Sapwood Cellars Brewery — Restaurant in Maryland

As the old saying goes, "It it had been a snake, it would have bit me." Did not know a brewery existed so close by, let alone in a business park. Went there for a friend's birthday party. They have a separate room on the left side to hold parties. From the outside of this nondescript building, you would never know what was inside, uh, except for the sign that is. We walked in and it is a rather large bar like setting. It felt comfortable.

There were many workers moving around always busy helping customers. They all knew what they were doing. I spoke with the one of the older gentleman and asked if he was the owner. Nope, he just works part time. It appears this place opened in 2018. I assume this place was able to stay open through this pandemic because it works like a fine oiled machine. Literally anyone of the employees could have been the owner/manager. They were everywhere taking care of things. They brought over our drinks to the party room, cleaned up regularly, and all were friendly and helpful. I don't think they served food as I did not see any food menu, but they had a food truck outside which was also on point!

Had a great time and wouldn't hesitate to go...

The highest quality selection I've ever seen at an Maryland independent brewery.

No endless IPAs with a few lazy attempts at lagers and sundry. They have plenty on tap but they shine with their bottles. You're going to want some for home.

Service is attentive to the point of being a little TOO attentive at times, but I'll take that over being ignored.

The food was a mixed bag. Apps were decent and the guacamole was delicious if pricey. My carnitas tacos on the other hand were disappointingly dry. I know the kitchen just opened so I'm going to chalk it up to growing pains.

The venue is adequate, though the lack of sound dampening means that it can seem rowdy with even a small crowd. I also had too many encounters with fruit flies and a random mosquito-not something I'm used to in an indoor space.

So why with the mixed feelings in some areas is this still 5 stars? I'll refer you back to the top of the review. The beer...

My rating is solely beer-based. nothing to do with the forum/location

Love that they are specializing in IPAs and sours. There are plenty of breweries in MD that are not specialized for those that prefer variety over specialized quality.

In their expertise, these guys are in the outfield of the ballpark with the big boys: Treehouse, Trillium, Triple Crossing, Aslin, etc. According to some very knowledgeable home brewers I met, they expect Sapwood to be in the infield with those big boys within a year. That would be amazing, and they’ll get five stars from me when they get there.

They seem to be purists—no lactose and few beers have after-process flavors inserted. As much as I love the creamy sweet flavor of a milkshake (lactose) IPA, I appreciate the purity of...