Mash Brewing brings corner brewery to Charles Town, WV

If you want to see a true corner brewery in West Virginia, Mash Brewing Company is the place. Its prime corner location in a good looking building in the middle of Charles Town makes it a place you want to drop in. 

Opening a few months back, owner-brewer George Shaw says it’s been fun seeing the community trying his beers for the first time.

Since Mash is his area’s first brewery, Shaw spends a lot of time in his tasting room learning the Charles Town beer market first-hand, figuring out what people like. This research is helping guide the styles of beer he offers.

“I like to brew different styles,” Shaw says.

His current brewery license only allows him to serve small, complimentary samples and to fill growlers to-go. Since most customers begin their visits with a flight of samples, it’s been the perfect opportunity to observe reactions and get feedback on his beer.

Cornering the market

“Our approach with the business is to be the corner, community brewery,” he said. “We want to brew a variety of beers and introduce more people to craft beer.”

He began with four or five regular beers, but has also tested a handful of others so far. He tries to keep a majority of his flagships available, beers such as a Pale Ale, Amber Ale, English IPA, and an American Stout. At any given time, you will also find some interesting options such as a Saison, Apricot Radler and a West Coast IPA.

He feels the community’s response to his business has been very good.

“We’ve been busy with growler fills,” he says. “The community has been really enthusiastic.”

Mash Brewing to add brewpub license

Come this July, Shaw hopes to add a full brewpub license so folks can enjoy glasses of draft at the brewery. This should really boost his business, because Mash Brewing’s attractive taproom will be fun to hang out in and enjoy a couple of pints.

A long-time homebrewer, this is Shaw’s first foray into commercial brewing. His initial equipment set-up includes a one-barrel brewhouse and a couple of one-barrel fermenters and brite tanks. He keeps about four beers going at a time.

Mash doesn’t really have the space of a full-blown kitchen operation, but Shaw says to expect some small plates and snacks once he gets his brewpub license later this summer.

Mash Brewing Company
122 North George Street
Charles Town, West Virginia
Brewery Website