ELLICOTT CITY, MD — The 4th annual Corn Fest returns to Manor Hill Saturday with its favorite corn-based lager, aptly named 14 Acres Corn Lager.
Brewed specifically for Corn Fest each year in limited quantities, the lager was named after the 14-acre corn field that provides the backdrop for Corn Fest at Manor Hill.
Described as crisp and easy to drink, 14 Acres Corn Lager is a traditional corn lager. Pale straw in color and light-bodied, it also boasts a balance of other flavors, said Corey Mull, owner of Manor Hill.
"The recipe was developed by our very talented brewing team. It is light, crisp and easy drinking, typical of a light lager. Additionally, we get soft grain, lemon, citrus, floral notes and a hint of apple," Mull said. "Guests love it. It's the same recipe and beer each year and we make a limited batch. So folks look forward to its release as it only comes out once a year."
The concept of Corn Fest came about during an internal sales meeting when the Manor Hill team was brainstorming the idea of a fall event unique to Manor Hill.
"Everyone does a fall fest of some kind (Oktoberfest, Farm Fest, Music Fest, etc.), and we wanted to stand out. Someone said 'corn fest' tongue in cheek and we just started exploring what that would look like," Mull said.
There are two types of corn in the lager. The first is the Manor Hill non-GMO corn that is grown on the Ellicott City farm.
"We supplement our corn with the Flaked Corn from our specialty malt provider. The corn lager, like all of our beers, is made on the farm," Mull said.
Saturday's fun at the Corn Fest includes live music on two stages in the hop field and courtyard by the taproom, food trucks, activities and more.
"We'll have 3 different beer stations, with 16 different beers, a hard seltzer, and a non-alcoholic hop water. 14 Acres (our corn lager) will be on tap and in cans to go," Mull said.
Food trucks include the Manor Hill Pizza Trolley, Tasty Maryland and Catalyst hot dogs.
"Food trucks typically get it on the fun and offer corn-themed specials. Previous years had corn dogs, corn elotes pizza, corn ribs, etc.," Mull said. "Schmidty's Kettle Corn will be popping fresh popcorn and kettle corn. Mike's Gelato and Tasty Maryland Lemonade stand will be on site for the kids and adults."
Kids can enjoy free glitter tattoos and Cornelius the corn mascot will also have stickers for free and T-shirts for sale.
"And just like any visit to the farm, there will be unmatched views and plenty of space to hang out with friends and family," Mull said. "It is one of our busiest days of the year, especially when the weather cooperates, like it will this weekend. It's a free event with ample parking, so it's easy to stop by for a little bit or hang all day."
Corn Fest not only brings a big crowd to Manor Hill, but celebrates agriculture in Maryland.
"Agriculture is such a big part of Maryland's history, and we think it's important for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience it firsthand. We're just one farm among so many across the state, but Corn Fest gives us a chance to open our doors and hopefully create a greater appreciation for what farms contribute to our communities. At its core, Corn Fest is about bringing people onto the farm, having a great time and maybe connecting them a little more closely with 'agriculture in action,'" Mull said.
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