WV Craft Beer & Food

Halloween at Black Draft Distillery

Charles Bockway — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 19:08:05 +0000

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Fall beer in West Virginia

Charles Bockway — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 16:16:43 +0000

While another official Oktoberfest season has come and gone, the fall beer season is still in full bloom. In the West Virginia autumn we still expect mostly mild, pleasant weather for the next month or more. Good beer drinking weather.… 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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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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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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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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Wirt County H.S. wins top honors in WVABCA PSA contest

Charles Bockway — Fri, 08 May 2026 18:34:54 +0000

CHARLESTON, WV – The West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Administration (WVABCA) is excited to announce Wirt County High School as the first-place winner of the 13th annual NO School Spirits Public Service Announcement (PSA) contest. This year, the contest received… 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Weathered Ground Brewery turns 8

Charles Bockway — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 00:12:30 +0000

The beer spirits sure gave us a beautiful day on the mountain for Weathered Ground Brewery’s eighth anniversary celebration on Saturday. And it sure looked like a record crowd showed up for the festivities. Weathered Ground staff held up exceptionally… 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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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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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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New premium sake enters West Virginia market

Charles Bockway — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 16:27:37 +0000

What do you know about Sake? “Not much,” is the answer most of us probably give. If your sake experience is limited to downing a few warmed shots of inexpensive sake at Japanese restaurants, then I have news for you.… 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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Updated West Virginia brewery locations map released

Charles Bockway — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 21:47:12 +0000

Brilliant Stream has updated its West Virginia Breweries Map and posted it online. The map identifies 32 West Virginia craft breweries and their total 36 taproom locations. The map’s annotation includes taproom addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, service details,… Continue Reading…

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See you at a WV brewery taproom this year

Charles Bockway — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 19:48:59 +0000

West Virginia may be a small state in the number of breweries making their homes here, but unlike many other places, we are growing. To begin 2025, West Virginia’s count of licensed Resident Brewers is up to 35. That’s the… Continue Reading…

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Charleston Nano brings it for the New Year

Charles Bockway — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 18:36:16 +0000

Stopping into Charleston Nano Brewery on the second day of the New Year, I got excited by the upcoming line-up of beer, food, and activities. Proprietors Jennifer and Kenny Graley plan to greet this winter with some hot stuff designed… Continue Reading…

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Big Timber Brewing summarizes year, looks ahead

Charles Bockway — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 15:44:42 +0000

Hearing Ashley and Matt Kwasniewski summarize the past year (2024) at Big Timber Brewing is enlightening. You get a solid understanding of this operation, including getting a good feel for why it is the largest brewery in West Virginia. Since… Continue Reading…

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Holiday season at Bullock Distillery is special

Charles Bockway — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 15:56:13 +0000

Are you interested in some good whiskey from a stellar local business this holiday season? When you talk bourbon and other distilled spirits in Charleston, West Virginia, you should focus your attention on The Bullock Distillery. There’s no better spirits… Continue Reading…

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Bōc Hord Brewery has big plans

Charles Bockway — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 14:09:31 +0000

On a recent trip to downtown Princeton, WV, I got updated on the new Bōc Hord Brewery and Bakehouse. While they are just getting underway since opening a little over a month ago, their plans for the place are impressive… Continue Reading…

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Roundtable Discussion on WV Beer

Charles Bockway — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 19:03:46 +0000

Another Roundtable discussion podcast from West Virginia Beer Roads has dropped. For this Roundtable, Charles and Erin got together to talk about the state of craft beer and brewing in West Virginia — especially in the Charleston-Huntington region. This episode’s… Continue Reading…

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Celebration IPA lands here this week

Charles Bockway — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 13:03:48 +0000

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. has officially launched the 2024 release of Celebration Fresh Hop IPA. It should begin appearing this week at craft beer outlets across West Virginia, according to North Central Distributors. Surely one of our favorite seasonal beers, Celebration… Continue Reading…

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1st Frank N Stein Fest a hit

Special Feature — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 14:39:42 +0000

By Andrea Fleming. On Saturday, Fairmont’s inaugural Frank N Stein Halloween Beer Fest was a roaring success. The event, a celebration of local craft beer and gourmet hot dogs, drew in crowds of beer enthusiasts eager to sample the finest… Continue Reading…

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WV Bridge Day brewery events

Charles Bockway — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 17:17:50 +0000

Our two Fayette County craft brewers are cooking up some special beverages and events for this Saturday’s Bridge Day. Two firsts at Bridge Brew Works How about a Bridge Day Bloody Mary? For the first time ever, the guys at… Continue Reading…

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Charleston Nano puts candy in beer

Charles Bockway — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 20:43:02 +0000

