Virginia has become a great spot for beer lovers, with many breweries popping up across the state. Whether you live nearby or are just passing through, you’ll find plenty of places that craft unique and flavorful beers. From cozy taprooms to larger brewing facilities, the beer scene here offers a wide range of options. Local brewers are passionate about their craft, bringing fresh ideas and quality to every batch they make.

In this article, we’ll highlight some of the best breweries in Virginia and what makes each one worth visiting. You’ll get a good sense of the variety and creativity that goes into their beers. If you’re looking for new places to enjoy a fresh pint or want to learn more about the local brewing culture, this list will point you in the right direction. These spots stand out for their commitment to good beer and welcoming atmospheres.

#30 – Adroit Theory Brewing Company

Adroit Theory Brewing Company, located in Purcellville, Virginia, stands out in the craft beer scene for its bold approach to brewing. Since its inception, the brewery has focused on creating high-alcohol beers that push the boundaries of traditional styles. Their lineup includes a variety of beers, such as hazy IPAs, fruited sours, pastry stouts, and barrel-aged creations, each crafted to offer a unique and intense flavor experience. The brewery’s commitment to innovation is evident in their ever-changing tap list, ensuring that each visit offers something new for beer enthusiasts. Adroit Theory’s Purcellville taproom features a rotating selection of 16 to 24 draft beers, along with a range of bottles and cans available for on-site enjoyment or to-go purchases. With extensive beer lineup brewed to date, Adroit Theory continues to be a destination for those seeking adventurous and distinctive craft beers in Virginia.

#29 – Commonwealth Brewing Co.

Commonwealth Brewing Co., established in 2015, is a family-owned craft brewery located in Virginia Beach. Housed in a former fire and rescue station in the Chicks Beach area, the brewery offers a unique blend of coastal charm and innovative brewing. Commonwealth Brewing Co. caters to a diverse range of palates, featuring styles from crisp lagers to bold IPAs and complex sours. Their commitment to quality is evident in their handcrafted beers and the use of seasonal ingredients. In addition to their extensive beer offerings, the brewery provides a welcoming atmosphere with wood-fired pizzas, live music, and community events. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Commonwealth Brewing Co. is a must-visit destination for craft beer enthusiasts seeking a relaxed yet beautiful setting.

#28 – The Garage Brewery

The Garage Brewery, situated in the Greenbrier area of Chesapeake, Virginia, offers a distinctive experience for craft beer enthusiasts. Established in 2019, this 7-barrel microbrewery combines a construction-themed ambiance with a commitment to quality brewing. The taproom features a rotating selection of 16 taps, showcasing a diverse range of styles from IPAs to lagers, catering to both adventurous and traditional palates. The brewery’s interior is adorned with worksite paraphernalia, including caution tape and steel beams, creating a unique atmosphere that reflects its industrial inspiration. Additionally, The Garage Brewery is known for its dog-friendly policy, allowing patrons to enjoy their brews alongside their furry companions. With its welcoming environment, innovative brews, and community-focused approach, The Garage Brewery has become a popular spot for locals and visitors alike seeking a memorable craft beer experience.

#27 – Juicy Brewing

Juicy Brewing, located in Herndon, Virginia, is a standout in the local craft beer scene. Established in 2022, this nano brewery has quickly gained popularity for its bold and flavorful beers. The brewery’s signature “Oppaque” series features hazy New England-style IPAs with varying hop combinations, offering a fresh take on a classic style. In addition to their IPAs, Juicy Brewing is known for its fruited sours, particularly the “Mega Fresh” and “Mega Fruit” series, which are crafted with unique fruit blends and often incorporate lactose for a smoother finish. These innovative brews have attracted a dedicated following, with fans praising the brewery’s creativity and quality. Juicy Brewing’s taproom provides a welcoming atmosphere, allowing guests to enjoy freshly poured beers on-site or purchase 4-packs to take home. The brewery also maintains a dog-friendly policy, making it a great spot for pet owners to relax and enjoy a drink.

