A new year has begun, as well as a new decade – exciting stuff. Happy New Year!

Looking forward, 2020 has a lot of promise in the local craft beer scene. We can look forward to a business merger in Ellicott City and a new Maryland beer law.

The Phoenix Emporium of Ellicott City has purchased Ellicott Mills Brewing as of January 1, 2020. The Phoenix Emporium will shut down on April 1st. Both businesses will merge into one at the Ellicott Mills Brewing Company location. Given the Phoenix’s flood-prone location, I think it is a win-win for both owners, Ellicott City and Howard County as well. Click The Phoenix Emporium move to read more about this merger of two long-standing local businesses.

The Brewery Modernization Act and Beer Franchise Law reform, enacted in 2019, corrects bad beer legislation from the past. This legislation gave breweries (to quote BrewedinMaryland, “an increase in taproom sales;  the elimination of the buy-back proviso; an increase in taproom hours;  and increases in both production and self-distribution limits among other favorable changes.” It also enables breweries to terminate a distributor relationship in 45 days.

Well, I look forward to 2020, which I’m sure will be full of surprises. In fact, right now, I’m forced to leave my home due to a gas leak. I hope my home is here when I get back!!

Cheers & Happy New Year!

Warren