Craft Beer Archives

Wheeling beer fest donation stands out

Charles Bockway — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 18:07:34 +0000

Mountaineer Brewfest in Wheeling, WV, once again demonstrated the craft beer’s community’s tremendous generosity and spirit. Brewfest officials recently presented the Wheeling YMCA with a $50,000 donation from the proceeds of its August 2026 festival. In the past, BrilliantStream has… Continue Reading…

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Old Spruce Brewing makes mountainous brews

Charles Bockway — Wed, 23 Sep 2026 01:00:29 +0000

These days, a visit to Old Spruce Brewing, high up on Snowshoe Mountain, is a visit with brewing excellence. Since its founding in 2019, Old Spruce Brewing has climbed its own mountain. Its rise to the craft beer stratosphere has… Continue Reading…

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Experience shines at Bridge Brew Works

Charles Bockway — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 21:24:03 +0000

Experience matters. The West Virginia Beer Roads podcast crew stopped by Bridge Brew Works in Fayetteville, WV recently and liked what we found. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience at one of the most experienced breweries in the state. The podcast’s… Continue Reading…

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WV Fall Beer Fests 2026

Charles Bockway — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 15:09:39 +0000

Well, here it is Labor Day, and my thoughts are drifting to West Virginia’s Fall Craft Beer Festivals. We’re still lucky to have a couple of real good fall beer fests. I’m talking about the return of some big one’s… Continue Reading…

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Charleston Nano Brewery Craft Malt Flight

Charles Bockway — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 17:07:26 +0000

This September, stop in Charleston Nano Brewery and ask about their special Craft Malt Flight. Learn about the differences craft malts make in a beer. Here’s the list of the individual beers recommended for the flight, with descriptive notes provided… Continue Reading…

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Weathered Ground Brewery Craft Malt Flight

Charles Bockway — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 17:51:49 +0000

This September, stop in Weathered Ground Brewery and ask about their Craft Malt Flight. Learn about the differences craft malts make in a beer. Here’s the list of the individual beers suggested for the flight, with descriptive comments provided by… Continue Reading…

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September is Craft Malt Month

Charles Bockway — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 21:37:22 +0000

West Virginia is a state full of tiny craft breweries working hard to deliver good tasting, locally brewed beer to you. As small businesses they are an integral part of their local economy. Craft malt houses also work hard to… Continue Reading…

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Beer & award named for Bockway

Charles Bockway — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 20:18:49 +0000

Last week, I went up to Wheeling WV to attend Mountaineer Brewfest. I attended as a reporter for BrilliantStream.com (the WV beer news website), as usual. I had no idea what would befall me at the fest’s opening ceremony. Thanks… Continue Reading…

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Bullock cocktails anyone?

Charles Bockway — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 21:29:36 +0000

Folks in the Charleston, WV, area who are interested in trying some masterfully prepared cocktails need look no further than the tasting bar at The Bullock Distillery in the Elk City neighborhood. Royce Tanner, in her role as distillery sales… Continue Reading…

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Score it a WIN for Wheeling

Charles Bockway — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 16:37:59 +0000

Mountaineer Brewfest 2026 is now in the books. Score it a win. We’re continually wowed by this event and all the work they do to provide an incredibly fun day for fest attendees and West Virginia brewers. At an event… Continue Reading…

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Reminiscing with Rich Ireland

Charles Bockway — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 21:04:36 +0000

Rich Ireland was a pioneer in West Virginia’s craft beer media, both as a newspaper columnist and podcaster. More than any other one person, he got me interested in getting involved with the nascent West Virginia craft beer industry. As… Continue Reading…

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Weathered Ground Brewery shines at 9

Charles Bockway — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 17:00:07 +0000

“Our anniversary party is my favorite day because it’s the day that the people who walk through the doors are those people who have walked though the doors for the past nine years. We get to see everyone who has… Continue Reading…

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Cleveland Rocks

Charles Bockway — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 19:48:25 +0000

