Best Brewery in Va.?

You'll probably get more of a response in the "South Atlantic" sub forum, since that's where VA is apparently located.

 

My vote would be Starr Hill. They make some great beers and I always stop by the brewery for some samples and a growler fill when I am in the Shenandoah Valley. I went to college at JMU and Northern Lights was one of my first craft staples during that time. I just wish they distributed a few more miles north than they do.

 

Personally, I don't think Starr Hill is even the best brewery in their area of VA (Blue Mountain takes this IMO). As far as best breweries in the state though, I think it comes down to Blue Mountain, Alewerks, and Hardywood. Alewerks and Blue Mountain win out for consistency across the board, but Hardywood makes some special beers. For me, Hardywood wins out because I live so close to the brewery, and their Bourbon Mocha might be one of my favorite Barrel Aged beers. Purely subjective of course, and really all three are great choices while in VA.

 

I'd say Alewerks. Bitter Valentine and Cafe Royale are two of my favorites. But I can see Hardywood challenging them for the top spot in my eyes very soon. They've only been open a short time but have yet to disappoint.

 

I'd say Alewerks or Hardywood as well. Alewerks has been around longer and has produced more beers, but their regular offerings aren't too impressive. Their pumpkin ale and bourbon barrel porter are both fantastic, though. Hardywood has only made a few beers that I've had, but their pumpkin ale and gingerbread stout were both freaking amazing. I delayed for a long time before cracking my gingerbread stout thinking it would be mediocre, but when I did I immediately regretted not buying more. It tasted like a chocolate-covered gingerbread cookie. The bourbon barrel mocha porter was also good, and I really like their labels.

 

Alewerks

 

o'connor

 

I think it's currently a 3 horse race between Alewerks, Blue Mtn and Hardywood, though if Mad Fox distributed they would probably make it 4... O'Connor is doing some interesting things on cask too.

Alewerks Cafe Royale, Grand Illumination, Bourbon Barrel Porter and Springhouse are all tough to beat but their regular lineup is fairly blah; Pumpkin and Coffeehouse are good but seasonal. looking forward to the BA Fif.

Blue Mtn will be interesting to gauge once the Barrel House is distributing. solid regulars and special big hitters in Dark Hollow and Mandolin. Local Species?!

Hardywood is just blowing up at the right time. Gingerbread, Farmhouse Pumpkin, Bourbon Cru and all of the little 1-offs and pilots that are often avail on tap (Bourbon Mocha!), plus all of the casks they do...

 

I'd have to wait until my trip to Hardywood before I make the choice, but for now I would have to give it to Alewerks.

 

Hardywood would be 1st for me. The five beers I've had from them have all been good. I would put Blue Mountain at a very close 2nd. Went to their brewery and liked everything I tried. Finally found one of their drafts at Space Bar in Falls Church the Summer Haze Pale Weissbock. Really enjoyed it. Can't wait till they start distributing up here.

 

Hanzo,when you coming up?
the tasting room is only open thurs-sat until July 1ish when it should expand somewhat due to the new law.

if you're looking for bottles I'd come sooner rather than later as only a couple of cases of Hoplar and Mocha are left, though some can be found at various bottle shops in town. tap/growler is Singel, Hoplar (going quick), Bourbon Cru and SB604(session ale).
I don't image bottles of Bourbon Cru making it past the July 4 party which is when the next "reserve" series comes out which should be a variety of fruited Wittes - don't know what the bottle situation for those will be though. they should also have a couple of pilot 1-offs on tap.

 

I am heading up to Kings Dominion for a company picnic on the 30th of June, so I was going to bundle a trip to Hardywood in with that. Since I have had nothing from them, I'll be happy with whatever they have left. I'm assuming they do tours? I guess I could stop being lazy and check their website.

 

Alewerks gets my nod for first, Blue Mountain second and Hardywood third.

 

As it stands my favorite from them in Great Dismal, everything else, while decent, is nothing to write home about. The only El Guapo I had was a cask version that had other flavors thrown in so I can't judge their baseline.

 

This thread serves as a reminder I need to stop being lazy and to get up to Hardywood soon from HRoads. I'd say Alewerks at this time, though I'm a fan of Blue Mountain as a close #2.

 

I'm a big fan of Blue Mountain but on my last trip to Afton Devils Backbone was pouring far superior beers.

 

What would you say Devil's Backbones best beer is? I've only had their Eight Point IPA and it was really underwhelming.

 

Their regular staples are just ok in my book (same could be said for BMB - Full Nelson, etc. I suppose) but they seem to pour a lot of seasonals that I have really enjoyed. They had an unfiltered double dry hopped IPA while I was there that was phenomenal as well as a bbl aged impy stout and some other crazy stuff (I want to say a great Belgian IPA as well?). Blue Mountain cant be beat for the scenery, food and I love their beer as well but DB took the beer prize on my last trip.