Maisey
What does it mean to “be the best?”
According to Merriam-Webster
excelling all others
offering or producing the greatest satisfaction
the greatest degree of good or excellence
one’s maximum effort
• the most excellent in a group of things
Decipher Brewing from Charlottesville exemplifies what “being the best” means with their Best In Show win at the Virginia Craft Beer Cup Awards. Our cover story features Decipher along with the complete list of winners from the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild’s Virginia Craft Beer Cup Awards. The awards ceremony was held in August at Hardywood Park West Creek in Richmond. Gold, silver, and bronze medals were given in twenty categories. We had the opportunity to visit with Brad, Megan, and Scott Burton from Decipher Brewing and learn a little history about this fairly young brewery (est. 2019) and their award-winning Barley Late Kolsch. We raise a glass to all of the award-winners for making Virginia’s craft beer scene top-notch.
Governor Glenn Youngkin reinforces this sentiment in his conversation with Jeff after a reception in August at the Executive Mansion for the annual proclamation of Virginia Craft Beer month. “The craft beverage sector exemplifies the Spirit of Virginia; fostering hope, opportunity, and community.” Read the entire interview on page 34.
Continuing our celebration of the best of Virginia, Chuck Triplett, longtime VCB contributor, shares his love of German beer and a few of his favorite Virginia-brewed German style craft beers. Plus, Jeff provides a list of excellent Oktoberfest-style beers that can be found at breweries throughout the state.
With the changing of the leaves and the cooler temperatures, Fall in Virginia provides a beautiful back-drop for your quest to experience “the best” of what our Commonwealth has to offer. Oktoberfest and harvest festivals abound.You’ll find highlights in our Events Calendar. And, speaking of events, make plans now for Cider Week, November 11-20. Join Virginia cideries at festivals, tastings, pairings, workshops, and more to celebrate the growth and variety of the Virginia cider industry.
As always, our Brewery Guide is great resource for helping you plan your next adventure as you seek out the best of Virginia.
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Don’t believe us? Just ask the person pouring beer at your local taproom. There are a lot of great ones in Fairfax County. Don’t believe the person pouring the beer? Then take a sip. See? We told you.
Brewed in Fairfax County. Poured in Fairfax County VISIT FXVA.COM TO FIND YOUR LOCAL BREWERY.
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Christmas season comes early for beer enthusiasts when Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, with locations in Richmond and Goochland, unveils its in-demand, high-octane Gingerbread Stout series.
An exclusive boxset for 2022 has been released and includes the following with descriptions provided by Maddie Wood: the new-to-the-series The Flannel (12.3 % ABV, Inspired by a classic cocktail, this blend of Apple Brandy, Rum, and Cognac barrel-aged Imperial Stout and Golden Ale has been conditioned on allspice and a touch of orange peel and will leave you feeling warm and cozy); Toasted Fluffy (9.2 % ABV, All the flavors of a gingerbread cookie s’mores with flavors of toasted marshmallow, graham crackers, chocolate, and classic GBS spices); Granny’s GBS (12.1 % ABV, Fresh out of the oven, this fruitcake-inspired holiday libation is a blend of 11-month Bourbon barrel aged Belgian Quadrupel and Gingerbread Stout aged 9 months in bourbon-finished Port barrels brought to us by our friends at A. Smith Bowman’s Distillery. Decadent, warming, and just like Granny’s fruitcake, this beer is finished with dates, cherries, dark fruits, and a touch of citron); The Original Gingerbread Stout (9.2% ABV, Imperial Milk Stout with Virginia-grown Hawaiian White Ginger and Local Wildflower Honey, 100 Rating BeerAdvocate Magazine, 2012 Bronze Medal, Herb and Spice Beer, World Beer Cup, Top 25 Milk Stout in the World, BeerAdvocate.com); Christmas Morning (9.2% ABV, Gingerbread Stout with Locally Roasted Guatemalan and Colombian coffee from Blanchard’s, Top 25 Milk Stout in the World, BeerAdvocate. com, 2015 Gold Medal, Specialty Beer, Rate Beer Best); Christmas Pancakes (9.2% ABV, Gingerbread Stout with Local Maple Syrup, Outstanding Rating, BeerAdvocate. com); Gingerbread Porter (9.2% ABV, Imperial Porter with Local White Ginger and Local Wildflower Honey, Lactose Free); Bourbon Barrel GBS (11.5% ABV, Gingerbread Stout Aged in a combination of A. Smith Bowman and Heaven Hills Bourbon Barrels, 2017 Gold Medal by Style, Rate Beer Best, Top 20 Milk Stout in the World, BeerAdvocate.com); Kentucky Christmas Morning (11.5% ABV, Gingerbread Stout Aged exclusively in Kentucky’s own Heaven Hills Bourbon barrels with Locally Roasted Guatemalan and Colombian coffee from Blanchard’s, Top 10 Milk Stout in the World, BeerAdvocate.com); Bourbon Barrel Caliente GBS (13% ABV, A colossal version of the Gingerbread Stout conditioned with ancho chiles and extra cinnamon,
Tis the season for Gingerbread Stout.
aged 26 months in Heaven Hill bourbon barrels); Apple Brandy GBS Blend (11.7% ABV, A Blend of Imperial Milk Stout Aged 16 Months and 8 months in Laird’s Apple Brandy Barrels Spiced with all your favorite Gingerbread Spices); Gingerbread Bourbon Barleywine (14.5% ABV, Gingerbread Spiced Barleywine Aged for 8 Months in McKenna Bourbon Barrels, 2022 Virginia Craft Beer Guild Bronze Medal).
In addition to the packaged boxset items, many of these will be made available on draft at the Hardywood taproom. A partial taproom-only schedule includes Gingerbread Porter & Stout (November 5), Christmas Pancakes & Bourbon Caliente (November 19), and Christmas Morning & Kentucky Christmas Morning (November 26).
Gingerbread season concludes on December 17 with a GBS Fest at Hardywood’s West Creek facility in Goochland.
More high-quality homemade malt is on the way to keep pace with demand for Virginia’s independent craft brewers.
According to founder Jeff Bloem, his Charlottesvillebased Murphy & Rude Malting Company has installed new equipment that will immediately double its production capacity and will expand further to 1,000 tons/year by 2024.
Look for a feature on Murphy & Rude in our December issue of this magazine.
Did you know Smartmouth Brewing Company is celebrating its 10th year of beer?! This is a big shout-out to Porter Hardy who, in 2012, left his legal career and set off on a mission to create a communityminded brewery with top-notch beer. He thinks beer, talks beer, makes beer, and drinks beer. He rallied a few like-minded friends and built a dedicated, experienced team that has been with him (almost all) since day one.
Together they’ve won some awards and even made headlines (marshmallows anyone?).
Join us in raising a glass to Porter, to #10yearsofbeer, to our dedicated beer team, to our family and friends, to our partners and suppliers, and especially to our customers.
None of this would have been possible without any of youyou keep beer fun and we are grateful to be a part of this amazing craft beer community.
And, the silver medal for Best-of-Show goes to… Suffolk, Virginia’s Nansemond Brewing Station.
Mystic Maiden Heather Ale, a Scotch ale brewed with Scottish heather flower and honey, was all the buzz at the National Honey Board’s Honey Beer Competition in Colorado. In addition to its second overall award, the beer won gold in the General Ales category.
And that’s not all: Nansemond Brewing’s Hubs Beenut Butter took bronze in the Amber/Brown Ales category.
Smartmouth Brewing Company will celebrate its 10th anniversary on Saturday, October 1 with a street party at its Norfolk headquarters from noon until 10 PM. Among the live music performers are Paper Aliens, The Fuzz Band, Jonah Ross, and the world’s best beer-themed band — Esoteric Ramblers.
During the course of the past decade, Smartmouth gained national and statewide acclaim for its West Coast-style IPA, a Lucky Charms-inspired, magically delicious “breakfast” brew, and a pilsner called Safety Dance, which won an overall Best-of-Show from the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild’s annual competition.
Smartmouth was one of the breweries in the right place at the right time.
“We were in the unique position of having written our business plan based just on sales through distribution and then having SB604 pass while we were under construction,” said Porter Hardy, Smartmouth’s president. Hardy is also the current Co-Chair of the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild. “So, we had to totally revise our plan prior to opening. It was great, though. We were able to reach so many more people and reach them in a more direct way by serving people directly. Also, being able to sell pints directly to customers helped our bottom line as we were trying to get off the ground and allowed us to invest in more people/jobs.”
Fightin’ Hokies, the collaborative result between Virginia Tech and Hardywood Park Craft Brewers, won a silver medal in the Munich-style Lager category during the 2022 Australian International Beer Awards.
“Receiving this award is really exciting for our program and our partnership with Hardywood,” said Brian Wiersema, the pilot plant manager who oversees Virginia Tech’s on-campus brewery. “This competition focuses on style criteria, and it’s great to see that we were headed in the right direction, especially when you see the list of other international beers that medaled for this style.”
Italian illustrator Giuseppe Caruso has paired with brewer Marika Josephson of Scratch Brewing Company in Illinois to create an interesting, scientific new book titled The Botany of Beer: An Illustrated Guide to More Than 500 Plants Used in Brewing.
“Brewers like to talk about how beer makes connections,” wrote Stan Hieronymus, author of Brewing Local: American-Grown Beer. “These are never stronger than when the ingredients used to make a batch come from a world we know. Giuseppe Caruso has created a voluminous guide to making this happen. Open it to any page and you’ll think, ‘Yeah, I can make a beer with that.’ A connection, too.”
The book is published by Columbia Univeristy Press and available on Amazon.
One of the most anticipated beer events of the year — Brothers Craft Brewing’s Resolute Weekend — is scheduled for November 11-13 in Harrisonburg at the brewery.
This marks the 8th annual event where the brewery’s Bourbon Barrel-Age Russian Imperial Stout is released with six highly sought after variations.
“New to this year will be Resolute 26, which sees us going back to the original recipe for our 2015 Coconut Resolute that gained us national attention,” said Brothers’ taproom manager, Josh Harold. “It received a perfect score on Beer Advocate, put us in the top 10 beers in the country, and received the ranking of 26 in the world upon its original release in 2015. Resolute 26 will only be available for sale onsite and will be in very limited quantities.”
The flavors and aromas of higher color
diminish over time. Specialty malts from Murphy & Rude Malting are produced in smaller batches closer to home, helping you deliver maximum flavor, color and aroma in your finished products.
Murphy & Rude as your source for high-kilned, crystal, and roasted specialty malts and make the season count.
Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival
Rockbridge Beer & Wine Festival
Virginia Craft Beer Cup Awards Ceremony
Barley Late Kölsch, made by Decipher Brewing in Charlottesville, won first place in its beer style category, was awarded Best-of-Show honors, and thus the 2022 Virginia Craft Beer Cup, by a team of certified judges for the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild’s annual statewide competition.
Lighter style beers have become popular in recent years by craft beer consumers, though IPAs continue to rule the sales receipts.
When it comes to brewing competitions, however, consider this: a lager, pilsner or Kölsch has won the Guild’s Best of Show the last six consecutive years.
Here they are: Barley Late Kölsch (2022, Decipher Brewing), Quayside Kölsch
(2021, Fair Winds Brewing Company), Muzzle Loader Munich Dunkel (a Bavarian dark lager, 2020, Black Hoof Brewing Company), Euphonia Pilsner (2019, New Realm Brewing Company), Lil’ Hellion (a Helles-style lager, 2018, Brothers Craft Brewing), and Safety Dance Pilsner (2017, Smartmouth Brewing Company).
While many consumers seem to consider lagers to be the most basic of beer styles, they are actually the most challenging to get right. The lagering process takes an extra week or so in the fermentation phase. The slightest flaws in any part of the process can have a negative impact on the final product. The brewer — as a brewer — is virtually naked with no abundance of citrusy hop bomb to mask imperfections. You either hit
The Burton family brewers join Virginia’s First Family at the Executive Mansion to celebrate Decipher Brewing’s Barley Late Kölsch.
By Jeff Maisey
the nail on the head or you don’t.
So, what of this year’s top beer?
Head brewer Brad Burton, who co-owns Decipher Brewing with his wife Megan and brother Scott, describes it as “a traditional German style Kölsch.”
The recipe for this flawless lager originated from Tom Wallace, a Charlottesville local who won his homebrew club’s competition. The award included being able to brew a larger batch on Decipher’s system.