Whoa. Who would have thought I’d have so much fun visiting Cleveland, Ohio — but I did. That city gave me a great little craft beer vacation. The city of Cleveland hasn’t always gotten a lot of love over the… Continue Reading…

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Big Timber in Summer 2026

Charles Bockway — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 16:47:46 +0000

Over the past decade, no other West Virginia craft brewery has had the market impact of Big Timber Brewing in Elkins. And they’re still on a roll. Head Brewer Matt Kwasniewski says this past year has been their best ever… Continue Reading…

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Fife Street announces new Putnam brewery

Charles Bockway — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 20:23:16 +0000

The owners of Charleston’s Fife Street Brewing announced that construction has begun on a new brewery project in Hurricane-Teays Valley, which is expected to open by October 15, 2026. With its 20-barrel brewhouse and 20 bbl and 40 bbl tanks,… Continue Reading…

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Bartenders of Brewers Row — Alex Bradley

Charles Bockway — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 23:22:53 +0000

“I should say that, while I think it’s cliche to say, ‘I like all beer,’ I really do enjoy all styles of beer.” Growing up Alex “I’m not originally from West Virginia,” Alex informs us. “I was born in Detroit.… Continue Reading…

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Mountaineer Brewfest by the numbers

Charles Bockway — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 17:26:07 +0000

Mountaineer Brewfest. It’s coming up Saturday, August 15, and tickets are on sale now. Only 2,400 tickets will be sold. This year’s Mountaineer Brewfest may well feature the most beers from West Virginia brewers ever assembled in one spot. You… Continue Reading…

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Legislators visit Big Timber Brewing

Charles Bockway — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 15:03:50 +0000

It was great to see Big Timber Brewing owners Matt and Ashley Kwasniewski hosting West Virginia state legislators at their brewery in Elkins recently. Members of the West Virginia Legislature were in the area for their June Interim meetings, where… Continue Reading…

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Mountaineer Brewfest Volunteers Needed

Charles Bockway — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 21:58:19 +0000

Have you ever worked a volunteer shift at a beer festival? It’s really a lot of fun, and you provide a valuable service to your community. Mountaineer Brewfest is now signing up volunteers for its August 15th festival in Wheeling.… Continue Reading…

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Bartenders of Brewers Row — Tyler James

Charles Bockway — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 19:16:03 +0000

“There’s a really satisfying feeling when someone doesn’t know what kind of beer they want and they talk to you, and you can figure it out just based on what flavors they describe. You get them the right thing, and… Continue Reading…

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Bartenders of Brewers Row — Tristin Lusk

Charles Bockway — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 15:06:10 +0000

In the downtown Charleston beer scene, few things are better than finding a Lusk at dusk. Dropping into Fife Street Brewing’s taproom any evening Tristin Lusk is on duty is special. If you are not familiar with the brewery’s beers,… Continue Reading…

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KEGS4K9S Sponsorships available

Charles Bockway — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:10:05 +0000

Kegs-4-K9s, the popular beer festival and dog welfare fundraiser, announces its sponsorship opportunities for 2026. The event is conducted by the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association. Dog loving businesses and individuals are sought to provide sponsorships at one of four levels: Each… Continue Reading…

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West Virginia hospitality shines at Bad Shepherd

Charles Bockway — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 17:11:17 +0000

A couple nights ago, I witnessed a beautiful display of West Virginia hospitality at Bad Shepherd Beer Company in Charleston. These days, many West Virginia breweries get a nice chunk of their taproom business from travelers visiting or passing through… Continue Reading…

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Warming weather calls for Honi Honi

Charles Bockway — Thu, 28 May 2026 16:39:11 +0000

As we approach the onset of summer, you can’t do better than hanging out by the water with a refreshing Honi Honi Lime Light Lager from Big Timber Brewing Company in Elkins. It’s brand new. Coming this weekend. 4.3% ABV

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Beter makes Barboursville better

