Craft beer has exploded in popularity in recent years, and the city of Fredericksburg in Texas is no exception. In the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg has a thriving craft beer scene with something for everyone. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or just looking for a unique experience, Fredericksburg’s breweries are worth exploring.
We researched and tasted the city’s top breweries to bring you the definitive list of the Best Breweries In Fredericksburg: Top 10. Our expertise in the field has uncovered some fascinating insights about each brewery and its signature beers.
One interesting finding is that Fredericksburg Brewing Company, one of the city’s oldest breweries, is among the most innovative. They’ve combined traditional German brewing techniques with modern American flavors to create a unique beer lineup.
So grab a cold one and join us as we tour the Best Breweries In Fredericksburg: Top 10. You’ll find a new favorite among these top-notch breweries, from classic German styles to experimental brews.
Here’s a list of the top 10 breweries in Fredericksburg:
- 6 Bears & A Goat Brewing Company
- Strangeways Brewing
- Maltese Brewing Company
- Red Dragon Brewery
- Highmark Brewery
- Barley Naked Brewery
- 1781 Brewing Company
- Spencer Devon Brewing
- Harry’s Alehouse
- Capital Ale House
The Top 10 Breweries in Fredericksburg
1. 6 Bears & A Goat Brewing Company
This brewery is named after its founders, six retired Coast Guard members, and one retired Navy member. They have served their country for over 140 years and now serve their community with great beer and food. They brew small batches of beer using the freshest ingredients available and offer a variety of styles to suit every taste.
Also Read: The 5 Best Mini Kegerators of 2023: A Complete Buying Guide
Some notable beers are the Coastie IPA, the Goat Locker Stout, and the Bear Necessities Hefeweizen. They also have a full-service restaurant that serves burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more. They have won several awards, including the 2020 Virginia Craft Beer Cup for their Brown Ale and the 2019 Fredericksburg Brewfest People’s Choice Award for their Oktoberfest.
2. Strangeways Brewing
This brewery is known for its experimental and adventurous beers that push the boundaries of brewing. They have dozens of beers, ranging from classic styles to unique creations. Some of their notable beers are the Albino Monkey Belgian White Ale, the extra light cream Ale, the Woodbooger Belgian Brown Ale, and the Gourd of Thunder Imperial Pumpkin Porter.
They also have delicious snacks like nachos, soft pretzels, and more. They have a large outdoor Biergarten with comfortable seating and wooded views. They are dog-friendly and relaxed. They have won several awards, including the 2018 Virginia Craft Beer Cup for their Uberlin Berliner Weisse and the 2017 Virginia Craft Brewers Fest for their Wake Me Up Before You Gose.
Image credit: istock.com
3. Maltese Brewing Company
This brewery is founded by two firefighters passionate about brewing and serving their community. They have many beers on tap, including fruity, light ales, and seasonal specials. Some notable beers are the Firehouse Red Ale, the Salted Caramel Rye Porter, and the Bank Down Vanilla Brown Ale. They have a dog-friendly outdoor Biergarten and a spacious indoor taproom.
They also have a rotating food truck schedule and live music events. They have won several awards, including the 2020 Virginia Craft Beer Cup for their Firehouse Red Ale and the 2019 Fredericksburg Brewfest People’s Choice Award for their Salted Caramel Rye Porter.
4. Red Dragon Brewery
British and Irish traditions inspire this brewery, offering a range of craft beers that celebrate those cultures. They have a cozy pub-like atmosphere with a fireplace, dart boards, and board games. They also have a rotating food truck schedule and live music events. Their notable beers include the Celtic Warrior Irish Red Ale, the Dragon’s Breath IPA, and the Black Dragon Stout.
Also Read: The 5 Best Outdoor Kegerators: A Comprehensive Buying Guide
They also have seasonal beers like the Winter Warmer Spiced Ale and the Pumpkin Spice Ale. They have won several awards, including the 2019 Virginia Craft Beer Cup for their Celtic Warrior Irish Red Ale and the 2018 Fredericksburg Brewfest People’s Choice Award for their Dragon’s Breath IPA.
Image credit: istock.com
5. Highmark Brewery
This brewery features a large taproom with a 30-foot bar, 9 taps, games, snacks, sodas, and delicious beers. They also have a spacious outdoor area with picnic tables, fire pits, cornhole boards, and live music. They are family-friendly and pet-friendly. Some notable beers are the Highmark IPA, the Blue Ridge Blonde Ale, and the Black Bear Stout.
Also Read: The Complete Fizzics DraftPour Review
They also have seasonal beers like the Oktoberfest Lager and the Cranberry Wheat Ale. They have won several awards, including the 2020 Virginia Craft Beer Cup for their Highmark IPA and the 2019 Fredericksburg Brewfest People’s Choice Award for their Blue Ridge Blonde real Ale brewing.
6. Barley Naked Brewery
This brewery focuses on quality over quantity and brews small batches of beer using natural ingredients and no artificial flavors or additives. They have a rustic taproom with a fireplace, a patio with a fire pit, and a food truck on site. They also have live music and trivia nights. Some notable beers are the Naked Pale Ale, the Naked Amber Ale, and the Naked Porter.
