Kate, Judy & Mike with their business partners spearheaded The South Baltimore Brewery District, a grassroots and self-funded initiative between Pickett Brewing, Wico Street Beer Co., Checkerspot Brewing, and M8 Beer Co.

The breweries eye a future that amplifies collaboration in the craft alcohol community beyond Baltimore to the entire state of Maryland. After developing a joint marketing and social media strategy that includes “district days,” quarterly neighborhood clean-ups, as well as smaller events and partnerships, the four breweries are ready to take their vision a step further. In spring of 2024 they received a grant through the Maryland Alcohol Manufacturing Promotion Fund (MAMPF) to expand on their concept. According to Maryland’s Department of Commerce website, Senate Bill 698 established MAMPF in 2022 to use a portion of alcohol taxes to expand craft alcohol in the state, attract new visitors, create special events to promote alcohol manufacturers, support the expansion of minority ownership and participation, as well as developing incentives to promote the state’s agricultural products in production of craft alcohol.

The South Baltimore Brewery District will use the grant funding to host a 10-day long event in April 2025 that will build momentum for the spirit of collaboration beyond their borders. “Craft x Craft: A Celebration of Craft Beer and Collaboration” will be hosted at the district breweries but will highlight breweries, wineries, and distilleries throughout Maryland. Craft x Craft will aim to attract industry professionals, as well as craft beer lovers, home-brewers, breweries-in-planning, history buffs, and small business supporters through events with various focus areas, and of course, collaboration beers.

This conversation features:

• Judy Neff (Checkerspot Brewing)
• Kate Conway (Pickett Brewing)
• Mike Richardson (Wico Street Beer Co)

Learn more at: http://www.sobobrewdistrict.com/