Decipher Brewing was established in 2019. Brad and Scott learned to brew on the apartment stove. Having each served nine years in the Navy, they decided to go all-in on making their dream a reality. Megan officially joined full-time after retiring from the Air Force after 20 years of service. Kölsch was a style they each enjoyed, but it wasn’t the top of the to-do list as a business.
“I wanted it to be one of our first beers,” explained Brad Burton, “but we were so tight with money because of how expensive the Kölsch yeast is that we went with a Blonde.”
The recipe for what is today draft and canned versions of Barley Late has been tweaked a little since the very first batch.
Sharing more detail, Brad said, “We use White Labs Kölsch Yeast for this beer. We’re a small brewery and we don’t have an inhouse lab. Whenever you make the Kölsch, you hope that it turns out like the last batch did. There are some variations that take place when you’re on our (small) scale.”
Since winning Best-of-Show, word has spread and customers have been flocking to the brewery to taste for themselves.
“We’ve seen a 19% increase in sales and the Kölsch has taken over the number one spot in sales from our West Coast IPA,” said Megan.
“We have a 7-barrel brewhouse but our tanks are 15-barrel,” said Brad. “We’re going to have to do a double-batch of the Kölsch just to be able to keep it on tap at the brewery.”
Now, that’s a winner….
The Virginia Craft Brewers Guild (VCBG) announced the 2022 Virginia Craft Beer Cup winners in August at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery’s West Creek location. This year’s competition was managed by Head Judge, Charlie Harr, and took place at Old Ox Brewery in Ashburn, Virginia. A record 106 breweries competed in this year’s competition which included 14 new participants! Brewers were able to submit up to four beers to be judged in 33 different categories. A record 396 beers were entered in the competition.
“Wow, what a great competition!” said Charlie Harr, Head Judge, “It was clearly evident in the tight race that every brewery is extremely dedicated to the craft and their dedication is inspiring. This year’s competition proves Virginia has some of the best craft brewers in the nation.”
The Virginia Craft Beer Cup continues to be the largest state competition of its kind in the United States. The VCBG is committed to giving its members the opportunity to compete, obtain critical feedback from certified judges, and get statewide recognition that will help build their brands. The VCBG has developed additional media, retail marketing, and tourism opportunities for Cup winners, ranging from a Cup Winner Beer Trail to digital medals for labels, and retail POS displays.
“It’s fitting that on the 10th anniversary of SB604, the Virginia Craft Beer Cup has the most competitors in its history. The VCBG is initiating new marketing programs to drive thirsty consumers to tasting rooms to help grow independent craft beer,” said Brett Vassey, VCBG President and CEO.
The 2022 Virginia Craft Beer Cup winners are as follows:
1st Barley Late Kölsch
Decipher Brewing
2nd Devil Dog
Harvest Gap Brewery
3rd Optimal Wit
Port City Brewing
ALTERNATIVE GRAIN(S) or SUGAR(S)
1st Bragadocious
Makers Craft Brewery
2nd Lucky Cat
Bold Mariner Brewing Company
3rd No award in this category
1st Reston Red
Lake Anne Brew House
2nd Sassenach
Iron Pipe Alewerks
3rd Rusted Nail Amber Ale
The Garage Brewery
1st Vienna Lager
Caboose Brewing Company
2nd Costa Chica
Bingo Beer Company
3rd Full Quiver Marzen
Black Hoof Brewing Company
1st Tradition Honey Brown
Tradition Brewing Company
2nd Roasted Pecan Brown Ale
Skipping Rock Beer Company,
3rd Paper Boy Brown Ale
Three Leg Run
HM Boxcar Brown Caboose Brewing Company
1st Taking Water
Pale Fire Brewing Company
2nd For Fox Sake
Barley Naked Brewing Company
3rd Cream Ale Old Ox Brewery
1st Richbrau Lager
Richbrau Brewing Company
2nd Tiller Lite Lager
Cedar Run Brewery
3rd Stud Lite Harvest Gab Brewery
1st Optimal Wit
Port City Brewing Company
2nd Down Wit It
Ornery Beer Company
3rd No award in this category
1st Boswell’s Tavern Very Special Bitter
Cooling Pond Brewery
2nd Bitter Duergar Ale
Dancing Kilt Brewery
3rd Red Ale
Caiseal Beer and Spirits Co.
1st
Twin Creeks Brewing Company
2nd Rusty Roadrunner Lager
Great American Restaurants – Sweetwater Tavern
3rd Drop Your Schwarz Barley Naked Brewing Company
1st Hopsneeze Gen2, Alesation Brewing Company
2nd
3rd
Tucked Away Brewing Company
Chaos Mountain Brewing
EUROPEAN SOUR
1st
2nd
Strangeways Brewing Company
3rd No award in this category
Trial of Dmitri Benchtop Brewing Company
Rice Cubed Benchtop Brewing Company
3rd Raspberries on Acid Blue Mountain Barrel House
South Street Brewer
2nd Hot Pursuit
Big Ugly Brewing
3rd Drink a Peach
Blue Mountain Brewery
Hm All That Razz
Lake Anne Brew House
1st Hefe
2 Silos Brewing Company
2nd Saving Daylight
The Virginia Beer Company
3rd Harvest Hefe
Barnhouse Brewery
1st King of Clouds Juicy IPA
Three Notch’d Brewing Company
2nd Robot Cowboy , Stable Craft
3rd Forecast: Downpour Long Way Brewing
1st Bienvenidos Mexican Lager
Caboose Brewing Company
2nd Stone Buenaveza Salt & Lime Lager, Stone Brewing
3rd Dos Silos, 2 Silos Brewing
IPA
1st Chug Rug
Precarious Beer Project
2nd Pacific Waves
Ornery Beer Company
3rd The GreeHeen
Big Lick Brewing Company
1st Irish Red
Old House Vineyards
2nd Rockhill Irish Red
Barley Naked Brewing Company
3rd No award in this category Red Willie
HM Tradition Brewing Company
1st Barley Late Kölsch
Decipher Brewing
2nd Log Hopper Kölsch
stable craft
Jack Mason’s Tavern and Brewery
3rd Kodiak Kölsch
Bear Chase Brewing Company
1st Passionfruit Guava King of Strays Sour Ale
Richbrau Brewing Company
2nd Biere De Coupage
Fine Creek Brewing Company
3rd Barrel Aged Golden Sour
Fine Creek Brewing Company
1st Golden Express Belgian 2nd Singel
Nansemond Brewing Station
3rd Belgian Blonde
Great Valley Farm Brewery and Winery HM Downton Abbey Ale
Barking Rose Brewing Co + Farm
1st Chesapeake Pale Ale
Alewerks Brewing Company
2nd Moonlight Mile
Olde Salem Brewing Company
No award in this category
1st Devil Dog
Harvest Gap Brewery
2nd Hardwood Fighting Hokies Lager
Hardywood Park Craft Brewery
3rd Broadside
Black Hoof Brewing Company
1st DasGut
Caboose Brewing Company
3rd Classic Lager Blue Mountain Brewery
3rd Pilsner Beltway Brew Co,
1st Porter
Port City Brewing Company
2nd Charm Offensive
Heliotrope Brewery
3rd Protocol Porter Alewerks Brewing Company
1st Touche De Gris
Crazy Rooster Brewing Company
2nd Farmhand
Barking Rose Brewing Co + Farm
3rd Siege of Savannah Saison Eastern Divide Brewing Company
1st Piggyback
The Farm Brewery at Broad Run
2nd We are Pivo
WildManDan Brewery
3rd Stone Smokin’ with The Gnomies Stone Brewing
1st No award in this category
2nd Blanc Water
Benchtop Brewing Company
3rd Tangerine Imperial IPA Lost Barrel Brewing
1st Pollywog Irish Stout
Harpers Ferry Brewing Company
2nd New Moon Milk Stout Moon Hollow Brewing
3rd Shucking Good Gloucester Brewing Company
1st Bishops Pass Ale
Great American Restaurants – Sweetwater Tavern,
2nd Artemis
Decipher Brewing
3rd Barley Beast Water’s End Brewery
St. george brewing company
1st Zero Tolerance
Wasserhund Brewing Company
2nd Prototype Delta Delta 1 Doppelbock Flying Ace Distillery and Brewery, 3rd The Lumber Snack Broken Window Brewing Company
1st Honey Mead Lager, St George Brewing Company
2nd Edgar
Richbrau Brewing Company
3rd Coffee Snob Cova Brewing Company
1st Breezy
The Farm Brewery at Broad Run
2nd Barrel Aged Satan’s Pony South Street Brewery
3rd Hardywood Gingerbread Barleywine, Hardywood Park Craft Brewery
HM Barrel Aged Old Odder Barley Wine w/ Vanilla,
Longtime Northern Virginia beer enthusiast and frequent Virginia Craft Beer Magazine contributor Chuck Triplett has a first love — beers from Germany.
Triplett has made numerous beer pilgrimages to the Olde Country and often makes it his business to sample the latest attempts by American brewers — especially in Virginia — to replicate the originators.
Given the season, we thought it’d be a fun topic to discuss with Chuck. Here’s our conversation.
When did you first experience beers brewed in Germany?
I started seeking out German beers in the mid-1970s because of the dearth of good American beers at that point. German beers at least had flavor. I made my first beer trip to Germany in 1990.
What brands and styles were some of those German-made beers that you enjoyed most here in America during those dark ages?
In the 1970s, both Lowenbrau Light and Dark were available as well as Wurzburger and a couple of others. This was before Miller obtained the rights to brew Lowenbrau in the USA.
Can you share with our readers some of your favorite towns and breweries in Germany for drinking beer?
My favorite region would be Bavaria and the state of Franconia. My favorite town is Bamberg.
I would give Cologne and Dusseldorf in the north honorable mentions.
Bamberg had 10 breweries mostly within easy walking distance and several bierkellers as well. It is home to the famous Weyermann Malt company too. The most famous Bamberg beer brand is of course Schlenkerla and its rauchbiers (smoked beers) but Spezial, Fassla, Mars, Keesman, Greiflenkau, Kloster and Kaiserdom are all there and making fine beers. Several of these breweries also offer rooms to stay.
Within a 5-mile radius of Bamberg, there are close to 30 more breweries and the Franconia region in general has around 300. There are also plenty of biergartens and kellers to visit and enjoy. It is really a beer drinkers’ paradise and I never tire of visiting. The Kellerwald which is near Forscheim has over 20 brewery kellers carved into the forested, granite mountain with tasting rooms and beirgartens there to sample the beers lager on site.
How is the experience of drinking beer in Germany similar and different than in America?
Most German breweries have a tavern or pub where you can enjoy their biers. Similar to American taprooms, however they are usually comfortable and cozy places. Different from American industrial settings. Germany of course has its massive bierhalls which are great fun.
German beers of all styles seem to maintain a better head (carbonation) than American-brewed beers. Is that appealing to your tastes and why?
You won’t be served a beer without a frothy head. Much different from real ale in the UK where the beer must be up to the fill line. There is plenty of science as to why the beer’s head improves the drinking experience by exposing its essence to all of the senses.
What are some of the Virginia-brewed German-style craft beers that are on par with those in Germany?
Port City Brewing of Alexandria, Virginia makes an outstanding Oktoberfest product, according to Chuck Triplett.
There are several outstanding and GABF medal winning Oktoberfest brews from Virginia. To name a few: Port City, Lost Rhino, and Bear Chase. There are, of course, other great Virginia examples. We are fortunate to have some very good to excellent lager brewers throughout the state. I have had some dynamite brews from Bingo, Ardent, Vibrissa, Wheatland Spring, and others.
What makes a Marzen beer most appealing to you?
I am a malt guy. I like the balance between the sweet malt and slightly bitter hops in the German styles. The clean, crisp, biscuitty melanoidins just do it for me. After nearly 50 years of drinking beer, I was over the excessive use of hops about a decade ago.
Which American wheat beers brewed in Virginia equal those in Germany?
I am not really a fan of wheat beers, but there is some confusion when discussing Oktoberfest styles because the actual current style served at Oktoberfest in Germany is termed Wiesn or Wiesen, which means “field” beer. It is lighter in color than the traditional marzen which is what most Americans think of as fest beer. I love both styles. Not so much the similarly named German wheat styles though.
Any additional thoughts on German-style beers brewed in Virginia and across the USA?
