Alexandria, VA Local Craft Beer Guide
Your Essential Tour of Top Breweries
Alexandria, VA, known for its rich colonial history and picturesque Old Town, has also emerged as a hub for craft beer enthusiasts. With a growing number of breweries and craft beer bars, the city caters to a wide range of palates and preferences. Establishments like Port City Brewing Company, Aslin Beer Company, and places like Revel Wine & Craft Beer Bar highlight local brewing talent and showcase an array of unique and flavorful beers.
The city's love for finely crafted brews doesn't stop at the breweries themselves. Beer gardens, such as Augie's Mussel House & Beer Garden, and specialty stores like the Department of Beer and Wine provide residents and visitors with the opportunity to explore different styles and find new favorites. Alexandria's craft beer scene is reflective of a larger trend towards locally sourced and artisanal food and drinks, demonstrating the community's commitment to quality and variety.
With each venue offering its own ambiance, from the cozy corners of Old Hat Bar to the lively atmosphere at Hops N Shine, beer aficionados can find both the perfect drink and the perfect spot to enjoy it. Whether it's relaxing dockside at Vola's Dockside Grill and Hi-Tide Lounge or browsing the selections at dedicated retailers, Alexandria serves as a destination for those seeking to enjoy the best of what local craft beer has to offer.
The Rise of Craft Beer in Alexandria, VA
The reemergence of Alexandria as a hub for craft beer enthusiasts underscores its deep historical roots in American brewing and its present-day commitment to unique flavors and high-quality beer.
A Brief History
Alexandria's brewing history dates back to the pre-Prohibition era when it was home to the largest brewery in the South. The Robert Portner Brewing Company, also known as the Tivoli Brewery, was a pivotal entity in the US beer industry from 1869 until its closure in 1916. This long lull in brewing activity came to an end as new players entered the scene, reviving Alexandria's beer-making legacy and aligning with the nationwide surge in craft beer interest.
Craft Beer Culture in Alexandria
Today, Alexandria boasts a vibrant craft beer scene, characterized by an appreciation for good beer with unique profiles. Establishments like Port City Brewing Company and Aslin Beer Company are prominent figures, leading the charge with their innovative brews. Their success, coupled with the establishment of craft beer bars and a historic breweries tour, illustrates Alexandria, VA's passion for craft beer. It offers both locals and visitors a taste of the city's rich brewing history while enjoying contemporary creations that continue to shape Alexandria's reputation as a destination for beer lovers.
Spotlight on Alexandria Breweries
Alexandria's vibrant local brewery scene is anchored by establishments that not only understand the art of brewing but also cherish the city's rich historical backdrop. The following breweries exemplify the distinct character and quality of Alexandria's craft beer offerings.
Aslin Beer Company
Aslin Beer Company stands out with its expansive selection of craft beers, which have earned a strong reputation across the Mid-Atlantic States. Their offerings include a wide range of styles that cater to diverse palates. Visitors to Aslin's funky and spacious tasting room can enjoy high-quality brews, ample seating, and television screens—ideal for catching a game.
Location: 847 S Pickett St, Alexandria, VA 22304, United States
Contact: +1 571-431-7603
Port City Brewing Company
Port City Brewing Company is a well-established craft brewery that has contributed significantly to Alexandria's beer landscape since 2011. Known for their grain to glass approach, Port City Brewing prides itself on providing a variety of locally crafted beers. The brewery operates out of Wheeler Avenue and is recognized for its comprehensive hospitality and guided tours that showcase their brewing process and history.
Location: 3950 Wheeler Ave., Alexandria, Virginia 22304
Contact: (703) 797-2739
Other Notable Breweries
Alexandria boasts a number of other breweries that have each established a unique presence in the city. These breweries often feature a selection of locally crafted beers, innovative tastes, and environments that reflect Alexandria's historic charm. Whether one is looking for an inviting beer garden or a brewery with deep historical ties, such as the legacy of the Robert Portner Brewing Company, there is no shortage of notable spots to explore and enjoy a high-quality pint.
