Opened in August 2018, Inverness Brewing stands as a testament to the shared passion for hospitality held by its owners, Ray and Sandy. Their journey, which began in 2016 with the support of their sons, Tyler and Ryan, culminated in the brewery's doors swinging open to the public on August 28th. Sandy expressed, "We love to brew, and we have the land," providing the impetus to turn their 100-acre historic farm into the first farm brewery in Baltimore County.
This family-operated farm, once known for hosting parties and events in its barn, has now transformed into a brewery where locals can revel in its charm. The farm has diversified its offerings by cultivating hops used in crafting the brewery's beer. The owners, Ray and Sandy, have ambitious plans to grow their own barley soon, emphasizing a commitment to using seasonal ingredients in their brews.
Having heard much about Inverness, my curiosity led me to visit in November. The brewery, nestled on a back road, proved easily accessible, and the expansive parking lot provided ample space for visitors. A cover charge was collected by a friendly attendant, signaling the anticipation of live music that day.
Entering with tempered expectations for a newly opened brewery, I was pleasantly surprised. The interior exuded a magical and homey atmosphere, featuring a cabin feel, multiple brewery levels, and thoughtfully adorned walls. The building's size exceeded my expectations. While exploring, I encountered the owners, who were welcoming and informative!
The main floor boasted live music and numerous tables for patrons, including a unique handmade swinging bar. Catwalks on both sides allowed for elevated seating, offering a panoramic view of the main section. The basement provided a cozy hangout spot with large tables, space heaters, and sliding doors leading to an outdoor patio featuring a second bar and a fire pit. The expansive lawn invited visitors to relax, with the added allure of a cornhole set and a kitchen trailer serving as a food truck.
Inverness proved to be family and dog-friendly, with additional entertainment options like shuffleboard and a large TV for sports enthusiasts. Opting for a flight to sample their offerings, Christian and I experienced a selection of 10 beers, predominantly IPAs and pale ales. The owners hinted at an upcoming sour, ensuring a future return for a taste.
While none of the flight beers achieved "love" status for me, we explored other selections not included in the flight and found them to our liking. The unique flight boards, crafted from wood with horseshoes as handles, added a distinctive touch to the overall experience at Inverness Brewing.
Overall, I really enjoyed the experience at Inverness and look forward to my next trip back!!
That being said, here is my rating:
Atmosphere - ★★★★★ - I really liked the atmosphere at Inverness. Between the barn feeling, the family and friends carrying on, the games within the different floors.
Beer - ★★★★ - I really enjoyed the fact they offered flights, but I ended up not enjoying them as much as I thought I would. Christian and I ended up getting glasses of different beers and liked those a lot better. I also like that they're experimenting and trying new types of beer.
Employees - ★★★★ - The owners were super friendly and engaging which was pretty cool. However, when we went to order our beer at the bar, we felt as though we were being ignored for a period of time.
Location - ★★★★★ - I think they're location was perfect. They had nice back roads to get there, an awesome building and the whole barn feel. I don't think this type of brewery would have worked anywhere else. They offered plenty of parking but unfortunately, it's in the grass so be prepared for mud if it rains!
Social Media - ★★★★ - I really like their presence on social media but I feel like they should be updating it more frequently -- especially Twitter. I do enjoy their website and thought that the visuals were eye-catching and really engaged me.
Total: 4.4 STARS!
Cheers!
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