1. Amber Waves Ale, Capitol City Brewing Company
1100 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC 20005
Website | Facebook | Twitter
An American amber ale with loads of American aroma hops from the famed Yakima Valley on the west coast and a healthy malt bill to support them. Initially bitter and finally sweet. Winner: Bronze Medal 2002, Gold Medal 2005, Silver Medal 2006 Great American Beer Festival.
2. Hardywood Sidamo Coffee Stout, Hardywood Park Craft Brewery
2408 Ownby Ln, Richmond, VA 23220
Website | Facebook | Twitter
The quest to brew the quintessential coffee beer began over a cupping with the coffee gurus from Richmond’s Lamplighter Roasting Company. Their Ethiopia Sidamo coffee was masterfully roasted to highlight the single origin bean’s bright, crisp body and distinctive blueberry undertones, making it harmonize beautifully with Hardywood’s Russian Imperial Stout. May this beer warm your spirits in these brisk winter months.
Hardywood Sidamo Coffee Stout pairs masterfully with pastries, with spiced doughnuts and with all manner of sweet cakes. The roast chocolate character in Sidamo Coffee Stout embraces sweet cream- or chocolate-based desserts, while the beer’s pleasant city roast coffee bitterness provides a harmonious contrast. Perhaps the perfect complement to Sidamo Coffee Stout would be a Belgian waffle with warm chocolate sauce and a side of whipped cream and berries.
3. Wee Heavy, Wild Wolf Brewing Company
2461 Rockfish Valley Hwy, Nellysford, VA 22958
Website | Facebook | Twitter
This Scottish style brown ale is deep brown in color – just take a smell of this beautiful beer and you will see why it is Scottish in style. Strong notes of roasted caramel malt & finishing with a touch of smoke and whiskey. Very reminiscent of the best scotches. This taste will leave you wanting more!
4. On the Wings of Armageddon, DC Brau
3178 Bladensburg Rd NE, Washington, DC 20018
Website | Facebook | Twitter
OTWOA is a single hop blend* beer utilizing Falconers Flight™. Brewed with just enough Pale malt, Cara-60, CaraPils and Malted wheat to carry the intense hop character onto the pallet.
At first glance, it has an orange hue in the glass with a viscus, rocky head that refuses to dissipate. Upon first sniff there are dominate aromas of citrus, white grapes and grapefruit with light bread and biscuit notes. After the first sip we taste a mellow bitterness that only grows as more is consumed. Moderately carbonated, deceptively smooth, refreshingly dry and extremely heady for a beer at 9.2% ABV.
OTWOA exhibits all the necessary traits to be revered as a world class Imperial IPA.
5. Phantasmic East Coast IPA, Strangeways Brewing
2277 Dabney Rd, Richmond, VA 23230
Website | Facebook | Twitter
It’s not just your senses beguiling you. When the Phantasmic appears, prepare yourself for an ethereal blend of notable hints of fruit and pine, reaching out to you from beyond the shadows of rich yeast and hops. Conjure the spirits of barley and wheat malts, and strike a balance between this world with theirs. Commence in the séance of flavor and unlock the secrets of the other side.
6. The Congo Pale Ale, Devils Backbone Brewing Company
200 Mosbys Run, Roseland, VA 22967
Website | Facebook | Twitter
Belgian Inspired IPA. A blend of old world traditions. Brewed like an IPA, it blends pine, and citrus, hop flavors with hints of apple & pear from a secret Belgian yeast strain.
7. Cerveza Nacional de la Capital, Chocolate City Beer
2801 8th St NE, Washington, DC 20017
Website | Facebook | Twitter
Cerveza Nacional de la Capital is a salute to our Latin American neighbors and their influences on the American beer world. Affectionately known as Cerveza Nacional, its our take on a dark, malty, creamy, smooth and slightly roasty Vienna Lager. Salud!
8. Muzzle Flash American Amber, Brass Cannon Brewing
8105 Richmond Rd #105 Toano, VA 23168
Website | Facebook | Twitter
This amber is front loaded with Cascade and Summit hops. The front end hops provide the aromatic hop flavors, but this beer dosn’t have the bitter finish often associated with IPAs and other hop heavy styles.
9. Sweet Winter Ale, Three Notch’d Brewing Company
946 Grady Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Website | Facebook | Twitter
Dave’s winter spice ale weighs in just under winter warmer status at 7.8%. This brew features pale, crystal, and black malts enlivened with nutmeg, allspice and a generous hand of ginger. The result, a highly flavorful beer with clear notes of raisin, caramel and toast. Its minimal hop profile really helps to highlight the flavor of its spices.
If you liked this article, you might also enjoy 9 VA Beers You Must Drink This Week and 7 Awesome Virginia Beers.
At Scoutology, we scout your city so you don’t have to. You’re going to love the Scoutology Network.
