The best products are made locally

Drinking beer close to where it’s brewed gives us a better product and does right by the local economy and environment. Making beer is our passion, and sharing our product with you is at the heart of what we do. In addition to brewing our beer on premise, we carry Maryland products whenever possible, including locally produced wine, mead, cider, and liquor. 

There’s no craft beer type

Craft beer belongs to all of us. Did you know that back in 2014 access to local, craft beer was not possible in some parts of Maryland? We made that change by working with government and community leaders to remove unnecessary, prohibition-era barriers, enabling an expansion in local beer production and distribution. Because we all deserve fresh, local craft beer.

A brewery is a gathering place

We've celebrated birthdays and anniversaries, held important community dialogue and events, and welcomed our guests’ four-legged friends. From partnering with the University of Maryland to grow yeast strains, to giving our used grains to Maryland farmers, to hosting fundraisers for local non-profits, we are a community-based brewery.

Chief Administrative Officer / Founder

Emily oversees the strategy, finances, and operations of Denizens. She has nearly two decades of experience leading and training teams and was formerly a Policy Director for the National Women's Business Council as well as a Presidential Management Fellow at the Department of State during Secretary Clinton's tenure. She has lived in Silver Spring for more than ten years. When she’s not at Denizens (which is rare), she loves to bake, garden, and take walks around the neighborhood with her two dogs, Lola and Jolene. 

Chief Beer Officer / Founder

Jeff is responsible for all aspects of beer production at Denizens. Jeff started brewing straight out of college working his way up from apprentice to lead brewer at places like Iron Hill in New Jersey and Colorado’s Mountain Sun. Trained at the Siebel Institute and World Brewing Academy, Jeff has produced myriad styles, specializing in lagers as well as wild, sour, and funky beer. He has received numerous awards and recognition from state and national associations for his work. Though he’s a New Jersey native, he has made his home in Mount Rainier and is known to be just as handy in the kitchen as the brewery.

Chief Brand Officer / Founder

Julie directs business development, sales, marketing, and community partnerships at Denizens. She previously held roles in the U.S. Small Business Administration as Associate Administrator for Field Operations and a Senior Policy Advisor and Presidential Management Fellow. Born and raised in Silver Spring, Julie has sat on the Board of Directors for the National Brewers Association, the Brewers Association of Maryland, the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, and the Montgomery County Food Council and is an active member of Regarding Her DC. In her free time, Julie loves playing soccer in various rec leagues around town and playing golf at local courses.