#26 – Decipher Brewing

Decipher Brewing in Charlottesville, Virginia, has quickly become a key player in the local craft beer scene. Known for its welcoming taproom with indoor and outdoor seating, it’s a favorite spot for both locals and visitors. The brewery offers a diverse lineup of beers, including award-winning styles like the Barley Late Kölsch, which earned top honors at the Virginia Craft Beer Cup. One unique feature is the Babington Project, a barrel-aged series inspired by cryptographic history, adding a creative twist to their offerings. Guests can enjoy their beer while playing outdoor games such as cricket and darts or relaxing by smokeless firepits during colder weather. Decipher Brewing also hosts events like trivia nights and food trucks, making it a lively place to spend time. With its mix of quality brews and fun activities, Decipher Brewing continues to attract those looking for a memorable beer experience in Virginia.

#25 – Crooked Run Brewing

Crooked Run Brewing, now known as Crooked Run Fermentation, began in 2013 in Leesburg, Virginia, and has since expanded to Sterling and Washington, D.C. The brewery is celebrated for its innovative approach to brewing, offering a diverse range of beers, including traditional styles, barrel-aged stouts, and coolship sours. Their Sterling location, situated at 22455 Davis Dr, features a spacious taproom with over 30 beers on tap, complemented by a full-service restaurant and cocktail bar. The Leesburg site maintains a cozy atmosphere with a bar and outdoor patio seating, allowing mobile ordering from local eateries. Crooked Run Fermentation is also known for hosting live music events, trivia nights, and offering a variety of food options, making it a popular destination for craft beer enthusiasts in Virginia.

#24 – Harpers Ferry Brewing

Harpers Ferry Brewing, located in Purcellville, Virginia, is celebrated for its diverse and flavorful beer offerings. Among the popular selections is the Mountain Juice, a New England-style IPA brewed with Mandarina Bavaria, Citra, Azacca hops, and lactose, delivering a smooth, hazy profile with tropical fruit notes. Another favorite is The Needles, an American IPA featuring Centennial, Warrior, and Cascade hops, known for its citrus and piney bitterness. For those preferring lighter options, the Dewbrew Blonde Ale offers a mellow, easy-drinking experience, while the Bucky’s Best Pilsner presents a crisp, German-style lager. Seasonal offerings like the Wicked Pumpkin Ale, brewed with spices, and the Sleigh All Day winter ale, infused with local honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg, add variety throughout the year.

#23 – Caboose Brewing Company

Caboose Brewing Company, with locations in Vienna and Fairfax, Virginia, is a standout in the local craft beer scene. Their Vienna, VA Lager is a traditional amber lager that has garnered multiple gold medals at the Virginia Craft Brewers Cup, celebrated for its clean, crisp finish and balanced malt profile. Another fan favorite is the Bienvenidos Mexican Lager, a light-bodied brew with a hint of sweetness from Vienna malts and a subtle salt finish, offering a refreshing taste. For those who enjoy a bit of tartness, the Blackberry Gose provides a mild sourness complemented by the fruity notes of blackberry and a touch of sea salt. The Fog IPA is a West Coast-style IPA known for its bold, resiny, and citrusy flavors, while the Boxcar Brown Ale delivers rich chocolate and dark fruit notes with a smooth finish.

#22 – New Realm Brewing

New Realm Brewing in Virginia Beach is known for its wide range of craft beers that appeal to many tastes. One popular option is Hazy Like a Fox, a New England IPA packed with juicy pineapple and tangerine flavors thanks to double dry hopping with El Dorado and Azacca hops. For those who like something more classic, Hoplandia is a West Coast IPA featuring piney and citrus notes. Fans of sour beers often choose the Tart Blossoms Imperial Sour, which blends raspberry puree, hibiscus petals, and lemon peels for a tart, citrusy finish. Another favorite is the Blackberry Smoke American Lager, appreciated for its smooth and refreshing character. New Realm’s taproom usually offers rotating selection of beers on tap, giving visitors plenty of variety to try. Whether you enjoy bold IPAs, crisp lagers, or flavorful sours, New Realm Brewing provides solid options for craft beer lovers in Virginia Beach.

