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. In 2023, 1812 Brewery was already growing fast. Now, two years later, the McCagh family’s vision has 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.
In June 2025, 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 expansion was made possible through two key funding sources: a $750,000 grant from the George C. Edwards Fund and a $100,000 infrastructure grant from the Rocky Gap Fund. This funding helped cover major costs for equipment and facility development and supported a critical water line extension, improving fire safety and enabling higher-volume brewing operations as a result.
This investment in 1812 Brewery has already delivered tangible economic impacts through job creation, expanded distribution, and increased local activity. 1812 Brewery now employs approximately a dozen team members, including a five-person production crew, and is steadily transitioning more roles from part-time to full-time. Its distribution footprint has expanded to over 60 locations, including bars, restaurants, and retailers throughout Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties.
By sourcing water from the City of Cumberland and selling the product locally, the business also helps keep revenue circulating within the region. “We’re buying the water from the city, we're making our beer here, and then we're selling it to people in downtown at bars, restaurants, and liquor stores—really pushing the local economy in that way and allowing those places to sell a product that [keeps] 75 cents of the dollar in the area,” Casey McCagh, Co-owner and Head Brewer of 1812, noted.
1812 Brewery’s expansion also supports Allegany County’s broader goals of strengthening quality of life, tourism, and entrepreneurship. The farm-based taproom is a draw for visitors to nearby Rocky Gap State Park and provides a family-friendly destination with outdoor seating, local events, and regular fundraisers for community causes.
“1812 Brewery is a great example of how strategic public investment can support local entrepreneurs and generate real economic momentum,” said Adam Strott, Economic Development Specialist for Allegany County Economic & Community Development. “This project supports the county’s tourism efforts while keeping businesses rooted in Western Maryland.”
“We’ve definitely seen an increase in flow from people compared to a few years ago,” Co-owner Cory McCagh claims, reflecting on the popularity growth of the brewery over time. “It’s mostly all travelers, families, people who haven’t been here before or are from out of town who want to try something new in the area.”
The brewery’s founders point to an emerging shift in perception about doing business in the region. Casey McCagh notes that residents, business owners, and local government are actively participating in revitalizing Cumberland to make it more business-friendly and community-focused. “I think this is the most energy I've ever seen in Cumberland in my life,” said Casey McCagh. “We are seeing this growth moving West, where there is affordability, natural resources, and more…we really do have a supportive community here.”
Michael McCagh, Marketing Manager, added his thoughts on downtown revitalization efforts benefiting 1812: “[That investment was] good timing for 1812’s ribbon cutting. Cumberland residents are drawing out here a little bit to get away from the big cities, so that’s been a big part of our growth.”
The McCaghs see their brewery as part of Allegany County’s long tradition of beer production. Once home to the large-scale Cumberland and German Brewing Companies, the region has a deep history of beer production that has been reimagined on a modern, local scale today.
As 1812 Brewery looks ahead to new markets, including possible cross-state distribution, the family remains focused on maintaining quality, controlling growth, and supporting the community that helped them get started: “Our community is incredible. We do a lot of fundraisers... it’s always a feel-good event when people come out for a fundraiser to raise money for whatever the charity is,” added Michael McCagh. “I think that’s a cool thing the brewery does a lot of—it helps host different people who wouldn’t necessarily be there otherwise.”
With its expanded facility, growing customer base, and deep local roots, 1812 Brewery is helping shape the region’s future.
Read more stories about local business success and economic growth in Allegany County here.