Charles Bockway — Wed, 27 May 2026 17:20:41 +0000

How does a sleepy little West Virginia village turn into a brewery, beverage, and restaurant hotspot? It gets Beter-ized, that’s how. The energy that Jason Beter applies to his growing business empire is amazing. He is definitely a leader in… Continue Reading…

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New State Brewing moves toward opening

Charles Bockway — Fri, 22 May 2026 17:39:05 +0000

We’ve been informed that this project is dead. Though it sounded promising and we liked that they were exploring a new model (in WV) for brewery operation, we hear it ran into issues meeting the licensing rules for resident brewers… Continue Reading…

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Self-service taps arriving in WV

Charles Bockway — Thu, 21 May 2026 18:39:34 +0000

It wasn’t long ago that West Virginia alcohol laws would not allow a taproom, bar, restaurant, or alcohol retailer to operate self-service beer or wine dispensing systems. All beer or wine delivered to a customer had to be dispensed by… Continue Reading…

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Sun shined on Foam

Charles Bockway — Sun, 10 May 2026 16:41:43 +0000

The sun shined bright on Foam at the Dome yesterday. It was a glorious day for a craft beer festival on the banks of the Kanawha. A large crowd tuned out to support and sample beer from many of West… Continue Reading…

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Sad day could be opportunity

Charles Bockway — Thu, 07 May 2026 15:20:24 +0000

We’re sad to hear that a long-time West Virginia craft brewer has decided to call it quits. Berkeley Springs Brewing Company announced that all its assets are up for sale. “We have made the difficult decision to liquidate,” BSBC’s Denise… Continue Reading…

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Jay Fox – Master of Fun

Charles Bockway — Wed, 06 May 2026 20:49:55 +0000

For years now, Jay Fox, head brewer at The Peddler, has proven himself to be one of West Virginia’s most capable and creative brewers. While he brews all popular beer styles with aplomb, he truly shines in the production of… Continue Reading…

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KVHC selects top spring lagers

Charles Bockway — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:37:57 +0000

CHARLESTON, WV — Area home brewers selected the best beers from club member entries last night in their Spring Lager Competition, hosted by the Kanawha Valley Homebrew Club. The three highest scoring entries came from Matt Brummond and Mark Javins,… Continue Reading…

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Ross Williams – today’s beer influencer

Charles Bockway — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 21:11:10 +0000

Meet one of Charleston WV's most influential beer personalities: Ross Williams of Bad Shepherd Beer Co.

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WV Picklefest coming soon

Charles Bockway — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 21:21:50 +0000

WV Picklefest Expands to the State Fairgrounds for 2026 Celebration of Appalachian Flavor, Music, and Community LEWISBURG, WV — WV Picklefest returns bigger than ever in 2026, bringing its signature blend of Appalachian culture, craft beverages, live music, and all things… Continue Reading…

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Taproom Managers of Brewer’s Row • Part 3: John Query

Charles Bockway — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 17:40:22 +0000

Intro to the Three Part Series: Brewer’s Row in downtown Charleston, West Virginia, has been a tremendous success in establishing the city as the top craft beer destination in the state. The Row consists of this brewery trio: Bad Shepherd… Continue Reading…

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April is Alcohol Awareness Month in WV

Special Feature — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 12:57:22 +0000

CHARLESTON, WV – The West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Administration (WVABCA) is pleased to announce that Governor Patrick Morrisey has officially recognized April as Alcohol Awareness Month in West Virginia. In issuing a proclamation, the Governor emphasized the need to increase public… Continue Reading…

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Taproom Managers of Brewer’s Row • Part 2: Heather Dunkin

Charles Bockway — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 16:53:18 +0000

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Taproom Managers of Brewer’s Row • Part 1: Kevin Madison

Charles Bockway — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 17:57:30 +0000

Intro to Three Part Series: Brewer’s Row in downtown Charleston, West Virginia, has been a tremendous success in establishing the city as the top craft beer destination in the state. The Row consists of this brewery trio: Bad Shepherd Beer… Continue Reading…

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Halleck Brewing bringing it

Charles Bockway — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:11:13 +0000