#21 – Final Gravity Brewing Co.

Final Gravity Brewing Co., located at 6118 Lakeside Ave in Richmond, Virginia, is a neighborhood brewery that offers a diverse selection of craft beers. Their taproom features a rotating lineup of 15–20 small-batch beers, including popular options like the Venus Rising Double IPA, known for its lush, citrusy bouquet, and the Doppler Effect, an American IPA with fruity notes of tangerine and papaya. For those preferring lighter styles, the Fast Machine Hoppy Pilsner provides a crisp and refreshing taste. The brewery also offers a variety of other styles, such as stouts, saisons, and sours, ensuring there’s something for every palate. With a relaxed atmosphere, arcade games, and dog-friendly outdoor seating, Final Gravity Brewing Co. provides a welcoming environment for craft beer enthusiasts. Whether you’re a local or visiting Richmond, it’s a great spot to enjoy quality beers in a casual setting.

#20 – Ardent Craft Ales

Ardent Craft Ales, nestled in Richmond, Virginia is celebrated for its diverse and flavorful beer offerings. Their lineup includes the Ardent IPA, a medium-bodied American IPA brewed exclusively with Citra hops, delivering citrusy and tropical notes of grapefruit, melon, and passion fruit. For those seeking a lighter option, the Ardent Pilsner is a crisp, German-style pilsner with a clean, bready aroma and a subtle grassy bitterness from noble hops. The Honey Ginger is a spiced ale brewed with locally sourced honey and fresh ginger, offering a refreshing balance of mild sweetness and spicy ginger bite. Seasonal releases like the Sweet Potato and Sage Saison showcase the brewery’s creativity, blending earthy sweet potatoes with fragrant sage in a dry, farmhouse-style ale. Ardent Craft Ales also offers a variety of other styles, ensuring there’s something for every palate. With a welcoming taproom and beer garden, it’s a great spot to enjoy quality brews in a relaxed setting.

#19 – Precarious Beer Project

Precarious Beer Project in Williamsburg, Virginia, stands out for its bold and creative take on craft beer. This brewery is known for experimenting with hops and flavor profiles, offering a rotating list of unique options. One of their most well-liked beers is Kung Fu Kittens, a New England IPA with Citra and El Dorado hops that gives off a soft, juicy feel with tropical fruit notes. Another favorite is Everything Is Lava But the Swings Are Base, an imperial IPA with Idaho 7 and Mosaic hops that bring out hints of pineapple and berry. Fans of bolder styles often enjoy No Tag Backs, a double IPA that blends sweet and citrus flavors with a creamy finish. Precarious keeps things fresh with new releases often, making every visit different. With its energetic taproom and creative brews, it’s become a favorite spot for craft beer fans in the Williamsburg area.

#18 – Benchtop Brewing Company

Benchtop Brewing Company, based in Norfolk with a second location in Richmond, Virginia, is known for its creative and science-driven approach to brewing. They offer a variety of beers that appeal to different tastes. One of their popular choices is Proven Theory, an American IPA that balances tropical fruit flavors with a crisp finish. Another favorite is Gong Water, a hazy IPA fermented with Norwegian yeast, bringing out pineapple and mango notes. For those who enjoy something richer, Walter’s Brunch is a coffee porter with a touch of maple syrup, offering a smooth and slightly sweet profile. Fans of sour beers might appreciate Jam Pact, a mixed-berry sour that combines peach, strawberry, blackberry, and plum. Benchtop also crafts lighter options like Crispy Whip, a German-style pilsner known for its clean and refreshing taste. With a rotating selection and a focus on quality, Benchtop Brewing provides a welcoming spot for craft beer enthusiasts in Virginia.

