In early January I read on a friends social media page that Calvert Brewing in Upper Marlboro would be closing soon. There was no posting on the Calvert website or their social media.
This year, even thought we are still in its early weeks, has not provided much good news for the Maryland brewery scene. Several breweries have closed their doors, with Calvert Brewing being the first.
I was reading through my social media feeds when I learned the Calvert Brewing would be closing soon. A quick trip to their website provided no clues to this event.
Shortly after that, whether it was a planned event or a capricious popup, Drink Calvert Dry was held on Saturday, January 27. But again nothing was posted to Calvert’s online outlets.
Then, on January 31, DC Beer reported Calvert Brewing Closes. Finally, some indication of that earlier prediction had come true, “We are closed, thank you for everything, see you around” was displayed on the Calvert website.
That was it. No further explanation.
The DC Beer post stated, “Calvert Brewing Company was founded in Prince Frederick, Maryland in 2014, and expanded to Upper Marlboro in 2016, becoming the first production brewery in Prince George’s County. The brewery website notes the closure, effective immediately, and the property is listed for lease by Colliers. They are the first area brewery to close in 2024.”
There Won’t Be An Announcement
That friend mentioned earlier was Zachary Lucas, head brewer at Calvert for the past year. He shared, “I was told the week before Christmas they would be closing their doors. There won't be an announcement of their closing for whatever reason or a post about my last beer that was made.”
“When I started at Calvert last February exactly a year ago, the writing was on the wall. I knew it was going to be a challenge and, in my mind, wanted to help a dying brewery. When I got there as the head brewer, I was told not to touch the core brands but was able to do three beers for their 10th anniversary. There were financial obstacles I faced when creating any beer, and with today's craft beer industry, pricing for quality products requires spending money. I was required to make a recipe under a certain budget.”
I believe Calvert failed because of the overproduction of beer in a saturated market, no marketing or extremely slim social media presence, and the location of the brewery.
“I believe Calvert failed because of the overproduction of beer in a saturated market, no marketing or extremely slim social media presence, and the location of the brewery. I never felt like the head brewer there. I felt like I was a fill in brewer to get them to the end of their lease. The owners would tell you the main reason for closing was due to the increase of rent.”
Zach had been a brewer at Guilford Hall Brewing before coming to Calvert. Guilford Hall offered a brewing job to Zach. Calvert countered the Guilford Hall offer but Zach decided to stay on at Calvert.
“The biggest kicker was Guilford Hall offered me the head brewer position about 3 months ago. As you know, I worked there prior to Calvert. They called me and made me a high offer to be their guy. Calvert countered but failed to mention the possibility of closing. So here I am without a job but could of had job security if Calvert would have been honest about the situation.”
Calvert Brewing Co. taproom - Upper Marlboro, MD
Final Thoughts
It is difficult to learn of another local brewery closing. I've interviewed many Maryland breweries, and to hear where they came from and what went into opening the doors to their dream is inspiring. Calvert Brewing closed its doors without any actual warning to patrons. There will always be business cycles, and craft beer is no different. Even so, breweries are opening in Maryland, and successful breweries are growing, adding taproom locations, and expanding markets. It’s a great time to be a Maryland beer drinker.
Across the country, yes, 385 breweries closed and yet 420 were opened last year. Bart Watson is the chief economist at the Brewers Association. His 2023 Year in Beer provides some sober but encouraging news for craft beer. “While many individual businesses are struggling, there is good news in the continued overall popularity of the category. Yes, things are more challenging, but independent brewers still sell more than one out of eight beers in the United States; beer drinkers spend roughly one out of four of their beer dollars on a beer from a small and independent brewer; and the industry remains a source of jobs and community across the country.”
