An Overview of my Visits

What a Wonderful Semester!!

It's a rare opportunity to link beer tasting and education together - but with freedom to choose whatever topic I desired, I did just that. This course has allowed me vastly enhance my blogging skills, while also expanding my taste for new, local, and very tasty brews! If you are given the opportunity to do a brew tour in Loudoun County - then take it. You won't be disappointed. 

Overview

In order to  give the readers a comprehensive overview of the places I've visited, here are summarized visits (along with the best brews to try for your visit).

Lost Rhino

This rapidly expanding brewery has two distinct locations in Ashburn, VA. Since it opened in 2011, they have made a strong presence in Loudoun County. They recently  began bottling their beers, which are available at local grocery stores (such as wegmans).

They offer several different IPAs and hoppy style beers. My pick - the Oatmeal Pumpkin Ale. Sweet and reminiscent of pumpkin pie, it was close to dessert.

Old Ox Brewery

This is the place to be. Located in Ashburn, the name Old Ox is derived from one of the main roads throughout all of Loudoun County.  Several factors make this place unique, including: games, multiple playrooms, consistently different entertainment, and you can can even join a corn hole league. This atmosphere is surely not to be missed, and the beers are all excellent.

All of the brews served here are spectacular; to choose only one is almost a crime. But, if you're a lite beer fan like I am, your best bet is the Golden Ox. It's a buttery ale with a strong finish. But again, if you prefer the IPAs/Stouts, those are also very good. You'll have to get a flight a decide for yourself.

Crooked Run

This nano brewery is tucked away in downtown Leesburg, VA. If you didn't have the specific location then the bar would be easily overlooked. This place is unique as it does not serve food and it is strictly a brewery. The laid back atmosphere is a local's favorite hangout spot, and you can even bring your dog with you.

Of the beers they currently offer, I prefer the Red Kolsch. This is a lighter beer with a bit of a strong, bitter finish. Of all the beers they've ever had, I prefer the 'You're Cool" cucumber beer (but that is a summer seasonal). That beer is a mint wheat made with 25 lbs of cucumbers. It's almost like drinking water.

Mountain State Brewery

Hands down, my favorite restaurant/brewery of all time. This is not a local brewery in Loudoun County, but it is instead located in Deep Creek, MD.  The mountain range backdrop, brick ovens, and wooden decor make this cozy little establishment feel like it right inside a grand sized log cabin.

Of the four beers on tap, I would have the say the Cold Trail Ale was (not by far) the best. Each of their beers are refreshing; even the Stout and IPA. The pizza is beyond delicious (imagine the best pizza you've had, minus the excess grease). I cannot say enough good things about this place. If you ever find yourself in Deep Creek (or Thomas WVA/ Morgantown WVA), do yourself a favor and stop in to this slice of paradise.

That's All - Folks...

That's all for my brewery adventures (for this blog, not in general). I've had a lot of fun visiting breweries, tasting good beers, and making new memories. Thanks for joining me along the way!

Love Beer? Why Not Brew it Yourself!

I Want to Open a Brewery

Well, maybe. I've definitely considered it - be your own boss, hire a few good friends, drink lots of tasty, carefully crafted brews...But I digress, there are several perks to starting your own business, but what is necessary to start your very own microbrewery? 

More Breweries; More Craft Beer

Loudoun County has become known for it's brewery start-ups, and craft breweries have greatly increased within the last 10 years.

It is a highly competitive field, and there are several things you must consider prior making the career leap. 

Advice

So while there is varied advice scattered throughout the internet, here are a few tips that have recurred across several websites and blogs:

1. Plan for lots of delays. Michael Kan, of Kane Brewery Company in NJ, claims "Everything is three times as expensive and takes twice as long as you would think" (Money.cnn.com. 2015). It's a long term investment, and you have to have patience.
2. Have a financial safety net. You will need capital beyond your start up money. There will be unprofitable times, and it can take longer than expected to acquire the expensive brewery equipment. 
3. Be prepared to continually invest. Extra money needs to be incorporated back into the business. Fermenting equipment is expensive. You will need to pay several employees. 
4. Make good beer. Quality counts. You can't be stingy with expenses and you have to be passionate about producing great beers people will enjoy. 

 Here is a detailed  video from Daniel Kahn on how beer is made and on the brewing process.

If you want to open a brewery, have some money saved, be patient, and be passionate. It also helps to understand the distribution process, and understand your local market. It could be a lot of work, but it could also be highly rewarding.

Crooked Run Brewery

First Pour Fridays

Crooked Run Brewery, located in the heart of downtown Leesburg, VA, is a microbrewery tucked away within a much larger building and shopping area. If you weren't looking for this gem, you would walk right by it.

This brewery is family owned and operated, and it opened roughly two years ago in July, 2013. The first Friday of every month they have an event called First Pour Fridays, in which they host other beers on tap and have special guests pouring beers (such as previous employees or people who work in other facilities in the area). Tonight I am heading down there for my research.

Friends in High Places

My good friend, Maria Teresa, works at the brewery as a bat tender/craft beer expert. Being that she is such a wonderful person, a night at the brewery can leave my wallet full and my thirst adequately quenched.

