Loudoun Brewing Co.

 

 

 

 

Nice, welcoming place that can hold more people than its footprint might lead to to believe. This seems like a laid back local gathering spot (there happened to be a two-man band playing when we visited). The staff were happy and friendly, though we only ordered one round.

Alittle more than half the beers had a certain homebrew grainy quality to them, specifically in the nose. The taste of the better beers was fair to good, with a couple that seemed off. At least they were trying a few styles, with about 50% pale ales and the rest of the eight offerings in a variety of styles.

During a mini pub-crawl in the Leesburg area we chose to visit this pub in order to evaluate their beers. This place is located just at the edge of the downtown area and just off the main street coming into town from the east, but it's within walking distance of the main part of downtown. It's in a small dwelling-like structure with a front porch just like a house. The inside is small and was noisy from the modest number of patrons who were there. There is also some upstairs seating.

There are 6 seats at the bar and two were open so we chose to sit there. We ordered a sampler flight of 4 beers from the list of 8 that were available. Each of the beers was brewed fairly close to style, but the brewer took some latitude with the amount of hops used (or chose mild varieties) because the Rye IPA was only mildly hoppy and the Amber Strong Ale seemed too hoppy for that particular style (but it was tasty). None of the beers was exceptional, and our scoring method ended up giving a B-minus grade overall.

There is no food prepared here, although snacks are available. Because of the smallness of the place, and a large group had just arrived, serving them became hectic while they crowded the bar to order. We finished evaluating our beers and quickly left.

 

 

A small tap room tucked off the walking path in a small lightly travelled strip mall next to Dodona Manor in Leesburg, VA. All beers are brewed on site and they have up to 8 different beers on tap at any given time. The brewmaster, Patrick, is friendly and engaging and always willing to talk about his recipes, experimentals and next batches. The prices are reasonable and they offer flights, samplers, pints and growlers.

The opening bar area is a simple bar that seats about 4. That, a flat screen TV, and a few high top tables peaks capacity at about 12-15 in the front room.

An upstairs room is best used for groups of 4 or more. A TV and 3-4 tables makes the room comfortable for about 15.

An outside patio with a fire pit in nice weather will hold another 15 or so. All beer is served from the main bar.

Simple and unassuming, but a great place to just talk with friends, maybe watch a ball game and have some suds. A common downside with most taprooms is the lack of food, but you are free to bring food or snacks or simply order from the italian restaurant across the street, which delivers.