Silver Branch Brewing Co. has unveiled its newest location, Rockville Beerworks, celebrated by a grand opening weekend filled with activities, deals, and community spirit.
The brewery and taproom, located at 7301 Calhoun Place, marked its grand debut on Friday with special offers on select beers and a festive ribbon-cutting ceremony later in the evening.
The celebration did not stop there. On Saturday, attendees enjoyed the upbeat atmosphere introduced by a DJ starting at 3 p.m., engaging games with chances to win prizes, and laid-back activities such as cornhole and a temporary tattoo station.
Family activities continued into Sunday, featuring face painting from noon to 3 p.m., continuous arts and crafts, and free ice cream for kids aged 10 and under, while supplies last.
Rockville Beerworks serves as the third location for Silver Branch Brewing, which first opened its doors in downtown Silver Spring in 2019 and expanded into Warrenton, Virginia, this year.
This new establishment occupies the former space of True Respite Brewing Co., and it is set to become the hub for Silver Branch’s beer production. CEO and co-founder Christian Layke expressed the importance of this transition, stating, “The primary reason that we thought about this location is because it has a much better brewery for us, so we’re expanding our operations, and it’s about 50% more square footage.”
Layke emphasized that the layout of the new facility supports processes like brewing, packaging, shipping, and receiving more effectively.
The brewery is well-known for its unique in-house brews including the Dr. Juicy IPA, Glass Castle Pilsner, and Cloud Nine Wheat Ale, which boast a plethora of flavors ranging from citrus and tangy fruit to subtle hints of banana and clove.
Alongside the beer offerings, Rockville Beerworks also features a diverse menu that includes popular items like wings, nachos, a hummus platter, and Bavarian-style pretzels. Additionally, the brewery has plans to introduce its own pizza brand, Mosaic Pizza, at the Silver Spring and Rockville locations after its initial launch at the Warrenton site.
Creating an inclusive and welcoming environment is a priority for Rockville Beerworks. General Manager Bailey Robison shared the company’s vision, saying, “We try really hard to make sure we have something for everyone. We have a very inclusive brand where we’re not too cool for anything.”
Robison illustrated this concept, assuring customers that all drink preferences are welcome, stating, “You could ask me for a Cosmopolitan [cocktail], and I’ll be excited to make it for you.”
The ambiance complements this inclusive approach, with vibrant and eclectic decor featuring whimsical garden themes, gnomes, greenery, and stained glass art that contributes to a unique experience distinct from conventional breweries.
Chris Bonnell, the art director for Silver Branch Brewing Co., elaborated on the creative vision behind the decor, which aims to resonate with a broad audience. Bonnell remarked, “Our decor is very European-inspired—so we travel around and take notes from other places to see what works.”
In terms of beverage options, Layke highlighted the focus on delivering styles not often seen in the heavily IPA-dominated craft beer scene, presenting customers with light, delicious lagers and lesser-known Belgian beers.
Robison pointed out the brewery’s commitment to being family-friendly by offering events ideal for both adults and children. Fun activities, including karaoke and trivia nights, create an inviting atmosphere for adults, while a collection of board games and coloring resources ensures entertainment for children.
Layke reflected on the family-oriented environment he hopes to cultivate at Silver Branch. He shared personal experiences of feeling unwelcome in breweries while traveling with his children, expressing the desire to establish a space where generations can come together.
Coming from a German heritage, Layke aims to recreate the tradition of gathering with family under chestnut trees on a Sunday afternoon, stating, “We were really just hoping to create a place where people could gather and commune, and that for us includes family.”
As the weekend festivities wind down, Silver Branch Brewing Co.’s Rockville Beerworks stands as a testament to community spirit, inclusivity, and a passion for craft beer, promising to be a cherished local destination for years to come.
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