On Tap

Crooked Run Brewery regularly runs out of their beer, which is a typical problem for nano/microbreweries. The plus side is they are always making new beers, so the selection is never quite the same and there's always something new to experience. Here is the current line-up:

1. Red Kolsch- Irish Kolsch
2. Storm - American IPA
3. Shadow of Truth- Black Belgian
4. Achilles- Rye IPA

Here is full list of all the beers they have brewed.

The brewery does not offer food, but they have a pizza and sub shop next door that delivers, and there are multiple restaurants in the immediate area. They also allow patrons to bring their dogs, which makes this little establishment unique from the other local breweries. As a local's favorite hot spot,I'm excited to see the turn out tonight. 

Perfect Getaway in the Mountains

Deep Creek was just as wonderful as I remembered. My husband and I arrived in town around 2 PM Friday afternoon. The temperature was nearly 65*, so the ski resort was not officially open and they hadn't started producing the snow for winter sports. We stayed at a log cabin style inn off of the main road - The Inn at Deep Creek.

Inn and Deep Creek 

The Inn had miles of hiking trails behind the treeline which lead to a lake. After taking the puppy for a nice long walk it was time to head to dinner and try some of the local beers.

Mountain State - West Virginia Born and Brewed

When I entered the brewery I was greeted by two young men, Tom and Dave) working behind the bar. I explained to Tom and Dave  that I had been to Mountain State previously and that I had come back to write about my experience for my beer blog. They poured me a free flight of their flagship beers and asked me if I knew their story. I said I was vaguely familiar, as I wanted to hear about the brewery from their perspective.

Brian & Willie - The Founders

Brain and Willie are brothers and the owners and founders of the brewery. Dave described them as ' the most laid back people you could hope to work for'. He insisted we needed to stop by the Thomas, WVA location on our way home as the beer is from water straight off of the mountain. The initial brewery in Thomas doesn't serve food as the two locations do. They are strictly a brewery. He said to mention he sent us and they would provide us with another complementary flight. Unfortunately, that location didn't open until after 4 PM and we couldn't make in Saturday. I plan on going there this fall/winter to see if I can still take him up on the offer.

Brews and Pizza

The flight included the four main beers listed on their website (they were out of the seasonal brews):

• Cold Trail Ale - Light and buttery, this is absolutely delicious. We took 2 growlers home!
• Almost Heaven Amber Ale - Heavier ale with a spicy finish, this is pretty close to heaven.
• Seneca IPA- Hoppy and dry, but so very good. One of the best IPAs I've ever had.
• Miner's Daughter Oatmeal Stout - A light chocolate flavored stout. It is very good.

Mountain State Flight

Hands down this is the best beer I've ever had. I highly recommend taking the trip to Deep Creek. If that trip is too far, here is a Mountain State distribution site (I may have to order some of these if they become for sale online).

Pizza Brick Oven

The brick oven warms the entire restaurant and fills the air with the scent of warm delicious baking pizzas. The Kickin Chicken pizza had sriracha sauce with grilled chicken, pineapple, and lots of sweet and hot peppers. Easily their best pizza (IMO). Although, they have everything from the typical Meat Lover's Pizza to a Camp Fire Pizza with cranberries and spinach (so literally something for everyone).

Sweet Kickin' Chicken Pizza

Mountain State Interior

The Atmosphere

The brewery is had a rustic vibe and everything is crafted from wood, as they described in their video. The men who worked at the Deep Creek location were very friendly, and seemed to share the owner's passion for great beers. This place is relaxing, laid-back, and friendly to non-locals. 

I left the brewery with two growlers and a new Mountain State tank top - I will continue to support this brewery and I plan to visit it again in the near future.

Mountain State Brewery

Heading up North for a Winter Wonderland Weekend

This weekend for a change of pace I will be staying in Deep Creek, MD. Deep Creek is home to Deep Creek lake, which is the largest inland body of water in the state. Deep Creek attracts people from all over; it's known for a great boating season in the summer and its exquisite skiing lodge/resort in the winter. Wisp Resort is located in the heart of the town. It overlooks the lake and provides beautiful mountain ranges as a back drop. I would highly recommend a visit to Deep Creek anytime, but during the winter months it is breathtaking.

The view from the bottom - Wisp Resort

The Brewery

About 1.2 miles from the resort lies this hidden gem, where locals love to come relax and enjoy come brews by the fire after a day on the slopes

Mountain State Brewery

I may be biased, as I have obviously been to Mountain State Brewery more than once, but this place is immaculate. The owners, Brian and Willie, built their initial location in Thomas, WV. They hand picked the stones for the bar, the brick oven, and they used saw horses for their initial bar stools. The beer is served in mason jars- completing the West VA/ country feeling all around. Today they have three locations - Thomas, WV, Morgantown, WV, and Deep Creek, MD. Their impressive story can be found here.

Interior Layout

Everything inside is wooden - the walls, beams, tables, and even part of the bar. It feels like walking inside a log cabin with a big, roaring fire and the scent of melting pizza. At the center of the floor is a large brick oven where they cook a variety of pizzas, and they are delicious. 