Now that the news of a new Morgantown brewery operation is making the rounds, I thought it was time to talk to the brewery owner and give you a full report on Halleck Brewing Co. Warden purchases Chestnut Brew Works… Continue Reading…

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Ursus Brew Works Opens

Charles Bockway — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:03:16 +0000

Ursus Brew Works is now open in Charleston, WV. Founder-owner-head brewer Jason Martin brings a wealth of brewing experience from the Washington-Baltimore metro area to West Virginia. Ursus becomes the third small brewery to locate in the heart of Charleston’s… Continue Reading…

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Outlaw Light Beer comes to WV

Charles Bockway — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 16:11:32 +0000

DENVER (March 3, 2026) — Outlaw Light Beer, the No. 1 fastest-growing light domestic beer in the U.S., continues its 2026 expansion with new distribution partnerships covering the Mountain State. From the rolling hills of the Kanawha Valley to the peaks of… Continue Reading…

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Short Story’s rise, one step at a time

Charles Bockway — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 18:47:33 +0000

Often, we don’t much notice a brewery’s incremental changes, made over time, little tweaks to beers that hopefully make them better. What this Tweak Culture demonstrates is a brewery’s leadership by a mature brewing team. I’m talking about brewers for… Continue Reading…

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Nano-Brewery offers Celtic-style beer & food

Charles Bockway — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 14:41:38 +0000

What could be better than a craft beer & food event to celebrate the annual Celtic festival season? On Thursday evening, March 5, Charleston Nano Brewery joins West Virginia’s premier Celtic-themed festival, Celtic Calling Gathering, to offer a delicious Irish… Continue Reading…

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Annual Craft Malt Cup Awards announced

Charles Bockway — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 16:35:03 +0000

The 8th annual Craft Malt Competition is now completed and the Craft Malt Cup awards announced. Overall, 117 malts were entered by 29 craft malt houses in five countries. They competed for a total of 24 gold, silver, and bronze… Continue Reading…

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Coal Country Brewers Cup coming up soon

Charles Bockway — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 17:13:59 +0000

Coming up on March 28, 2026, in Charleston, WV, is the area’s largest homebrew competition: Coal Country Brewers Cup 2026. The event will recognize the region’s best porters and stouts made by amateur homebrewers. Are you a Coal Country region… Continue Reading…

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Keeneland Spring Lager Clone Competition

Charles Bockway — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 18:05:11 +0000

Keeneland Spring Lager clone competition being held April 28 in Charleston, WV.

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Parkersburg hits with Connection 304

Charles Bockway — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 19:26:23 +0000

I imagine you’ve heard it said many times: “There’s always a West Virginia connection.” Now, that even applies to beer, it seems. So enter, Connection 304, a bright and hoppy beer from Parkersburg Brewing Co. If you are a West… Continue Reading…

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New Realm Brewing Greenville

Charles Bockway — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 05:55:42 +0000

Taking the slow road to Atlanta so I could stop and check out the New Realm Brewing taproom in Greenville, South Carolina. I love it when my hotel is just a block away from a craft brewery taproom. A block… Continue Reading…

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Fife Club founded

Charles Bockway — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 19:54:16 +0000

With small breweries always on the lookout for better ways to connect with customers, Fife Street Brewing tries a new way. Fife Street bartender Tristin Lusk recently gave me a Fife Club Beer Journal pamphlet that I found most interesting.… Continue Reading…

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Self pour draft system hits WV

Charles Bockway — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 17:14:22 +0000

West Virginia's first self-service beer restaurant opens in Berkeley Springs. Features beer from Berkeley Springs Brewing Company.

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Craft Beer Industry Trends Review

Charles Bockway — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 15:45:58 +0000

We present thoughts and discussion of the top trends, influences, and movements that defined our West Virginia craft beer market and industry over the past year.

