So, not sure any of you are excited about the Cap City SpingFest Mid Atlantic Beer Festival at Shirlington
I got a free pass so am going early
Just got an email of all the breweries:
CCBC Beer
Spencer Devon
Corcoran
Adventure
Ornery
Smartmouth
O?Connor
Honor
Full Tilt
Forge
Pleasure House
Heritage
Tin Cannon
Tall Tales
James River
Lost Rhino
Mad Fox
Caboose
DuClaw
Gordon Biersch
District Chophouse
Port City
Rock Bottom
Hellbender
Fair Winds
New District
3 Stars
Adroit Theory
Atlas
Starr Hill
DC Brau
Bold Rock (Cider)
Flying Dog
Heavy Seas
Old Bust Head
Devils Backbone
Copa di Vino (Wine)
Three Notch?d
Hardywood
Mustang Sally (even though I've never heard of these guys...I refuse to drink from them on principal)
So the first group of 13 I've yet to try (or even heard of these breweries)
any one have any opinions of ones are must trys?
We've been to the Spencer Devon Brewpub in downtown Fredericksburg. Nice place, pretty decent ipa and stout. Went there after a day of tubing on the Rappahannock. I highly recommend the tubing. I wouldn't seek out Spencer Devon, but would consider going again the next time I'm in Fredericksburg.
Corcoran Brewing is in Purcellville. We stopped there one time when in the area (I think we were apple picking.) We had originally intended to stop at Adroit Theory, but they were closed for a members only event. Corcoran beers were ok, not as good as Spencer Devon. They did have some older folks playing bluegrass when we were there, so that was cool. I'm pretty sure it's right off a bike trail, as I saw several bikers stop in when we were there. If in the area, I'd consider stopping in again, but I'd more likely choose Adroit if just choosing one.
We've also been to Heritage in Manassas. They seem to get good distribution in NoVA. I think they're pretty big on the patriot theme (e.g. Freedom Isn't Free IPA). They make a good scotch ale, their other beers are pretty weak, imo. The thing that struck me about their tasting room is that when I asked for a tiny taste of something, the bartender refused and told me "That's what flights are for." We don't plan on returning there.
I think Full Tilt is Baltimore based and O'Connor is VA based (the other part of VA), but know nothing more about them. After that, I'm clueless on the other eight.
Edit: Plus what Yada said, right above.