#17 – Dirt Farm Brewing

Dirt Farm Brewing in Bluemont, Virginia, is known for its farm-to-glass beers made with ingredients grown on-site. Their Red Merl, an Irish Red Ale, is a fan favorite, offering smooth caramel and chocolate notes. Fluster Cluck is another standout—a seasonal fruit beer crafted from leftover farm produce, delivering a unique blend of flavors. For those who enjoy a hint of fruit, Som’ Peach is a summer ale brewed with fresh peaches, providing a light and refreshing taste. Hop enthusiasts might appreciate Boots Off, an American IPA with earthy tones from Amarillo hops, and Awe Daang, which features Citra and Amarillo hops for a citrusy profile. Dirt Farm also offers Milk Stout, known for its smooth and slightly sweet character. With a variety of styles and a focus on quality, Dirt Farm Brewing provides a welcoming spot for craft beer lovers in Virginia.

#16 – Alewerks Brewing Company

Alewerks Brewing Company in Williamsburg, Virginia, has been crafting a wide range of beers since 2006. One of their most recognized offerings is the Pumpkin Ale, a seasonal favorite known for its rich pumpkin pie flavor and 7.3% ABV. For those who enjoy hoppy beers, the Bitter Valentine Double IPA stands out with its bold citrus and tropical fruit notes, thanks to a blend of Citra, Simcoe, Columbus, Zythos, and Galaxy hops. The Superb IPA is another popular choice, offering a balanced profile with hints of passion fruit and mango. For a more traditional taste, the Tavern Brown Ale provides a complex yet mellow flavor, brewed with six different malt varieties. Alewerks also offers the Coffeehouse Stout, a milk stout infused with Guatemalan Antigua coffee, delivering a rich and smooth experience. With a diverse lineup that caters to various preferences, Alewerks Brewing Company continues to be a staple in Virginia’s craft beer scene.

#15 – Strangeways Brewing

Strangeways Brewing, with locations in Richmond, Fredericksburg, and Williamsburg, Virginia, is known for its wide variety of craft beers that cater to different tastes. Their core lineup includes Hop Howler, a 6.8% ABV IPA with bold hop flavors; Albino Monkey, a 5% ABV Belgian White Ale brewed with coriander, orange and lemon peels, white pepper, and Virginia wildflower honey; and Woodbooger, a 6% ABV Belgian-style Brown Ale featuring notes of caramel and chocolate. For those who enjoy lighter beers, Helles Frozen Over is a 5% ABV Munich Helles Lager offering a clean and crisp profile. Strangeways also offers unique brews like Dripping With Doom, a 10.4% ABV beer, and Gnar Shredder DIPA, an 8% ABV Double IPA. Their rotating selection ensures there’s always something new to try, making it a popular spot for craft beer enthusiasts in Virginia.

#14 – Starr Hill Brewery

Starr Hill Brewery, based in Crozet, Virginia, is one of the state’s most established craft breweries, known for its wide range of beers that cater to various tastes. Their flagship IPA, Northern Lights, offers a balanced profile with citrus and floral hop notes. For those who enjoy wheat beers, The Love is a hefeweizen featuring a light body and fruity aroma. Seasonal selections like Boxcarr Pumpkin Porter and Snow Blind doppelbock provide rich, malty flavors suitable for cooler months. Little Red RooStarr coffee cream stout is another favorite, blending coffee and chocolate notes. With a variety of styles and a focus on quality, Starr Hill Brewery continues to be a staple in Virginia’s craft beer scene.

#13 – Väsen Brewing Company

Väsen Brewing Company in Richmond, Virginia, is known for its creative and flavorful beers that appeal to a wide range of tastes. Their Hefeweizen is a traditional German-style wheat beer with banana, vanilla, and clove notes, offering a crisp and refreshing experience. For those who enjoy hoppy beers, Cashmere Secrets is a hazy double IPA brewed with Cashmere, Vic Secret, and Mosaic hops, delivering aromas of pineapple, peach, and raspberry. The Key Lime Sour is a fruited sour ale that provides a tart and citrusy flavor profile, perfect for those seeking something different. Another standout is Neomexicanus, a hazy double IPA featuring Sabro, El Dorado, and Azacca hops, offering flavors of orange, coconut, lime, and pepper. With a diverse lineup that includes IPAs, sours, and traditional styles, Väsen Brewing Company continues to be a popular destination for craft beer enthusiasts in Virginia.

