Loudoun has so many wonderful things to offer and one of them is great craft beer! On June 4, 2018, the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild announced the 2018 Virginia Craft Beer Cup Winners. There were 27 categories with the top three brews named in each category. We think all of our breweries have great beer, but as you are looking to see which ones to taste next on the Loudoun Craft Beverage Trail make sure to give these five winners a try.
Old Ox Brewery placed in two Categories. The Black Ox Porter a robust rye porter with hints of coffee and chocolate nicely balanced with a subtle hop influence won second place in the American Porter and Stout Category and Kristin’s Passion a Mexican Hot Chocolate Porter placed third in the Spiced Beer Category. Old Ox Brewery is conveniently located between Waxpool Road and Route 7, just off Loudoun County Parkway at 44652 Guilford Dr, #114, Ashburn, VA or if you want to ride your bike you can find them between mile 25 and 25.5 on W&OD Trail.
If you love German Beer you will definitely want to stop at Black Hoof Brewing Company and try the Weissbier that placed first in the German Wheat Beer Category. Black Hoof is located in Downtown Leesburg and offers both indoor and outdoor mingling spaces. Try one of their traditional German pretzels, or bring your own meal.
Also in the German Wheat Beer Category, Best Days, from Crooked Run Brewing placed third. It is a classic hefeweizen with lots of body and drinkability. Characteristics of banana and clove are packed into this perfect summer pint. Crooked Run Brewing has Sterling and Leesburg locations and both are currently serving Best Days Hefeweizen. The Leesburg location is .2 miles from the W&OD trail if you wish to arrive by bike.
Rounding out the finish, the fifth winning brew is 50 Shades of Gold from Belly Love Brewing placing first in the Strong Belgian Ale category. 50 Shades of Gold is described as a golden ale with a complex blend of fruity & spicy flavors brewed with 100% Belgian malt. Belly Love Brewing is located on Main Street in Purcellvilleand is .3 miles from the W&OD trail.
We hope you enjoy exploring Loudoun’s breweries and trying these award-winning brews!