I think the thing that seems to set German beers above most American renditions of their styles is decoction brewing. It is standard in Germany, but most American breweries don’t do it. I think it makes the difference. It is finesse. There are some excellent lager focused brewers in this country and some of them do decoct. A few of the best from outside of Virginia are Von Trapp in Vermont, Jacks Abby in Massachusetts, Bierstadt in Colorado, Schilling in New Hampshire, and Notch in Massachusetts.
I am so happy to see the growth of lager styles among American breweries these days. Many brewers are attempting them, and I see them more often when visiting tap rooms. I also have noticed that they are seemingly getting better and better though they are harder and take more time to make. I hope the trend continues.
Ifbeer has a national — make that multi-national — holiday, then surely it is Oktoberfest. Celebrations and beer brewed specially for the occasion abound, including right here in Virginia.
So how did it all begin?
Way back on October 12, 1810, King Ludwig I married Princess Terese of SaxHildburghausen in Munich, Germany. Citizens of the city were invited to celebrate the festivities, which included 15th-century-style horse racing. Held in the fields outside the gates of Munich, the celebration became an annual event with a parade, carnival booths, games, Bavarian dancing, and music.
This year’s Oktoberfest celebration in Germany began September 17 and is set to conclude October 3. Traditionally, the Mayor of Munich taps the first keg of beer and then the non-stop Oktoberfest beer drinking can begin.
Interestingly, only beer brewed within Munich city limits and conforming to the Reinheitsgebot can be served at the Munich Oktoberfest. The official Oktoberfest beers come from just six breweries: Spatenbrau, Paulaner, Hofbrau, Augustiner-Brau, Hacker-Pschorr Brau, and Lowenbrau.
In Virginia, Oktoberfest celebrations happened mostly in late September, but there are a few that will continue in October.
If Oktoberfest slipped your mind, no need to worry. Consumers can enjoy Oktoberfest-style beers throughout the fall season thanks to an ample supply of Marzen beers brewed within the Commonwealth.
Following are but a sample of what you’ll find at breweries, restaurants, and retail shelves.
Celebrate Oktoberfest. Prost!
Young Vets brewers Tom, Jeremy, and Andy are featured here on this illustrated label, and we absolutely love the spirit it conveys.
Here’s how they describe their brew: “With malted barley and yeast hailing from the Andech’s Region of Upper Bavaria to honor the modern traditions of what is served at Munich’s Oktoberfest, this golden straw colored beauty has an impeccably crispy malty backbone with a clean finish and deliciously fluffy white foamy top.”
Talk about an authentic touch, here’s how the brewery explains this year’s Oktoberfest style beer and those involved in the brewing process: “Many of our local breweries, including ours, had the pleasure of hosting four students from T.U.M. (Technical University of Munich) in Germany. We are privileged to get to host students each year through a program with Virginia Tech. Jakob and Kilian got to help us brew a new Festbier.”
Say no more. We’ll have one, then another…
Old Ox unveiled its seasonal Marzen with a BBQ and brew event dubbed Porktoberfest. Pork is a popular dish in Germany and we think an equally good pairing is good ol’ American BBQ. On draft at the brewery and get a can to take home.
For nearly 30 years, St. George brewers have focused on the traditional beer styles of Europe that influenced the decade-old Renaissance of craft beer. Not surprising, this Oktoberfest beer is a true Marzen and an absolute delight to drink. Packaged in 12-oz cans and available on draft.
Brewed closely to traditional expectations, this Oktoberfest beer is brewed at an original gravity 13.5 plato, uses Munich malt as well as German pilsener and Vienna malts.
Blue Mountain extends its event celebration through October 9 with fun things like Steal The Boot Glass (October 6), and live oompah music from 1-4 PM on October 8-9.
Packed in 12-oz cans and sold on draft at the brewery, this easily consumed Marzen is clean, malty, and has a dry finish. 5.5% ABV.
This malty lager is on the lighter side of a traditional Oktoberfest style beer, and somewhat unique in that regard. If you plan to simultaneously watch football on TV and celebrate with brats and beverage for a long day, this is your beer.
Known for their focus on German-style beers, Wasserhund traditionally goes all-out for Oktoberfest and this year is no exception. And speaking of exceptional, grab a 4-pack of their canned Oktoberfest Lager, built with the malt character that gives a lager the full body you expect. 6.3% ABV.
As described by the brewery: “A malty bronze color, this traditional style fest beer boasts an aroma of toasted malt, with hints of caramel and a touch of noble hops. Flavors of toasted malt and earthy hops lead to a dry, crisp finish.” 6.1% ABV.
According to the brewers, “Clocking in at 6.1%, this smooth easy drinking Festbier lends to the perfect blend of malt and bitterness. Golden in color this bier has notes of toast and a touch of honey on the nose. Upon tasting, you may notice notes of spice and pepper due to the Perle Hops used in the brewing process.”
Just beyond the bypass headed north of Richmond is Center of the Universe, where they’ve stuck with the tradition of brewing a nice Oktoberfest lager. Like the annual cycle around the sun, this seasonal is packaged to-go in Bavarian colored cans and on tap. A consistently solid version.
Midnight Brewery is a destination, for sure, but closer than Germany. And, a determined journey is well rewarded with this fine version of a traditional Bavarian Marzen beer.
Actually, this nano brewery has produced not one, but two celebration beers — Oktoberfest Festbier and Good Love Marzen — one for each hand. Pity we only have one mouth. And how’s this for an inviting description? “Delicious any time of the year, this deeply amber hued German lager is a treat. Boasting bready and warm flavors with a touch of sweet biscuit and malt, this clean lager is quite sessionable and a lovely malt forward brew. Tettnanger and Hersbrucker hops have a mellow impact on this delicious seasonal beer. Munich, Vienna, Pils, and Specialty Crystal malts shine in this lager.”
Perhaps the most widely distributed Oktoberfest-inspired beer in VA is Starr Hill’s Festie. These folks have the brewing process perfectly done. You may even find this in seasonal variety packs at grocery stores and Total Wine & More locations. Enjoy.
Governor Glenn Youngkin continued the tradition of hosting a gathering of Virginia’s craft brewers on the front lawn of the Executive Mansion for the annual proclamation of Virginia Craft Beer Month. Following the event, the Governor granted us a quick interview to discuss beer.
Virginia Craft Beer Magazine (VCB): During your recent speech issuing the Virginia Craft Beer Month proclamation, you shared a personal story where the future First Lady told you (on your first date, I believe) she liked football and beer. Given the season, why in your view do football and beer go hand-in-hand?
Gov. Youngkin: Football and beer go hand-in-hand, it’s an American tradition that the First Lady and I know and love.
VCB: Do the two of you watch football and share a beer at home?
Gov. Youngkin: Yes, on our very first date the First Lady admitted she loved beer and a football game. I’ve never looked back since.
VCB: Without naming a specific brewery, what beer style(s) do you and the First Lady enjoy?
Gov. Youngkin: It’s like asking me who my favorite child is....all Virginia beer styles are our favorite.
VCB: As a businessman turned governor, what are your overall impressions of Virginia’s craft beer industry?
Gov. Youngkin: The craft beer industry is an incredibly valuable contributor to our local and statewide marketplace. As a development site for jobs, investment, and commodity, the industry gives way for comprehensive economic expansion.
VCB: Can you share your views on how Virginia’s craft breweries are having a positive economic impact on tourism, job growth, restaurants and lodging?
Gov. Youngkin: The craft beer community continues to be one of the fastest growing economic benefactors for the Commonwealth’s agriculture, tourism, and beverage industries.
Virginia’s farmers have fostered a new kind of connection with consumers, giving them the ability to create more job and business opportunities with their continued success.
Outside investments and additional craft breweries reinforce the Commonwealth as a prime location for business. And of course, more visitors are traveling from out of state to try some of Virginia’s best in class brew.
VCB: What ways can your administration help craft breweries expand and enhance these areas of Virginia’s economy?
Gov. Youngkin: Supporting local businesses, creating job opportunities, and offering opportunity for expansion in the marketplace have been day one priorities. To accomplish this, we recently awarded our Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund grants to three craft beverage companies across the state. The AFID program supports agribusinesses of all kinds, including our homegrown and national craft breweries.
VCB: In Virginia’s past, the alcohol industry was somewhat limited in how it operated. Today, we see entire families -- dogs included -- on a Saturday during lunch enjoying a beer, taco and conversation at a local craft brewery much as Europeans have done for decades. What are your impressions of the family and sense of community aspect of Virginia’s craft breweries?
Gov. Youngkin: With burdensome pandemic restrictions behind us, the reemergence of local business has cultivated a newfound sense of hope across the Commonwealth. This is evident in the craft beverage sector when we see families, friends, and customers gathering at our local breweries.
The craft beverage sector exemplifies the Spirit of Virginia; fostering hope, opportunity, and community.
Talk about locally harvested ingredients. The folks at Williamsburg’s Alewerks partnered with Chessie Seafood to pull-up fresh oysters from the nearby York River for a remarkable American stout to feature at your fall season, outdoor oyster roast.
White Winged Dove Brewed true to style with spicy coriander and orange peel, this Belgian-style witbier is getting extended play due to popularity. It was originally brewed to celebrate International Women’s Day, and was named by the brewery’s
Compiled by Staff
If you’re looking for a fresh, new hazy IPA give Rocket Frog’s delicious new recipe a whirl. It’s hopped with Motueka, Idaho 7 and Cashmere hops. Coming in a 6.1% ABV, you won’t need a booster rocket to drive home.
Yes, this is old school as it gets for craft beer made in Virginia. It is a classic. A legend, in fact. And we really can’t think of a better beer — ale, that is — to enjoy this fall than Legend Brown Ale. It’s like that old wise family member that’s always there when you need them. Consistent, quality, great character, and dependable.
Harvest season f or cider-making apples generally runs from August through October, but the fruit must never be picked until fully ripened. Once harvested, apples are quickly made into fermented hard cider and a fresh, crisp delicious treat to be enjoyed from Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. The fermentation process is rather quick compared to beer — about 7-9 days.
This year, the official Virginia Cider Week runs November 11–20.
Hard cider, as you know, is widely available year-round bottled, canned, or on draft. We’ve handpicked a few Virginia cideries and their products we’ve enjoyed. Give ‘em a try.
For a delightfully unique taste, exploring the Shelton family’s business should be high on your list. They created the ciderworks to spotlight rare apple varieties and the intoxicatingly liquid made from them. Ever heard of a Grand Sultan apple? There’s much to learn and taste, so prepare to take notes. And, don’t miss their Annual Harvest Festival on November 5 and the entertaining “Cider Smackdown: Attack of the Crabapple” event on November 11.
Four to explore: Harrison, Ragged Mountain, 1817, and Jupiter’s Legacy.
Englishman Stephen Schuurman is the cider-maker and brings the knowledge, traditions, and techniques from his homeland for our benefit.
The cidery uses apples from Frederick County. They are pressed, fermented, bottled, and then aged for a full year inhouse.
Four to explore: Malice, 522, Wicked Wiles Bourbon, and The Winston.
Charlottesville
If you are truly a dry cider purist, this is your spot, mate. Visit during Cider Week and experience their beautiful setting, colored leaves, and award-winning liquid. The apples used are sourced from farms and orchards in the Shenandoah Valley.
Four to explore: Farmhouse Dry, Petite Cider, Grapefruit Hibiscus Session Cider, and Hewe’s Cuvee.
Bryant’s is ready for the fall season with an on-site pumpkin patch, Fall Festival (October 14-15), Halloween Masquerade (October 29), and Apple Butter Fest (November 12).
Four to explore: Punkin spice, Brite Good, Unicorn Fuel, and Dark Unicorn.
Hampton
Far from the mountains of Virginia sits this fun, old house cidery located in the historic “downtown” of Phoebus, near Fort Monroe.
The folks at Sly Clyde are keen to tip their hat to traditional ciders, but they take great pleasure in pushing the taste bud boundaries.
Four to explore: Lime of the Ancient Mariner, Sandbar, Inkjet, and Cut & Run.
Fri., Nov. 18, 5:30-7:30pm
Taste a mix of British and American ciders.
