The LoCo Brewfest, Loudoun County’s annual beer festival, is set to go down May 13 at Loudoun Station.
Thousands are expected to attend; in all 18 Loudoun County breweries will be on hand serving original recipes and debuting new beers. Attendees will have the chance to sample the newest local brews, tried and true favorites and lesser known, one-of-a-kind Loudoun county concoctions. Local restaurants from Loudon Station will also be highlighted and providing food options. In addition to beer and food, the Brewfest will have outdoor games set up and local musical entertainment provided by The Derby Brothers.
Loudoun County is considered Virginia’s wine country. In recent years the county has experienced significant growth in brew making -Loudoun is home to 20 breweries and the brewing scene continues to expand. Loudoun’s beers are 100% locally produced, and Loudoun hops and Virginia malts are used in the production of the county’s fine brews. Virginia has made an effort to increase the state’s hops industry, and Loudoun County is playing a big part in the effort as the first county that integrated Virginia’s statewide law designed to relax regulations on breweries that are farm based. An ordinance has been approved by the county’s Board of Supervisors which allows tasting rooms and breweries to operate on land used in growing hops. The result has been a thriving brewing culture and scene. Now Visit Loudoun is working to spotlight hops production and breweries in an effort to increase tourism. Most recently the LoCo Ale Trail was launched with the help of Visit Loudoun’s initiatives and the LoCo Brewfest highlights what Loudoun has to offer. Of the brews that LoCo Brewfest goers will have the chance to sample include the new “Happy Ending Cream Ale” by Jack’s Run brewery. This Ale is light, refreshing and crisp, made with six row maize and malt, and it is also hopped with cascade hops, resulting in a drink much like a pilsner summer ale. Leesburg’s Black Hoof Brewing Company will also be present at the festivities. Their Island Pond Hefeweizen is a unique take on a traditional German wheat beer that is delightfully pleasant and goes down easy in summer. Island Pond Hefeweizen is flavored with clove and banana and made from Caramel Wheat, Malted Wheat, Pilsner and Hallertau hops. Island Pond is a little different from regular Hefeweizens while still incorporating the original recipes that people love so much.
Other breweries that will be on hand and debuting new ales as well as serving classic favorites include the Adroit Brewing Company, Barnhouse Brewery, Belly Love Brewery, Loudon Brewing Company, Dirt Farm Brewing, Crooked Run Brewing, Corcoran Brewing, Lost Rhino, Old 690, Ocelot, Quattro Goomba’s, Solace, Vanish and Old Ox. Meanwhile Basil Leaf Grill, Famous Toastery, BlackFinn Ameripub, Firenza Pizza, Burger 21, The Zone and more will be serving some of the best food and dishes in the county.
General admission is $25 presale and $30 at the door and includes a tasting glass and five 5 oz. pours. VIP tickets are going for $35 and gets patrons one hour early entry, five food tickets, five beer pours, a commemorative tasting glass and VIP area access. Designated driver tickets are $10 and includes unlimited root beer. Kids 12 and younger get in free, and additional beer tickets can be purchased for $2 per five ounce pour; food ticket options will also be available.