our history
Fordham & Dominion Brewing Company has a rich and storied history that has played an integral role in our success as one of the Mid-Atlantic's top brewers of craft beer. As we rapidly grow throughout the United States, the United Kingdom, and beyond, we invite you to take a look into what makes us so unique.
fit for a queen
In 1995, the roof of the Rams Head Tavern in Annapolis, Maryland was removed and a brewhouse lowered in, handcrafting fine ales and lagers under the name of Fordham Brewing. Named in honor of Benjamin Fordham, who was given a charter in 1703 by Queen Anne to establish a brewery in the heart of the bustling port city. It didn’t take long for the new brewery to rekindle the city’s old tradition into a passionate following among locals for its artisanal beers.
the revolution
As Fordham’s reputation spread throughout the Chesapeake region, the brewery made the decision to relocate to Dover, Delaware in 2003, where we had room to expand.
In what has become known as the Craft Beer Revolution, the year 1989 stands out as a landmark moment when the Old Dominion Brewing Co. established a brewpub operation in Ashburn, Virginia. The small brewpub quickly became a production brewery that was named one of the Top 50 breweries in the U.S. The brewery cultivated a community, in which many discovered the joy and wonder of craft beer, inspiring many of the company’s brewers to start successful breweries of their own. We soon found ourselves working around the clock to provide our potent potables and gourmet soda up and down the East Coast.
A Mid-Atlantic Tradition Since 1995.
the two become one
Based on our shared values and a common philosophy of quality brewing, Fordham and Dominion joined forces in 2007 and consolidated operations in 2009. The First State is now home to the Fordham & Dominion Brewing Co., where beer lovers from near and far are able to stop by, get to know us, and enjoy our handcrafted beer and soda. Our roots run deep throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and we remain dedicated to our craft.