The Wine Guild 221 Carlton Road, Suite, 1, Charlottesville www.wineguildcville.com
Flights & Live Music at Bryant Cider
Sat., Nov. 19, 11am-8pm
Guided cider flights and live music from 2-5pm. Bryant’s Cidery & Brewery 3224 East Branch Loop, Roseland
Pressed Fest at Smartmouth Pilot House
Fri., Nov. 18 – Sun., Nov. 20
A weekend-long Cider Fest featuring Virginia ciders, gluten-free & vegan treats, live music, Smartmouth beers, and outdoor family-friendly fun!
Smartmouth Pilot House 313 32nd Street, Virginia Beach
Alexandria Cider Festival
Sat., Nov., 19, 1-5pm
Featuring cider tastings, live music, and a little history too! Enjoy samples of Virginia ciders and learn about the growing Virginia cider industry and its connection to Alexandria history. Tickets: $55
The Lloyd House 220 N. Washington Street, Alexandria www.alexandria.gov/shop
Cider Week at Ciders from Mars
Fri., Nov. 11-Sun., Nov. 20
Cider releases specials, hot cider, live music (Thursday) and more.
Ciders From Mars 121 S. Lewis Street, Staunton www.cidersfrommars.com
Trivia at Sage Bird
Thurs., Nov. 17, 8-10pm
Teams of 6 or less compete for cool prizes!
Sage Bird Ciderworks 325 N. Liberty Street, Harrisonburg
Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington Street,Alexandria VA
$55 per person (pre-sale), $65 at the door (if available)
with a special tasting event on the grounds of historic Lloyd House in Old Town Alexandria!
Event ticket includes cider tastings, live music, a tasting glass, and a little history too!
Tickets available at shop.alexandriava.gov.
This event will take place outdoors. Proceeds from the Cider Festival will bene t the Historic Alexandria Museums. For more information, email historicalexandria@alexandriava.gov.
November
Oktoberfest at Wolf Hills
Fri., Oct. 14, 6-8:45pm
Featuring Mountain Top Polka Band, Oktoberfest fare, great drinks, contests, interactive show and Gemutlichkeit!
Wolf Hills Brewing 149 Deadmore Street SE, Abingdon
Blacksburg BrewDo Sat., Oct. 22, 1-5pm
Featuring craft beer and cider from the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond, food, vendors and live music.
Smithfield Plantation 1000 Smithfield Plantation Road, Blacksburg www.blacksburgbrewdo.com
Craft & Draft Festival
Sat., Oct. 22, 11am-5:30pm
All day festival featuring 40 local artisan vendors, live music, food trucks, and craft beer.
Glencoe Museum
600 Unruh Drive, Radford
Damascus Brewery Halloween Party
Sat., Oct. 29, 6pm
Costume Contest, snacks, great beer, and live music by Ron Short and the Possum Playboys.
The Damascus Brewery 32173 Government Road, Damascus
Pints & Planets!
Fri., Aug. 19, 8-9:30pm
Richmond Astronomical Society will be on-site to show you closeups of the moon and some planets and answer questions about the night sky.
Intermission Beer Company 10089 Brook Road, Glen Allen
Beer Olympics for CF
Sat., Aug. 20, 2-6pm
Join us for a day of games, comedy, and great beer all to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Tickets: $40.
Castleburg Brewery 1626 Ownby Lane, Richmond
Leave Your Mark Mural Fest
Fri. Sept. 30, 3pm – Sun. Oct. 2, 8pm
5 local muralists will help us leave our mark on Richmond! Enjoy a beer and witness the process!
Three Notch’d RVA Collab House 2930 W. Broad Street, Richmond
WAR Craft Oktoberfest
Fri., Sept. 30, 12pm – Sun., Oct. 2, 10pm
Join us for great food, music, and festivities!
WAR Craft Brewery 7851 White Oak Road, Rapidan
Oktoberfest at Blue Mountain
Fri. Sept. 30 – Sun., Oct. 9
Celebrate 10 days of Oktoberfest with German food specials every day, live music, special activities, games, and prizes.
Blue Mountain Brewery 9519 Critzer Shop Road, Afton
Appomattox Railroad Festival
Fri.-Sun, Oct. 7-9
A family-friendly festival to celebrate the heritage and history of Appomattox County and its citizens. Featuring parade, food, arts & crafts, live bands, train exhibits, fine art show, and fireworks. Main Street, Downtown Appomattox www.appomattoxrrfest.org
Fri. & Sat., Oct. 7 & 8, 6-11pm
Featuring great entertainment, authentic German food, German Beer, and the famous German Germutlichkeit. Dominion Building, Richmond Racewy 600 E. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond
Sat., Oct. 8, 11am-5pm
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This year’s event includes the Rotary Motor Fest. View classic cars and motorcycles while sampling from the many wineries and cideries. Enjoy a variety of craft vendors, delicious food trucks, and a variety of beer. Back by popular demand, Slapnation will keep the energy flowing all day. Tickets:5 Colonial Downs / Rosie’s Gaming Emporium 10515 Colonial Downs Pkwy, New Kent 804.966.8581 www.newkentchamber.org
Off the Rails Beer Festival
Sat., Oct. 8, 3-7pm
Featuring 24 local craft beers, food trucks, and live music. All proceeds benefit the Hanover Arts & Activities Center. Entry: $10, $6 full pour, $3 half pour. Hanover Arts Center 500 South Center Street, Ashland www.hanoverarts.org
Fall Festival at Bryant Cider Sat., Oct. 15, 11am-8pm
Sip on Punkin Spice Cider while enjoying live music, food trucks, and local vendors plus a pumpkin patch and kite flying. Bryant’s Cidery & Brewery 3224 East Branch Loop, Roseland
Fall Festival at Coyote Hole Sat. & Sun., Oct. 15 & 16, 11am-7pm
Featuring fresh cider, apple cider donuts, vendors, and food!
Coyote Hole Ciderworks
225 Oak Grove Drive, Mineral
The Festival of Grapes and Hops
Sat., Oct. 15, 11am-6pm
Join us in historic downtown Petersburg for shopping, live music, wine and craft beer tasting, and more!
The Harbor 9 East Old Street, Petersburg www.festivalofgrapesandhops.com
Haunted Trail at Coyote Hole Fri. & Sat., Oct. 21, 22, 28, & 29, 11am-11pm
Experience a haunted walk at our 30 acre farm. A combination maze, mine and wooded trail. Tickets: $15. Hard cider, mulled cider, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks available. Coyote Hole Ciderworks 225 Oak Grove Drive, Mineral
Sat., Oct. 22, 11am
Celebrate 5 years with us! Live music all day, brewery Olympic events, and a special beer release – “I Got 5 In It.”
Three Roads Brewing 312 W. Third Street, Farmville
Blackstone Wine & Beer Festival
Sat., Oct. 22, 12-6pm
Includes wine tasting, craft beer, food vendors, artisans, and live music.
Proceeds benefit 2 museums – Schwartz Tavern and the Robert Thomas Carriage Museum – both will be open for tours. Tickets: $15 Schwartz Tavern 100 Tavern Street, Blackstone 804.921.7460
Growl-O-Ween at COTO
Sat., Oct. 22, 2-5pm
Get your dog ready for a costume contest and trick competition! Plus, live music, great beer, and hot dogs from Legendary Provisions. Help raise money for the Hanover Humane Society!
Center of the Universe
11293 Air Park Road, Ashland
Oktoberfest
Sat., Oct. 22, 12-7pm
Produced by The Water Dog and featuring Beale’s Oktoberfest beer, costumes, music, dancing, German food, and more!
Riverfront Park 1100 Jefferson Street, Lynchburg Oktoberfest at Final Gravity Sun., Oct. 23, 12pm
Celebrate Oktoberfest with a parking lot party filled with German food, music by The Sauerkrauts German Band, costume competition, games, and the release of our Kingdoms Rise Marzen.
Final Gravity 6118 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond
Starr Bazaar: A Maker’s Market
Sun., Oct. 23, 12-5pm
Kick off holiday shopping season at the Starr Bazaar featuring 15 local vendors and live music by Tiana & Andrew.
Starr Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop 3406 West Leigh Street, Richmond
Fall Festival at Brewing Tree
Sat., Oct. 29
Featuring pumpkin chucking in the meadow and apple centric baked goods along with local vendors.
Brewing Tree Beer Company
9278 Rockfish Valley Highway, Afton
Halloween at WAR Craft
Sat., Oct. 29, 12pm-midnight
Celebrate the night at our gently haunted brewery – a former Civil War hospital! Bring your dog dressed in their scariest outfit for a prize!
WAR Craft Brewery
7851 White Oak Road, Rapidan
Punkin-Chunkin at Blue Mountain Mon., Oct. 31, 5:30-6:30pm
Launch your pumpkin from our punkinchunkin catapault, hit a target, and win a prize! $5 for 3 pumpkins. Must be 18 and up.
9519 Critzer Shop Road, Afton
Apple Butter Festival at Bryant Cider
Sat., Nov. 19, 11am-8pm
Celebrate the tradition of making apple butter for Thanksgiving! Jars sold day of. Plus, enjoy hard cider, Blue Ridge Bistro, food trucks, local vendors, and more.
Bryant’s Cidery & Brewery
3224 East Branch Loop, Roseland
Small Business Saturday Artisan Market
Sat., Nov. 26, 10am4pm
Featuring local artists and makers selling handmade home décor, art, jewelry, apparel, and more!
Hardywood Park Craft Brewery –West Creek
820 Sanctuary Trail Drive, Richmond
Concealed Darkness Release Party & Pig Roast at Blue Mountain Barrel House
Sat., Dec. 3, 11am-8pm
Celebrate the newest release of Dark Hollow Reserve, Concealed Darkness. Bottles and variants available for purchase while supplies last. Whole-hog pig roast and other food options available for purchase. Live music all day. Blue Mountain Barrel House 3224 East Branch Loop, Roseland
Sat., Oct. 1
German beers, German food, and German music.
Elation Brewing
5104 Colley Avenue, Norfolk 757.550.4825
www.elation.beer
10 Year Birthday Bash
Fri., Sept. 30-Sun, Oct. 2
3 Day Birthday Blowout at our Norfolk & Virginia Beach locations. Fri., 6-10pm –Pilot House Luau Party; Sat., 12-10pm All Day Street Party in NFK; Sun., 12-4pm –Hangover Brunch in VB. Smartmouth
1309 Raleigh Avenue, Norfolk 313 32nd Street, Virginia Beach
Fri., Sept. 30 – Sun., Oct. 2
Weekend events include: International Sandsculpting Championship, Neptune’s Art & Craft Show, Neptune’s 8k Race, Grand Parade, Atlantic Regatta, Youth Art Show, Poseidon’s Playground, Neptune’s Healthy Haven, Live music from over 20 national and local bands, boardwalk vendors, and so much more! 6th – 36th Streets
Virginia Beach Oceanfront www.neptunefestival.com
Sat., Oct. 1, 12-5pm
Features over 40 Virginia craft brews, lots of bacon, and live music. Plus, upgrade your ticket (in advance) for ten tastings of small batch, hard-to-find, high-end specialty bourbons.
Windsor Castle Park 705 Cedar Street, Smithfield www.smithfieldvaevents.com
Common Grounds –A Collaboration Beer Fest & Camp Night
Sat., Oct. 1
Hang, drink, dance and camp with some of your favorite national and international brewers! Enjoy authentic, small batch, one time only collaboration beers!
Holiday Travel-L Park 1075 General Booth Blvd., Virginia Beach www.commongroundsfest.com
Oktoberfest at Montross Brewery
Sat., Oct. 1, 12-11pm
Featuring music, vendors, Oktoberfest Lager, and 2 Fish Bistro. Montross Brewery 15381 Kings Highway, Montross Oktoberfest! Beers, Brats, & More!
Sun., Oct. 2, 5-7pm Beer pairing by The Virginia Beer Co. and food pairing by 2nd Street’s Chef Chris. Tickets: $55. Call 757.234.4448 for details. Second Street Bistro 115 Arthur Way, Newport News Oktoberfest at Coastal Fermentory Fri., Oct. 7, 12-10pm
Join us for an entire day of Oktoberfest shenanigans with live music and games plus the re-release of Bro’s Before Lederhosen Oktoberfest!
