Virginia Beers: Exploring the Best Brews of the Old Dominion State

Virginia’s craft beer scene is flourishing, with breweries across the state producing an impressive array of beers that showcase the region’s diverse flavors and brewing expertise.

From hoppy IPAs and robust stouts to crisp lagers and experimental brews, Virginia offers something for every beer lover.

Here are ten of the best Virginia beers you absolutely must try.

1. The Veil Brewing Co.’s “Never Forget”

The Veil Brewing Co.’s Never Forget is a standout IPA known for its bold flavor.

• Style: IPA
• ABV: 6.8%
• Description: Juicy and aromatic with flavors of tropical fruit, citrus, and a smooth, hoppy finish.

2. Catoctin Creek Distilling Co.’s “Roundstone Rye”

While primarily known for spirits, Catoctin Creek’s collaboration beers, like Roundstone Rye, are worth mentioning.

• Style: Rye Beer
• ABV: 5.0%
• Description: Rich and spicy with notes of rye malt, caramel, and a touch of vanilla.

3. Hardywood Park Craft Brewery’s “Pilsner”

Hardywood Park Craft Brewery’s Pilsner is a classic example of a well-crafted lager.

• Style: Pilsner
• ABV: 5.0%
• Description: Crisp and clean with flavors of floral hops, biscuit malt, and a refreshing finish.

4. Triple Crossing Brewing Co.’s “Falcon Smash”

Triple Crossing Brewing Co.’s Falcon Smash is a popular IPA with a distinctive profile.

• Style: IPA
• ABV: 6.5%
• Description: Bold and flavorful with notes of grapefruit, pine, and a balanced malt backbone.

5. Oozlefinch Beers & Blending’s “Chug Life”

Oozlefinch Beers & Blending’s Chug Life is a unique and refreshing brew.

• Style: Wheat Ale
• ABV: 5.2%
• Description: Light and smooth with flavors of citrus, wheat malt, and a hint of spice.

6. Virginia Beer Co.’s “Elbow Patches”

Virginia Beer Co.’s Elbow Patches is a well-regarded amber ale.

• Style: Amber Ale
• ABV: 5.3%
• Description: Malty and smooth with flavors of caramel, toffee, and a touch of roasted malt.

7. Ballast Point Brewing Co.’s “Sculpin IPA”

Although originally from California, Ballast Point’s Sculpin IPA is popular in Virginia and worth including.

• Style: IPA
• ABV: 7.0%
• Description: Citrus-forward with notes of grapefruit, pineapple, and a balanced bitterness.

8. Lost Rhino Brewing Co.’s “Face Plant”

Lost Rhino Brewing Co.’s Face Plant is a well-crafted IPA.

• Style: IPA
• ABV: 7.5%
• Description: Hoppy and aromatic with flavors of pine, citrus, and a solid malt backbone.

9. Legend Brewing Co.’s “Brown Ale”

Legend Brewing Co.’s Brown Ale is a classic beer with rich, malty flavors.

• Style: Brown Ale
• ABV: 5.4%
• Description: Nutty and smooth with notes of caramel, toffee, and a touch of roasted malt.

10. Bold Rock Hard Cider’s “Virginia Apple”

Bold Rock Hard Cider’s Virginia Apple is a refreshing option for cider lovers.

• Style: Hard Cider
• ABV: 4.7%
• Description: Crisp and fruity with flavors of fresh apples and a clean, refreshing finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Veil Brewing Co.’s Never Forget known for?
Answer: Never Forget is known for its juicy, aromatic flavors of tropical fruit and citrus.

What makes Hardywood Park Craft Brewery’s Pilsner a standout?
Answer: Hardywood Park Craft Brewery’s Pilsner is known for its crisp, clean profile with floral hops and biscuit malt.

What are the key characteristics of Triple Crossing Brewing Co.’s Falcon Smash?
Answer: Falcon Smash features bold flavors of grapefruit and pine with a balanced malt backbone.

What distinguishes Virginia Beer Co.’s Elbow Patches?
Answer: Elbow Patches is distinguished by its malty flavors of caramel and toffee with a smooth, roasted finish.

What is unique about Bold Rock Hard Cider’s Virginia Apple?
Answer: Virginia Apple is unique for its crisp, fruity flavors of fresh apples with a refreshing finish.

Summary

Virginia’s craft beer scene is vibrant and diverse, offering a wide range of exceptional brews that highlight the creativity and quality of its breweries.

These top picks showcase some of the best beers Virginia has to offer. Enjoy exploring the flavorful world of Virginia craft beer!