One of the emerging trends of the 2010s is the microbrewery scene in West Virginia. Twenty years ago, no one associated microbreweries with this state, but all that has changed. For the uninitiated, here are the 13 breweries that you simply have to visit.
1. Blackwater Brewing Company, Davis
Near the entrance to Blackwater Falls State Park, you will find a restaurant and brewery with the same name, specializing in "European-style Session Ales & Lagers," specifically German, English and Belgian brews. Their drafts can also be found in several locations in north-central West Virginia, including Morgantown, Davis, Thomas, Fairmont, Elkins, Moorefield, Terra Alta and Keyser.
Address: 912 William Avenue
2. Bridge Brew Works, Fayetteville
This small brewery is run by three people, which is exactly how they like it. The brewery is open for take out service and tastings. The taproom is open Tuesday-Thursday, 1-5 pm and Friday-Saturday– 1-6 pm. They have 14 selections, including Hellbender Black IPA, Mountain Mamma Pale Ale, Long Point Lager and Peregrine Porter. Address: 335 Nick Rahall Greenway
Address: 335 Nick Rahall Greenway
3. North End Tavern & Brewery, Parkersburg
Referred to as The Net, North End is both the oldest restaurant (1899) and the oldest brewery (1997) in West Virginia. You can enjoy food with a beer of your choice, or enjoy the current food special in the Tank Room (pictured above). They regularly brew between 3 to 6 selections every month. But when you visit, you have to try Roedy’s Red, their signature amber ale, which has won multiple state-wide competitions. Address: 3500 Emerson Avenue
4. Chestnut Brew Works, Morgantown
Started in 2013 in a smaller location, Chestnut Brew Works now has a facility with a taproom in Morgantown's historic South Park area. At WVU, head brewer and manager Bill Rittenour earned a Ph.D. in Fungal Biology, and studied Biochemistry, Fungal Genetics, Fungal Physiology, and Mycology to learn more about the brewing process. The result is Chestnut Brew Works. Among the selections offered are Halleck Pale Ale, Class II Wheatwater, Nate’s Nut Brown Ale and South Park Porter. Address: 444 Brockway Avenue
5. Dobra Zupas, Beckley
Dobra Zupas (Slovenian for "good soup") is a restaurant and brewery. Among the selections offered in the brewery are wheat beers, ales, porters, stouts and IPAs. Paired with the foods from their protean gourmet menu, a visit to Dobra Zupas is sure to delight. Address: 600 S Oakwood Avenue
6. Lost River Brewing Company, Wardensville
Lost River Brewing Company is a pub and brewery in Wardenville, a small town in the Potomac Highlands. Their pub offers a surprisingly wide variety of food and 25 different beers, including ales, stouts, lagers and IPAs, among others. Address: 155 W Main Street
7. Morgantown Brewing Company, Morgantown
Morgantown Brewing Company is a full-service restaurant with eight craft brews, not including several seasonal varieties. Beer can also be purchased in carry-out growler containers. In 2009, the company submitted its brews at the Bramwell Beer Festival, winning the Best Of Show award and two first place prizes. Address: 1291 University Avenue
8. Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company, Maxwelton
This place was once an upholstery factory, but is now home to a 3 vessel, 17 barrel state-of-the-art brewhouse. The brewery has a taproom where you can try one or all of their 11 varieties of craft brews. Tours of the facility are available as well, but only by appointment.Address: 862 Industrial Park Road A
9. Parkersburg Brewing Company, Parkersburg
This brewery began its life in 1864 under the name Hebrank & Rapp Brewery. It closed in 1912 due to mounting pressures from the American temperance movement and prohibition. Today, the brewery serves food and eight different brews, ranging from light to hoppy. Address: 707 Market Street
10. Sophisticated Brewing Company, Princeton (Location opening mid-February)
This nano brewery has 15 brews to choose from, including the 1863 Pale Ale, pictured above. The company has made itself known through several craft beer festivals and will open a commercial location sometime in mid-February 2018. Address: No address available at the time of this writing.
11. Wheeling Brewing Company, Wheeling
Wheeling Brewing Company is a kitchen and pub located on Wheeling's Market Street. The pub features six regular brews and a host of specialty brews. They also serve wine and a full menu featuring Charcuterie, pastas, sandwiches, flatbread pizza and various entrees. Address: 2247 Market Street
12. Big Timber Brewing, Elkins
Big Timber Brewing is exclusively a taproom, but also offers brewery tours. They currently have six staple beers and a variety of seasonals. Among their selections are ales, pilsners, porters and IPAs. Address: 1210 S Davis Avenue
13. Brew Keepers, Wheeling
Brew Keepers offers several varieties of craft beer which are available for takeout growler service. You can also sample their beers at several restaurants. Among the selections available are Suspension Ale, Ye Olde Ale, Heritage Porter and Irish Pirate Stout. Address: 2200 Main Street
These are just a few of the microbreweries in this state. You can view the complete list here .
Which of these places make your favorite brew? Feel free to comment below and join the discussion.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.