I wanted to make mention of two great little places I recently discovered near South-West Virginia. 1. Creek Bottom Brews: This, at the moment, is a craft beer store, but will have a brewery opening come summer. While the selection isn't as extensive as other palces they are getting in many different beer not available widely and the staff is fantastic to talk with. The tastings I have attended are also very well paired and discussed with each customer. Let me know if you enjoyed this as much or if there are other places this far south. 2. Apocalypse Ales: I visited last week in Forrest (not South West, I know, but this is my thread so suck it.) To be a newer brewery, and to only have three taps...brilliant. The orange stout reminded me of those chocolate oranges you get around Christmas. Plus who doesn't love a good food truck. Check both of these out if you get the chance. What other South Western VA beer stops are popping up?
Parkway Brewing in Salem opened somewhat recently. Started with a small lineup: IPA and Belgian Blonde More recently released a Baltic Porter. A Belgian Quad, Double IPA, Hoppy Brown, as well as rye whiskey barrel aged versions of the their Quad and Baltic Porter are in the works. The place also has food trucks hanging out like Apocalypse does. A really laid back atmosphere with the tasting bar right in the brewery. Every beer I've tried so far has been good.
I live very close to Wolf Hills, so it is a frequent stop. Love that Double IPA! And they just tapped a barleywine that I'm chomping at the bit to try. As for Parkway, they have a solid IPA and an amazing Baltic Porter (anyone else taste Raisinettes when they try it), but they haven't lived up to the hype (and they have plenty of it) for me yet. Let's get a hand on that Quad then I'll judge. As for the blonde...I don't think that should be a flagship beer...they can do better.
That Parkway IPA has to be the best brewed in VA, IMO. I look forward to the DIPA. Their brew master, Ryan, tells me he is waiting on the Citra hops to come available in April. I am okay with that. The Baltic Porter was also very well done! Not much of a Quad guy myself, but I bet it's going to be good!
I am looking forward to the Double IPA. Just found out my local bar has Get Bent Mountain on Tap in Wytheville though...in heaven!
Just talked to the brewmaster tonight...unfortunately the DIPA is cancelled for a while. He just can't get the hops. Total bummer but some good stuff is in the works!
If you've been there or seen heard the press they are getting in the area you would think they were reinventing the brewing process.
I grew up in Salem. A brewpub opening up is a monumental occasion. Don't knock them because their beers aren't world class out of the gate. It doesn't work like that. But you judge them when you're comfortable with it being the best they can do.
It is a huge deal in my opinion. Mainly because there is not shit for breweries around here. They are doing a killer job so far!
Apocalypse Ale Works has a listing in this directory, but no reviews. Creek Bottom doesn't even have a page. Why not drop a review in on both of these places and add to the database for others?
