American Craft Beer Week 2020
As of June 2020, Chad’s will have operated for 7 years. The original idea for the restaurant was simple – great food with great friends. Nothing fancy. We don’t have a big menu, a big restaurant, or big attitudes. We like making great food, having conversations, and relaxing. Now coming up on our 7th anniversary, 2020 has challenged us. Our favorite locals aren’t popping in to have a cold one with some smoked wings. We don’t get to chat out on the back patio with our customers or celebrate your milestones we cater. It’s been a big learning curve for sure. But, with the grace of an amazing and supportive community, we changed it up. Bringing you curbside pick-up and drinks-to-go. That is why this year, we aren’t skipping over American Craft Beer Week.
We Are Still Celebrating
While it is going to look a bit different, we still think it’s important to celebrate American breweries and local companies, as our community has supported us. There are a lot of amazing craft beers in America. There are even quite a few right here in Maryland. We have highlighted some before in our We Love Maryland Craft Beers (Part 1 and Part 2). And, it’s no secret we love beer. I mean, what else goes so well with BBQ?
We would give anything to have you pull up a chair, let us pour from the tap and talk about the new brews. Instead, we will tell you about them here. Some are new, some are old favorites. Here are some great brews to check out for American Craft Beer Week. (Or any time!)
Featured American Brews & Breweries
American Craft Beer Week is officially May 11th to May 17th. It was created to support and recognize the small, independent breweries. It first started in May 2006. However, the history of beer in America goes back to December 1829 with the first craft brewery opening in Pennsylvania. Can you take a guess what beer that was? D.G. Yuengling & Son. Maryland’s first brewery, Oliver Brewing, didn’t open until 1993! Although, we caught up fast. While this isn’t an exhaustive list, here are some brews and breweries we recommend you check out.
Positive Mental Attitude – Key Brewing Co.
Hailing from Dundalk, Maryland, Key Brewing Co. launched in 2015. And, with everything going on, who doesn’t need a sip of Positive Mental Attitude? This year-round Pilsner is an unfiltered premium lager gratuitously hopped with German Saphir and Tettnang to lend lime zest and floral aromatics. We carry 12 oz. cans for carry-out.
Special Lady Friend – Jailbreak Brewing Company
This Laurel, Maryland brewery started in 2013. And, while Jailbreak Brewing Company might be more known for it’s Feed the Monkey Hefeweizen, Special Lady Friend needs a shout out. Originating from a sturdy base of 2-row, white wheat, and flaked oats, the palate experience melds into a pithy melange of tropical fruit. This ultimately results in a dry, yet soft, elegant finish.
Hoop Tea White Mange – Backshore Brewing Company
Can’t take your annual trip to OC this year? Grab a Hoop Tea. It is exactly what Backshore Brewing Co. claims it to be – summer in a jar. This is a malt beverage with white tea and mango flavors. Best part? We have it to-go. They use natural ingredients, purified water, organic cane sugar, and a thousands of years old process of fermenting natural sugars from steeped grains to create this refreshing beverage.
Situation Critical – Eastern Shore Brewing Co.
If this isn’t 2020 in a jar, we don’t know what is. Eastern Shore Brewing Co. made this modern American IPA utilizing the best of American hops. It is a fruity, citrus, and dank hop profile paired with a clean malt presence. As the oldest brewery on the Eastern Shore, they know how to make award-winning beers. This is no exception. If you love hops, this is the brew for you.
Brain Salad – Union Craft Brewing
This Baltimore-based brewery was founded in 2011. Since then, Union Craft Brewing has come out with over 150 different brews – from small batches and collaborations to fan favorites and seasonal beers. This is a big, bold, juicy, hazy IPA loaded with groovy, funky, fruity hops. This is only available for a limited time and you guessed it – we have it. Come on by while supplies last.
Country Ride – RAR Brewing
From the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, this Cambridge, Maryland brewery started in 2013. Since then, they haven’t slowed down. This pale ale is named after what we all want to do right about now, take a Country Ride. RAR Brewing made this brew in 2018 with a clean, brisk, and citrusy hoppy taste. You taste hints of pineapple, peach, orange, and caramel.
Resurrection – The Brewer’s Art
If you haven’t heard about The Brewer’s Art, we just don’t know where you have been. Since 1996, this Baltimore brewery has been making waves. And, Resurrection is one of their well-known brews. This is an abbey-style dubbel and is made with five types of barley malt, and three hop varieties. During the fermentation of the first batch, the yeast “died” and was “resurrected”. Amen.
Cheers, Friends!
There are so many beers to choose from, these are just a few of our favorites. Of course, it is no mistake that they also show up on our beer menu. Due to business operations being very different, we are able to offer to-go beer and alcoholic beverages. However, please make sure you follow us on Facebook for the most up-to-date information. We hope you can grab a beer, some BBQ, and cheers #quarantine style.
