Brewery Profile

Rockwell Brewery

Among Frederick’s craft brewery stops, Rockwell Brewery has a clear identity built around beer, music, and small-scale making. It was established in March 2017 by home-brewing partners Paul Tinney and Matt Thrasher, and its name reflects Tinney’s background designing acoustic guitars. For a visitor, that connection gives the taproom more context than a simple list of beers on a board: the brewery presents itself around the shared language of craft, instruments, live sound, and brewing. Both Rockwell locations host musical acts and events, so the feel of a visit can vary depending on the day, from a quiet stop for a pint to a busier evening with entertainment and a food truck outside.

Travelers spending time in this part of Maryland often look for taprooms where they can compare a range of styles without committing to one narrow house specialty. Rockwell fits that kind of stop because its brewing program has covered stouts, porters, reds, IPAs, and occasional barrel-aged offerings. Head Brewer Scott McKernon brings brewing experience dating back to the early 1990s, along with a background in Chemistry and an interest in cooking, which helps explain the breadth of the lineup. The brewery is a useful choice for mixed groups: someone looking for a darker beer, someone looking for hops, and someone curious about a specialty pour may all find a direction to explore, depending on what is on tap that day.

The main practical point for visitors is that Rockwell now operates two Frederick locations. In May 2023, the brewery expanded with Rockwell Riverside, a second site with a large taproom, private event space, and 20 dedicated taps for specialty brews. Both locations use rotating food trucks rather than a fixed food program described here, and both host events and musical performances. Because the beer list, food truck schedule, and entertainment calendar can change, the taproom is the place to confirm the day’s pours and plans before settling in. For travelers organizing a group visit, Riverside’s private event space may be relevant, while those simply passing through can treat either location as a straightforward brewery stop with rotating beer, outside food options, and a schedule that may include live music.

Established in March 2017 by home-brewing partners Paul Tinney and Matt Thrasher, Rockwell Brewery draws its name from Tinney’s background designing acoustic guitars, fostering a theme connecting artisan craft beer and music. Head Brewer Scott McKernon, whose brewing experience dates back to the early 1990s, utilizes a background in Chemistry and culinary interest to develop a wide variety of styles, including stouts, porters, reds, IPAs, and occasional barrel-aged offerings. The brewery expanded its operations significantly in May 2023 with the opening of Rockwell Riverside, a second location featuring a large taproom, private event space, and 20 dedicated taps for specialty brews. Both locations host rotating food trucks, various events, and musical acts.

Website available

880 N East St Unit 201, Frederick, Maryland, 21701-5045

Phone: (240) 575-9755

Website: http://www.rockwellbrewery.com

Hours: Mon to Thurs 3pm - 9pmish Friday noon - 10:30pmish Saturday noon - 10:30pmish Sunday noon - 8pmish

Popular Beers

A quick look at notable pours currently tied to Rockwell Brewery.

Beer Styles at Rockwell Brewery

Rockwell Brewery brews across a range of styles. The current lineup includes Hazy NEIPA. Specific pours rotate over time — check the taproom board on the day of your visit for what is currently available on tap.

Upcoming Events

Upcoming public events currently attached to this brewery.

  • TRIVIA NIGHT w/ Pourhouse Trivia

    Jul 7, 2026

    Weekly trivia night every Wednesday at Rockwell Brewery. Sign ups start at 6:30pm, and trivia begins at 7pm sharp. Come test your knowledge and enjoy some drinks!

  • Vienna Notarianni Live on Stage!

    Jul 11, 2026

    Join us Saturday 7/11/26 at 1pm for an awesome afternoon of music and cool vibes! Vienna Notarianni is a 21-year-old singer, songwriter, and pianist bringing a sense of blues and…

  • LATIN MUSIC DJ DANCE PARTY

    Jul 16, 2026

    Dance party featuring Latin music hosted by a DJ. No cover charge. Starts at 7:30 PM.

  • The MIDNIGHT MOVING COMPANY Live on Stage!

    Aug 8, 2026

    Join us for THE MIDNIGHT MOVING COMPANY playing 80s–2000s party hits on shuffle with singalong moments and great fun at Rockwell Brewery. $5 cover, all ages welcome, supporting th…

  • BOOM! Live in Concert at Rockwell Brewery!

    Sep 18, 2026

    Join us for a free live music event featuring BOOM!, a Maryland-based hard rock band playing legendary hits of the 1980s. Enjoy fresh handcrafted beers, great food, and an unforge…

  • LUNAR TWIST Live in Concert!

    Sep 19, 2026

    LUNAR TWIST returns to Rockwell Brewery for an interactive live music show where the audience controls the set list by voting on songs via QR codes at the tables. Enjoy a nostalgi…

  • ROIYALTY Live in Concert!

    Sep 25, 2026

    Join ROIYALTY for an unforgettable night performing hits from his newest album REIGN, featuring DOMM and SVRGE, with DJ C-ED providing music. Experience high-energy live performan…

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Rockwell Brewery located?
Rockwell Brewery is located at 880 N East St Unit 201, Frederick, Maryland, 21701-5045. Use the map and directions on this page to plan your visit.
What are Rockwell Brewery's hours?
Current hours are: Mon to Thurs 3pm - 9pmish Friday noon - 10:30pmish Saturday noon - 10:30pmish Sunday noon - 8pmish. Hours can change on holidays and during private events — call ahead if your visit is time-sensitive.
How can I learn more about Rockwell Brewery?
Visit http://www.rockwellbrewery.com for the brewery's own information about beers, events, and operations. Beer.Social aggregates public data and visitor-facing details to help with planning a stop.