Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) has released the fifth episode of its podcast series “Spirited Discussions: A Podcast by Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services.” The series helps residents and businesses understand alcohol products, trends and policies in Montgomery County. The fifth episode, “Local Beer,” examines how one local brewery incorporates history and artistry into its products, how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the hospitality industry and the steps ABS takes to support small alcohol manufacturers.
In the podcast, ABS Retail Operations Chief Sean Peters and Silver Branch Brewing Company’s Chief Operating Officer Brett Robison join host Jocelyn Rawat to explore how art, science and geography come together at Silver Branch Brewing Company to create Dr. Juicy IPA, Gnome for the Holidays saison and Glass Castle pilsner, which are available in the brewery’s taproom and in ABS retail stores. Guests discuss the fast pace of change in the hospitality industry since 2020 and the ways ABS helps small businesses get a foothold in the competitive market.
ABS prominently features local products in all of its 27 retail stores and dedicates marketing resources to the success of local manufacturers. With 31 local small businesses enrolled in the local (LOC) program, ABS posted $2 million in LOC revenue last year and helped put Montgomery County on the map as a destination for craft beverages. Five of the LOC businesses are breweries.
“Local breweries are making excellent products,” said Retail Chief Peters. “We are lucky to have this level of innovation, growth and commitment to the brewing culture in Montgomery County, and ABS is pleased to give these small businesses a platform for additional exposure.”
The Alcohol Beverage Services podcast is posted on the department’s website at montgomerycountymd.gov/abs/press-release and is available on several podcast platforms including Amazon, Apple and Spotify. Subscribe to the podcast by selecting the “follow” or “plus” button on your provider’s podcast platform.
Listeners are encouraged to email ideas and questions for future episodes to abs.spiriteddiscussions@montgomerycountymd.gov.
Previous episodes highlighted the art and science of whiskey barrel picks, defined the “control model” for alcohol distribution, and detailed the underage compliance check program to prevent under-21 access to alcohol. Episode six will help customers select French wines.
The Office of Broadband Programs in the County’s Department of Technology and Enterprise Business Services (TEBS) is providing technical support for the ABS podcast.
ABS is the alcohol wholesaler of beer, wine and spirits for Montgomery County and operates 27 retail stores throughout the County. In addition, ABS manages alcohol licensing, enforcement, and education for more than 1,000 businesses. Generating more than $35 million in net income annually, its profits are used to pay down County debt with a large portion deposited in the general fund to pay for resident services that otherwise would be funded by County tax dollars. Follow ABS on Facebook and X.
