When I took a job in Maryland, my first order of business was to find a place for my family to live. Once that was settled, I started checking out the things to do in the area. It probably goes without saying that one of the things I looked for was a brewpub. I found five within an hour drive of where we are now living.

The first I found, and so far the best, is Brewer’s Alley in Frederick. The building harkens back to the 19th century and has served as a market house, city hall, and opera house. The brewpub opened in 1996 and they have worked hard to maintain or restore the decor of the old opera house. I’ve been a couple of times now. The atmosphere is really nice, the food is good, and the beer is excellent. I wish I could go more often.

I happened to be in my local retailer the other day and stopped in my tracks. There by the door was a six-pack of the Pilsner by Brewer’s Alley. I don’t even know when they started bottling any of their beers, plus their pils is a seasonal they only offer in the summer. So I had to buy it.

It’s a nice golden straw color, a little darker than most of the pilsners I have had recently. The head was a little weak and didn’t stay around very long. It has a nice malty sweetness and the Saaz hops give the finish a little bite, but not overwhelmingly so. I rather liked it. So did my wife, and that’s saying something.

I don’t know how far they’re distributing it, but if you can manage to score a six-pack, do it.