Recently, I've come to appreciate the mantra of quality over quantity, regardless of the situation. As I embarked on my college journey, I was initially a girl who enjoyed a good time. However, I soon realized that hard liquors weren't the ideal choice for me. Enter Christian, and with him, I discovered a new love – craft beer. This revelation prompted a shift in my drinking preferences, although I still indulge in the occasional rum and coke.
The world of beer opened up to me, and initially, I hesitated due to the limited beer selections at bars. Realizing the bar scene was no longer my scene, I turned my attention to breweries. Little did I know the abundance of breweries near Baltimore, not to mention the plethora throughout Maryland and Delaware.
Trips to various breweries illuminated the appeal of spending Friday or Saturday nights at a brewery rather than a bar. The ambiance, live music, diverse entertainment, delightful drinks, and the absence of rowdy college students made the brewery experience far more enjoyable.
One such brewery that captured my interest is Union Craft. Founded in 2011 by Kevin Blodger, Adam Beriesch, and Jon Zerivitz, Union Craft aimed to brew world-class beer and foster community. Their small brewery quickly outgrew its space, leading to a relocation and expansion in the spring of 2018 to a new venue on W 41st St in Baltimore, MD.
This move not only increased their customer base but also promised an enhancement in the quality of their beer. The name "Union" signifies the collaboration of water, barley, hops, and yeast in beer, the union of brewers, and the community they serve.
Approaching the brewery, a vibrant, funky wall greets you, along with an inviting outdoor section. My visits with Christian have been a source of enjoyment, especially during the summer when we took advantage of the outdoor offerings – cornhole, a giant Jenga set, and scattered tables. The interior, resembling a warehouse, exudes a strong sense of community.
Union impresses with its creative beer names, quirky art, and unique decorations. An RV serves as a photo booth, adding to the overall experience. The large bar offers 10-12 different beers on tap, showcasing the brewery's ability to craft over 40 bold yet balanced beer varieties.
Long communal tables with stools abound in the open building, providing ample seating. A kitchen across from the bar tempts me to try their rumored delicious pizza during my next visit. The brewery also features a stage for live entertainment and music, along with a separate room for special events or parties. And let's not forget the enticing collection of merchandise they offer.
On a personal note, I attended a fundraiser at Union one fall night – a cool experience with live music, vibrant decorations, and outdoor lights. To top it off, Union's generosity shone through with a donation of $1 from every pint sold.
That being said, here is my rating:
Atmosphere - ★★★★★ - I really enjoy the atmosphere at Union. Sometimes it's hard to give ratings to a brewery just based off first impressions alone. However, I've been to Union a few times and each time is unique and enjoyable.
Beer - ★★★★ - I really enjoy Union's sours. Old Pro Gose is probably my favorite.
Employees - ★★★★ - The employees at Union are super nice and friendly! I was working a fundraiser there and I was able to go into the private room and behind the bar to get some awesome shots!
Location - ★★★★★ - The location for Union was perfect. It offers plenty of parking and a decent size building for customers.
Social Media - ★★★★ - I really enjoy Union's social media presence. They do a wonderful job utilizing each platform in various ways. I do believe that they could revamp their website a little bit or at least at a section of beers that are on tap.
Total: 4.4 STARS!
Cheers!
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