The First Carroll County "Farm" Brewery Opens This Weekend

Ruhlman Brewery, at Creeping Creek Farms northwest of Hampstead, Md. opens to the public this weekend.

Edited press release below:

Brewed locally, using water from the farm’s well and naturally-grown 100% whole flower hops, Ruhlman Brewery enters the fast-growing craft brewery field with the debut of their four hand-crafted distinct ales, marketed as “Our Ales.”
Located at Creeping Creek Farms in Hampstead, Maryland, Carroll County about 45 minutes north of Baltimore, Ruhlmans Brewery makes its debut with Milk Stout, Tavern Pale Ale, Red Ale, and India Pale Ale (IPA) during a special release party, Saturday, August 11, from 8am to 5pm.
Norman Ruhlman established the farm in 1970, dividing his time between raising beef cattle, growing fresh food and vegetables for the family table and working construction – and providing for a family of eight. The farmhouse was built in 1890 and there’s a foundation on the property that dates earlier than that.
Creeping Creek Farms and the brewery continue the family tradition, which now spans three generations of Ruhlmans – and Marylanders – involved in its operation: Henry, Roger, Janet and Edith are siblings and own the farm; Henry’s sons Matt and Danny help with the brewery; Cousin Jesse is also a brewer; and brother-in-law Bob along with Janet work the hops and are helping with the packaging.
Brewing beer became a passion for Henry, about six years ago. “Back in 2010 just before Dad died, we talked to him about using a pasture on the farm to grow hops. I had been brewing small batches for a couple years and was seriously thinking about a brewery. That’s when he said, 'Might as well go ahead. It’s not good for anything else.'"
With a scent that is both herbal and spicy, that pasture is now a thriving hop field featuring six different varieties of hops--Mount Hood, Willamette, Centennial, Saaz, Fuggles, and Cascade, all grown naturally with no pesticides, herbicides and only natural fertilizer. “You can smell the freshness,” Matt said. The ales are scheduled to hit ten Carroll County liquor stores in August, with the plans to expand into other counties and stores in Maryland in the fall, according to Matt.
Ruhlman Brewery is located on Creeping Creek Farm at 2300 Harvey Gummel Road, about 45 minutes north of Baltimore. Brewed using naturally- grown hops on the farm, the micro-brewery will focus on ales “brewed for the people.” The retail ale store at the brewery is scheduled to be open Saturdays and Sundays, 9 to 5.