Two hundred and fifty years ago, Virginians gathered in taverns drinking pints and debating the need for a revolution. And this summer, NoVA breweries are honoring Virginia250 with limited-edition ales, lagers, and IPAs. Here are five special pours that are worth a taste.
Revolutionary Ale
Lost Barrel Brewing
Inspired by early American traditions when brewers relied on locally available grains and sugars, this Colonial-style ale blends pale malt, malted wheat, and flaked maize. Molasses lends subtle dark fruit and treacle notes, while English-style hops add balance. The result is a bready, lightly complex flavor that feels like a sip of 1776. Available in limited release, starting May 22. 36138 Little River Tpk., Middleburg
Founding Fathers Vienna Lager
Barley Naked Brewing Co.
Brewed for VA250, this crisp Vienna lager delivers notes of caramel, biscuit, and light toffee with a clean finish and lingering malty sweetness. It’s one of seven commemorative beers on tap across Stafford County. Limited-edition co-branded growlers are also available. 15 Tech Pkwy., Stafford
Liberty Estate Wheat Ale
Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery
This VA250 release looks forward rather than back. Brewed with estate-grown grains, including “Liberty,” an aptly named wheat variety developed by Virginia Tech, it’s a hyper-local ale rooted in regenerative farming and 100% Virginia-grown hops. Even the water comes from the farm’s natural spring. It’s available starting June 13. 38506 John Wolford Rd., Waterford
FAIRFAX 250
Bunnyman Brewing
This brew is the official beer of Fairfax County’s America250 celebration. It’s brewed and canned at Bunnyman as a collaboration of several county breweries, including Lake Anne Brew House and Settle Down Easy Brewing Co. Light and approachable, it’s made with hops from around the world, a nod to the county’s diversity. Limited release begins June 13. Multiple area locations
Red Coat
1781 Brewing Co.
Named for the year American and French forces converged at Yorktown, 1781 Brewing Co. pours Red Coat, an easy-drinking English pale ale with soft, sweet hay notes. It’s one of three Revolution-inspired releases, alongside Von Steuben, a Kölsch honoring the Continental Army general, and Lafayette Saison, a French farmhouse ale with bright fruit notes and a crisp finish. 11109 Plank Rd., Spotsylvania
Feature image courtesy Barley Naked Brewing Co.
This story originally ran in our June issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