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Beer styles growing in WV

Charles Bockway — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 20:12:09 +0000

West Virginia brewers make beer style predictions for 2026 Looking ahead to 2026, we asked a representative sample of West Virgina brewers to predict shifts in their customers’ beer style preferences. If you are a regular at a local brewery… Continue Reading…

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On the Flight Deck

Charles Bockway — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 19:58:26 +0000

Seven WV Breweries To Check Out This Winter Break out of your same ol’ same ol’ habits. Commit yourself to sampling some new seasonal craft beers at a West Virginia brewery. Take a palate education course by learning more about… Continue Reading…

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Holiday deals from Riverbend Malt

Charles Bockway — Sat, 13 Dec 2025 00:34:02 +0000

Riverbend Malt House in Asheville NC has some attractive holiday season specials. We especially love their Avalon Malt, but all their malts are made from regionally-grown grains farmed around the Mid-Atlantic and upper South regions. The information below is copied… Continue Reading…

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Lovin’ the Fife Street Lights

Charles Bockway — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 16:58:22 +0000

You couldn’t have a more festive location this holiday season than at Fife Street Brewing in Charleston, West Virginia. I am definitely including the beer in that “festive” definition. It’s jingle all the way. Come see the lights; stay for… Continue Reading…

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Elk City & Nano for fun this Friday

Charles Bockway — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 15:40:53 +0000

All Charleston streets lead to Elk City this Friday evening, Dec. 5, for fun and festivities. Family activities, including free hot cocoa and cookies—compliments of Dancing Dog ice cream shop—will be served and a Christmas Tree lighting will brighten up… Continue Reading…

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Bad Shepherd for the Holidays

Charles Bockway — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 18:06:33 +0000

During a stop at Bad Shepherd Beer Company, Ross Williams revealed just what he has brewing for the December holiday month. What we found was a nice mix of his popular core brands along with a couple of December specialties.… Continue Reading…

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Complement, contrast or both

Charles Bockway — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 23:21:39 +0000

For this year’s Thanksgiving Day meal, West Virginia craft beer fans will want to pair that meal with a delicious beer or two from a West Virginia brewery. Whether your preferences run to lighter-styles or to more richly-tasting beers, WV… Continue Reading…

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WV Brewers: Time to submit beers

Charles Bockway — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 21:02:11 +0000

Hey, West Virginia brewers. Let’s go win some medals. The Brewers Association (BA) opened registration today for the 2026 World Beer Cup. Often referred to as the “Olympics of Beer,” the World Beer Cup is the most prestigious professional beer and cider… Continue Reading…

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Dallas Wolfe and High Ground Brewing

Charles Bockway — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 21:29:47 +0000

Dallas Wolfe opened High Ground Brewing in May, 2019, and it hit the ground running. Since that time, he’s established the brand as among the very best of West Virginia’s craft breweries. A lot has happened in the beer world… Continue Reading…

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Cooler autumn weather calls for flavorful brews

Charles Bockway — Sat, 01 Nov 2025 20:29:57 +0000

As we enjoy our lovely West Virginia autumn weather, one thing I enjoy is adding a couple more flavorful and malty beers to my monthly menu. We’re blessed here in the Mountain State to have many wonderful beers from our… Continue Reading…

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WV’s most awarded beer does it again

Charles Bockway — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 16:53:24 +0000

West Virginia currently has what could arguably be America’s best Robust Porter. Seriously. How so, you ask? Anytime a West Virginia brewery can send a beer all the way out to Denver to America’s top and toughest beer competition and… Continue Reading…

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Crash, repair, make beer again

Charles Bockway — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 23:02:58 +0000

I said to Ross, “Running a brewery when the boiler is down has to be a big problem.” He fired back: “Well, it’s damn near impossible.” Ross Williams heads the brewing at Bad Shepherd Beer Co. in Charleston, WV. It’s… Continue Reading…

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New Vera Hop IPA Hits WV Market

Charles Bockway — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 19:13:02 +0000

Juicy hop fans are in for a treat now as a beer made with the new Vera hop hits bars in the southern West Virginia market. Vera Good IPA from Weathered Ground Brewery (WGB) is now available at select accounts… Continue Reading…

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A beautiful day for a fest

Charles Bockway — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 16:46:14 +0000