Coastal Fermentory 206 23rd Street, Newport News
Fall Crafted at Reaver NFK Sat., Oct. 8, 12-6pm
Sip on delicious brews while shopping from a curated collection of vintage and modern goods from local vintage vendors. Reaver Beach NFK 3800 Colley Avenue, Norfolk Oktoberfest at Bier Garden
Sat., Oct. 8, 12-9pm
Enjoy a street party with live music by an authentic German band, German food & beer, kids’ activities, strongman competition, and more. Tickets: $10. Bier Garden 438 High Street, Portsmouth
Virginia Beer Co. Beer Release Mon., Oct. 17
Pumpkin Patches Spiced Oatmeal Stout Can Release
The Virginia Beer Company 401 2nd Street, Williamsburg www.virginiabeerco.com
Sat., Oct. 22, 1-6pm
Featuring Mutt Lager. Proceeds benefit Norfolk Animal Care Center. Live music by Dan Pellegrino, 2-4pm. Dog Costume Contest at 4pm.
5104 Colley Avenue, Norfolk Farmhouse Blue Grass Festival Sat., Oct. 22, 11am
A full day of beer and Bluegrass bands –and flannel plus cider and food trucks.
Back Bay’s Farmhouse Brewing Co. 1805 Kempsville Road, Virginia Beach Field Dayz Sat., Oct. 22
Precarious Beer Project and Amber Ox Public House bring you a day of craft beer, food, music, and field day antics.
The Lawn of The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg 301 South Nassau Street, Williamsburg
Fall Vendor Fair at Big Ugly
Sun., Oct. 23
15+ artisan vendors, food trucks, and live music.
Big Ugly Brewing 845 Battlefield Blvd., Chesapeake Yorktoberfest
Sun., Oct. 23, 12-6pm
Sample more than 30 beers, ciders, and more from Coastal VA. Enjoy live music, beer classes, vendors, food, and more. 331 Water Street, Yorktown www.yorkcountychamberva.org
Spooktacular Weekend Fest
Fri., Oct. 28-Mon. Oct. 31
Markets, music, and spooky activities. Maker’s Craft Brewery 735 E. 23rd Street, Norfolk
Boos & Booze Halloween Mini Market at Reaver NFK Sat., Oct. 29, 1-5pm
Sip on Halloween themed brunch beer cocktails while shopping from an eclectic array of vendors featuring Halloween themed items.
Reaver Beach NFK 3800 Colley Avenue, Norfolk Halloween Party at Big Ugly Sat., Oct. 29
Dress to impress! One-off Halloween beers, a new Hazy IPA “Maybe Today Satan,” live music and a costume contest.
Big Ugly Brewing 845 Battlefield Blvd., Chesapeake
Trunk or Treat at Big Ugly Sun., Oct. 30
A spooky day for the family! Kids pumpkin carving, kids costume contest, and trunk or treat from vintage cars.
Big Ugly Brewing 845 Battlefield Blvd., Chesapeake
Virginia Beach Craft Beer, BBQ, & Bluegrass Festival Sat., Oct 29
Sample a variety of craft beers and enjoy live music on the beach! Virginia Beach www.beacheventsvb.com
Virginia Beer Co. Beer Release Sat., Oct. 29
Evil Santa Spiced Milk Stout Can Release The Virginia Beer Company 401 2nd Street, Williamsburg www.virginiabeerco.com
2 Years of Beer at Coastal Fermentory
Fri., Nov. 11–Sun., Nov. 13
Celebrate two years of beer with a weekend full of live music, food, and great beer!
Coastal Fermentory
206 23rd Street, Newport News
Fri., Nov. 25, 2-10pm
A celebration of dark beers, art, and music. Smartmouth 1309 Raleigh Avenue, Norfolk
Dark Journey Release Party at Big Ugly Fri., Nov. 25
The release of Dark Journey Barrel Aged Porter, live music, food trucks plus one off Dark Journey variants on tap.
Big Ugly Brewing 845 Battlefield Blvd., Chesapeake
Virginia Beer Co. Beer Release
Fri., Nov. 25
Double Evil Santa Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Spiced Milk Stout Can Release
The Virginia Beer Company 401 2nd Street, Williamsburg www.virginiabeerco.com
Fall Fest at Lost Barrel Sat., Oct. 1, 11am-4pm
All things local – craft breweries, delicious food, vendors, and music! GA Tickets: $30 Presale (ends 9/17); $35; $40 at gate.
Lost Barrel Brewing 36138 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg
Ono Brewing 5th Onoversary Luau
Sat., Oct. 1, 12-6pm
We’re celebrating our five year anniversary with a Hawaiian LUAU featuring Hawaiian music and dance performances, vendors and crafters, and more.
Ono Brewing Company 4520 Daly Drive, Chantilly
Fredericksburg Fall Brewfest Sat., Oct. 8, 11am-4pm
Sample distilled spirits from all across Virginia plus craft beer, wine, and cider. Fredericksburg Fairgrounds 2400 Airport Avenue, Fredericksburg www.cheersfestivals.com
Barley Naked Oktoberfest
Sat., Oct. 15, 12-9pm & Sun., Oct. 16, 12-7pm
Featuring food trucks, beer, live music, games, Effingham Winery, contests, and more! Barley Naked Brewing Company 15 Tech Parkway, Stafford
Cupcake & Beer Pairing at Ornery Sat., Oct. 15, 1-3pm
Enjoy delicious Fall cupcakes from LucyQ Bakery paired with a flight of beer. Ornery Beer Company www.ornerybeer.com
Shucktoberfest
Sat., Oct. 22, 11am-5pm
Craft beer tents, food & oyster tents, and local vendors. Family & dog-friendly
Copperwood Tavern Shirlington Village 4021 Campbell Avenue, Arlington www.shucktoberfestva.com
Halloween Candy & Beer Pairing
Fri., Oct. 28-Mon., Oct. 31
Enjoy a flight of four beers paired with traditional Halloween chocolates and candies. $16 per flight.
Dirt Farm Brewing 18701 Foggy Bottom, Bluemont
Halloween Party at Ornery
Sat., Oct. 29, 6pm
Face Painting 6-8pm; Kids Costume Contest 8pm; Adult Costume Contest 10pm; DJ & dance music 8-11pm. Ornery Beer Company www.ornerybeer.com RhinO’ween
Sat., Oct. 29, 2-6pm
A family-friendly event featuring costume contests, outdoor games, live music by the Phantom Jay Band, food specials, and plenty of beer
Lost Rhino Brewing Co. 21730 Red Rum Drive, Ashburn
Halloween Dog Costume Contest at Lost Barrel
Sun., Oct. 30, 11am
Contest 11am-1:45pm, prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place. The fun continues all day with beer, seltzer, wine, food, and live music.
Lost Barrel Brewing 36138 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg
Old World Christmas Market at Bear Chase Sun., Nov. 6 & Sat., Nov. 26, 11am-5pm 30 local makers with 100% handmade holiday gift ideas. Enjoy beer and food while browsing. Bear Chase Brewing Company 18294 Blueridge Mountain Road, Bluemont
Fall Festival at Massanutten
Sat., Oct. 8, 11:30am-5:30pm
Food vendors, chairlift rides, beer & wine, arts & crafts vendors, and kids’ activities. Massanutten Ski Area 4614 Massanutten Drive, McGaheysville 540.437.3368 www.massresort.com
Night Latch Beer Release at Stable Craft Brewing Fri., Oct. 14, 4pm American Stout Release – Crafted with crystal and chocolate malts, Night Latch retains the sweet flavors of caramel and chocolate. Cascade and Nugget hops offset this stout’s sweetness while its medium body allows for more enjoyment of its exquisite flavors. Stable Craft Brewing 375 Madrid Rd., Waynesboro www.stablecraftbrewing.com
Masquerade Dance Party
Fri., Oct. 14, 8-11pm
Ciders From Mars 121 S. Lewis Street, Staunton www.cidersfrommars.com
BrewHaha One Year Anniversary Party Sat.-Sun., Oct. 15-16
Celebrate our one year anniversary with us! We'll have music, games, vendors, a cornhole tournament, and more! BrewHaHa Brewing Company 11704 Spotswood Trail, Elkton Flappy Hour Thurs., Oct. 27, 5-7pm Fundraiser for Bat Conservation and Rescue of Virginia. Meet a bat plus win cool prizes and Brats & More food truck.
Ciders From Mars 121 S. Lewis Street, Staunton www.cidersfrommars.com
at Stable Craft Brewing
Sat., Oct. 29, 4pm
We’ve got DJ Adonis spinning tunes for a Halloween Dance Party like no other. Come dressed to the nines for an epic costume event!
Stable Craft Brewing
375 Madrid Rd., Waynesboro www.stablecraftbrewing.com
Sat., Oct. 29
Local music weekend in Staunton with bands playing a variety of venues including Cider From Mars.
Ciders From Mars
121 S. Lewis Street, Staunton www.cidersfrommars.com
Sat., Nov. 5, 10am-6pm
Featuring an array of local artisans and crafters.
Back Room Brewery
150 Ridgemont Road, Middletown 540.869.8482
Fri., Sat, & Sun., Nov. 11, 12, & 13, 10am-10pm
Friday: Sour Hour – sample a variety of tart, crisp pours. Saturday: Live entertainment, food trucks, and the release of the awardwinning beer. Sunday: See what pours remain and watch a game in the taproom for Resolute Hangover Sunday. Discounted travel packages available.
Brothers Craft Brewing 800 N. Main Street, Harrisonburg www.brotherscraftbrewing.com
Chapo Beer Release at Stable Craft Brewing
Fri., Nov. 18, 4pm
Chapo is a collab brewed with Witchita Brewing Co. in Kansas. This Mexican Hot Chocolate Stout is conditioned on cocoa nibs and Guajillo chile spice, and gives a kick to warm a cold soul. Stable Craft Brewing 375 Madrid Rd., Waynesboro www.stablecraftbrewing.com
Old-Fashioned Farm Christmas at Stable Craft Brewing Sat., Dec. 3, 12-10pm
Horse-drawn wagon rides, a visit from Santa, National Lampoon Costume Contest, live music, fire pits, barrel-aged beer and mulled cider. Stable Craft Brewing 375 Madrid Rd., Waynesboro www.stablecraftbrewing.com
Big Lick Halloween Party
Sat., Oct. 29, 5-10pm
Costume Contest 5-8:30pm. Live music by Chad Nickell & The Loose Change 6:309:30pm. Great beer and Halloween candy.
Big Lick Brewing Co. 409 Salem Avenue SW, Roanoke
Stacked Pumpkin Paint Party Thurs., Nov. 17, 6:30-8:30pm
Support Huddle Up Mom’s. Paint a pumpkin or Jack-o-lantern.
Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage 6 Old Whitmore Avenue, Roanoke
Busted Still Brewing Company
185 Homeplace Drive, Gate City 276.210.6038
Lonesome Pine Brewing Company
15 East Main Street, Lebanon 276.880.0278
Sugar Hill Brewing Company
16622 Broad Street, St. Paul 276.738.1088 • sugarhillbrewing.com
7 Dogs Brewpub
360 W. Spring Street, Wytheville 276.228.0994 • 7dogsbrewpubva.com
Beliveau Farm Brewery
3899 Eakin Farm Road, Blacksburg 540.961.0505 • beliveaufarm.com
Buffalo Mountain Brewery
332 Webbs Mill Road, Floyd 540.745.2491 buffalomountainbrewery.com
Bull & Bones Brewhaus
1470 S Main St., #120, Blacksburg 540.953.2855 • bullandbones.com
Creek Bottom Brews
307 Meadow Street, Galax 276.236.BEER (2337) • cbbrew.com
The Damascus Brewery
32173 Government Road, Damascus 540.314.2782 • thedamascusbrewery.com
Eastern Divide Brewing Company
3175 Commerce Street, Blacksburg 540.577.6877 • easterndivide.com
Iron Tree Brewing Company
5 Roanoke Street, Christiansburg 540.251.3419 • irontreebrewing.com
Long Way Brewing
501 2nd Street, Radford 540.838.2229 • longwaybrewing.com
Moon Hollow Brewing Company
4237 Prices Fork Road, Blacksburg 540.505.2293 • moonhollowbrewing.com
Rising Silo Brewing Company
2351 Glade Road, Blacksburg 410.596.1200 • risingsilobrewery.com
River Company Brewery
6633 Viscoe Road, Radford (Fairlawn) 540.633.3940 therivercompanybrewery.com
State Street Brewing
801 State Street, Bristol 276.644.3380 • statestreetbrewing.com
Wolf Hills Brewing Company
350 Park Street, Abingdon 303.5508762 • wolfhillsbrewing.com
Apocalypse Ale Works
1257 Burnbridge Road, Forest 434.258.8761 • endofbadbeer.com
Ardent Craft Ales
3200 W. Leigh Street, Richmond 804.359.1605 • ardentcraftales.com
Bald Top Brewing Co.
