Speaking from the brewery’s recently-opened taproom within its new 12,800 square foot brewing operation on N. Haven Street in Highlandtown, Kennith Praay traced the history of the two-year old company that is expected to increase current production. The new facility has the ability to produce 20,000 barrels annually, however, they do not see approaching that level of production at any point in the near future. Last fall, Monument City Brewing Company moved into a 1900s era warehouse that was outfitted with brewing equipment shipped from Germany to bring new life into a structure that was initially utilized to manufacture veneer and, later, food products such as mayonnaise and salad dressing.

Q. Please provide an update of Monument City Brewing Company.

A. We first came to market in November 2014, beginning as a contract brewer in Peabody Heights, which enabled my brother, Matt, and me to get the brand up and running and gauge the demand for the product. We started off with two core beers -- our 51 Rye and American Brown Ale -- and used a grassroots approach to visit bars and restaurants door-to-door, growlers in hand. We partnered with Bond Distributing to help expand our brand from a wholesale perspective, and successfully entered approximately 300 different locations. We have been extremely fortunate with the reception we have received in the Baltimore market. Our philosophy is to “make the best beer we can make” and hopefully people will like it and continue buying it. We don’t need to leave the State to support our business with about 96% of our current sales emanating from Baltimore City. We currently have five employees.

Q. What are the advantages of having a dedicated brewery operation?

A.Creative freedom and the flexibility to make our own brewing schedule. With a physical location that we are able to brand, we can more easily interact and engage with the community and gauge their thoughts and ideas. We also expect to expand our core product line and introduce seasonal and limited lines. We intend to partner with local restaurants and food trucks to offer a food option at the taproom.

Q. What is the best part of owning a brewery?

A.Most definitely working with our family, as this has long been a dream of mine and my brother. Also, just being in the neighborhood, with the hope of becoming a central unifying force in the community. We were able to inject new life into a warehouse that was boarded up since 1983.

Q. What are the biggest challenges you face on a daily basis?

A. Going through the extensive build-out and getting up and running. As production increases, I am sure we will face new challenges. Of course, we are trying hard to stand out in a competitive environment. Each local brewer brings something different and there are lots of great local choices. Everyone is doing a fantastic job. Our goal is to offer honest and straight-forward drinkable beers. Consumers are in a good spot with many different excellent local products to choose from.

Q. What are your thoughts on the pending legislation impacting the beer industry?

A.It is fantastic that Guinness is coming to Maryland, which will bring increased attention to the local craft beer scene. That said, as long as the smaller brewers can operate on a level playing field, then I am happy. Small breweries don’t have the pockets to influence legislation, but we are banding together and working hard with the Brewing Association of Maryland to make sure our voices are heard.

Greg Weiner is a Member in PK Law and Co-Chairs the firm’s Corporate and Real Estate Group. He represents emerging and established businesses in a wide range of industries including technology, health care (including urgent care, home healthcare, assisting living and nursing homes), restaurants, breweries, education, construction and professional services (including physician practice groups, accountants, attorneys, software and IT companies and design firms). He assists them with general business matters, as well as employment contracts, wage and hour and overtime issues, independent contractor versus employee classification, real estate needs and financing. Greg recently assisted Monument City Brewing Company with its Series A round of funding and regularly assists similar types of businesses in their venture capital / private placement transactions.

Pessin Katz Law, P.A. (PK Law) is the eleventh largest law firm in the Baltimore area and has been serving clients for close to thirty years. PK Law maintains full-service offices in Towson, Columbia, and Bel Air and is comprised of more than 60 lawyers, paralegals and law clerks. Practice areas include corporate and business law, real estate and zoning, education law, estate planning, elder law, labor and employment, litigation, insurance law and medical malpractice defense. For additional information, visit www.PKLaw.com Contact Greg Weiner at gweiner@pklaw.com