Two Brewery Enthusiasts Preparing To Open Downtown Silver Spring Taproom

Owners will offer samples at this month’s Takoma Park Beerfest

Silver Branch Brewery owners Christian Layke and Brett Robison Glynis Kazanjian

Two local brewery enthusiasts are on track to open Silver Branch Brewing Co. in downtown Silver Spring later this year.

Christian Layke, 46, a former brewer at Gordon Birsch in Rockville, and Brett Robison, 30, a former general manager of Republic eatery in Takoma Park, plan to feature beer from four cultures around the world—Belgium, the British Isles, Central Europe and the U.S.

“Belgian Witbier, a tropical-style, Czech-style Pilsners and American IPAs will represent our four flagships,” Layke said.

Ultimately, the co-owners are hoping to offer up to 16 types of beers at any given time.

“The biggest goal is to deliver excellent beer at an affordable price,” Robison said. “We think beer should be loved and appreciated.”

The co-founders have leased 10,000 square feet of first-floor space at 8401 Colesville Road in Brookfield Properties’ Silver Spring Metro Plaza. The location is near the Silver Spring Metro station and in the same development where Discovery Inc. announced Thursday that it would locate its Maryland Network Hub where 300 employees will work.

Silver Branch Brewing will join Denizens Brewing Co. which opened in 2014 on East West Highway, and Astro Lab Brewing, which is set to open this fall on Georgia Avenue.

The brewery is in the early phases of construction. Site plans adorn the walls and large circles emulating stainless steel brewing vessels are drawn on the floor in the rear of the brewery where a wall of windows faces Colesville Road.

When complete, the brew house will have a beer hall with communal seating, a café with tables seating two to four people, a traditional bar and a barrel room for private functions and a place to watch televised sports.

There will also be outside seating for approximately 80 people in two areas in front of the restaurant.

The brewery will sell light snacks, and customers will be encouraged to bring their own food. Layke and Robison want to create a welcoming atmosphere for all patrons, including families.

“We’re trying to deliver an experience where everyone feels included,” Robison said.

Silver Branch will offer samples of its products the Takoma Foundation’s 10th annual Beerfest, which will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. Sept. 22. at the Cady Lee Mansion, 7064 Eastern Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.

“We will be serving test batches, using it as an opportunity to vet our recipes,” Robison said.