Love for hops farming inspires local resident to create craft brews

CUMBERLAND — A new drinkery and hops farm, the 1812 Brewery, will soon open on Mason Road and serve locally brewed beer.

The establishment will be managed by 24-year-old Cory McCagh.

McCagh, a 2011 graduate of Allegany High School and 2015 graduate of James Madison University, has decided to combine his love for hops farming with a fully functioning brewery.

The establishment is east of Cumberland on the site of a former dairy farm purchased by the McCagh family.

“Originally, the barn was built in 1812,” McCagh said. “That’s where the name comes from.”

In excess of 2,500 square feet, the two-story barn has been converted into a brewery with vats and tanks in place. The barn features original brick walls supporting a towering roof with woodwork featured in the tables, chairs and decor.

The property also features a hops growing trellis system in the back towering 20 feet high. McCagh said hops are perennial and get taller each year they mature.

“I originally wasn’t planning on doing a brewery,” McCagh said. “I had been doing just the hops. But we will have a Class 8 farm/brewing license.”

McCagh explained the origin of the idea.

“I went to a hops forum last spring. It was in Leesburg, Virginia. But, it was split into a grower’s forum and a brewer’s forum. But I was just there for the hops aspect.

“But, the whole book included the brewery side. They sort of went into the new classes like the Class 8. If you are growing hops, you can potentially go into doing a Class 8 farm/brewery license. That is when I kind of heard about the license.”

McCagh said it was a logical step to expand into brewing.

“We didn’t know what we were going to do with the property,” McCagh said. “This is literally a farm, so what better place to do a farm/brewery.”

McCagh is a member of Comptroller Peter Franchot’s “Reform on Tap” Task Force, which will perform a comprehensive review of state laws that govern the manufacturing, distribution and sale of craft beer.

Maryland is looking for ways to become more competitive in the brewing industry and House Bill 1283 received much attention recently, more for its shortcomings than its supporting guidelines. The bill has cumbersome limits on barrelling and hours of operation, among other stiffling regulations.

“I was invited to be part of the task force,” said McCagh. “It’s based on House bill 1283, which is hindering a lot of different breweries. They want to redo the bill. May 24 will be the first meeting. They are looking for input from breweries.”

The 1812 Brewery will feature IPA, Pale Ale, Cream Ale and Rye Ale.

“We will do those to start out,” said McCagh. “We will test a few different things and see what people like and try some seasonal stuff.”

Early names selected for the beers include Dolley’s Cream Ale, named after Dolley Madison, Evitt’s Pale Ale, Folck’s Mill Pale Ale and Rocky Gap Rye.

The American flag in 1812 had 15 stars and 15 stripes. This feature will also become a source for beverage titles, according to McCagh.

Cory’s father, Sean McCagh, is a partner in the business.

The McCaghs hope to open the 1812 Brewery in mid June. The venue will feature a tasting room, live music and finger foods. The establishment will be used for functions such as weddings. A side building is available for changing for weddings and other functions.

 

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