Devils Backbone Brewing Company - The Outpost

 

 

 

Visited on a Thursday evening. Not too crowded, but not slow either.

Vibe: Its a converted industrial building, so its ok on the inside, but the outside patio looking over US11 and into the mountains is a great view.

Quality/selection: Its only brews from this brewer, but with 20 taps and a wide range of choice, I think its hard to go wrong. The dry Irish stout was good, and there was lots of other styles to choose from. From what I had, including a sip of the festbeir the Mrs. had, I would say the quality was pretty good.

Service: No waiting to be served or to get food. This was effectively pre-covid level of staffing and service, so that's pretty good in my book.

Food: Good but simple pub fare. Very good smoked pork sandwich, and the pickled green tomatoes were a nice touch. I saw very little on the menu I wouldn't touch.

 

Perched on a hill overlooking Rt 11. Open and cavernous space but the view off the back (hiway facing) patio is great!! Selection pretty much runs the DB line you can get in stores. Something for everyone and a decent selection. All good quality for my money. Service could not have been any nicer or helpful. Had a Schwarzbier and a juicy IPA both were very good. Got a smoked doppel bock to go in a crowler. No brewery exclusives really, I was expecting more. That being said it could be with coming out of the whole Corona Virus thing. They now have food. Wife just had some mac and cheese, I had the shrimp tacos that were really good. Worth a stop in Lexington for sure. The brewery I noticed down town was never opened and did not open until 3 or 4 each day which annoys me to no end. Put your BUD prejudices aside and stop here for a pint and some grub....

 

 

 

 

 

Stopped in for a growler fill.

 

The Outpost is less than 1.5 miles off I-64 on the west side of US 11 north of Lexington (not actually in the city as is often said). It's well-signed and easy to find.

Parking is adequate. Inside there's a bar behind which is a glass (clear plastic?) wall through which several of the brewery tanks can be seen. It's not clear what they are, exactly, though there are tours offered (I did not take one) which I don't doubt would clarify things.

Eight beers are offered; taster flights of four or all eight are available as well as pints, growler fills, and miscellaneous brewery souvenirs. Tables are available inside. The main problem is that the whole bar and seating area is remarkably noisy. I was guessing that the noise (motor rumblings? fans?) was normal because no one commented on it. But it takes away from the "sit down, relax, and have a beer" ambiance. I felt rushed to finish my beer so I could get away from the noise. The architecture also has a recently made vibe -- which of course it is.

Service was immediate, helpful, and otherwise unremarkable.

Cool tap room with large bar and plenty of tables to spread out. Good vibe with classic rock on the speakers. Friendly enthusiastic staff more than helpful. Flights available, and growlers or canned sixers to take home. Bring your own snacks/food/etc as they have none; but go for the beer - many are award winning and all are tasty!

 

Easily accessible off Rt. 81 in Virginia. It is very laid back and quiet. I had a pint of Vienna Lager and filled up the 64oz. growler. Highly recommended!

 

I always visit the Outpost when passing through town. They keep about eight beers on tap and offer bottles, glassware, growlers and clothing for sale. The staff is always friendly and it's nice being able to look into there brewhouse from the bar. Check it out if you're in town.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beautiful to look at, not including the gravel lot. The tap room isn't too large but accommodated all who were there without feeling cramped. I liked the large windows behind the bar which were looking into a portion of the brewery. No food, except route 11 chips, but they encourage you to bring your own and allow delivery pizza and such. An enjoyable visit for sure and a great staff when I visited. Looking forward to visiting again.

 

 

 

 

 

"Outpost" is a good name for this. It's where the company is setting up a larger brewing operation to service the demand of the home location. Relatively new construction but with an "old mill" feel. Primary objective of this location appears to be brewing as the seating area is very limited. Staff was exceptionally courteous and eager to give the tour. Beers are good. Loved the Eight-Point IPA. I'm sure the W&L and VMI students are going to appreciate this being local!

We stop by on our trip to Virginia. This was not one of our plan stops, But it was worth a stop. The Brewery can be seen through the windows as you sit at the bar trying their beers. You can try a 4 beer Sampler or all their beers sampler. Or just order a pint. They do have tours on the weekends. they have beer to go 6 packs or Growlers. No food except Potato Chips and pretzels.