Tucker County loves its breweries

The Tucker County (WV) folks love their breweries. Breweries mean so much to the county that, last Wednesday, they brought all three of them to a legislative reception showcasing economic development there.

To highlight business growth opportunities in the county, the Tucker County Development Authority (TCDA) held one of the nicest events of the legislative season at the state Culture Center in Charleston. A bunch of Tucker countians made the trip to the state capitol to meet with legislators and other state officials.

With three breweries and a population of only 7,100, no other WV county has more breweries per capita than Tucker. At the reception, the owners of Mountain State Brewing in Thomas, Blackwater Brewing in Davis, and Stumptown Ales in Davis all poured beer samples for those in attendance. It was a fantastic touch.

Each of the county’s breweries is struggling to keep up with fast-growing demand. Each is currently involved in projects to greatly increase production capacity. Their situation underscores the vibrant climate for local craft beer in West Virginia.

Mountain State Brewing in midst of major expansion

Mountain State Brewing co-owner Brian Arnett says he is running two or three brewing shifts a day in a battle to keep up with demand for Mountain State cans and draught. Mountain State is West Virginia’s largest brewery. It is knee deep in a major expansion project.

The greatly expanded brewery building is mostly completed, and the new equipment is ordered and will be installed later this year. Upon completion, the project will allow the brewery to step up to a whole new level, including regional distribution.

Blackwater Brewing will greatly enlarge operation

Blackwater Brewing has been completely re-energized by owner Lincoln Wilkins since he bought the place in 2012. Specializing in European-style session ales, the demand for his Blackwater beer has outstripped the brewpub’s ability to keep up. Wilkins announced that he is expanding his production capacity by adding a new 15-barrel brewhouse and lots more tank capacity. He will keep his current 3-barrel pub system to focus on small-batch specialties, possibly including a barrel program.

Stumptown Ales quadruples capacity

As the new kid on the block, Stumptown Ales makes its mark by offering bold & brash, hoppy brews at its little brewpub in Davis. Cindy Robeson, who along with husband Jonathan own and operate the brewery, says they have been in a fight to keep up with demand ever since they opened last summer.

Robeson says some of their production capacity issues will be helped by the larger brewing equipment they recently installed. The increased capacity will allow them to begin filling growlers and experience fewer out-of-stock conditions for their flagship ales.

Tucker County DA an enlightened organization

Ann Jones, TCDA executive director, said craft breweries are very important to the county’s tourism development strategy. Small breweries today are a growing factor in both attracting tourists and in the experience a tourist has once in a community. BrilliantStream wishes all counties would embrace their breweries like Tucker does.

TCDA website

Mountain State Brewing

Blackwater Brewing

Stumptown Ales