1830 Thrift Road, Madison 540.409.4129 • baldtopbrewing.com
Basic City Beer Co-RVA
212 W. Sixth Street, Richmond 804.447.4735 • basiccitybeer.com
Beale’s
510 Grove Street, Bedford 540.583.5113 • bealesbeer.com
Benchtop Brewing Company
434 Hull Street, Richmond benchtopbrewing.com
Bingo Beer Co.
2900 West Broad Street, Richmond 804.386.0290 • bingorva.com
Molly’s Blind Dog Brewery
4515 W. Hundred Road, Chester 804.530.9022 • mollysbicycleshop.com
Blue Mountain Brewery
9519 Critzer Shop Road, Afton 540.456.8020 • bluemountainbrewery.com
Blue Mountain Barrel House
495 Cooperative Way, Arrington 434.263.4002 • bluemountainbarrel.com
Brasserie Saison
111 E. Main Street, Charlottesville 434.202.7027 • brasseriesaison.net
Brewing Tree Beer Company
9278 Rockfish Valley Hwy., Afton 540.381.0990 • brewingtreebeer.com
Bryant’s Brewing
3224 East Branch Loop, Roseland 434.818.1215 • bryantscider.com
Camp Trapezium
140 Union Hill Road, Amherst 434.381.2635 • trapeziumbrewing.com
Canon & Draw Brewing Company 1529 West Main Street, Richmond 804.353.0536 • canonanddraw.beer
Castleburg Brewery & Taproom
1626 Owenby Lane, Richmond 23220 804.353.1256
• castleburgbrewery.com
Center of the Universe Brewing Company
11293 Air Park Road, Ashland 804.368.0299 • cotubrewing.com
Champion Brewing Co.
324 6th Street, Charlottesville 434.295.2739
championbrewingcompany.com
Champion Ice House
212 N. Main Street, Gordonsville 540.406.5393 • championicehouse.com
Colonial Beach Brewing
215C Washington Avenue, Colonial Beach 540.226.2114 • colonialbeachbrewing.com
Cooling Pond Brewery
4411 Zachary Taylor Highway, Mineral 540.603.0239 • coolingpondbrewery.com
Crazy Rooster Brewing Company
1560 Oakbridge Drive, Powhatan 804.464.2958 • crazyroosterbrewing.com
Dancing Kilt Brewery
12912 Old Stage Road, Chester 804.318.1381 • dancingkiltbrewery.com
Decipher Brewing
1740 Broadway Street, Charlottesville 434.995.5777 decipherbrewingco.wixsite.com
Devils Backbone Brewing CompanyBasecamp
200 Mosbys Run, Roseland 434.361.1001 • dbbrewingcompany.com
Dragon Run Brewing
1401 Centerville Road, Shacklefords 804.832.5285 • dragonrunbrewing.com
Extra Billy’s
1110 Alverser Dive, Midlothian 804.379.8727 • extrabillys.com
Final Gravity Brewing Company 6118 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond 804.264.4808 • finalgravitybrewing.com
Fine Creek Brewing Company
2425 Robert E. Lee Road, Powhatan 804.372.9786 • finecreekbrewing.com
Garden Grove Brewing and Urban Winery 3445 W Cary Street, Richmond 804.338.6029 • gardengrovebrewing.com
Hardywood Park Craft Brewery 2408 Ownby Lane, Richmond 804.420.2420 • hardywood.com
Hardywood Park Craft Brewery West Creek 820 Sanctuary Trail Drive, Richmond 804.418.3548 • hardywood.com
Intermission Beer Co. 10089 Brook Road, Glen Allen 804.585.0405 • intermission.com
Iron Pipe Alewerks
323 A. North Madison Road, Orange 540.522.0673 • ironpipealewerks.com
Isley Brewing Company 1715 Summit Avenue, Richmond 804.499.0721 • isleybrewingcompany.com
James River Brewery 561 Valley Street, Scottsville 434.286.7837 • jrbrewery.com
Kindred Spirits Brewing Company 12830 W. Creek Parkway, Goochland 804.708.0309 • kindredspiritsbrewing.com
Legend Brewing Company 321 W. Seventh Street, Richmond 804.232.3446 • legendbrewing.com
Lickinghole Creek Farm Brewery
4100 Knolls Point Drive, Goochland 804.314.4380 • lickingholecreek.com
Loose Shoe Brewing Company
198 Ambriar Plaza, Amherst 434-941-7345 • looseshoebrewing.com
Loose Shoe Brewing Company
201 Old Courthouse Road, Appomattox 434-941-7345 • looseshoebrewing.com
Main Line Brewery
1603 Ownby Lane, Richmond 804-387-9670 • mainlinerva.com
Meriwether Springs Vineyard & Brewery
1040 Owensville Road, Charlottesville 434.409.1435 • meriwethersprings.com
Midnight Brewery
2410 Granite Ridge Road, Rockville 804.356.9379 • midnight-brewery.com
Mt. Ida Reserve Tasting Room & Taphouse. 5600 Moonlight Drive, Scottsville 434.286.4282 • mountidareserve.com
Origin Beer Lab
106 S. Railroad Avenue, Ashland 804.368.0299 • originbeerlab.com
Patch Brewing Company
10271 Gordon Avenue, Gordonsville 540.466.8536 • patchbrewingco.com
Pro Re Nata Farm Brewery
6135 Rockfish Gap Turnpike, Crozet 434.823.4878 • prnbrewery.com
Random Row Brewing Company
608 Preston Avenue, Charlottesville 434.284.8466 • randomrow.com
Reason Beer Co.
1180 Seminole Trail, #290, Charlottesville 434.260.0145 • reasonbeer.com
Richbrau Brewing Co.
5 South 20th Street, Richmond 804.621.4100 • richbraubrewing.com
Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
11800 W. Broad Street, Richmond 804-237-1684 • rockbottom.com
Rockfish Brewing Co.
900 Preston Avenue, Charlottesville 434.566.0969 • rockfishbrewcompany.com
Selvedge Brewing
1837 Broadway Street, Charlottesville 434.270.0555
thewoolfactory.com/selvedge-brewing
Shotwell Run Brewing Company
2585 S F T Valley Road, Etlan 540.923.4048 • bluequartzwinery.com
South Street Brewery
106 South Street, Charlottesville 434.293.6550 • southstreetbrewery.com
1100 E. Jack Jouett Road, Louisa 540.260.5494 • southernrevere.com
5391 Three Notch’d Road, Crozet 434.823.5671 • starrhill.com
3406 West Leigh Street, Richmond 804.912.1794 • starrhill.com
946 Grady Avenue, Charlottesville 434.202.2947 • starrhill.com
1300 Main Street, Lynchburg 434.219.6441 • starrhill.com
1717 E. Oak Lake Blvd., Midlothian 804.728.1876 • steambell.beer
Stone Brewing Company
4300 Williamsburg Avenue, Richmond 760.294.7899 • stonebrewing.com
Strangeways Brewing
2277 Dabney Road, Richmond 804.303.4336 • strangewaysbrewing.com
Strangeways Brewing RVA – Scott’s Addition
3110 West Leigh Street, Richmond 804.303.4336 • strangewaysbrewing.com
Tabol Brewing
704 Dawn Street, Richmond 804.303.5528 • tabolbrewing.com
Tap 29
154 Winery Lane, Leon 540.547.3707 • tap29brew.com
The Answer Brewpub
6008 West Broad Street, Richmond 804.282.1248 • theanswerbrewpub.com
The Veil Brewing Company
1301 Roseneath Road, Richmond 804.355.58515 • theveilbrewing.com
Three Leg Run
4418 W. Hundred Road, Chester 804.454.0365 • threelegrun.com
Three Notch’d Brewing Company
RVA Colab House
2930 W. Broad Street, Richmond 804.554.4100 • threenotchdbrewing.com
Three Notch’d @ IX Park
520 2nd Street, SE, Charlottesville 434.956.3141 • threenotchdbrewing.com
Three Roads Brewing Company
312 W. Third Street, Farmville 434.315.0471 • 3roadsbrewing.com
Three Roads Brewing Company
1300 Court Street, Lynchburg 434.386.8153 • 3roadsbrewing.com
Trapezium Brewing Company
423 Third Street, Petersburg 571.758.2738 • trapeziumbrewing.com
Triple Crossing Brewing Company
113 S. Foushee Street, Richmond 804.308.0475 • triplecrossing.com
Triple Crossing Brewing Company
5203 Hatcher Street, Richmond 804.496.1955 • triplecrossingbeer.com
Unionville Brewing Co.
24333 Narrow Gauge Road, Unionville 540.406.2951 • unionvillebrewingco.com
Vasen Brewing Company
3331 Moore Street, Richmond 804.588.5678 • vasenbrewing.com
WAR Craft Brewery
7793 White Oak Road, Rapidan 571.445.5869 • warcraftbrewery.com
White Rock Brewing Company
2117 Bruno Drive, Goodview 540.890.3359 • whiterockwines.com.
WildManDan Beer Centric B&B
279 Avon Road, Afton 434.270.0404 • wmdb3.com
Willow Spring Brewery in The Light Well Restaurant
110 E Main Street, Orange 540.661.0004 • thelightwell.com
Wood Ridge Farm Brewery
165 Old Ridge Road, Lovingston 434.422.6225
woodridgefarmbreweryva.com
1700 Brewing
11838 Canon Blvd., Newport News 757.782.5941 • 1700brewing.beer
1865 Brewing Co.
9 S. Mallory Street, Hampton 757.964.9571
Alewerks
• 1865brewingcompany.com
189-B Ewell Road, Williamsburg 757.220.3670 • alewerks.com
Alewerks Satellite Brewery
Williamsburg Premium Outlets
5715 Richmond Road, Williamsburg 757.220.0421 • alewerks.com
Back Bay Brewing Company
614 Norfolk Avenue, Virginia Beach 757.531.7750 • backbaybrewco.com
Back Bay’s Farmhouse Brewing Co.
