Freefolk Brewery gets its state brewery license

After over a year of work, Freefolk Brewery in Fayetteville, WV has completed the state brewery license process and is now making beer.

Sarah Edwards, Freefolk’s business manager, tells Brilliant Stream that the brewery will first operate as a production brewery and direct market its draft beer to bars and retailers in the region. Later in the winter, Freefolk will open its taproom and offer pints, flights, and crowler fills and a light food menu.

Co-owned by Jamie Lester and Jeff Edwards, Freefolk will produce its beer on a 3.5-barrel brewhouse. Edwards will handle the brewing chores. Brewery publicity says Edwards is a big fan of both Belgian and English style ales. He constantly experiments with old recipes as a celebration of his West Virginia heritage. Initially, the brewery plans to make a pale ale, a brown ale, and a blonde. Expect many more styles as time goes by.

Once the taproom opens, patrons will be treated to some nice wall murals and other art work by Jamie Lester, who is the Morgantown-based artist that designed the New River Gorge Bridge image on the West Virginia state quarter. Freefolk Brewery plans to offer light fare including a variety of fresh tacos with locally sourced vegetables and meat. The owners project the brewery will initially have two full-time and four part-time workers.

Some may remember that the brewery was originally to be named Banjo Brewing, but following objections from the trademarked Bangin’ Banjo Brewing in Florida, Lester and Edwards decided upon the unique name of Freefolk Brewery, which also connects to the theme of West Virginia mountaineer heritage.

The brewery is located at 1690 Court St. along highway WV 16 just about a mile south of downtown Fayetteville. Brilliant Stream welcomes Freefolk to the state brewing community.

Freefolk Brewery Facebook page link