One year after winning the Samuel Adams Brewing the American Dream contest, Judy and Rob Neff are continuing collaborations to celebrate the sixth anniversary of their company, Checkerspot Brewing Company.
The Sixth Anniversary Party will be held on Saturday, June 15, and Checkerspot has brewed another beer in collaboration with Sam Adams, but this time in Baltimore. Inspiration Rye IPA is brewed with Maryland rye malted by Bear Branch Malt, hopped using Judy’s favorite hop, Idaho 7, along with Centennial and Amarillo hops.
Checkerspot will be releasing it at the party, along with other beers they’ve brewed for previous anniversaries. Each beer is tied to a local nonprofit that will be present at the party as well. Proceeds from each beer will be donated to that nonprofit. On the list to benefit are Baltimore Compost Collective, BARCS, Living Classrooms, Hon’s Honey, and the Maryland Biodiversity Project.
Judy, Checkerspot’s co-owner and brewer, also will feature local women-owned businesses at the party including the BBQ Crew, Local Oyster, Philosophy Wine, Tenth Ward Distilling, and Belvedere Terrace Atelier.
Judy spoke glowingly of the experience of working with Samuel Adams through the Brewer Experienceship, noting that the mentorship is ongoing.
“We probably touch base with them once a month or so,” she said. “It’s been really, really awesome…. just being able to ask questions, but also just [form] all these really cool relationships with people that you never thought your paths would ever, ever cross.”
Checkerspot’s 6th Anniversary Party will also be pup-friendly, and Judy is even making a non-alcoholic, non-carbonated dog beer. Neff admits this is her first foray into canine party drinks, but she feels confident they’ll be lapped up. Checkerspot is also offering pup cups for the dogs to enjoy with their puptails.
In addition to the food and drink, there will be live music all day long. The party runs from 12 p.m. – 10 p.m. Vendors and nonprofits will be there from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., though they have the option to stay longer if they wish.
Checkerspot Brewing Company is located at 1421 Ridgely Street, Baltimore, MD.