#12 – Ocelot Brewing Company

Ocelot Brewing Company, located in Sterling, Virginia, is known for its wide range of craft beers that cater to various tastes. Among their popular offerings is Mr. Kite, an American IPA with a 6.8% ABV, featuring a hazy appearance and flavors of melon and citrus. Another standout is Sunnyside Dweller, a German-style unfiltered pilsner dry-hopped with Magnum and Spalter Select hops, which won a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival . For those who enjoy hazy IPAs, Misunderstood offers a 6.6% ABV and is brewed with Southern Tropic and Comet hops, delivering a juicy and aromatic experience. Kings & Queens is a West Coast IPA that combines the crispness of traditional IPAs with tropical fruit and berry notes, thanks to the use of Superdelic hops. With a variety of styles and a focus on quality, Ocelot Brewing Company continues to be a staple in Virginia’s craft beer scene.

#11 – Smartmouth Brewing Co.

Smartmouth Brewing Co., with locations in Norfolk and Virginia Beach, Virginia, is known for its wide selection of craft beers made with both creativity and balance. Popular picks include Alter Ego Saison, a Belgian-style farmhouse ale with a dry finish and light fruit character, and Notch 9 Double IPA, a strong, hop-forward option with grapefruit and pine notes. Their Safety Dance Pilsner is a go-to for those who prefer something crisp and clean, while Savage Mondo Hazy IPA brings bright tropical flavors like mango and apricot. They also release seasonal beers, like Sommer Fling Hefeweizen, with banana and clove notes, and The Princess Oktoberfest, which leans malty with hints of caramel. Smartmouth has earned a loyal following not just for its beers, but for keeping things fresh and easygoing, whether you’re visiting for the first time or stopping in to try something new.

#10 – The Virginia Beer Company

The Virginia Beer Company in Williamsburg, Virginia, is well known for its wide range of flavorful craft beers that appeal to many tastes. Their popular Free Verse New England-style IPA offers juicy tropical flavors, while Gorgeous Citra IPA delivers a bright and citrusy hazy profile. For those who enjoy darker brews, Elbow Patches is an oatmeal stout with rich, creamy chocolate and roast notes. Seasonal favorites like Fresh Powder, an imperial New England IPA, and Saving Daylight, an American Pale Wheat Ale with hints of orange peel, keep the menu interesting throughout the year. The brewery also releases limited-edition and collaborative beers such as Punch’D! Castaway Contender, a fruited IPA, showing their creativity and connection with the community. With a steady flow of new options and a focus on quality, The Virginia Beer Company remains a favorite stop for craft beer fans looking for fresh and well-made brews in Virginia.

#9 – Big Lick Brewing Company

Big Lick Brewing Company, located in downtown Roanoke, Virginia, has become a local favorite for its diverse and flavorful craft beers. Their White Bronco New England IPA is a standout, featuring a hazy appearance and a juicy profile from the use of Citra, Mosaic, and El Dorado hops. For those who enjoy a stronger hop presence, Peace, Love & Hoppiness is an imperial IPA that delivers bold flavors from Simcoe, Centennial, and Columbus hops. Popsicle Toes, a milkshake IPA brewed with orange zest, vanilla beans, and lactose, offers a creamy, dessert-like experience. Shabby Chic, another hazy double IPA, combines tropical fruit notes with a smooth finish. For lighter options, Smith Mountain Lager is a classic American lager, and Status Quo is a crisp cream ale. The brewery also produces seasonal and specialty beers, such as Champurrado, a Mexican imperial stout, and Dying Days, a bourbon barrel-aged Russian imperial stout, showcasing their commitment to innovation and quality.

#8 – Blue Mountain Brewery

Blue Mountain Brewery, nestled in Afton, Virginia, is celebrated for its diverse and flavorful craft beers that cater to a wide range of palates. Their flagship Full Nelson Pale Ale stands out with its balanced malt body and burst of American hop flavor and aroma, offering a citrusy, floral, and highly sessionable experience. The Kölsch 151 is a light German-style ale treated like a lager, undergoing extensive cold aging to produce a clean, crisp beer with balanced flavor. For those who enjoy darker brews, Dark Hollow is an imperial stout aged in bourbon barrels, delivering rich and complex flavors. Seasonal offerings like Lights Out Holiday Ale provide a deep malt flavor and earthy hop spiciness, making it a favorite during the colder months. With a commitment to quality and a rotating selection of beers, Blue Mountain Brewery continues to be a popular destination for craft beer enthusiasts in Virginia.

