In the heart of Calvert County lies Calvert Brewing Company, a small farm brewery that is accomplishing big things. Connected to Running Hare Vineyard, Calvert Brewing first opened in 2014 as a small-batch production with a beer garden attached. The company quickly achieved success and this past January it expanded by building a larger production brewery and taproom in Prince George's County.

The history of the brewery runs deep in Prince Frederick, from testing batches of new beer to hand-carving each of the tap handles from materials found at the farm. Open seasonally from April through November, a visit to the farm and beer garden is a great way to spend a summer afternoon.

The new state-of-the-art production facility in Prince George's county measures 28,000 square feet – 8,000 of which is a walk-in-cooler, fit to hold the kegs being produced in-house by a mash filtration system. This cutting-edge system is more sustainable and environmentally-friendly than traditional methods, utilizing a third less water and up to 20 percent less grain product. The process is currently only being utilized by 10 breweries across the country.

The brewery also participates in a practice called "contract brewing," something that got the business on its feet in the early days. Contract brewing is an industry practice when a larger, established brewery allows a smaller operation to brew using its equipment.

"It's an interesting way for us to collaborate with other breweries," said Sam Riley, operations manager for Calvert Brewing Company. "We wouldn't have been able to be so successful off the bat if it wasn't for contract brewing."

In addition to the production facility, the brewery's taproom fills another 8,000 feet; last month, it hosted a grand opening celebration to resounding success. Plans are in the works to have a weekly food truck schedule, live music and a rotating beer list.

Calvert Brewing Company currently has 200 accounts statewide and bottles are available in stores. Later this month, the company is launching a line of canned beerjust in time for Saint Patrick's Day.

If you can't wait that long, the taproom is currently open Wednesday through Friday 3pm to 9pm and Saturday from 12pm to 9pm.