I will be in Winchester VA next weekend and would like some info on what beer to look for (bottles, cans) and where to go. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Not sure what kind of styles that you are interested in but I would recommend checking out Adroit Theory from nearby Purcellville - they are available at some NoVA bottleshops but it is probably about at 25-30 minute drive to the brewery.
For the past five years I have bent over backwards to assist any BA who asked for information about visiting VT (as many other BA's have on the New England forum), no matter how silly the questions or how many times it was asked. The one time I ask on this forum for a little insider info, I get your useful response. Thanks.
As far as Winchester there isn't really anything to look for, we have a few newer breweries that are worth checking out to kill some time. Check out- Winchester brew works Alesatian Brewing Escutcheon Brewing Out of those 3 Escutcheon is the one that is canning anything. Alesatian does have a crowler machine which I believe they will crowler their beers. As far as bars goes I would check out 5050 Tap house ( check on beermenus for their up to date tap list) They have 50 taps and 50 varieties of burgers. Union Jacks- This is always my go to place, They have I believe 42 taps and sometimes you can catch some awesome beers on tap there. Village Bistro- This is a bottle shop/restaurant and also has a couple beers on tap. They have some good German food and they are also able to instantly chill any beer they sell for onsite consumption. Bottle Shops- This is where we are really lacking Murphy's Beverage- This is downtown and has a small selection of beer, nothing rare or hard to get. Village Bistro- as mentioned above they have a decent selection that they can chill for you to drink there. Throx- This is a few miles from downtown with a decent selection buy pay attention to dates on the beers, I have often found year old IPA's and such on the shelf. Better Beer Store- Again this is a few miles from downtown with an alright selection. My favorite part is they have beers on tap and a crowler machine. They don't have the best tap selection but you can usually find a decent beer now and then. If you have any questions let me know and ill help as much as I can.
The Places forum IS insider info and it's one that's often overlooked by new/newer members (your "join date" is listed as January). I also called out my buddy @IAmJeff, who responded to you above. You could push farther southeast into Northern Virginia or south to Harrisonburg. (If you choose to go to Harrisonburg on Saturday, check the website for James Madison University to see if they have a home football ga- ... you know what? Let me do that for you. ... You're in luck: The Dukes are away!)
You do not get insider information from the places forum- delivery times, best places to go (well you do get that), look for this beer that they just started canning, etc.... And don't judge a book by it's cover. Thank you!
I agree. I try to answer queries where I have key knowledge about N.C. breweries and shops. Nothing stays the same in any market and new info pops up by the day. I want people to have the best possible experience while here, and I enjoy touting my state. Good info is daily currency.
If you have a car and want to visit breweries, here is a map that might be useful: http://www.visitloudoun.org/sites/all/themes/visitloudoun/brochures/LoCo-Ale-Trail-Pocket-Guide.pdf
I was in Winchester this past weekend, went to Octobeer fest which i remember being better last year. Afterwards we went to both Winchester brew works and Alesatian Brewing. Was pleasantly surprised with both and would certainly go back when in the area. Both had good beers and nice spaces to hang out in. Alestatian also has food (we didnt eat, but it looked good). I think Alesatian's coconut porter was probably the favorite from my crew.
Union Jacks, which was awesome. Didn't really go beer crazy as I knew I was stopping at the legendary Man of Kent in Hoosick NY on the way home, and a 8 hour ride. I also got a room at a B and B in Waterbury VT this upcoming Sunday, my wife backed out for the second year in a row and I am determined to go alone (will be weird, but whatever). With that indulgence it was hard to justify bringing home a bunch of local beers from VA. Next time, thanks for the help.