1805 Kempsville Road, Virginia Beach 757.512.6430 • farmhousebrewingva.com
Benchtop Brewing Company
1129 Boissevain Avenue, Norfolk 757.321.9482 • benchtopbrewing.com
Big Ugly Brewing Company
845 Battlefield Blvd. S., Chesapeake 757.609.2739 • biguglybrewing.com
Billsburg Brewery 2054 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg 757.926.0981 • billsburg.com
Black Narrows Brewing Company
4522 Chicken City Road, Chincoteague 757.336.7001• blacknarrowsbrewing.com
Bold Mariner Brewing Company
1901 E. Ocean View Avenue, Norfolk 757.952.6533 • boldmariner.com
Bull Island Brewing Company
758 Settlers Landing Road, Hampton 757.788.9489 • bullislandbrewing.com
Callao Brewing Company 129 Northumberland Highway, Callao 804.529.1042 facebook.com/callao.brewing.co
Cape Charles Brewing Co. 2198 Stone Road, Cape Charles 757.695.3909 • capecharlesbrewing.com
Capstan Bar Brewing Company 2036 Exploration Way, Hampton 757.788.7276 • capstanbarbrewing.com
Coastal Fermentory 206 23rd Street, Newport News 540.333.4456 • coastalfermentory.com
Commonwealth Brewing Company 2444 Pleasure House Road, Virginia Beach • 757.305.9652 commonwealthbrewingcompany.com
COVA Brewing Co. 9529 Shore Drive, Norfolk 757.917.5499 • covabrewco.com
Deadline Brewing Project 2272 W. Great Neck Road, VA Beach 757.502.4980 • deadlinebrewing.com
Elation Brewing 5104 Colley Avenue, Norfolk 757.695.3909 • elation.beer
Gloucester Brewing Company 6778 Main Street, Gloucester 804.210.1407 • globrewco.com
Harbor Trail Brewing Company 5900 Churchland Blvd., Portsmouth 757.381.7979 www.harbortrailbrewing.com
Maker’s Craft Brewery
735 E. 23rd Street, Norfolk 757.226.8506
• makers.beer
MoMac Brewing Company
3228 Academy Avenue, Portsmouth 757.383.9572 • momacbrewing.com
Montross Brewery & Beer Garden 15381 Kings Highway, Montross 804.452.7394 • montrossbrewery.com
Nansemond Brewing Station 212 E. Washington Street, Suffolk 757.630.2178 • nansemondbrewing.com
New Realm Brewing Company
1209 Craft Lane, Virginia Beach 757.302.8550 • newrealmbrewing.com
Nost Brewing Project
81 Patch Road, Hampton • 757.224.7042
O’Connor Brewing Company
211 W. 24th Street, Norfolk 757.623.2337
• oconnorbrewing.com
Oozlefinch Beers & Blending
81 Patch Road, Fort Monroe 757.224.7042
• oozelfinchbeers.com
Pleasure House Brewing 2032 Pleasure House Road, Virginia Beach • 757.647.8597 pleasurehousebrewing.com
Precarious Beer Hall 110 S. Henry Street, Williamsburg 757.808.5104 • precariousbeer.com
Precarious Beer Project / Amber Ox Public House 521 Prince George Street, Williamsburg 757.790.2299 • precariousbeer.com
Reaver Beach Brewing Company 1505 Taylor Farm Road, Virginia Beach 757.563.2337 • reaverbeach.com
Reaver Beach Brewing Company 3800 Colley Avenue, Norfolk 757.904.5344 • reaverbeach.com
Rip Rap Brewing Company 116 E 25th Street, Norfolk 757.632.0159 • riprapbrewing.com
Smartmouth Brewing Company 1309 Raleigh Avenue, Norfolk 757.624.3939 • smartmouthbrewing.com
Smartmouth Pilot House 313 32nd Street, Virginia Beach 757.624.3939 • smartmouthbrewing.com
St. George Brewing Company 204 Challenger Way, Hampton 757.865.7781 • stgbeer.com
Strangeways Brewing Williamsburg 1430 High Street, Suite 1103, Williamsburg 757.808.5824 • strangewaysbrewing.com
Talleysville Brewing Company 8400 Old Church Road, New Kent 804.932.8240 • newkentwinery.com
That Damn Mary Brewing Company 5036 George Washington Memorial Highway, Hayes 804.436.2204 thatdamnmarybrewing.com
The Bunker Brewpub & Cadence Hall 211 21st Street, Virginia Beach 757.227.4250 • bunkerbrewpub.com
The Garage 1011 Eden Way N., Chesapeake 757.389.5353 • garagebeer.com
The Vanguard Brewpub & Distillery 504 N. King Street, Hampton 757.224.1807 • thevanguard757.com
The Virginia Beer Company
401 Second Street, Williamsburg 757.378.2903 • virginiabeerco.com
Thin Brew Line
1375 Oceana Blvd., Virginia Beach 757.937.8613 • thinbrewline.com
Tradition Brewing Company
700 Thimble Shoals Blvd., Newport News 757.303.3415 • traditionbrewing.com
Vibrant Shore Brewing Company
505 18th Street, Virginia Beach 757.428.2949 vibrantshorebrewingcompany.com
Wasserhund Brewing Company
805 Laskin Road, Virginia Beach 757.618.6051 • wasserhundbrewing.com
Wharf Hill Brewing Co.
25 Main Street, Smithfield 757-357-7100 • wharfhillbrewing.com
Young Veterans Brewing Company
2505 Horse Pasture Road,, Va Beach 757.689.4021 • yvbc.com
2 Silos Brewing Co.
9925 Discovery Blvd., Manassas 703.420.2264 • 2silosbrewing.com
6 Bears & A Goat Brewing Company
11440 International Drive, Fredericksburg 540.356.9056 • 6bgbrewing.com
1781 Brewing Company
11109 Plank Road, Spotsylvania 804.842.0199 • 1781brewing.com
Adroit Theory Brewing Company
404 Browing Court, Purcellville 703.722.3144 • adroit-theory.com
Adventure Brewing Company
33 Perchwood Drive, Fredericksburg 540.242.8876 • adventurebrewing.com
Adventure Brewing Company
1113 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Fredericksburg 540.242.8876 • adventurebrewing.com
Altered Suds Brewing
36 Main Street, Warrenton 540.216.3490 • alteredsudsbeer.com
Aslin Beer Company
767 Elden Street, Herndon 703.787.5766 • aslinbeer.com
Aslin Beer Company
847 S. Pickett Street, Alexandria 703.787.5766 • aslinbeer.com
Audacious Aleworks
110 E. Fairfax Street, Falls Church 571.303.0177 • audaciousaleworks.com
B Chord Brewing
34266 Williams Gap Road, Round Hill 571.474.9191 • bchordbrewing.com
Barking Rose Brewery & Farm
9057 Old Culpeper Road, Warrenton 540.935.6206 • barkingrose.com
Barley Naked
15 Tech Parkway, Stafford 540.623.4475 • barleynaked.com
Barnhouse Brewery
43271 Spinks Ferry Road, Leesburg 703.675.8408 • barnhousebrewery.com
Barrel Oak Farm Taphouse
3623 Grove Lane, Delaplane 540.364.6402 • barreloak.com
Bear Chase Brewing Company
18294 Blue Ridge Mountain Road 540.554.8210
• bearchasebrew.com
Beer Hound Brewery
201 Waters Place, Culpeper 540-317-5327
• beerhoundbrewery.com
Belly Love Brewing Company
725 E Main Street, Purcellville 540.441.3159 • bellylovebrewing.com
Beltway Brewing Company
22620 Davis Drive, Sterling 571.989.2739 • beltwaybrewco.com
Bike Lane Brewing
11150 Sunset Hills Road, Reston 703.689.2671 • bikelanebrewing.com
Black Hoof Brewing Company
11 S. King Street, Leesburg 571.707.8014 • blackhoofbrewing.com
Black Walnut Brewing Company
210 S King Street, Leesburg facebook.com/blackwalnutbrewery
Board Room Brewing Company
925 Garfield Street, Arlington 703.248.9439 • theboardroomva.com
Brew Republic Bierwerks
15201 Potomac Town Place, Woodbridge 703.594.7950
• brewrepublic.beer
Bunnyman Brewing
5583 Guinea Road, Fairfax bunnymanbrewing.com
Caboose Brewing Company
520 Mill Street NE, Vienna 703-865-8580 • caboosebrewing.com
Caboose Commons
2918 Eskridge Road, Fairfax 703.663.8833 • caboosebrewing.com
Cedar Run Brewery
12801 Hazelwood Drive, Nokesville 703.594.0420 • cedarrunbrewery.com
Chubby Squirrel Brewing Company
10382 Willard Way, Fairfax 571.989.1082 chubbysquirrelbrewing.com
Crooked Run Brewing Company
22455 Davis Drive, Sterling 571.375.26525 • cookedrunbrewing.com
Crooked Run Brewing Company
205 Harrison Street SE, Leesburg 571.978.4446 • cookedrunbrewing.com
Death Ridge Brewery
5393 Higher Ground Trail, Jeffersonton 540.764.4057 • deathridgebrewery
Dirt Farm Brewing Co.
18701 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont 540.554.2337 • dirtfarmbrewing.com
Dynasty Brewing Co.
21140 Ashburn Crossing Drive, Asburn 571.246.5991 • dynastybrewing.com
Dynasty Brewing Co.
101 Loudoun Street SE, Leesburg 571.246.5991 • dynastybrewing.com
Eavesdrop Brewery
7223 Centreville Road, Yorkshire 703.420.8955
• eavesdropbrewery.com
Fair Winds Brewing Company
7000 Newington Road, Lorton 703-372-2001
• fairwindsbrewing.com
Far Gohn Brewing Co.
301 S Main Street, Culpeper 540.321.4578 • fargohnbrewing.com
The Farm Brewery at Broad Run
16015 John Marshall Hwy., Broad Run 703.753.3548
thefarmbreweryatbroadrun.com
Flying Ace Distillery & Brewery
40950 Flying Ace Lane, Lovettsville 540.579.2007 • flyingacefarm.com
Harpers Ferry Brewing
37410 Adventure Center Lane, Purcellville 571.420.2161
• harpersferrybrewing.com
Harvest Gap Brewery 15485 Purcellville Road, Hillsboro 703.431.5696 • harvestgap.com
Heritage Brewing Co. 9436 Center Point Lane, Manassas 800.432.1792 • heritagebrewing.com
Highmark Brewery
390 Kings Hwy., Fredericksburg 540.709.2020
• highmarkbrewery.com
Hillsborough Farm Brewery
Old House Brewing Co.
18351 Corkys Lane, Culpeper 540.423.1032
• oldhousevineyards.com
Old Ox Brewery
44652 Guilford Drive, Ashburn 703.729.8375
• oldoxbrewery.com
Old Ox Brewery
Tucked Away Brewing Company
8420 Kao Circle, Manassas 703.420.2890 • tuckedawaybrew.com
Vanish Brewing
44624 Leelyn Farm Lane, Leesburg 703.779.7407 • vanishbeer.com
Water’s End Brewery
• oldoxbrewery.com
14 S. Madison Street, Middleburg 540.326.8943
Old Trade Brewery
12425 Dillingham Square, Lake Ridge 571.285.1997 • watersendbrewery.com
Water’s End Brewery
13270 Alanthus Road, Brandy Station 774.218.8645
Ono Brewing Co.
• oldtradebrewery.com
4520 Daly Drive, Chantilly 571.409.6662
• onobrewco.com
Ornery Beer Company
3950 University Drive, Fairfax 571.459.2143 • ornerybeer.com
Pen Druid Brewing
7 River Lane, Sperryville 540.987.8800 • pendruid.com
14397 Potomac Mills Road, Woodbridge 571-398-0342 • watersendbrewery.com
Water’s End Brewery
525 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg watersendbrewery.com
Wheatland Spring Farm & Brewery
38506 John Wolford Road, Waterford 540.746.6080 • wheatlandspring.com
Wild Run Brewing Company
3071 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Stafford 540.659.3447 • wildrunbrewing.com
• hillsboroughwine.com
36716 Charles Town Pike, Purcellville 540.668.6216
Honor Brewing Co.
14004A Willard Road, Chantilly 571.752.6491
• honorbrewing.com
Hopkins Ordinary Ale Works 47 Main Street, Sperryville 540.987.3383
• hopkinsordinary.com
House 6 Brewing Co. 44427 Atwater Drive, Ashburn 585.520.5710
• house6brewing.com
Lake Anne Brew House
11424 Washington Plaza West, Reston 571.758.2739
• lakeannebrewhouse.com
Little Washington Brewery (Skyline Brewery)
72 Christmas Tree Lane, Washington 540.987.8330
littlewashingtonbrewery.com
Lost Barrel Brewing 36138 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg 540.326.4631• lostbarrel.com
Lost Rhino Brewing Company 21730 Red Rum Drive, Ashburn 571.291.2083
• lostrhino.com
Loudoun Brewing Company
310 E Market Street, Leesburg 703.350.8553
• loudounbrewing.com
Maltese Brewing Company
11047 B Pierson Drive, Fredericksburg 540.385.9360
• maltesebrewing.com
Mustang Sally Brewing Company 14140 Parke Long Court, Chantilly 703.378.7450
• msbrewing.com
New District Brewing Company 2709 S Oakland Street, Arlington 703.888.5820
• newdistrictbrewing.com
13274 Sagle Road, Purcellville 540.668.6756
• notavivavineyards.com
Ocelot Brewing Company
23600 Overland Drive, Sterling 703-665-2146
• ocelotbrewing.com
Old Bust Head Brewing Company
7134 Lineweaver Road, Warrenton 540.347.4777
• oldbusthead.com
Old 690 Brewing Company
15670 Ashbury Church Road, Purcellville 540.717.0190
• old690.com
Port City Brewing Company
3950 Wheeler Avenue, Alexandria 703.797.2739 • portcitybrewing.com
Powers Farm & Brewery
9269 Redemption Way, Midland 540.272.5060 • powersfarmbrewery.com
Public House Kitchen & Brewery
9406 Battle Street, Manassas 571.292.1427 • phbrewpub.com
Quattro Goombas Brewing Company
22860 James Monroe Highway, Aldie 703-327-6052 • goombabrewery.com
Red Dragon Brewery
1419 Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg 540.382.4342 • reddragonbrewery.com
Rocket Frog Brewing Company
22560 Glenn Drive, Sterling 571.375.7920 • rocketfrogbeer.com
Settle Down Easy Brewing
2822 Fairfax Drive, Falls Church 703.573.2011• settledowneasybrewing.com
Sinistral Brewing Company
9419 Main Street, Manassas 703.686.4575 • sinistralbbrewingcompany.com
Solace Brewing Company
42615 Trade West Drive, Dulles 703.345.5630 • solacebrewing.com
Solace Outpost
444 West Broad Street, Falls Church 571.378.1469 • solacebrewing.com
Starr Hill Biergarten
1805 Capital One Center Drive, Tysons starrhill.com
Strangeways Brewing
350 Landsdowne Road, Fredericksburg 540.371.1776 • strangewaysbrewing.com
Sweetwater Tavern
14250 Sweetwater Lane, Centreville 703.449.1100 • greatamericanrestaurants.com
Sweetwater Tavern
3066 Gate House Plaza, Falls Church 703.645.8100 • greatamericanrestaurants.com
Sweetwater Tavern 45980 Waterview Plaza, Sterling 571.434.6500 • greatamericanrestaurants.com
The Craft of Brewing 21140 Ashburn Crossing Drive, Ashburn 703.687.3932 • thecraftob.com
Tin Cannon Brewing Co
7679 Limestone Drive, Gainesville 571-248-0489 • tincannonbrewing.com
Alesatian Brewing Company
23 N. Loudoun Street, Winchester 540.667.2743 • alesatianbrewing.com
Backroom Brewery
150 Ridgemont Road, Middletown 540.869.8482 • facebook.com/BackroomBrewery
Basic City Beer Co.
