The Maryland Brewery Challenge Continues

If you have a dog, Jailbreak is the place for you. Jailbreak is very dog-friendly. If you have just been to CarMax in Laurel, then Jailbreak is the place for you. It’s right next door. If you like craft beer, then Jailbreak is the place for you. They make delicious beer.

Jailbreak Brewing Company is just south of Maryland Route 32 on US Route 1. When headed south on Route 1, look for the CarMax on the right, then make your first left.  They have been open full-time since 2014. They are open to the public Wednesday – Saturday. A food truck usually sits out front in the parking lot.  I had strawberry chocolate waffles — yum! A recent article mentions plans for adding a kitchen this summer.

Enter Jailbreak and step into a big room with beer vessels in the back, behind the bar. Lots of TVs are playing on the walls. In the center of the room are many high tables. A shuffleboard table is usually busy with patrons gathered around. Today, the place is packed with people. We chose to share one of the last seats,  a huge soft chair. I placed my key-shaped flight on the coffee table.

Jailbreak’s ongoing theme is freedom, as the name indicates. Found on Jailbreak’s webpage: Craft beer made with conviction. (Yuck, yuck). Their flights, like their logo, are shaped like a key. I filled my sampler key with four beers. Brewmaster Ryan Harvey was the head brewer at Dogfish Head Brewery prior to making Jailbreak’s delicious brews. My compliments to Mr. Harvey for these 4 samples:

• Feed the Monkey – a very good orange hefeweizen with lots of funk.
• Van Dammit – a Belgian strong ale (delicious). Nose and taste of bananas. Strong molasses malt flavor.
• Big Punisher – a double IPA. BA calls this their best beer. I found the citrus hops overpowering today, but have enjoyed it in the past.
• Maple Ridge – a nice solid red. Nose of coffee & brown sugar. Sweet maple flavor with slight hop finish.

Justin Bonner, the former CEO of Norseman Defense Technologies and his business partner Kasey Turner have successfully broken away from their day jobs to own a very successful brewery. I certainly plan to visit again the next time I need a little freedom.

Cheers!

Warren