2026-09-24 10:03:38
With so much fertile farmland producing fresh fruit and grain, it’s no surprise Loudoun has become a vibrant craft beer destination.
More than 30 breweries make up the county’s LoCo Ale Trail, in a variety of locales – trendy urban taprooms, Piedmont farm beer gardens, mountaintop tasting rooms – few regions can match. While many breweries incorporate some local ingredients, some are inspired by the old European "land beer" ethos requiring beer be made solely with regional ingredients. Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery in Waterford leads the way, producing the first all-Loudoun grown beer – the crisp, citrusy Loudoun Grown Farmhouse Ale – in which every ingredient came from the farm or the county. Flying Ace Distillery & Brewery in Lovettsville uses their own rare heirloom Bloody Butcher corn in one of their cream ales while Chase Brewing in the Blue Ridge makes fruit-forward seasonal IPAs using peaches, strawberries and cherries from their own orchards.
As with all creative subcultures, Loudoun brewmasters are constantly innovating. You’ll find everything from crisp lagers and hoppy ales to malty barrel-aged stouts fused with herbs, honey, flower petals, coffee, wine or whiskey, many made with obscure yeast strains from Sterling based lab Jasper Yeast. More recently, low and non-alcoholic beers, notably a Run Wild IPA at scenic Bear Chase Brewing Co. and cans of non-alcoholic Wheat and American Blonde at Lark Brewing Co. are making it onto Loudoun menus. Cheers!
Don’t miss Virginia Craft Beer Month each August! Check out the events calendar at VisitLoudoun.org
Harpers Ferry Brewing
This western Loudoun hilltop brewery with stunning Potomac River and Harpers Ferry views has 20 beers and ciders on tap. Taste: Riverside Kölsch
Old 690 Brewing Co.
Tucked in a holler on a dirt road in Hillsboro, this popular family-run brewery hosts frequent live bands and open-mic nights. Taste: Gnarly Boar Pale Ale
Lark Brewing Co.
A welcoming Aldie brewery where thoughtfully crafted beer, locally inspired food, live music and playful seasonal experiences – including winter igloos – come together in relaxed indoor and outdoor spaces. Taste: Lark Signature Flight
Lost Barrel Brewing Co.
Beyond the taphouse and porch of this Middleburg brewery, the grounds are dotted with firepits and Adirondacks, perfect for cool winter days and hot summer afternoons. Taste: Farm Ale
Loudoun Brewing Co.
This Leesburg nano brewery crafts and cans specialty beers for Loudoun United soccer and others. Taste: Completely Nuts Brown Ale
Solace Brewing Co.
This inventive open-plan urban beerhall in Sterling offers 20 craft beers and hard seltzers. Taste: Partly loudy IPA
Ocelot Brewing Co.
Located in eastern Loudoun, this small craft brewery features an extensive beer geek’s menu of IPAs, lagers and barrel-aged brews.
Taste: Tommy’s Ale
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