1010 E. Main Street, Waynesboro 540.265.8062 • basiccitybeer.com
Box Office Brewery
177 East King Street, Strasburg 540.465.2609 • boxofficebrewery.com
BrewHaHa Brewing Company
11704 Spotswood Trail, Elkton 540.289.1760 • brewhahabrewery.com
Broken Window Brewing Co.
14 W. Boscawen Street, Winchester 540.660.9577•brokenwindowbrewing.com
Brothers Craft Brewing
800 N Main Street, Harrisonburg 540.432.8940 • threebrosbrew.com
Cave Hill Farms Brewing
1001 Jacob Burner Drive, Mcgaheysville 540.810.7562 • cavehillfarmsbrewery.com
Devils Backbone Brewing Company - Outpost
50 Northwind Lane, Lexington 540.462.6200 • dbbrewingcompany.com
Elkton Brewing Co.
100 N. Fifth Street, Elkton 540.246.1684 • elktonbrewing.com
Escutcheon Brewing Company
150 W. Commercial Street, Winchester 540.773.3042 • escutcheonbrewing.com
Great Valley Farm Brewery
60 Great Valley Lane, Natural Bridge 540.521.6163 •greatvalleyfarmbrewery.com
Hawksbill Brewing Company
22 Zerkel Street, Luray • 540.860.5608 hawksbillbrewing.wordpress.com
Heliotrope Brewing
128 S. Main Street, Lexington 540.458.3846 • heliotropebrewery.com
Pale Fire Brewing Company
217 S. Liberty Street, Harrisonburg 540-217-5452 • palefirebrewing.com
Queen City Brewing
834 Springhill Road, Staunton 540.213.8014 • qcbrewing.com
120 South Lewis Street, Staunton 804.641.9340 • redbeardbrews.com
Ridge Runner Farm & Brewery
6895 Back Road, Maurertown 571.201.2963 • virginiafarmbrew.com
Restless Moons Brewing Company
120 W. Wolfe Street, Harrisonburg 540.217.2726 • restlessmoons.com
Seven Arrows Brewing Company
2508 Jefferson Hwy., Waynesboro 540-221-6968 • sevenarrowsbrewing.com
Shenandoah Valley Brewing Company
103 W. Beverly Street, Staunton 540.887.2337 • shenvalbrew.com
Skipping Rock Beer Co.
414 Parkersburg Turnpike, Staunton 540.466.5692 • skippingrockbeer.com
Stable Craft Brewing at Hermitage Hill
375 Madrid Road, Waynesboro
540.490.2609 • stablecraftbrewing.com
Swover Creek Farm Brewery
4176 Swover Creek Road, Edinburg 540.984.8973 • swovercreekfarms.com
The Friendly Fermenter
20 South Mason Street, Harrisonburg 540.217.2614 • friendlyfermenter.com
Three Notch’d Brewing Co.
241 E. Market Street, Harrisonburg 540.217.5939 • threenotchdbrewing.com
Vibrissa Beer
122 E. Main Street, Front Royal 540.631.0773 • frontroyalbrewing.com
Winchester Brew Works
320 N Cameron Street, Winchester 540.692.9242 • winchesterbrewworks.com
Woodstock Brewhouse
123 E Court Street, Woodstock 540-459-2739 • woodstockbrewhouse.com
2 Witches Winery & brewing Company
209 Trade Street, Danville 434.549.2739 • 2witcheswinebrew.com
ballad Brewing Company
600 Craighead Street, Danville 434.799.4677 balladbrewing.com
Bricktown Brewery
3585 Riverside Dr, Danville, VA 24541 434.217.1458 • bricktownbrewery.com
Buggs Island Brewing Company
110 College Street, Clarkesville 434.265.3343 • buggsislandbrewing.com
Mountain Valley Brewing Company
4220 Mountain Valley Road, Axton 276.833.2171 mountainvalleybrewing.com
A Few Old Goats
515 8th Street, SW, Roanoke 540.339.9562 • afogbrewing.com
Bacova Beer Company
2814 Main Street, Hot Springs 540.839.2217 • bacovabeer.com
Barrel Craft Beer & Brewing
2601 Franklin Road, Suite A, Roanoke 540.206.3475 • barrelchestwineandbeer.com
Big Lick Brewing Co.
409 Salem Avenue SW, Roanoke 540.562.8383 • biglickbrewingco.com
Chaos Mountain Brewing Company
3135 Dillons Mill Road, Callaway 540.334.1600 • chaosmountainbrewing.com
Golden Cactus Brewing
214 5th Street, SW, Roanoke 540.566.3071 • goldencactusbrewing.com
Hammer & Forge Brewing Company
70 Main Street, Boones Mill 540.909.3200 hammerandforgebrewing.com
Jack Mason’s Tavern
400 E. Ridgeway Street, Clifton Forge 540.862.5624 • jackmasontavern.com
Olde Salem Brewing Company
21 E. Main Street, Salem 540.404.4399 • oldesalembrewing.com
Olde Salem Brewing Company
315 Market Street SE, Roanoke oldesalembrewing.com
Parkway Brewing
739 Kessler Mill Road, Salem 540.404.9810 • parkwaybrewing.com
Starr Hill Pilot Brewery
6 Old Whitmore Road, Roanoke 434.823.5671 • starrhill.com
Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen & Brewery 24 Campbell Avenue SE, Roanoke 540.492.5005 • threenotchdbrewing.com
Twin Creeks Brewing Co.
111 Pollard Street, Vinton 540.265.8062 • twincreeksbrewing.com
Twin Creeks Brewing Co.
1 Old Salem Turnpike, Roanoke 540.566.4863 • twincreeksbrewing.com
Twisted Track Brewpub
523 Shenandoah Avenue, NW, Roanoke 540.339.9776 • twistedtrackbrewpub.com
Courthouse Creek Cider
1581 Maidens Road, Goochland courthousecreek.com
Courthouse Creek Cider 3300 W. Broad Street, Richmond courthousecreek.com
Coyote Hole Ciderworks 225 Oak Grove Drive, Mineral 540.894.1053 • coyotehole.com
Garden Grove Brewing and Urban Winery 3445 W Cary Street, Richmond 804.338.6029 • gardengrovebrewing.com
Potter’s Craft Cider
1350 Arrowhead Valley Road, Charlottesville 434.964.0271 • potterscraftcider.com
West Creek Cider 820 Sanctuary Trail Drive, Richmond 804.418.3548 • hardywood.com
Sly Clyde Ciderworks 207 E. Mellen Street, Hampton slyclyde.com
Cobbler Mountain Cellars 5909 Long Fall Lane, Delaplane 540.364.2802 • cobblercellars.com
Corcoran Vineyards Hard Cider 14635 Corky’s Farm Lane, Waterford 540.882.9073 • corcoranvineyards.com Henway Hard Cider 18780 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont henwayhardcider.com
Hinson Ford Cider & Mead 379 Hinson Ford Road, Amissville 540.219.8397
Lost Boy Cider 317 Hooffs Run Drive, Alexandria 703.868.4865 • lostboycider.com
Mount Defiance Cidery & Distillery 207 W. Washington St., Middleburg 540.687.8100 • mtdefiance.com
Winchester Ciderworks
2504 N. Frederick Pike, Winchester 540.550.3800 • WinchesterCiderworks.com
Big Fish Cider
59 Spruce Street, Monterey 540.468.2322 • bigfishcider.com
Troddenvale
170 Oakley Farm Lane, Warm Springs troddenvale.com
Blacksnake Meadery
605 Buffalo Road, Dugspur 540.834.6172 • blacksnakemead.com
Black Heath Meadery
1313 Altamont Ave, Richmond 703.582.0856 • blackheathmeadery.com
Funktastic Meads
1212 Alverser Plaza, Midlothian 804.472.6920 • funktasticmeads.com
Garden Grove Brewing and Urban Winery
3445 W Cary Street, Richmond 804.338.6029 • gardengrovebrewing.com
Haley’s Honey
235 East Broadway Avenue, Hopewell 804.310.6845
Hill Top Berry Farm and Winery
2800 Berry Hill Rd., Nellysford 434.361.1266 • hilltopberrywine.com
Honey Grail
525 E. Market Street, #135, Leesburg 202.455.5520 • honeygrail.com
Saga Meadery
Madison Heights, 339.221.3115 • sagameadery.com
Albemarle CiderWorks
2545 Rural Ridge Ln., North Garden 434.297.2326 • albemarleciderworks.com
Blue Bee Cider
1320 Summit Avenue, Richmond 804.231.0280 • bluebeecider.com
Blue Toad Hard Cider Pub 9278 Rockfish Valley Hwy., Afton 434.996.6992 • bluetoadhardcider.com
Bold Rock Hard Cider
1020 Rockfish Valley Hwy., Nellysford 434.361.1030 • boldrock.com
Bryant's Cider 2114 E. Main Street, Richmond bryantscider.com
Bryant’s Small Batch Cider 3224 East Branch Loop, Roseland 804.420.9683 • bryantscider.com
Buskey Cider 2910 W. Leigh Street, Richmond buskeycider.com
Castle Hill Cider 6065 Turkey Sag Rd., Keswick 434.296.0047 • castlehillcider.com
Wild Hare Cider 106A South Street, SE, Leesburg 833.675.WILD
Ciders from Mars 121 S. Lewis Street, Staunton cidersfrommars.com
Halcyon Days Cidery Company 4135 S Lee Highway, Natural Bridge 540.291.1340 • halcyondayscider.com
Old Hill Cider 17768 Honeyville Rd., Timberville 540.896.7582 • oldhillcider.com
Old Town Cidery 326 N. Cameron Street, Winchester 540.662.6251• glaizeapples.com
Sage Bird Ciderworks 325 N. Liberty Street, Harrisonburg 540.607.8084 • sagebirdciderworks.com
The Winery at Kindred Pointe 3575 Conicville Rd Mt Jackson, Shenandoah County 540.477.3570 • kindredpointe.com
Widow’s Watch Cidery Muse Orchard • 533 Lantz Road, Edinburg 240.723.0672 • widowswatchcider.com
The Thistle and Stag Meadery
2053 E. River Road, Fork Union 434.842.2200 • thethistleandstag.com
Serendipity Meadworks
15981 Breezy Hill Lane, Smithfield 757-214-7494 • serendipitydmeadworks.com
Silver Hand Meadery
224 Monitcello Ave, Suite, Williamsburg 757.378.2225 • silverhandmeadery.com
Stone House Meadery
36580 Shoemaker School Rd., Purcellville 571.512.0763 • stonehousemeadery.com
Maidstone Meadery
9364 Justice Lane, Delaplane 703.303.2090 • maidstonemeadery.com
Misty Mountain Mead Works
1531 Pack Horse Road, Winchester 540.888.4420 • mistymountainmead.com
