Craft Brewing is more than a hobby for Americans. It’s a culture and a way of spending those fleeting free moments with family and friends. It’s the new “wine tasting.” And, it’s “new” simply because “wine tasting” was popular before craft beer tasting, and all of the creative brewing, flavoring and pairing began to grow in popularity.
The Brewer’s Association for Small and Independent Breweries reports there were 7,450 breweries in the United States in 2018, and 4,522 of them were micro-breweries. This is up from 192 microbreweries in 1994. (Interesting note, there were 4,131 microbreweries in 1873. Anyone see the hit movie, Lawless?)
The bottom line is, microbrewing is a staple of American culture. And, there is likely one right near you. Ray Gernhart & Associates has been serving Washington D.C., Virginia and Maryland for over 35 years. We know how important it is to love the home you live in, but it is also important to love and enjoy the community in which you live. So, here are some craft breweries to try in your area. There is no ranking to the list.
Photo Credit: New District Brewing
1) New District Brewing, Arlington, Virginia – We were proud to have New District Brewing in the house at the Grand Opening Celebration of our new location in Alexandria. This is a unique place hosting live music and, AND it’s dog friendly. They do not have restaurant style food in house, but they do host crazy yummy food trucks, like most breweries do.
Photo Credit: Port City Brewing Co.
2) Port City Brewing, Alexandria, Virginia – The Washington Post evidently loves them citing them as the Best Small Brewery in America. The beer is good. Unlike Dogfish Head, they host classic styles with their own unique brewing twists. It’s easy to get to. Their events are a blast as well. You can find out about their fun events, like “Joggers & Lagers”, here: https://www.portcitybrewing.com/events/
Photo Credit: House 6 Brewing Co.
3) House 6 Brewing, Ashburn, Virginia – This brewery is new. It opened in July 2018 and made a BIG splash with the LoCo Ale Trail, when DC 101’s Roche came out to their Pumps & Hoses Milk Stout Release. The owner is a volunteer firefighter with an invested interest in building the community and connecting civil service and volunteers to the craft beer community. The beer has already been recognized in brewers contests, boasting several awards for their beers already, including a seasonal kolsch. So, if you head down the LoCo Ale Trail, do NOT skip this one.
Photo Credit: Bear Chase Brewing
4) Bear Chase Brewing, Bluemont, Virginia – The view doesn’t get better anywhere else. They call themselves, the “destination farm brewery.” The view, and brew, are simply to die for. They offer cafe and restaurant fare that accompanies the brew. Sit in a beach chair on the slope, taking in the mountain scene, and take a deep breath. Ahhhh. It’s good.
Photo Credit: Chubby Squirrel Brewing
5) Chubby Squirrel Brewing, Fairfax, Virginia – It’s your casual neighborhood brewery. The IPA is legit. They do not offer regular mainstay courses, and their convenient location does not afford them the opportunity to host food trucks at this time, but you can enjoy great wings, fries, and even watch the game on your way home from work. Fairfax City is small, and we are so excited this “small business” with great brew and apps is available for a wonderful happy hour or wandering stop. You can see their menu here.
Photo Credit: Lost Rhino Retreat
6) Lost Rhino Retreat & Lost Rhino Brewing, Loudoun County, Virginia – Lost Rhino Brewing could perhaps be the most well known brewing company on the LoCo Ale Trail. The brewery offers a different experience from “the retreat.” The brewery in Ashburn is a traditional style brewery, offering live music and a full menu. The retreat offers a more diverse dining experience with a full bar and restaurant in the heart of Loudoun. Both, obviously offer Lost Rhino Brew. Try the Face Plant IPA, AB 6.8%. It may just melt your face.
Photo Credit: Atlas Brew Works
7) Atlas Brew Works, Washington D.C. – They recently earned the District Department of Environment Sustainability Award. Not to mention they host a variety of events, including metal shows and yoga classes. It’s a unique experience to say the least.
Photo Credit: Right Proper Brewing
8) Right Proper Brewing, Washington D.C. – This brewery has two brewpub locations in D.C: Shaw Brew Pub & Kitchen and Brookland Production House & Tasting Room. Shaw offers food, Brookland welcomes you to bring your own, (recommending DC’s locally made Menomale Pizza). They also host a variety of events, including yoga classes, record fairs, art fests and live music. So, hop on your bike or catch the metro on in.
Photo Credit: Pinewood Derby Event at Union Craft Brewing. Photo by Pordan August Photography
9) Union Craft Brewing, Baltimore, MD – To quote, Union Craft Brewing is “situated along the Jones Falls river, in the historic Woodberry neighborhood of Baltimore… they brew with reverence for tradition and place, uniting old and new ideas, the science and craft of brewing, and boldness and balance of flavor.” They also host amazing live and local music, like that of Cris Jacobs. Even if you are DC based, it is worth the trip to experience what this brewery has to offer.
Photo Credit: 6 Bears & A Goat
10) 6 Bears & A Goat, Stafford, Virginia – This brewery is unique in that the owners are all U.S. military veterans. Their story deems their name: “The six Bears are 20-year retirees from the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Goat is a retiree from the U.S. Navy. Collectively, the 6 Bears & a Goat have served their country for over 140 years.” This brewery does include a restaurant, and the food is good! There is an outdoor space for dining, and they host several beer festivals a year. So, if you are looking for a brew stop right off I-95, pull off exit 133 and have a brew here. You’ll love it.
Photo Credit: 2 Silos Brewing Co
11) 2 Silos Brewing Co, Manassas, Virginia – This is unique. Yes, beer is good. Food is good. But, they also have theYard at Farm Brew Live. So you get the festival/concert experience combined with the micro brewery experience. In season, they have music almost all day on the weekends. It’s family friendly, too.
Local craft breweries offer a unique insight into the local community in which you live .The beer, food, and events always make it a unique experience.
It is important to love where you live. So find a local brewery you love, and try it out. Hopefully these will give you a good start.
