Virginia Beer Museum

06/15/2026

Virginia: The Birthplace of American Beer History:

As we celebrate America's 250th Anniversary, it is worth remembering that Virginia's connection to beer is nearly as old as the nation itself. When English settlers arrived at Jamestown in 1607, they brought beer with them, beginning a brewing tradition that has continued in the Commonwealth for more than four centuries. Virginia would go on to become the leading hop-producing state in the South and home to some of America's earliest brewers.

Beer was far more than a beverage in colonial America. Taverns served as community centers where travelers exchanged news, merchants conducted business, and patriots debated the ideas that would eventually lead to independence. Establishments such as Raleigh Tavern in Williamsburg hosted many of the conversations that helped shape the American Revolution. The Founding Fathers were beer enthusiasts as well. George Washington brewed his own porter using molasses, Thomas Jefferson imported special yeast strains for brewing at Monticello, and John Adams was known for his appreciation of porter.

Today, breweries across Virginia are honoring that legacy with special VA250 commemorative beers inspired by colonial recipes and Revolutionary-era brewing traditions. From Williamsburg to Loudoun County, Clarke County to the Eastern Shore, modern brewers are helping tell Virginia's story one pint at a time. The Virginia Beer Museum is proud to celebrate this remarkable heritage and the role that breweries, taverns, and alehouses played in building both Virginia and the United States. After all, before there was a United States of America, there was beer in Virginia. Here's to 250 years of liberty, history, and brewing tradition. Huzzah!!!

Revolutionary Brews Jun 2, 2026 | Beer, Brew News, Featured, News By Jeff Maisey Many independent craft beer makers across Virginia have recently answered the call to brew a commemorative release to promote the Commonwealth’s connection to America’s 250 anniversary and the vital role alehouses p...

06/15/2026

A Nation Built on Beer: Virginia Brewers Raise a Toast to 250 Years of American Beer:

As America approaches its 250th Anniversary, several Virginia brewers are looking to the past for inspiration, reviving historic brewing traditions that helped shape the colonies and, ultimately, the nation itself. One such effort comes from Clarke County, where Chilly Hollow Brewing Co. and its partners have produced a limited-edition pale ale called "Common Country." Crafted from a colonial-era recipe likely familiar to both George and Martha Washington, the beer was brewed in early May and canned just last week. More than just a beverage, Common Country is a liquid history lesson—offering modern Virginians a taste of the flavors enjoyed by our forefathers while encouraging a deeper appreciation of the Commonwealth's rich brewing heritage.

Long before there was a United States, there was beer. Colonial taverns served as meeting places for ideas, debate, commerce, and community. In many ways, the story of America is inseparable from the story of brewing. The Virginia Beer Museum applauds the brewers who are helping keep these traditions alive and reminding us that history is often best enjoyed one pint at a time. Here's to 250 years of independence, innovation, and great beer.

A craft brewery in Clarke County and its partners have produced a limited edition beer based on a colonial-era recipe likely known to George and Martha Washington. They hope it will inspire people to learn about Virginia history. The pale ale, called "Common Country," was concocted at Chilly Hollow Brewing Co. in early May and canned there last week.

06/14/2026

June 27th - 7 pm - Karaoke Semi-Finals - Team Battles!

Oh it's on these people are battling it out to make it to the final round - next up Semi-Finals aka Team Battles.

Every week the songs get better, the talent is certainly standing out!

Prior to announcing our teams the Virginia Beer Museum would like to give a shout out to Bruce Townshend! Bruce made the finals with the American Legion!!! Congratulations Bruce.

So last night it was down to the Judges selecting their teams. Judges being David Downes, Chris Laurence and Henry Scurry.

TEAM DAVID: TEAM CHRIS: TEAM HENRY:
Ethan Harris Patrick Devaney Eric Bartock
Denise McNair Justin Settle Vince Deardurff
Clare Schofield Mathew Wayland Jessica Veik
Peter Schofield

We're down 5 contestants - getting closer to the end. We hope everyone will come out for the Semi-Finals and cheer their favorite on and just provide good support!

Congratulations everyone!

06/13/2026

HAPPY SATURDAY FRONT ROYAL!! TONIGHT, at the Virginia Beer Museum!

The Voice: Karaoke contest kicks off with Team Draft Night! Come hang with docent Patti and DJ Bunni3 as we kick of the first night of our 3 part karaoke contest with 2 seats up for grabs at the Warren County Fair competition!!

Contestants (Pre-Qualified)- bring your crowd and make some noise!!! Get those judges to turn their chairs for YOU!! Please arrive no later than 6:45 PM.

Special thank you to our judges this year!:

Chris Laurence - White Picket Fence, Gifts and More and Key Move Properties

David Downes - Proprietor, Virginia Beer Museum and Downes Law Firm

Henry - Local favorite and return judge from last year's competition.

LETS GOOO!!!!!

06/10/2026

"On Brewing Old Stitch & Colonial Ales" by Geoff Logan, Head Brewer of Alewerks, with Virginia brewing History from Frank Clark.

06/10/2026

"Revolutionary Brews" by Jeff Maisey, as reported in the Virginia Craft Beer Magazine with Virginia beer history from Lee Graves.

06/10/2026

FRONT ROYAL - WE NEED YOU!

SEMI-FINALS FOR THE KARAOKE CONTEST ARE THIS SATURDAY NIGHT AT 7 PM!!!!!

COME SUPPORT YOUR FAVORITE, YOUR FRIEND, YOUR FAMILY, THE PERSON YOU LIKE THE MOST - DOESN'T MATTER - COME OUT - WE NEED AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION - CONTESTANTS NEED YOUR SUPPORT. COME ON OUT AND SHOW YOUR LOVE!!!

Of course we have 18 beers on tap, High Noon and Wine. We also have sodas. You can order food have it delivered or bring it with you - enjoy the beer garden and some amazing local talent.

See you Saturday

06/10/2026

06/06/2026

Happy Saturday Front Royal!! I do hope that you have made your way to the VBM for some amazing music this Saturday!!!

UPDATE!! Sundays will be closed until mid-July. There is a reason and we can't wait to unveil it! For now, we need this time to revamp, promote and put our best foot forward for our amazing Karaoke contest! We apologize for any inconveniece and will communicate our amazing plans for Sundays in the weeks to come. In the meantime, come out and sip, sway and love the amazing weather in our bier garden!

See you out there Front Royal!