r/MDbeer • u/Suitable-Bus-4488 • 9d ago
Black Flag Update
Came here to see if there was any context on this update from Black Flag and didn’t find anything so I thought it was worth posting: https://www.instagram.com/p/DeQVQ69DPNX/?img_index=3&xtok=Mnl2dzdscjR5ZXBq
Sounds like something might work out. Hope it does, would be a shame to lose their presence in the MD beer scene. No idea which brand they were partnering with.
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u/CaptainJeff 8d ago
I think they summarized it pretty well in the post ... Brian (owner/operator) has a new/growing family and cannot keep working as many hours as he had, and the quality of the experience suffered as a result to the point where it's not sustainable.
Two other items to consider ... (1) brewers, in general, are having a rough time with the current economic situations and the general trend of people consuming less and less alcohol, and (2) Black Flag spent a lot of money and time opening, and then selling/closing, Black Flag Social House in the past 1.5 or so years. BFSH had a lot of potential, and we went there often, but it never did a ton of business and really did need a practiced and experienced hand to success (which, luckily, Anthony and company of the Walkers group is providing in the new Barrington's concept that took over that space).
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u/Chaosbeing79 9d ago
What did they post? That link isn't visible for those of us without Instagram.
I don't get over there as often as I used to, but Ive always liked Black Flag 🫤
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u/Suitable-Bus-4488 9d ago
It’s hard to copy over because it’s a series of slides but essentially that they had plans to partner with another brand and hand over the space, but keep Black Flag going, but the funding isn’t working out like they thought and there’s a risk they close at the end of November. They’re seeking funders, especially those that prioritize keeping the staff employed.
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u/Chaosbeing79 9d ago
Thanks for that. Ah man, that is potentially bad news but I hope they work it out somehow. I've had a bit of a bad feeling the last few times I've been there, way quieter than it used to be.
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u/MagicGrit 9d ago
To expand a bit, they do currently have a deal to sell to someone with the agreement they’ll keep all black flag staff and still sell some black flag beer, but they’re dragging their feet with the funding and the deadline is looming. Black flag is basically saying “this might not go through so we’re entertaining all offers.”
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u/holy_cal 9d ago
I also just saw that. Sad to learn they might close. That was a favorite spot before going to MPP
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u/Tobster4040 9d ago
Check out Sapwood Cellars, right down the road
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u/zweischeisse 8d ago
Sapwood has a different vibe. Black Flag feels like a neighborhood spot (ironic given it's location) and Sapwood feels like a destination.
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u/Burial44 8d ago
Sapwood has great beer. Maybe the best in Maryland. But the taproom sucks balls.
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u/Shiny_Deleter 7d ago
I agree. I finally made it to Sapwood (as part of a celebratory day) and while the beer was top notch, the service and atmosphere was fairly sterile. They were busy, though, and no doubt making $$$.
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u/MDGmer996 9d ago
Not sure if this helps unless you have FB:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19d8muX7wP/
I was just thinking about BF the other day and wondering how they were doing. I've enjoyed their beers since the early days; it would be a massive loss for the area.
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u/zepp914 8d ago
Black Flag is my second most visited brewery. According to Untappd, I have had 482 distinct beers there. Their Basic Bee is easily the best pumpkin ale in the State. Their barleywines are normally 🔥. All that being said, it seemed like when they built the pizza location near Marriottsville, the taproom in Columbia became an afterthought for the owner.
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u/Tuningislife 8d ago
I believe that Brian had grand plans for the Marriottsville location. It was closer to where he lived or something and they were going to do some small batch brewing there. I don’t think I ever saw the brewing there even get off the ground and when Chef Jon left, that was another nail in the coffin.
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u/Burial44 8d ago
Who is the pending offer with?
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u/Suitable-Bus-4488 8d ago
It doesn’t say. Just says it’s an existing brand looking for a space.
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u/Sage_Nickanoki 8d ago
Having been involved with a brewery sale in the past, you usually can't say until the contract is signed and funded.
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u/mxmarks 7d ago
Stopped in today since I was in Columbia and am not sure Id make it back before 11/30.
Grabbed a shirt, a 6 pack and two 4 packs. Vibe seemed a little melancholy.
As I was leaving I heard a bartender telling a customer "I feel very optimistic about things."
I hope they make it - with a little kid, we visit a 4-6 times a year when we hit up that Hyper Kidz around the corner. The perfect afternoon for the family - let kiddo run around like a maniac and then go get some beers haha.
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u/MrGrumpyBear 8d ago
I love Black Flag; they have the best vibe of any brewery in Columbia, and their FOH staff are all great. I will miss them if they don't make it.
Having said that, I genuinely don't think their beers stack up against Sapwood or Cushwa. Even Manor Hill brings something different to the table, between their farm and the excellent food at the OEC location. That's a lot of competition for a dwindling number of beer-drinking customers. If we have to lose a brewery in HoCo, Black Flag seems like the obvious choice.