Baltimore used to be one of the major boat manufacturing powerhouses in the U.S. For many years this enterprise not only buoyed, but helped Baltimore grow into one of the largest economic hubs in the Eastern U.S.A. However, it was Baltimore’s robust brewing manufacturers that kept the city moving forward even after all the boat manufacturing companies folded. During the mid-20th century, the major brewing companies took hits that also made them defunct. However, the 21st century craft brew craze has once again made Baltimore one of the most happening cities for beer connoisseurs. 

The neighborhood of Fell’s Point used to be a spectacle for sumptuous bareboats. While its sailing culture is still apparent, it is now one of the hippest neighborhoods to experience one of the many breweries Baltimore has on tap. With the seventh annual Baltimore Beer Week taking place from October 7-16 it’s important to know which breweries are must-visits before setting your charter and docking up at Fell’s Point. 

Rye

There are plenty of bars in the area that cater to younger crowds with less mature palates. Rye is not one of them. Rye plans on opening up again after relocating in the upcoming weeks. It’s best known for a craft cocktail approach that its unparalleled anywhere else in the city -the bar doesn’t even have taps. It was named in The Baltimore Sun’s list of best bars in both 2012 and 2013. Along with ordering a Freestone cocktail (Old Overholt rye whiskey, peach liqueur, orange peel, plus bitters on the rocks) patrons can complement their cocktails with a menu consisting of flatbreads, sandwiches, and bitesize treats. 

Photo: Rye Baltimore

DogWatch Tavern 

DogWatch is oddly a Syracuse bar that offers discounts such as Orange Man Bombs Wine (Red Bulls & Pinnacle Vodka Flavor) as well as two dollar domestics. Befitting its name, this bar is the perfect place to watch a sporting event on colossal leather couches while sipping on a local brew. If you’re not into televised events, you can challenge a compatriot to one of the many board games the tavern has behind its bar counter. 

Photo: DogWatch Tavern

Max’s Taphouse

Max’s offers over 1,000 different revolving beers, 102 taps, and five casks. It plays the role of host for a number of beer related events such as the Annual Belgian Beer Fest, Rare & Obscure, Hopfest, American Craft Beer Week, Italian Fest, and more. It also offers brewery events that allow patrons to taste new beers and meet with brewing experts. The brewery slash bar has been featured on MSN and has been named one of America’s top 100 bars on multiple occasions. 

Photo: Max’s Taphouse

With the craft beer culture in full flow, be sure to put Fell’s Point in bold on this October’s bareboat vacation itinerary. It's become a haven for seafaring beer lovers looking to capture a taste of the local micro brewing culture.