Union Brewing Company in Baltimore is marking its 13th anniversary with a limited-edition IPA called “Eyewitness Brews,” unveiled July 25, 2025. The new IPA celebrates the brewery’s longstanding roots in the local beer scene and features flavor notes designed to suit Baltimore’s summer climate.
The “Eyewitness Brews” IPA will debut at Union Hall and is expected to be available on shelves shortly after. According to animator Jenna Dutton of Union Brewing, the beer combines “loud hops and foamy news,” reflecting a playful collaboration with WJZ News, the local Baltimore television station (CBS News Baltimore, 2025).
Adam Benesch, a representative of Union Brewing, emphasized the brewery’s commitment to its Baltimore home, stating, “We are grateful to be here in Baltimore, making beer for our home city,” and expressing enthusiasm about brewing in the same neighborhood after 13 years (CBS News Baltimore, 2025).
From a technical perspective, “Eyewitness Brews” is a 6.5% ABV IPA that offers bursts of passionfruit, citrus, pine, and a subtle herbal complexity. Benesch described it as a “refreshing, clean IPA” designed to be particularly enjoyable during hot and steamy Baltimore summer days, aiming for drinkability without sacrificing hoppy character (CBS News Baltimore, 2025).
The release coincides with the “Brewers Dozen” anniversary party on July 26, where live music and local eateries will celebrate the brewery’s milestone, highlighting the community-centric approach that has supported Union Brewing’s success.
This launch is timely as the craft beer market continues to show robust growth internationally, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 8.74% from 2025 to 2033 and increasing consumer interest in innovative and locally inspired brews (IMARC Group, 2024). Union Brewing’s focus on distinctive, locally relevant flavor profiles and community engagement mirrors wider craft beer trends emphasizing authenticity and experience.
The ongoing popularity of IPAs, particularly those that balance bold hop flavor with easy drinkability, aligns with industry analyses forecasting sustained innovation within this style, including emerging substyles such as cold IPAs and sessionable variants (Escarpment Labs, 2024). Union Brewing’s “Eyewitness Brews” fits within this broader evolution while staying rooted in classic IPA characteristics, tailored to seasonal demand.
This timely product release, combined with community-driven events, demonstrates how craft breweries leverage both product innovation and local partnerships for brand reinforcement in competitive markets. It also underscores Baltimore’s vibrant craft beer culture, which supports sustained brewery growth amid evolving consumer taste preferences and a dynamic beverage landscape.