They also have seasonal beers like the Naked Pumpkin Ale and the Winter Warmer. They have won several awards, including the 2020 Virginia Craft Beer Cup for their Naked Porter and the 2019 Fredericksburg Brewfest People’s Choice Award for their Naked Pale Ale.
7. 1781 Brewing Company
This brewery is part of the Wilderness Run Vineyard’s estate and offers a selection of beers made with locally sourced ingredients and wines from the vineyard. They have a scenic outdoor setting with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains ponds.
Also Read: The Complete Fizzics DraftPour Review
They also have a farm-to-table restaurant and a petting zoo. Some notable beers are the 1781 IPA, the 1781 Blonde Ale, and the 1781 Stout. They also have seasonal beers like the 1781 Pumpkin Ale and the 1781 Winter Ale. They have won several awards, including the 2020 Virginia Craft Beer Cup for their 1781 IPA and the 2019 Fredericksburg Brewfest People’s Choice Award for their 1781 Blonde Ale.
8. Spencer Devon Brewing
This brewery is also a full-service restaurant and pub that brews its beers using quality ingredients and traditional methods. They also serve fresh and local food made from scratch. They have a casual, friendly atmosphere with live music, and the brewery hosts events. Some notable beers are the Sunken Road Belgian Blonde Ale, the Fall Line Pale Ale, and the Rocko’s Milk Stout.
They also have seasonal beers like the Oktoberfest Marzen and the Cranberry Wheat Ale. They have won several awards, including the 2020 Virginia Craft Beer Cup for their Sunken Road Belgian Blonde Ale and the 2019 Fredericksburg Brewfest People’s Choice Award for their Fall Line Pale Ale.
9. Harry’s Alehouse
This brewery is also a sports bar and grill with 32 taps of craft beer from local and regional breweries and their house brews. They also serve classic American fare like burgers, wings, salads, and sandwiches. They have multiple TVs for watching sports and games.
Some notable beers are the Harry’s IPA, the Harry’s Amber Ale, and the Harry’s Porter. They also have seasonal beers like Harry’s Pumpkin Ale and Harry’s Winter Warmer. They have won several awards, including the 2020 Virginia Craft Beer Cup for their Harry’s IPA and the 2019 Fredericksburg Brewfest People’s Choice Award for their Harry’s Amber Ale.
10. Capital Ale House
This brewery is also a gastropub and music hall with over 100 beers on tap from local and international breweries and their house brews. They also serve upscale pub food like steaks, seafood, pizza, and salads. They have live music and comedy shows on their stage. Some notable beers are the Capital Kolsch, the Capital Brown Ale, and the Capital Stout.
Also Read: How Long For Beer to Carbonate in Bottle? The Complete Guide
They also have seasonal beers like the Capital Oktoberfest and Winter Warmer. They have won several awards, including the 2020 Virginia Craft Beer Cup for their Capital Kolsch and the 2019 Fredericksburg Brewfest People’s Choice Award for their Capital Brown Ale.
Brewery Tours And Tastings In Fredericksburg
To experience the craft beer scene in Fredericksburg, you should check out some of the available brewery tours and tastings. You can learn more about brewing, sample different beer styles, and have fun with your friends or family. Here are some of the best brewery tours and tastings in Fredericksburg:
6 Bears & A Goat Brewing Company
This brewery offers free tours every Saturday at 1 pm and 3 pm. You can see their brewing equipment, learn about their history and philosophy, and ask questions to their brewers. You can also enjoy a tasting flight of four beers for $8 or a pint of your choice for $6. They also have special events like trivia nights, bingo nights, and live music.
Strangeways Brewing
This brewery offers tours every Saturday at 2 pm and 4 pm. You can explore their taproom, see their barrel room, and learn about their experimental and adventurous beers. You can also enjoy a tasting flight of four beers for $10 or a pint of your choice for $6. They also have special events like yoga classes, paint nights, and comedy shows.
Maltese Brewing Company
This brewery offers tours by appointment only. You can contact them through their website or phone to schedule a tour. You can see their brewing system, learn about their firefighter background, and taste some of their beers. You can also enjoy a tasting flight of four beers for $8 or a pint of your choice for $6. They also have special events like karaoke nights, open mic nights, and food truck festivals.
Image credit: istock.com
Red Dragon Brewery
This brewery offers tours every Saturday at 12 pm and 2 pm. You can see their brewhouse, learn about their British and Irish influences, and sample some beers. You can also enjoy a tasting flight of four beers for $8 or a pint of your choice for $6. They also have special events like dart tournaments, board game nights, and live music.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Fredericksburg is a must-visit destination for any beer enthusiast. With its vibrant craft beer scene and many top-quality breweries, there’s never been a better time to explore the city’s unique offerings.
Our Top 10 list has highlighted some of Fredericksburg’s best breweries, from the traditional German-style beers of Altstadt Brewery to the innovative flavors of Fredericksburg Brewing Company. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing pilsner or a hoppy IPA, these alcoholic beverages have something for everyone.
One thing is certain – the beer in Fredericksburg will not be missed. So if you’re planning a trip to the Texas wine country, add these top breweries to your itinerary. We guarantee that you won’t be disappointed!