Brewery Tours and Tastings
Alexandria, VA, offers an enticing blend of guided and self-guided brewery tours, as well as curated tasting experiences that showcase the city's rich craft beer culture. Visitors can expect an educational journey through the local brewing process and enjoy a variety of beer samples directly from the source.
Guided Tours
Port City Brewing Company provides an immersive "grain to glass" guided brewery tour. Participants learn about the brewing process and enjoy fresh beer samples directly from the taps. The guided tours are often seen as educational and are a great option for team building events, with trivia and beer guides on demand to enhance the experience.
Self-Guided Tours
For visitors who prefer to explore at their own pace, the Alexandria Historic Breweries Walking Tour & Pub Guide is available. This self-guided walking tour allows one to delve into Alexandria's beer history with a flexible itinerary. The guide can be picked up at the Alexandria Visitors Center located at 221 King Street, as well as at participating pubs and restaurants.
Tasting Experiences
Alongside tours, Alexandria's breweries offer stand-alone tasting experiences. These tastings range from casual to structured, with some local breweries like Port City Brewing Company offering virtual beer tastings. This option caters to those who wish to enjoy a guided beer tasting session from the comfort of their home or office.
Enjoying the Craft Beer Experience
Alexandria, VA offers a rich tapestry of craft beer experiences, combining a lively festival atmosphere and fine dining with a diversity of beer bars and gardens. Here, enthusiasts can explore an array of local brews in settings that are as varied as the beers themselves.
Events and Festivals
Great American Beer Festival if often on the itinerary of beer lovers. In Alexandria, events such as beer tastings and brewery-hosted parties provide a platform for both connoisseurs and casual drinkers to explore local offerings. Food trucks are frequently part of these gatherings, offering a perfect pairing for the diverse beer menu.
Annual Events: Craft beer events are integral to the local culture.
Food Trucks: Culinary delights on wheels enhance the festival experience.
Craft Beer and Dining
The pairing of craft beer with exquisite dishes elevates the dining experience in Alexandria's restaurants. Many menus are specifically designed to highlight the synergy between the food and local brews. Old Town Alexandria, known for its historic charm, also boasts establishments where the craft beer selection complements a fine dining atmosphere.
Old Town: Restaurants here curate beer lists that pair with their menus.
Beer-Inspired Cuisine: Chefs often incorporate beer into their recipes for a unique twist.
Beer Bars and Gardens
For a more relaxed experience, visitors can retreat to beer bars and gardens, where comfort meets a broad selection of local ales and lagers. These venues range from the intimate and cozy to expansive, garden-style spaces - perfect for enjoying a sunny afternoon with friends.
Beer Gardens: Offer outdoor seating and a variety of local brews.
Beer Bars: Host a rotating tap list and often feature local artisan beers.
Each venue provides a distinct atmosphere, whether one seeks the bustle of a beer festival, the fusion of dining with craft brews, or the ease of a laid-back beer garden. The culture of Alexandria embraces the craft beer experience, inviting both locals and visitors to share in the enjoyment of these meticulously brewed creations.
Plan Your Craft Beer Adventure
Craft beer enthusiasts can embark on a flavorful journey through Alexandria, VA, where a vibrant selection of breweries awaits. Visitors can plan their trip with detailed itineraries, find their way using comprehensive guides, and enjoy comfortable accommodations that complement their beer-tasting experience.
Craft Beer Itineraries
Choose Your Trail: Visitors can design their itinerary around the renowned King St., diving into the rich beer culture that Old Town Alexandria offers. For those seeking a structured approach, the Beltway Beer Trail covers multiple breweries within the area, ideal for a day trip or an extended weekend adventure.
Day Trip Plan:
Morning: Begin at Aslin Beer Company for a taste of local creativity.
Afternoon: Explore the Port City Brewing Company, known for its award-winning offerings.