Beer flowed on the streets of Elk City (in festival glassware) Saturday. Charleston’s OktoberWest 2025 beer festival offered plenty of fun and beverage for everyone. Brilliant Stream is especially appreciative of the many volunteers who, along with West Virginia’s small… Continue Reading…

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The Pumpkin Beer Podcast 2025

Charles Bockway — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 15:45:07 +0000

Every autumn we craft beer lovers get a hankering for pumpkin beer. Whether all of them have actual pumpkin in them or not is debatable. However, these pumpkin pie spiced brews definitely have a place at your fall-foods dinner table… Continue Reading…

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Say hello to Holler Nectar pawpaw sour

Charles Bockway — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 19:51:09 +0000

If you’ve followed us through the years, you know we love our pawpaw beers. The pawpaw is a strange fruit with a strange taste. It’s the only native fruit in the eastern part of America that has a distinct tropical… Continue Reading…

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Oktoberfest at Greenbrier Valley Brewing

Charles Bockway — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 17:44:14 +0000

Coming up Friday at Greenbrier Valley Brewing is their Oktoberfest celebration. It promises to be barrels of fun. On Friday September 26th from 3:00-10:00 P.M. is Oktoberfest at Greenbrier Valley Brewing. The brewery will release its Appalachian Festbier, which is a… Continue Reading…

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We love Oktoberfest-style beers 2025

Charles Bockway — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 22:28:56 +0000

We love our Mäzens & Festbiers — especially those from West Virginia brewers. On this year’s Brilliant Stream Okktoberfest podcast we get you up to date with the tastiest West Virginia seasonal beers. Erin and Charles welcome back to the… Continue Reading…

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West Virginia Fall Beer Festivals 2025

Charles Bockway — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 16:55:47 +0000

As the autumn weather cools, there’s nothing much better than hitting a beer festival. Perfect. Fortunately for us craft beer fans in West Virginia, fall festivals are offering taste excitement in several areas the state this year. Here is a… Continue Reading…

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Vera hop excitement hits West Virginia

Charles Bockway — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 16:53:14 +0000

West Virginia Beer Roads podcast visited Weathered Ground Brewery recently for a tasting and discussion of the new Vera hop. It’s a hop that’s exciting and a beauty. Interviewed are Alexa Long, who is the East Coast sales rep for… Continue Reading…

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New Vera Hop hits WV market

Charles Bockway — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 17:30:54 +0000

A new tropical-tasting hop variety, bred and developed by a US Department of Agriculture funded program has now hit the West Virginia market, and it’s a winner. Welcome Vera. The first West Virginia beer to use the new Vera hop… Continue Reading…

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Screech Owl earns two honey beer medals

Charles Bockway — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Another national Honey Beer Competition has come and gone, but not without Screech Owl Brewing taking home two medals. The popular West Virginia brewery scored both a Silver and a Bronze in the Stout/Porter category. SILVER — Buckwheat Honey Porter (aged), Screech Owl… Continue Reading…

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WVU licenses 2nd beer

Charles Bockway — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 16:45:28 +0000

West Virginia University and New Trail Brewing announced that the brewery’s Crisp Lager will now feature the Flying WV logo on its cans in a licensing agreement with WVU. New Trail’s Crisp Lager is a popular-priced pale lager that comes… Continue Reading…

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Abolitionist Ale takes 1st Place at MBF

Charles Bockway — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 20:34:13 +0000

One of Mike Vance’s original offerings at Abolitionist Ale Works still has its mojo working, as proven by its win last weekend at the Mountaineer Brewfest WV Craft Beer Judging event. The winning beer is kinda hard to pin down… Continue Reading…

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Brewfest painting sale nets $ for charity

Charles Bockway — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 15:42:38 +0000

Wheeling’s Mountaineer Brewfest announced yet another nice pile of cash raised for charity at this year’s festival. The fest added a new art-based fundraising feature and used a silent auction to raise over an additional $1,000 for the House of… Continue Reading…

