On Monday afternoon, Paste revealed that Union’s beloved brew had been ranked No. 39 of the top 50 pale ales in the nation. The Atlanta -based publication, which has become known for its large-scale blind taste tests, acquired 83 beers and ranked its picks for the top 50 based on balance, hop and malt flavor, and overall likability.

“We retain a certain fondness for a good old American pale ale,” the article reads. “How many pints of pale ale have accompanied innumerable burgers, pizzas and nights at the bowling alley? Most drinkers probably don’t think of the style as ‘sexy,’ but it’s dependable. Reliable. Classic. Dignified.”

While other Baltimore brews, including Flying Dog’s Doggie Style and Heavy Seas’ Powder Monkey, were given honorable mentions, Union’s was the only local beer to make the top 50. Duckpin is known for its tropical aroma, pale orange color, and citrus flavors that fuse Northwest and New Zealand hops.

“We were happy to see Duckpin perform so well in the Paste tasting,” says Union co-founder Jon Zerivitz. “We’re really proud of this beer and we’re always excited to see it get some well-deserved attention, especially when judged up against so many awesome brews.”

Perhaps one of the most interesting things to note about Duckpin’s position on the list is that it falls just below Sierra Nevada, a known game-changer in the evolution of American pale ale.

“We’ve been joking in the brewery that Duckpin’s new tagline is now: Duckpin Pale Ale, it’s one better than Sierra Nevada,” Zerivitz says.

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I got a chance to speak with co-founder Jon Zerivitz, who said that about three years ago he quit his day job as a graphic designer at T. Rowe Price to pursue his passion of home brewing. Through mutual friends, Zerivitz met Kevin Blodger, the medal-winning head brewer at Gordon Biersch in Chicago, who was interested in coming back home to Baltimore.

The two then co-founded Union Craft Brewing, located in a 7,200-square-foot warehouse in Woodberry. “We really wanted to be a neighborhood brewery and be right here in the city,” Zerivitz said. “There was some red tape working with city zoning and retrofitting an old building, but it was important to us.”

The 20-barrel brewhouse is now ready to debut its first two beers: Duckpin Pale Ale and Balt Altbier. Zerivitz says that he wanted both of his flagship beers to be approachable. The Duckpin is made with a relatively new hop variety grown in Australia and New Zealand, giving off a fruity, citrus profile. The Balt Altbier refers to an old, German style of brewing and is copper-colored with a malty, slightly sweet flavor.

The two new brews will be served on draft and in firkins at a release party at Max’s Taphouse starting at 5 p.m. on Friday. After that, Union Craft will roll them out in Hampden bars on July 3 and in Federal Hill spots on July 5.

As for the future, Zerivitz says look out for a summer seasonal available in August, as well as brewery tours and tastings around that same time.

[Image: courtesy of Union Craft Brewing]

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