All About Beer Magazine - Volume 37, Issue 3
July 1, 2016 By Charles D. Cook

Central Virginia Beerr Map

For more options, check out the “48 Hours in Richmond” article that also appeared in the July 2016 issue of All About Beer Magazine.

1. Central Virginia has many don’t-miss spots for beer lovers. Heading west from Richmond, the area’s premier bottle shop is De Fles Winkel (11355 Nuckols Road, Glen Allen). “The Wink” has friendly, knowledgeable service, 500-plus beers, 12 taps for growler fills and the area’s best sour beer selection, including lambics.

2. Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery (4100 Knolls Point Drive, Goochland) is a true farm brewery located on 290 acres where barley and hops are grown. There is a large outdoor area to sit back and relax. Seek out beers such as Three Chopt Tripel and Nuclear Nugget Imperial Honey IPA, as well as numerous barrel-aged stouts. The brewery is open to the public on weekends. 

3. Richmond’s Hardywood Park Craft Brewery (off West Creek Parkway in Goochland County) is constructing a large new brewery, taproom and much more on a 24-acre site. The brewery and taproom should open in spring 2017.

 4. In Charlottesville, Champion Brewing Co. (324 6th St. SE, Charlottesville) has a hip vibe and well-made beers, like ICBM Double IPA. Food trucks are often on site, and the brewery is within walking distance of the city’s downtown mall.

5. South Street Brewery (106 South St. West) is perhaps Charlottesville’s most popular beer locale, and it is also its oldest. Among the dozen taps of beers brewed on site, seek out Deep Friar Belgian Dubbel and Acoustic Kitty DIPA. Feast on Honey Chicken Cordon Bleu or the Pot Roast Grilled Cheese.

6. Also check out Beer Run (156 Carlton Road #203, Charlottesville) a beer bar and bottle shop with 15 taps and 800 bottles.

7. For another great bottle selection, visit Wine Warehouse (1804 Hydraulic Road, Charlottesville), which stocks 700 different beers, including 100 from Belgium.

8. Center of the Universe Brewing Co. (11293 Air Park Road, Ashland) has a beer garden, filled with picnic tables and featuring live music, which is a great place to spend a summer afternoon or evening. Seek out Pocahoptas IPA and El Duderino White Russian Milk Stout.

9. Spencer Devon Brewing (106 George St., Fredericksburg) is a newcomer to the scene and has quickly made an impact with its big range of well-crafted session beers, as well as old ales, wee heavies, IPAs, double IPAs and more. The brewpub is as well-known for its great food as its beers. Try an appetizer of Pimento Cheese Fries and an entree of Dry-Rubbed Schlund Family Farm Pork.

10. Adventure Brewing South (3300 Dill Smith Drive, Fredericksburg) has a wide range of brews and a full menu. Try the Second Ascent Double IPA or the Stonewall Dry Stout.

11. DoG Street Pub (401 W. Duke of Gloucester St., Williamsburg) is a gastropub with 17 beers on tap and gourmet food. It is the premier beer destination in Williamsburg. Eat here, and try the lamb burger or the salmon burger paired with a local Virginia beer or a Belgian beer. In the back of the pub is Hair of the DoG Bottle Shop, with eight growler taps and 500 beers.

12. Seek out the brewmaster reserve series at Alewerks Brewing Co. (197-A Ewell Road, Williamsburg). Try Lover’s Greed American Wild Ale and Springhouse Belgian-style Farmhouse ale. The Alewerks taproom has 10 beers on tap, and a cask-conditioned ale is tapped every Friday. Homemade soft pretzels are on offer too. 

RELATED: 48 Hours in Richmond