The Brews

The four brews shown above are always on tap and I can attest they are all very good.The year round beers include:

• Cold Trail Ale
• Almost Heaven Amber Ale
• Seneca IPA
• Miner's Daughter Oatmeal Stout

 They will be offering 2 new seasonal beers this weekend, so I will have the chance to experience some new flavors. Surprisingly, none of these brews are considered 'lite', but (from what I recall) none of them are overpowering or extremely hoppy.

Needless to say I am excited for my weekend away! Skiing, hiking, and plenty of beer and pizza.

Old Ox Brewery

Old Ox - a must visit in Ashburn, VA!!!

I was blown away by this brewery experience for a multitude of reasons, but the atmosphere is exactly how a brewery be.

Upon entering the brewery I was asked if I wanted to join in on their weekly corn hole tournament (this is a Wednesday, mind you). Unfortunately, I showed up at 8:30, they closed at 9, and work (beer tastings) had to be accomplished. But, I do foresee an upcoming Wednesday evening here in my near future.

Daily Entertainment

They not only do corn hole Wednesdays, but tap take over Thursdays and live music Friday and Saturday evenings. You can even bring your dog! The relaxed environment and the laid back patrons make this place unique from all of the other bars/breweries I've visited in this area. Below is their weekly activity schedule (I apologize the picture quality is not superb).

The Facility

Old Ox offers scheduled brewery tours over the weekend. However, even if you miss a tour the brewery vats, yeast, and instructions are in plain sight during operational hours. I conducted my own tour

  Beer Tour (photos in order):

1. Maltz used for the beers
2. The brewing schedule
3. The vats where the magic happens (beer is created)

Drum Roll Please....The Beers!!

Wow. Old OX has dark IPAs, heavy ales, Stouts, and Porters...And I liked them all!!! With the exception of their Bourbon Stout (too strong for me) I would order any of there beers again. This was a highly successful visit.  Here is the tasting list:

 They actually had 8 beers total, as the Black Ox was also available on nitro (which essentially makes the beer creamier). I have ranked the beers in order below:

1. Golden OX - I took home a growler of this sweet brew. It probably was their 'litest' beer as a golden ale. It has a buttery taste, and as a pilsner, I'm not surprised it was my favorite
2. Alpha Ox - A surprisingly strong but not bitter IPA. Smooth and refreshing.
3. Black Ox - I didn't notice the difference between the one on  nitro vs. the regular. This is a chocolate porter and although a darker beer it is surprisingly sweet. 
4. Hoppy Place IPA - The name says it all, But for being a bitter beer it was nicely balanced with citris. 
5. Betty- A sweet brown ale that also tastes like caramel/chocolate. Too sweet to be my favorite - but I didn't dislike it.
6. Big Tasty- This is a strong overpowering stout. It finishes smooth, although the first sip is deadly
7. Bourbon Barrel Black Ox- I didn't like this at all. Too strong and heavy .

The Merchandise

I cut my visit close by only giving myself 30 minutes to sample the brews, so I didn't get a chance to purchase any of their apparel. However, I plan on frequenting this establishment and I will buy something during my next visit. I personally love the shirt with the beer holder and mile marker for the bike trail...

If you ever happen to pass through Loudoun County then you must stop in off Smith Switch Road in Ashburn, VA and grab a beer at Old Ox brewery. This is a place you will not want to miss!

OLD OX

 

History

Old Ox Brewery is named after one of the oldest roads running through Loudoun County. Old Ox Rd. connects Loudoun and Fairfax counties and runs through the major cities inbetween. Old Ox Brewery opened its doors in June, 2014 in Ashburn, VA. Located right off of the W& OD bike trail, it's fairly common to see bikers wandering in for a growler fill or two and riding off into the distance with the beer secured to their cycle. Their current facility is a 30 barrel brew house, and they produce approximately 930 gallons of beer, or 9.920 12 oz servings. Here is an introductory video featuring the president of Old OX, Chris Burns .

Red Bull Vs. Old OX

In February, 2015, Red Bull filed a complaint against Old OX Brewery demanding they change their logo. Apparently, " attorneys for the energy drink assert some consumers might confuse the brands because “An ‘ox’ and a ‘bull’ both fall within the same class of ‘bovine’ animals and are virtually indistinguishable to most consumers. In addition, an ox is a castrated bull.” (allaboutbeer.com) Now, I'm not a great artist, but I fail to see any resemblance between the two. Unfortunately for Red Bull, this little stunt caused a lot of publicity - for Old OX. People were suddenly swarming in across the state to visit the little brewery who had beef with the major energy drink corporation.  You can read Old OX Brewery's response to Red Bull's complaint here.

The Beer

4 of the 11 beers showcased on their website are IPAs. While this isn't a deal breaker, this does mean their beers will most likely be bitter, hoppy, and far from lite-tasting. But with blends like the Golden OX and Saison, I am confident I will find an enjoyable beer. And if I don't, the brewery always has a wide assortment of entertainment to keep customers happy. They provide everything from trivia nights to live music, so if you aren't a beer drinker there's still plenty of reasons to stop in and visit this Ashburn hangout.