Stillwater Artisanal Ales of Baltimore, Maryland was founded by brewmaster and former musician, Brian “Stillwater” Strumke. After retiring his music career Brian searched for a new creative outlet, which he found in home-brewing. Ever the artist, Brian wanted to not just make beer, but present to beer lovers a beverage that would elicit emotion and inspire contemplation. After a brief period toiling in obscurity, he was, not unlike a musician, discovered at the Obscure Beer Festival in downtown Baltimore. Once his talent was uncovered, it was impossible to contain. A pioneer of the gypsy-brewing style (where a brewer will travel around to various breweries and develop beers there), Brian has taken advantage of the various equipment, knowledge, and local flavors to make unique beers wherever he goes. As their reach has extended beyond Baltimore, Stillwater has gone on to expand their portfolio to everything from saisons to sour ales, as well as creating a number of collaborative beers with such breweries as Evil Twin and Brouwerij Emelisse.