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Heavy Seas Beer




4615 Hollins Ferry Rd, Ste B
Halethorpe, Maryland, 21227-4624
United States
(410) 247-7822 | map
hsbeer.com
Brewery:
Beer takes us on adventures. It allows us to discover new flavors and cultures.
Our quest for great beer can lead anywhere, from corner pubs to faraway breweries. For Heavy Seas founder, Hugh Sisson, beer altered the trajectory of his life. In 1980, intending to become a stage actor and director, Hugh's plan was to move to NYC after completing his course work for a masters degree in theater. Hugh's father, Albert, a Baltimore area businessman, persuaded him instead to come "help" at a newly opened family business, a tavern called Sisson's. When Hugh showed up to start what he assumed would be a short-term position, his father tossed him the keys to the pub, said "OK, don't f*** up!" and walked out the door.
Our mission:
To sail new brewing horizons, guided by the winds of traditions, and driven by the quest for adventure. Born near the harbor of Baltimore and raised in the spirit of exploration. Heavy Seas has been independently brewed since 1995. We strive to craft brews that capture your sense of adventure.
Fearless. Bold. Independent.
Put the wind at your back and enjoy the Heavy Seas.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Reviewed by Cuervo_PCB from Florida
4.41/5 rDev +7.6%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
4.41/5 rDev +7.6%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
The place was slow when were there on a Sunday afternoon. But the vide would be great if it was full. Staff was very nice and attentive. Beer is great and they had a great selection. Food truck was ok. Just glad it was there because were stopped for beers and lunch. I would definitely go back.
Jun 30, 2023Reviewed by JRybacki from Pennsylvania
4.75/5 rDev +15.9%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 4.75 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
4.75/5 rDev +15.9%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 4.75 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
I stopped here while traveling for business. My coworker and I were impressed- lively happy hour atmosphere and very good beer! While their IPAs are quality, my favorite is still their Americannon Pale Ale. While we were there, a man dressed as a pirate giving brewery tours started talking to us. Next thing we know we got a free round on the house! Cool place to hang out with quality beer. I just hope they ship more Americannon to SE PA!
Sep 16, 2020Rated by smcneave from Maryland
3.95/5 rDev -3.7%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 4 | service: 5 | selection: 3.5
3.95/5 rDev -3.7%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 4 | service: 5 | selection: 3.5
Not a bad place but the actual tap room needs some creativity. The tour was great and would recommend checking out regardless.
May 15, 2020Reviewed by GaryJohnson from Ohio
1.9/5 rDev -53.7%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 1.5 | service: 3 | selection: 1
1.9/5 rDev -53.7%
vibe: 2.5 | quality: 1.5 | service: 3 | selection: 1
This is a post-fermentation flavored alcohol product ... not what I consider a beer. Over-the-top flavors. Might as well go for the Segrams 'wine' cooler !
Dec 18, 2018Reviewed by drdiesel9483 from Ohio
3.69/5 rDev -10%
vibe: 3.25 | quality: 3.75 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5
3.69/5 rDev -10%
vibe: 3.25 | quality: 3.75 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5
Vibe - they are going to expand so the vibe might be better soon but for now it’s prettt blah
Quality - pretty good beers
Service - very friendly
Selection - good variety but only about 10 beers on tap
Oct 03, 2018Quality - pretty good beers
Service - very friendly
Selection - good variety but only about 10 beers on tap
Reviewed by clayrock81 from Florida
3.78/5 rDev -7.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.75 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5
3.78/5 rDev -7.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.75 | service: 4 | selection: 3.5
Alright place to stop by if you're in the neighborhood. I've had plenty of Heavy Seas beers and they're not one of my favorite breweries but they can brew a pretty good beer now and then and this visit was no exception (the cask IPA was great). The bartenders are pretty cool and it's a very laid back atmosphere that is conducive to chillin' and drinkin'.
Aug 07, 2017Reviewed by BJB13 from Maryland
4.29/5 rDev +4.6%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4
4.29/5 rDev +4.6%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4
I've visited several times over the last year, a couple of times with my wife, who isn't a beer fan but enjoyed the tour and always has a pint of Pounder pilsner. We've also been with another couple for kegs and eggs on Sunday morning. I have taken my Dad to hang out and have a burger and I've stopped in just to stock up and grab a quick pint. Every time has been enjoyable.
