Rippon Brewing gets its state license

Rippon Brewing Company, which has been in the works for some time, has been issued a West Virginia resident brewer’s license by the WVABCA. It becomes the third brewery licensed in Jefferson County. The brewery is located on a farm in a rural area outside Charles Town, WV.

While owner Jesse Morgan filed the incorporation paperwork way back in November 2010, his brewery project has experienced periods of activity and dormancy. Morgan told Brilliant Stream late last year that he saw a 2019 opening date as a distinct possibility. He was right.

The really cool thing about Rippon Brewing is what else Jesse Morgan is up to. You see, he is the state’s only true commercial maltster. Morgan operates an active farm where he grows malting barley. He currently malts some of that that barley and sells it to distilleries and breweries in his region. He said he hoped to be able to supply most of his own base malt needs. That would be a first in West Virginia and a most welcomed addition to the state’s brewery scene.

Rippon Brewing’s state license was issued on August 14, 2019. We have no further information on when beer will be available or about the styles of beer that will be brewed. We reached out to the owner but did not hear back by post time. This article will be updated when additional information becomes available.

Earlier, Morgan said his plans include a small taproom serving pints, flights, food, and filling growlers. He is beginning with a 2.5 barrel brewhouse and 7.5 barrels of fermentation space. Initially, all his beer will be kegged. He does not plan to distribute his products outside the brewpub.

The brewery installation at the farm is estimated to represent an investment of around $200,000.

Rippon Brewing Company
2153 Berryville Pike (Hwy. U.S. 340)
Rippon, WV 25441