#7 – Devils Backbone Brewing Company

Devils Backbone Brewing Company, nestled in Roseland, Virginia, is renowned for its commitment to quality and a diverse range of beers that cater to various palates. Their flagship Vienna Lager is a standout, featuring a smooth malt profile with subtle caramel notes and a clean finish, making it a favorite among lager enthusiasts. The Eight Point IPA offers a balanced hop character with citrus and pine flavors, appealing to those who enjoy a classic American IPA. For fans of darker brews, the Danzig Baltic Porter provides rich roasted malt flavors with a hint of chocolate, delivering a robust and satisfying experience. Seasonal offerings like the Pumpkin Spice Lager bring festive flavors to the lineup, while the Schwartz Bier offers a traditional German-style black lager with roasted malt undertones. With a dedication to brewing excellence and a variety of styles, Devils Backbone Brewing Company continues to be a prominent name in Virginia’s craft beer scene.

#6 – Port City Brewing Company

Port City Brewing Company, located in Alexandria, Virginia, is known for its diverse and flavorful craft beers that cater to a wide range of palates. Their flagship Optimal Wit is a Belgian-style wheat beer brewed with locally sourced wheat, offering a crisp and refreshing taste. Monumental IPA is an American IPA that balances hop bitterness with malt sweetness, featuring flavors of citrus and pine. For those who enjoy darker beers, Port City Porter is a robust porter with notes of coffee and dark chocolate. Seasonal offerings like Tidings Ale, a Belgian-style blonde ale brewed with local wildflower honey and Virginia-grown wheat, provide a unique twist to their lineup. The brewery also produces specialty beers such as Maniacal, a double IPA with tropical and citrus aromas, and Long Black Veil, a black IPA that combines the flavors of dark malts with hoppy bitterness. With a commitment to quality and a rotating selection of beers, Port City Brewing Company continues to be a popular destination for craft beer enthusiasts in Virginia.

#5 – Aslin Beer Company

Aslin Beer Company, with locations in Alexandria, Herndon, Virginia Beach, and Pittsburgh, is celebrated for its innovative approach to craft brewing, particularly in the realm of hazy IPAs. Their flagship beers, such as Orange Starfish and Power Move, showcase a mastery of hop combinations, delivering juicy, tropical flavors that have garnered a dedicated following. Orange Starfish, a double dry-hopped IPA with Citra and Galaxy hops, offers a smooth, citrus-forward profile, while Power Move, featuring Chinook, Simcoe, Citra, and Mosaic hops, provides a dank, easy-drinking experience. For those seeking bolder options, Master of Oranges, a blend of Master of Karate and Double Orange Starfish, delivers a punchy citrus and tropical fruit profile. Aslin’s commitment to quality and creativity has solidified its reputation in the craft beer community, making it a must-visit for enthusiasts exploring Virginia’s beer scene.

#4 – Hardywood Park Craft Brewery

Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, located in Richmond, Virginia, is renowned for its commitment to quality and community. Their flagship beers include the Richmond Lager, an American lager that has become a local favorite, and the Singel, a Belgian-style blonde ale known for its balanced flavor profile. The brewery also offers the VIPA (Virgindia Pale Ale), an IPA that showcases Virginia-grown ingredients, reflecting their dedication to local sourcing. Seasonal releases like the Gingerbread Stout, an imperial milk stout brewed with local baby ginger and wildflower honey, highlight Hardywood’s innovative approach to brewing. Their Virginia Roots series further emphasizes their connection to local agriculture, featuring beers made with ingredients sourced from Virginia farms.

