Brewmore Baltimore

Filmmaker Nicholas Kovacic celebrates both the history and current resurgence of Baltimore's beer industry in this affectionate documentary. The sudsy tradition encompasses a wide swatch of the local citizenry: as one interviewee puts it, “There isn't a native to Baltimore who doesn't have a story about a relative working at [breweries] National or Gunther.” Commentary from brewers, restaurant owners, writers, and others is supplemented by archival and contemporary footage and stills, intertwining long-ago and modern-day beer brewing activities. Viewers learn that the crown cork seal (a bottle cap) was invented in Baltimore, as were advances in canning that made storing and shipping possible. Today, old buildings are being remodeled and revitalized, including one whose network of tunnels now houses giant vats and other equipment. The brewers featured here range from energetic newcomers (including home-based enthusiasts) who are as enamored with the process as they are with the malty and hoppy results, to seasoned veterans, including one man who helped other labels to survive during tougher times. Although centered on a single location, Brewmore Baltimore offers a nice overview of entrepreneurial efforts representative of similar undertakings across America. Highly recommended. Aud: P. (C. Block)