before you go.
The brewery was founded by three self-described “beer-loving buddies” — Dave Martin, Tony Hill and Phil Ramsingh — who had a vision to be a “locally celebrated and regionally recognized” brand. The founders met at the recently shuttered Scorpion Brewing in Owings and were determined to bring a new brewery to the area to continue the sense of community they’d found there.
“Our purpose is good beer, nice atmosphere, and building community,” the owners said, adding that the small space is essential to creating that supportive environment. “Once you walk in here, you have no choice but to get to know someone else. It’s an atmosphere that brings people together and encourages communication.”
Ramsingh attributed this sense of community in part to the way the owners got involved in local events early on. They participated in events like the town trick-or-treat, the Dragon Boat Festival and Christmas at the Beach Parade long before the doors opened, and feel that’s helped them gain more support from their neighbors in North Beach.
Martin, Hill and Ramsingh brew the beer themselves. They have a two-barrel setup for brewing beer, meaning they brew in small batches to maintain flavor and quality in every glass, and aim to be creative with flavor but true to the traditional craft brewing process.
“The key thing is the beer. We’re small so we can do unique things and experiment. If we don’t get a batch right, we can make sure to tailor it and overcome any obstacles. We gear the beer and taste profiles for customers,” Martin said.
So far, customers have given overwhelmingly positive feedback both online and in person. In addition to the beers and tasting options, customers love the cozy taproom and the trendy décor, but mentioned that seating is limited and it’s not ideal for kids.
The beers are only available for sale at the taproom. The brewery doesn’t yet have bottles or cans you can buy to go or from local stores, though the owners say they’re excited about the future.
“We like to make beers that are drinkable. Drinkability, that’s what it’s all about,” the owners agreed.
Unauthorized Brewing is the latest business to open on Bay Ave., with more coming soon in what’s fast becoming a bustling area of food, drinks and friends in North Beach.
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Super cute place, good beers, options, great food delivered, and the owners seem super nice and good people!