#3 – The Answer Brewpub

The Answer Brewpub, located in Richmond, Virginia, is a must-visit destination for craft beer enthusiasts. Established in 2014 by An Bui, the brewpub offers an extensive selection of taps, featuring a diverse range of styles from IPAs to stouts and sours. Notable offerings include the Cosmic Gumbo, a hazy IPA with tropical fruit flavors, and the Joose series, which are high-ABV fruit-forward beers. The brewpub’s commitment to quality and innovation has earned it recognition as one of the best brewpubs in the U.S. Its cozy atmosphere, complete with a game room and beer garden, makes it a perfect spot to enjoy a pint with friends. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, The Answer Brewpub offers a memorable craft beer experience in the heart of Richmond.

#2 – Triple Crossing Brewing

Triple Crossing Brewing, a standout in Richmond, Virginia’s craft beer scene, is renowned for its hop-forward IPAs and innovative brewing techniques. Their flagship Falcon Smash IPA offers a balanced blend of citrus, orange marmalade, and stone fruit flavors, showcasing their commitment to quality and consistency. Other popular offerings include the Last Broadcast, a double IPA with tropical and citrus notes, and the Clever Girl, an American IPA known for its light body and tropical citrus profile. The brewery operates multiple locations, including Downtown, Fulton, and Midlothian, each providing a unique atmosphere and a rotating selection of fresh, house-made beers. With a focus on quality and innovation, Triple Crossing Brewing continues to be a favorite among craft beer enthusiasts in Virginia.

#1 – The Veil Brewing Co.

The Veil Brewing Co., based in Richmond, Virginia, has quickly gained a strong reputation for its creative and hop-focused beers. Known for hazy IPAs like Master Shredder, which features notes of cantaloupe and orange, and the double IPA Crucial Taunt, with citrus and pineapple flavors, the brewery consistently impresses beer lovers. Beyond IPAs, The Veil also crafts barrel-aged stouts and fruited sours, offering variety for different tastes. Specialty releases like Circle of Wolves, an English Barleywine aged in maple apple brandy and bourbon barrels, show their commitment to bold, experimental brews. The brewery has multiple locations, including Scott’s Addition, Forest Hill, and Norfolk, each with a unique vibe and rotating beer selections. With a focus on quality and innovation, The Veil Brewing Co. continues to stand out in Virginia’s craft beer scene and remains a top choice for those looking to experience fresh, exciting beers.

Virginia’s Beer Scene: History and What to Know

Virginia’s beer culture has deep roots, dating back to colonial times when English settlers, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, brewed ales at home. By the 1800s, German immigrants introduced lager brewing, particularly in Richmond, making it a regional hub. Prohibition in the 1920s slowed things down, but the craft beer movement, kicking off in the 1980s and exploding in the 2010s, brought Virginia back to life as a brewing powerhouse.

Today, Virginia is home to over 200 breweries, from cozy farmhouse operations in the Shenandoah Valley to modern taprooms in cities like Richmond, Norfolk, and Alexandria. State laws have evolved to support local brewers, encouraging innovation and growth. You’ll find a wide range of styles—hoppy IPAs, crisp lagers, barrel-aged stouts, and even sours made with local ingredients like Virginia-grown hops or Chesapeake Bay oysters.

Virginia’s beer scene thrives on its sense of place, blending history, community, and bold flavors. Whether you’re after a rare small-batch brew or just chilling with a flight at a local taproom, there’s something for everyone.

FAQs About Virginia Beer

How many breweries are in Virginia?

As of 2025, Virginia has over 200 licensed breweries, with new ones opening regularly.

What’s the oldest brewery in Virginia?

Richbrau Brewing, established in the early 20th century, is among the oldest, though its modern form took shape later. The craft beer wave really gained steam with pioneers like Legend Brewing in Richmond, founded in 1994.

Are Virginia breweries dog-friendly?

Many are, especially those with outdoor patios or beer gardens. Check with the brewery beforehand to confirm their pet policy.

When is the best time to visit breweries in Virginia?

Spring and fall are prime for brewery visits, with events like the Virginia Craft Beer Festival in Richmond or Oktoberfest celebrations in places like Roanoke and Virginia Beach. Summer’s great for outdoor taprooms, too.