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Mountaineer Brewfest 2025 brings it

Charles Bockway — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 22:54:02 +0000

Through the years I’ve come to crown Mountaineer Brewfest as the very best beer festival in West Virginia. It may not offer the world’s most exotic beers, but It doesn’t need to. That’s because it shines with the deepest community… Continue Reading…

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Smitty and The Beverage Market

Charles Bockway — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 15:44:06 +0000

Michael “Smitty” Smith is a person who not only loves craft beer, but he also loves selling it. As a manager at one of the state’s leading craft beer distributors, Smitty is helping take craft to the next level in… Continue Reading…

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Rails & Ales rolls out the brews

Charles Bockway — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 21:02:21 +0000

Beer festivals come on strong in the summer heat as brew fans love sampling those icy cold beverages. That was the picture on Saturday at the Rails & Ales craft beer festival in Huntington, WV. Brilliant Stream dropped in to… Continue Reading…

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The majestic Peach Folk Funk

Charles Bockway — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 20:10:37 +0000

If you’re a fan of tart, fruited, flavorful beer styles, you gotta get over to Bad Shepherd Beer Co. soon and try their new batch of Peach Folk Funk. Peach Folk Funk shines as a barrel-soured saison with peaches added.… Continue Reading…

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Big Timber unveils Mountain Beer

Charles Bockway — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 14:09:02 +0000

Big Timber Brewing Co. (BTB) announced the release of Mountain Beer, which it describes as “a crisp and crushable” Session Pale Ale, coming in at just 4.5% ABV. Mountain Beer is Big Timber’s first beer to be officially licensed with… Continue Reading…

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Roundtable talks WV beer

Charles Bockway — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 15:58:43 +0000

The West Virginia Beer Roads crew dropped into Short Story Brewing Charleston to record another episode of its Roundtable podcast. For the Roundtable, topics can be just about anything craft beer related. Our guest commentator for this Roundtable session is… Continue Reading…

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Time to get Wheeling festival tickets

Charles Bockway — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 01:39:21 +0000

When you talk about top flight beer festivals in West Virginia, you’re undoubtedly talking about Mountaineer Brewfest in Wheeling. The annual Mountaineer Brewfest will be held Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the Heritage Port in downtown Wheeling, WV. It’s wise… Continue Reading…

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Cool Flights for cool beers

Charles Bockway — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 17:46:21 +0000

In West Virginia, we often get periods of summer heat. And this year it’s been brutal. If you’ve ever taken a beer flight out to enjoy on your deck or patio, or at a bar’s outdoor seating area or beer… Continue Reading…

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What you missed at Foam

Charles Bockway — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 21:55:26 +0000

On Saturday afternoon, the Foam at the Dome Festival poured lots of good West Virginia beer as well as beers from across the globe. Icy cold beer samples were just the thing to beat the scorching heat down by the… Continue Reading…

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A tribute to Jeff McKay

Charles Bockway — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 20:21:24 +0000

It’s likely a once-in-a-generation kind of thing. A twenty-something guy opens a craft beer specialty bar and, lo and behold, it becomes an institution. That’s seriously the story of Jeff McKay and Summit Beer Station. But now, the clock strikes… Continue Reading…

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Big career move for Jeff McKay

Charles Bockway — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 20:32:52 +0000

Jeff McKay, the founder and long-time proprietor of Huntington’s Summit Beer Station, says he is selling the bar and readying for a major career move. Hear all about it on Episode 99 of the West Virginia Beer Roads podcast. For… Continue Reading…

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Sustainable-Durable Can Carrier Rings

Charles Bockway — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 13:15:40 +0000

One of our favorite new products to learn about at the Craft Brewers Conference Expo was surprisingly simple. We loved the paper six-pack can carrier rings from a company called Earthrings®. A problem solver The way we see it, Earthrings… Continue Reading…

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Impressive Fruit Purees for brewing great beverages

Charles Bockway — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 20:01:56 +0000

