Impact of the Pariah Brewing Co. Closure on the Craft Brewing Scene in Baltimore
The Closing of Pariah Brewing Co.
Pariah Brewing Co., a well-loved brewery in the Hampden area, announced its closure recently. This marks another significant blow to the craft brewing scene in Baltimore. Employees were seen carrying armloads of beer to their cars as the announcement was made public.
Reasons Behind the Closure
“We honestly should have closed a year ago. The toll this has taken is immeasurable,” mentioned co-owner Brian Mitchell in an Instagram post. Baltimore City Sheriff Sam Cogen confirmed that the brewery was evicted due to rent-related issues. Mitchell had launched Pariah Brewing Co. with his wife, Christa, in San Diego in 2017 before relocating to Baltimore in 2022.
Trend in Maryland Breweries Shutdown
Pariah Brewing Co. is not the only one facing difficulties. Craft brewer Full Tilt shut down in 2023. Additionally, Diageo ceased manufacturing in its Halethorpe facility last year. Flying Dog, another notable name, also sold to a company in New York and moved its operations there. The Pariah Brewing Co. closure is part of a larger trend affecting Maryland breweries and beer makers.
Community’s Response to the Closure
The community expressed its support for Pariah Brewing Co. and the Mitchells. An owner of the neighboring Waverly Brewing Co. wrote a heartfelt post on Facebook, conveying support and understanding. The beer industry as a whole has been seeing a downturn as younger audiences are increasingly drawn to nonalcoholic beers, hard seltzers, and canned cocktails.
Conclusion
The closure of Pariah Brewing Co. casts a spotlight on the struggles within the craft brewing scene in Baltimore. It serves as a reminder of the challenges small breweries face, from financial difficulties to changing consumer preferences. The community’s reaction reinforces the significant role these local breweries play.