An unexpected brewing direction is bringing some sweet business success to a local small brewery. Charleston Nano Brewery finds its candy flavored beers are attracting an enthusiastic new clientele to their Elk City neighborhood taproom. Candy in beer, sweeeeet. According… Continue Reading…

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Two community beerfests on Nov. 2

Charles Bockway — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 18:23:21 +0000

The fall community beer festival season is not over yet. Two more local West Virginia beer festivals are coming up on Saturday, November 2. Wagging Tails & Nitro Ales This popular beerfest and chili cookoff combo will again be held… Continue Reading…

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There’s hops in them thar hills

Charles Bockway — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 13:55:02 +0000

Craft beer brewing tends to attract some of the most creative and hardest-working folks around. Take Shane Mills, for example. Shane is not only the owner and brewer at Cacapon Mountain Brewing in Berkeley Springs, WV, but he is also… Continue Reading…

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Mountaineer Brewfest Helping Heroes

Charles Bockway — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 15:38:32 +0000

In the above photo, Jeff Hayes (with mic), president of Mountaineer Brewfest, presents the event’s largest-ever donation to charity. This year (2024), the event raised $50,000 for the local Helping Heroes veterans support organization. Major components included ticket sales, tips… Continue Reading…

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The glow of Short Story Morgantown

Charles Bockway — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 17:39:31 +0000

Every beer (and picture) tells a story In this photo essay about Short Story Brewing’s new Morgantown taproom, we get a feel for the total experience it offers. It’s not only a place to savor some tasty Short Story IPAs… Continue Reading…

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Cacapon Mountain Brewing brightens tradition

Charles Bockway — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 15:14:02 +0000

“This could be the best Kölsch-style beer I’ve had from a West Virginia brewer,” I said, as I savored the golden liquid in my glass. And that’s saying something these days. West Virginia brewers have certainly discovered the Kölsch-style ales,… Continue Reading…

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Masters of sours, expansion planned

Charles Bockway — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 18:27:05 +0000

Today, the West Virginia Beer Roads podcast takes you to Huntington, WV, for a visit with folks at The Peddler brewpub. Charles and Erin have fun interviewing head brewer, Jay Fox, and assistant brewer, Jamal Carter. The Peddler excels in… Continue Reading…

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No B.S. Just good beer

Charles Bockway — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 15:28:24 +0000

Berkeley Springs Brewing Company (BSBC) has been one of the state’s more innovative craft brewers for years now. In its endeavor to connect with customers, owners Karl and Denise Wagenbrenner have explored many avenues, tried different concepts, and introduced several… Continue Reading…

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THE COLORS OF FALL

Charles Bockway — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 14:45:53 +0000

Oktoberfest-style beers bring the colors of autumn to your glass. From bright to deep golden and from amber to near auburn these, Festbiers and Märzens shine in the September sunlight. Complementing their colors are the incredible malt-driven flavors from the… Continue Reading…

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Four fresh beers for drinking now

Charles Bockway — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 18:36:44 +0000

West Virginia Beer Roads podcast travels to Weathered Ground Brewery to talk beer with Sam Fonda. Fonda, WGB’s co-owner and head of their brewing operations, shared four fresh beers that are perfect for September drinking. We get into detail about:… Continue Reading…

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Talking beer distributing with Dakota Farmer

Charles Bockway — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 22:02:43 +0000

It’s something totally new for a West Virginia Beer Roads podcast. For the first time, Erin McCoy and I have a beer distributor representative as our featured guest. We greatly enjoyed talking with Dakota Farmer, the Malt and Cider Division… Continue Reading…

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WV Fall Beer Festivals 2024

Charles Bockway — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 20:07:17 +0000

Beginning on September 1 with the Great Beckley Beer Festival and ending in early November, West Virginia has an attractive lineup of fall beer festivals. Check them out. Volunteer • Attend • Enjoy Great Beckley Beer Festival Sunday, September 1,… Continue Reading…

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WV Brewery News, Late Summer Edition

Charles Bockway — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 17:23:12 +0000

While attending last weekend’s Mountaineer Brewfest in Wheeling, we picked up a good bit of brewery news that I want to pass along. And at the bottom of this article, don’t miss the all photos from this wonderful Wheeling beer… Continue Reading…

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How they do it at Mountaineer Brewfest

Charles Bockway — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 23:57:33 +0000

No one does it better than Mountaineer Brewfest (MBF). The 2024 edition did it again. An incredible outpouring of folks from around the region filled the festival grounds all afternoon and evening last Saturday. A warm, but not-too-hot, August evening… Continue Reading…

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Best WV beers at Mountaineer Brewfest selected

Charles Bockway — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 20:14:39 +0000

Last Saturday, the 10th Annual Mountaineer Brewfest offered a beautiful variety of beer from West Virginia brewers. Each of those breweries could enter one beer into a competition to see who had the best beer at the festival. A team… Continue Reading…

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