The service has been prompt and friendly. There are usually 8 beers on tap and 2 on cask and I generally get something from the cask when I'm there. The tap room is small but friendly with a decent sized outside deck area (enclosed in the colder months) that attaches the tap room to the family run food bus, which is always there. The bus is painted like a ship to match the Heavy Seas/ tap room theme. They use spent grain from the brewery to make pizza and pretzels and have pretty good burgers as well.
I always leave with at least a few bombers of limited release beers when I'm there. This place is worth a visit if you are in the area.
Mar 11, 2017The service has been prompt and friendly. There are usually 8 beers on tap and 2 on cask and I generally get something from the cask when I'm there. The tap room is small but friendly with a decent sized outside deck area (enclosed in the colder months) that attaches the tap room to the family run food bus, which is always there. The bus is painted like a ship to match the Heavy Seas/ tap room theme. They use spent grain from the brewery to make pizza and pretzels and have pretty good burgers as well.
I always leave with at least a few bombers of limited release beers when I'm there. This place is worth a visit if you are in the area.
Reviewed by J1moyer from Maryland
5/5 rDev +22%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
5/5 rDev +22%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
I met Annapolis Home Brew at Heavy Sea Beer for tour of the brewery. Hugh Sisson, Founder and Managing Partner, hosted the tour. I would recommend attending the tour. For $5 you can get a souvenir pint glass and 4 beer samples.
Dec 21, 2015Reviewed by PlatonicOtterLuv from Minnesota
4.39/5 rDev +7.1%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4.25
4.39/5 rDev +7.1%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4.25
Modest taproom at the production brewery actually has a sweet, traditional bar that complements the pirate-themed industrial space well. Staff is excellent and knowledgable, and it was swell to get there at the shift end so we could chat with the brewers for a bit over a pint.
Seven taps, two casks, bottles and growlers and cases to-go. Loose Cannon and their big stouts were fantastic. Colorful branding, some sweet paintings and tacky pirate decor everywhere. Tiny parking lot, but its right off of 695 and 895; very easy to get to from Bmore or Annapolis. They schedulw tours in advance but were full during our impromptu vist. Will definitely drop by if we're driving through the area again!
Aug 27, 2015Seven taps, two casks, bottles and growlers and cases to-go. Loose Cannon and their big stouts were fantastic. Colorful branding, some sweet paintings and tacky pirate decor everywhere. Tiny parking lot, but its right off of 695 and 895; very easy to get to from Bmore or Annapolis. They schedulw tours in advance but were full during our impromptu vist. Will definitely drop by if we're driving through the area again!
Reviewed by VABA from Virginia
4.1/5 rDev 0%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.25
4.1/5 rDev 0%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.25
The brewery is located close to I-95, and so it is very accessible. There is a laid back atmosphere, but it is a pleasant place to have a pint of Loose Cannon!
Aug 15, 2015Reviewed by TominGermany from Germany
4.5/5 rDev +9.8%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4
4.5/5 rDev +9.8%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4
Visited their taproom early on a Friday afternoon. It was almost empty so I had the server almost all to myself. She was very helpful explaining what they had on tap and all my other questions about their brewery. The brewery was easy to get to and had a nice beer garden on the outside. While this is my first taproom I visited since my return from Germany I think it may be a hard one to beat. Doesn't mean I won't try other ones in the region but now I have something to compare them to.
Aug 07, 2015Rated by DrinkDrankPunk from Virginia
4.7/5 rDev +14.6%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4.75
4.7/5 rDev +14.6%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.75 | selection: 4.75
Rating based off their insanely awesome Chili & Cheese festival (the only time I've been there).
Feb 09, 2015Reviewed by qcbrewer from North Carolina
3.89/5 rDev -5.1%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 3.75 | service: 4 | selection: 4
3.89/5 rDev -5.1%
vibe: 3.75 | quality: 3.75 | service: 4 | selection: 4
Always enjoyed Heavy Seas brews. Nice low key atmosphere, good music, good selection on tap...mundane service. Effecient but borderline unfriendly, not only to me, but others as I observed. (Update 5/24/17)
Service has gotten much better and friendly faces are inviting you in the door...
Jan 08, 2015Service has gotten much better and friendly faces are inviting you in the door...
Heavy Seas Beer in Halethorpe, MD
Brewery rating:
3.76 out of
5 with
14085 ratings
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