Inverness Brewery in Monkton, Maryland, may be just seven years old, but its grounds boast a rich, enduring history and lasting legacy. From offering a private escape for one of Hollywood’s most renowned actors of all time to serving as a secret training site for the CIA and even once being home to a famous horse, there’s a lot more buzz behind the notable brewery than the beverages alone.
For this Flashback Friday Feature, I’m revealing the unique backstory behind Inverness Brewery’s lesser-known past. I will also “tap” into the many ways the farm continues to make history in modern times as the first farm brewery in Baltimore County.
Set along a scenic backdrop spanning nearly 100 acres in Monkton’s My Lady’s Manor Historic District, Inverness Brewery boasts a bucolic image and a one-of-a-kind original operation. Not only is it a working farm that is home to around 50 Black Angus cattle and roughly 600 thriving hops (and other seasonal crops), but it sports a more recent claim to fame—a real crowd-drawing endeavor, at that. I am, of course, referring to the resident brewing operation located on the grounds.
The farm’s notable crop-to-keg brewery, utilizing homegrown, seasonal ingredients, officially began in August 2018. Inspiration for its establishment came about following the wedding of owners Ray and Sandy Frank’s son. The Franks, already pros in the art of home brewing, served custom-made beer from their farm-grown hops to attending guests, which was well-received and garnered plenty of praise. There was also much to be said about the newly renovated barn they completed for the event. One thing led to another, with the pending questions on what to do with the revitalized space and how to utilize their brewing skills to the fullest, clicking into place. That is how Inverness Brewery—Baltimore County’s first-ever farm brewery was born.
Their resounding motto and ongoing initiative, “Crop to Keg,” rings constant with their agrarian endeavors as a farm-based establishment. Guests to the site today get to experience more than just a one-and-done outing to some standard brewery; they’re in for an entire farm-fun novelty experience that knows no equal. That’s because no place packs such a collection of callouts to the past worth boasting about. And guests today get to learn all about it firsthand as part of their visitor’s experience.
The site is first and foremost a farm—just as it’s always been. And being a farm means that many animals have graced the grounds here one time or another. This includes a once-famous horse named “Chase Me,” who even went on to be the direct inspiration for a Broadway show. As an unexpected, unassuming location, these grounds were also formerly used by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) for top-secret training purposes.
Arguably, though, the farm’s most notable and timeless tie is its association with an iconic Hollywood legend. And surprisingly enough, very few people are even aware of this fascinating fact. Regarded as Monkton’s best-kept secret is the knowledge that none other than famed actor Clark Gable used to make his low-key summer home right onsite. In fact, he stayed on these very grounds as recently as the summer before starring in what would be one of his most defining roles of all time as Rhett Butler in the film adaptation of Gone with the Wind.
As the story goes, Mr. Gable even offered one of the grooms he befriended here the chance to return to Hollywood with him. The groom, however, declined as he preferred his life on this land over the glitz and glamor of Tinseltown.
There is no shortage of amazing attributes that can be added to the lofty lineup of Inverness Brewery’s impressive callouts. And that’s not even including their specialty signature crafted libations. The site today draws in scores of visitors, who come to enjoy authentic drinks, dine on-site via their food trailer, and attend regularly occurring events and entertainment. The weekend of September 12, for instance, they will be celebrating their seventh anniversary with live music and other onsite excitement. Click here to view all upcoming calendar schedules.
Inverness Brewery is located at 6200 Markoe Road, Monkton, Maryland 21111. To learn more, visit the website at www.invernessbrewing.com.