Forward Brewing is a small brewery doing some big things. Located in the quaint neighborhood of Eastport, just south of Annapolis proper, Forward has done a lot with their small footprint.
I’ve wanted to visit Forward Brewing in the Eastport neighborhood near Annapolis since first learning of its opening over two years ago. I'd heard good reports about their beer and food and had an opportunity when a good friend wanted to catch up over a beer. Forward Brewing is a small brewery doing some big things. Located in the quaint neighborhood of Eastport, just south of Annapolis proper, Forward has done a lot with their small footprint.
Forward Brewing front porch in Eastport, MD.
Meet the Brewer
While there, I had the opportunity to meet with head brewer Warren Hendrickson. Warren showed us around their unique brewery setup. Warren had previously worked as the head brewery at Black Flag Brewing (Columbia MD) before coming to Forward over two years ago. He describes himself as a beer drinker with a brewing problem.
Warren Hendrickson, head brewer at Forward Brewing.
Forward uses a 7-barrel system with six fermenters that are stacked two high. It is an unique arrangement but they had more vertical space available than floorspace and makes great use of their available footprint. They also have a new canning line. Almost all of their beer is sold from the taproom but you can find their beer available at some better taprooms around the area.
The Beer
Their Annapolis Boat Kolsch series is a customer favorite and the current varietal was the Annapolis Boat Lime, a Kölsch conditioned on lime puree. They offer a wide selection of beer styles ranging from seasonal summer beers, kettle sours and some barrel-aged beers.
I selected their Last Call Citra pale ale to go with the fish tacos I'd ordered. It’s an easy drinking summer quaff and I enjoyed it enough to grab a 4-pack to go. As a second selection I had the Coconight Light, an English style dark ale brewed with caramel and chocolate malts conditioned on toasted coconut and pineapple. The pineapple in a dark beer had me a bit concerned but was assured by the staff that it wasn't a dominate flavor. I found that to be true would recommend giving it a try.
Coconight Light, an English style dark ale and beer menu.
I tasted their Barrel Aged Rye Doppelbock (10.5% ABV) and thought it was very good. I enjoy many barrel-aged beers but something other than a stout piques my interest. I also grabbed a bottle of their BBA Sea Bishop barleywine at 13.5% ABV for a later date.
“What does it mean to be “Forward?” By definition, belonging to the forepart, situated in advance, strongly inclined, lacking modesty or reserve, noticeably advanced or developed, or moving, trending or leading toward a position in front.”
What’s in the Name?
What’s in the name? As touted on their website, this definition resonates with them, “What does it mean to be “Forward?” By definition, belonging to the forepart, situated in advance, strongly inclined, lacking modesty or reserve, noticeably advanced or developed, or moving, trending or leading toward a position in front.”
Forward is a resource-conscious establishment, too. “We aim for the triple bottom line, focusing on people and the planet as a for profit business. From water conservation in brewing, to sustainable food sourcing, to composting and waste elimination, we’ve adopted practices that allow us to have the smallest possible footprint, while at the same time offering something delicious.”
If you find yourself in Annapolis, need to wet your whistle or catch a bite, and have even a slightly adventurous spirit, you owe it to yourself to make your way to Eastport and Forward Brewing.
Forward Brewing
418 Fourth Street
Annapolis, Maryland
(443) 221-7277
ForwardEastport.com
Hours
Mon closed
Tue-Thur 4pm-9pm
Fri 12pm–9pm
Sat 11am–9pm
Sun 11am–8pm
