Chesepiooc Real Ale Brewery in Crofton, MD

Hey there, fellow adventurers and beer aficionados! We visited another spot on our “breweries near me” list. This time, our journey takes us to Chesepiooc Real Ale Brewery, a cozy spot in Crofton, MD. Grab your mugs and join us as we dive into the relaxing atmosphere, memorable moments, and of course, the incredible brews at Chesepiooc!

The Experience

Chesepiooc is tucked away in an industrial/office area off Route 3 in Crofton. They have usually large “Beer” flags at the entrance to the development, and then you can park along the street or in the lot behind the building. The brewery has a large beer garden area out front and a cozy taproom inside.

Upon entering the taproom, we were greeted by a familiar face – Steve, the friendly bartender who seems to be a constant presence whenever we visit. This time, we had a few extra companions – Parker, my mother, and our newly adopted furry friend, Bucky. It was Bucky’s first outing, and we were thrilled to see how well he behaved. He handled the attention like a champ, even letting a curious little girl pet him without a fuss. Could he be the perfect brewpup in the making? Oh, and the bartender’s biscuit offering was met with wagging approval!

Chesepiooc is a small batch brewery, so their menu changes often. We counted 30 taps. They have a very wide variety, and usually have at least a couple of sours and ciders, which are my personal favorites. But they also have stouts, IPAs, ales, and more. Check their website for the latest list. 

One thing I like about Chesepiooc is their guest brewer program. For a modest fee, you can work with the brewer at Chesepiooc to craft a custom brew, which you then brew with them. When it’s ready, they serve your creation in the taproom. They have an ever-growing “Wall of Guest Fame” for their guest brewers.

Tall Stools, Good Times: Atmosphere and Vibe

As we settled in, we couldn’t help but notice the charming space Chesepiooc offers. One wall has a large photograph of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, and another has a large colonial-era map of the Chesapeake region. They have a few tables, but mostly high tops. Mom expressed her fondness for the place but pointed out that the stools were a tad too tall for comfort (she’s even shorter than me). We were in agreement – high tops and short stature don’t always make the best match! Despite this, the tables offered a cozy setting to enjoy good company.

Parker had a keen observation – it was louder than the last time he joined us at Chesepiooc. The place seemed busier than some of our previous visits, and we discussed a pattern we noticed – the crowd tends to swell when they have a food truck around. While I’m all for smaller crowds, I want local businesses like Chesepiooc to succeed, so I hope they continue to have food trucks.

Food Truck Feasting: Greek on the Go

The Greek on the Go food truck was our culinary delight for the evening. We ordered a trio of chicken rice bowls and a falafel rice bowl for Parker. The servings were more than generous, and the flavors were a hit. The Tzatziki sauce, while delicious, was such a small serving, it left us wanting more, especially because the serving size is so large. The bowls came with some pita bread. The chicken, though not overly seasoned, was tasty.

Tasting Time: Brews and Bites Unite

Vince’s first choice for the evening, the Blood Orange Cider, was a tried-and-true favorite he had several times before. With a blend of apple and blood orange, it was a harmonious combination that Vince enjoyed. He promised to pay more attention to the flavors next time, but for now, “it’s good” sufficed.

My first selection, the Risian Sunrise Coconut IPA, not only pleased my palate but also brought a smile with its quirky Captain Jean-Luc Picard wall art (he took a much-needed vacation on Risa, but hijinx ensued). Light and coconutty, it was a tropical escape in a glass. Mom’s taste test confirmed the coconut presence, even if she disagreed with my thoughts on how good it was.

Vince’s second round choice, the Cherry Bomb, is a slightly tart sour that earned his seal of approval. With cherry notes and approachable sourness, it was a refreshing choice. I agreed with his assessment after a sip.

I ventured into the Strawberry Boogie, a strawberry-lime sour,  for my second brew. The strawberry flavor danced lightly on my taste buds, accompanied by a subtle berry sweetness. Vince deemed it a “very berry” delight with a moderate sourness that’s not too overwhelming.

Vince closed the tasting with an Almost Paradise Blood Orange and Lime Tropical Lager. As he sipped, he shared his insights – lime stood out more than blood orange, and the aftertaste was pleasantly absent.

Parting Thoughts

As we bid farewell to Chesepiooc, we left with our hearts full of flavor, our furry friend in tow, and a promise to return. From brews to bites, Chesepiooc delivered a memorable evening in its cozy nook. Until our next pour, keep exploring and savoring the wonders of the craft beer universe!

If you would like to visit Chesepiooc, you can find it at 2408 Crofton Blvd, Crofton, MD 21114. Check out their Facebook page for updates on events, food trucks, and more.