With advances in modern processing, equipment, and aseptic packaging the quality of pure fruit products available for use in crafting great tasting adult beverages has never been better. Fruited-up beers and related beverages are a strong draw today, especially with… Continue Reading…

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Gacioch gives the goods

Charles Bockway — Fri, 30 May 2025 16:10:00 +0000

Data points, trends, and analysis—we can’t get enough of it when the subject is craft beer. At the 2025 Craft Brewers Conference, the presentation by Brewers Association Staff Economist Matt Gacioch was chock full of good info and analysis of… Continue Reading…

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Watson addresses industry with confidence

Charles Bockway — Thu, 29 May 2025 14:47:58 +0000

As Bart Watson hits the middle of his first year as Brewers Association (BA) president, I was most curious to learn how he sees the current state of the craft beer industry (mid-2025). I got a good read on that… Continue Reading…

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Enjoy Brewers Row. Watch a bike race

Charles Bockway — Mon, 19 May 2025 14:01:17 +0000

Get ready for plenty of sprockets, skinny tires, and strong legs in Charleston, WV, this week. View it all from Brewers Row. Starting Monday, May 19, and running through Monday, May 26, streets and roads in and around the city… Continue Reading…

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Köerber reports solid first year

Charles Bockway — Tue, 06 May 2025 18:17:17 +0000

Köerber Beer Co. is now entering its second year of brewing operations following a solid, steady parade of progress in its first year. While a lot of learning took place during year one, the brewery is clearly off to a… Continue Reading…

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Big Timber takes Gold at WBC

Charles Bockway — Fri, 02 May 2025 16:00:04 +0000

Glory be. Big Timber Brewing does it again. This is BIG news. The guys from Big Timber pulled off their third win in three years at a World Beer Cup (WBC) competition. Big Timber’s Skidder Brown Ale took home a… Continue Reading…

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Beer’s been slushie-fied

Charles Bockway — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 15:52:39 +0000

“Nowhere else but at Charleston Nano Brewery.” That’s the answer to the question, “Where can I get a beer slushie flavored with Skittles?” If you haven’t thought of that question, maybe you should. With warm weather on the way, a… Continue Reading…

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Peterson keeps Fife Street Brewing strong

Charles Bockway — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 14:47:04 +0000

Fife Street Brewing is a powerhouse in the Charleston, WV, local beverage scene. Led by brewer Gil Peterson’s popular core ale styles, it always spices up its business with tasty seasonal offerings. The brewery menu in spring 2025 is no… Continue Reading…

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A dark brown beer day ends brightly

Charles Bockway — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 17:50:01 +0000

West Virginia’s largest homebrew competition concluded this past Saturday with some exceptional brown brews taking home the medals. The annual Coal Country Brewers’ Cup focuses on stouts and porters of all shades and types. Earning first place in the Porter… Continue Reading…

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Capitol Market shop does beer & wine well

Charles Bockway — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 17:00:36 +0000

Over the past three decades, the Wine Shop at Capitol Market in Charleston, WV, has offered a superb line up of premium beverages. Keeping it so well curated is the job of shop owner Ted Armbrecht. The West Virginia Beer… Continue Reading…

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Variation in hop use continues IPA enthusiasm in WV beer market

Charles Bockway — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 21:31:11 +0000

It’s been a few years now, but in West Virginia, IPAs still seem to be going strong. It’s not that other beer styles are declining (well, maybe a few are) but it’s that IPAs get relatively more of the market’s… Continue Reading…

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Austin Weser talks West Virginia beer

Charles Bockway — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 16:40:59 +0000

Probably no other person has brewed at more West Virginia breweries as has Austin Weser. He’s a Morgantown resident who got his original interest in better beer while deployed in Germany with the United States Army. In more recent years,… Continue Reading…

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How dry is Dry January

Charles Bockway — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 20:44:31 +0000

Last week, I stopped in for a quick visit to Fife Street Brewing in Charleston, WV. After sampling one of the latest beers to hit their tap list, I asked Gil Peterson, Fife’s head brewer, about new brews he had… Continue Reading…

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