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When the McCagh family opened 1812 Brewery—Allegany County’s first farm brewery—they did so with a commitment to craft quality beer while supporting the local community.
The McCagh family’s vision has now become a reality. With support from state and local funding partners, 1812 Brewery has completed a purpose-built production facility, expanded its reach across Western Maryland, and added jobs to meet growing demand for its locally crafted beer.
This summer, 1812 Brewery celebrated its eighth anniversary and the ribbon-cutting of a new 4,000-square-foot production space, which is now fully operational with state-of-the-art brewing systems. The facility marks a major milestone for the business, which had previously operated out of a historic 1812-era barn on the family’s farm just outside Cumberland.
The new space significantly improves production efficiency and scale. The automated system not only increases brewing capacity—with the potential to produce thousands of barrels annually—but also introduces more environmentally sustainable processes. It uses less water, allows for greater ingredient flexibility, and positions the business to source more local grain from regional farms.
This investment in 1812 Brewery has already delivered tangible economic impacts through job creation, expanded distribution, and increased local activity. The expansion also supports Allegany County’s broader goals of strengthening quality of life, tourism, and entrepreneurship across the region.