Evening: Wind down at Hops N Shine with a side of gourmet grilled cheese.
Weekend Itinerary:
Day 1: Start with a tour of Old Hat Bar, then enjoy seafood and brews at Vola’s Dockside Grill and Hi-Tide Lounge.
Day 2: Engage in interactive team building trivia at a local brewery.
Brewery Map and Guides
Navigate with Ease: Brewing companies in Alexandria are mapped out on various digital platforms. Visitors can download a brewery map app to keep the information at their fingertips. Additionally, free visitor's guides are available, providing insights into each location’s specialty and ambiance to help craft beer lovers prioritize their stops.
Key Guides:
Downloadable Beer Trail maps.
Visitor's guides from local tourism sites.
Accommodation and Travel Tips
Stay Close to the Action: For those wanting to stay within reach of their next pint, accommodations near King St. offer the convenience of being at the heart of Alexandria's brewery scene.
Travel Smart: Planning a trip during off-peak seasons can lead to a more intimate beer-tasting experience and potentially better hotel rates.
Lodging Recommendations:
Hotels within walking distance to breweries.
Boutique inns for a unique stay.
By organizing one's trip with these resources, craft beer aficionados can immerse themselves in Alexandria’s local brewery culture with confidence and ease.
Craft Beer and Community
Local craft breweries in Alexandria, VA play a pivotal role in supporting and reflecting the community's spirit. They achieve this through local partnerships and the creation of unique flavors that embody the locality.
Local Partnerships
Craft breweries in Alexandria understand the importance of collaborating with local businesses. Such partnerships often lead to a symbiotic relationship where the community benefits as a whole. Port City Brewing Company, for instance, is known for aligning itself with local food vendors and farmers, incorporating their products into events and offerings to create a unique local experience.
Brewery Partnerships:
Aslin Beer Company
Port City Brewing Company
Local Collaboration Outcomes:
Special event hosting
Shared promotional efforts
Seasonal and Special Releases
Breweries often release seasonal and special brews that highlight local flavors and ingredients. These limited-time offerings reflect the community's love for unique and innovative beers while tying in with the local agricultural calendar. Port City Brewing Company stands out for its seasonal releases that use locally sourced ingredients, thereby capturing the essence of Alexandria's seasons and festivities.
Featured Seasonal Flavors:
Spring: Fresh floral notes with locally grown herbs
Summer: Citrusy and refreshing using Virginia-grown fruits
Autumn: Rich pumpkin and spiced beers
Winter: Bold stouts with locally roasted coffee
Through these efforts, Alexandria's craft breweries reinforce their connection with the locale, contribute to a strong sense of community, and demonstrate their love for creating unique and memorable beer experiences.
Practical Information for Visitors
In Alexandria, Virginia, visitors seeking to experience the local craft beer scene will find accommodating hours, options for private events, and convenient on-demand services. The guide below outlines essential information to plan a memorable visit.
Opening Hours
Most breweries and pubs in Alexandria operate under visitor-friendly hours. While specific times can vary, a general window you can expect is:
Weekdays: Often open from about 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Weekends: Extended hours typically start around 12:00 PM and may go until 12:00 AM
It's advisable to check individual brewery websites for the most current operating hours.
Private Events and Rentals
Many Alexandria breweries offer private rooms and rental spaces for events. When planning an event, consider these points:
Booking: Advance booking is recommended as spots fill up quickly.
Capacity: Private rooms can typically accommodate small to medium-sized groups, depending on the venue.
Services: Catering and personalized beer tastings are often available.
Craft Beer On-Demand Services
For those preferring the comfort of their accommodation or local residency, Alexandria provides craft beer on-demand services:
Delivery: Beer delivery services are available through various apps and brewery websites.
Beer Guides: Some services offer personalized beer guides to help select the perfect brews for delivery.
Visitors should confirm the availability of these services directly from the providers for the most accurate and timely information.
