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How has the craft beer movement impacted Virginia?
- The craft, small-batch, and nano-brewery movement has swept the nation over the last decade, and Virginia is no exception.
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Why is Virginia a great destination for craft beer lovers?
- Virginia is truly the state for craft beer lovers, attracting both discerning beer experts and weekend travelers.
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What kind of beer experiences can visitors enjoy in Virginia?
- Visitors can choose from a variety of beer experiences, including:
- A guided brewery tour
- A craft beer crawl
- A refreshing pint after a long day of adventure
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What can visitors expect from Virginia’s breweries?
- No matter their preference, Virginia’s breweries have something for every beer enthusiast.
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1. Caboose Brewing Company
Caboose Brewing Company was originally founded in 2015 by the Greer and McLaughlin families, named in honor of the region's historic Washington and Old Dominion Railroad line. The casual downtown Vienna brewery and tavern is located along the repurposed W&OD line, which serves as a bike and trail path today, and encourages trail riders and walkers to stop in for high-quality brews and craft farm-to-table fare throughout the week. Excellent craft brews served on tap throughout the year include the company's award-winning Vienna, VA Lager and Boxcar Brown Ale, both of which have received gold medals at the Virginia Craft Brewers Cup. Delectable entrees such as fried green tomato sandwiches and signature Thai chili emulsion burgers are served up alongside charcuterie boards and internationally-inspired gastropub appetizers throughout the week. A second location in Fairfax offers a coffee house, outdoor beer garden, and three levels of open seating.
520 Mill St NE, Vienna, VA 22180, Phone: 703-865-8580
2. Reaver Beach Brewing Co.
Reaver Beach Brewing Co. is the proud parent of the legendary Hoptopus Double IPA, and the creator of award-winning wild and sour ales. Discerning beer drinkers will find this amazing brewery and its passionate team members located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The brewers are constantly experimenting with unique ingredients and local microflora to produce new and exciting beer selections. The taproom uses old aging barrels as bar-table bases, and also features flat-screen TVs, surfboard draft handles, red and yellow walls, and chalkboard tap lists. From the Throne of Bones to the Fortress of Bones to The Red Messenger, patrons will enjoy several innovative flavors and styles of beer.
1505 Taylor Farm Road, Virginia Beach, VA, Phone: 757-563-2337
3. The Virginia Beer Company
The Virginia Beer Company is a beer garden, taproom, and brewery located in Williamsburg, Virginia. Two graduates from the nearby William & Mary University, and a brewmaster from Atlanta’s SweetWater Brewing, joined forces and founded the brewery in 2016. The taproom keeps four, year-round beers on draft, complimented by a rotation of seasonal and limited edition beers that include barrel-aged imperial stouts, barrel-fermented Brett Saisons, and experimental IPA’s. On top of the rotating variety of small-batch beers, The Virginia Beer Company features live pop-up entertainment, live music, and food trucks with daily specials. Visitors will enjoy sensational selections that include Saving Daylight, Free Verse, Elbow Patches, and Wrenish Rye.
401 2nd Street, Williamsburg, VA, Phone: 757-378-2903
4. Big Lick Brewing Company, LLC
Big Lick Brewing Company, LLC was the first nano-brewing company to establish itself in the city of Roanoke, Virginia. Slowly, over time, the brewery has achieved great success developing quality beers with premium ingredients and state-of-the-art equipment. The heart of the brewery is its 15 barrel production system. After the beers leave the boil kettle they go straight to fermentation, are kegged into serving tanks, cold conditioned, and are ready for consumption. No finings or filtering during this process. From the Saison Medusa to the Kera Coconut Brown Ale to the Barbie Juice, visitors will enjoy sensational pints in a modern and industrial taproom setting.
409 Salem Avenue Southwest, Roanoke, VA, Phone: 540-562-8383
5. Blue Mountain Barrel House
Blue Mountain Barrel House has the distinct privilege of being the first brewery to open in Nelson County, Virginia. This Virginia Green Program brewery opened its doors for the first time in the year of 2007. Since then the brewery has gone on to win medals at both the Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup for their 100% brewery-grown Blue Reserve fresh hop ale. With gold medal victories in 2010 and 2011 at the Great American Beer Festival, Blue Mountain Barrel House became the only Virginia brewery to receive the premier honor back-to-back years. Visitors will enjoy the Full Nelson Virginia Pale Ale – the brewery’s flagship pale ale, featuring a balanced malt body, floral, citrusy, and highly session-able.
495 Cooperative Way, Arrington, VA, Phone: 434-263-4002
6. Crooked Run Brewing
Getting its start in 2013, Crooked Run Brewing is a nano-brewery that offers traditional ale recipes using locally sourced ingredients, located in Leesburg, Virginia. Starting humbly with just two beers on draft, Crooked Brewing now offers up to 12 unique brews on tap at any time. The brewery has a lovely outdoor patio area that’s surrounded by a beautiful garden with hops and berries. The patio provides the perfect, intimate setting for family, friends, and couples that want to enjoy a little quality time over a refreshing pint. If hunger strikes, the brewery does offer a few small plates. The Razzz Sour Ale is a crowd pleaser – a very berry flavor with a bit of tartness and a crisp finish.
205 Harrison Street Southeast, Leesburg, VA, Phone: 571-918-4446
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