Roanoke, Virginia, boasts a thriving craft beer scene worth exploring. The area is home to some of the best breweries in the region, each with its own flagship beers and unique atmosphere that make them stand out from the rest.
Our team of experts has extensively researched the breweries in Roanoke to curate a list of the finest establishments. During our research, we discovered that Big Lick Brewing Company stands out for its commitment to sustainability, using solar power to brew its exceptional beers. Join us as we delve into the best breweries in Roanoke and uncover the flavors and stories that make this city a must-visit destination for beer lovers.
Here are the top 8 breweries in Roanoke, VA.
- Big Lick Brewing Company
- A Few Old Goats Brewing
- Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage
- Parkway Brewing Company
- Olde Salem Brewing Company
- Chaos Mountain Brewing
- Twisted Track Brewpub
- Twin Creeks Brewing Company
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The Top 8 Breweries in Roanoke VA
Let’s look at 8 breweries in Roanoke, VA, that you can’t afford to miss when visiting.
1. Big Lick Brewing Company
Image Source: Big Lick
Big Lick Brewing Company is a craft brewery in downtown Roanoke, VA. Founded in 2014, the brewery draws inspiration from the history and culture of the Roanoke Valley to create unique and high-quality beers.
Some of their notable beers include the Sunshine Pale Ale, which features local honey and grapefruit peel, and the Star City Coffee Stout, made with locally roasted coffee beans. Big Lick also offers an outdoor beer garden and hosts special events yearly.
2. A Few Old Goats Brewing
Image Source: A Few Old Goats Brewing
This family-owned and operated establishment boasts a cozy and warm atmosphere, complete with outdoor seating in a beautiful beer garden. The brewery offers various delicious craft beers, including its flagship Cream Ale, a fan favorite for years.
A Few Old Goats has garnered recognition for its high-quality brews, receiving numerous awards and accolades within the craft beer community. So, enjoy a drinking session among friends at this friendly brewery.
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3. Starr Hill Brewery
Image Source: Starr Hill Brewery
Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage is part of the Starr Hill Brewery family, a regional brewery in Roanoke, VA. The Pilot Brewery is unique because it allows the brewing team to experiment and create new and innovative beers served at the Side Stage taproom.
Notable beers include their flagship, The Love Wheat Beer, and their seasonal Snow Blind Doppelbock. The brewery has received numerous awards and recognition, including being named one of the Top 50 breweries in the United States by the Brewers Association.
4. Parkway Brewing Company
Image Source: Parkway Brewing Company
Parkway Brewing Company is a standout in Roanoke’s craft beer scene. It was founded in 2012 and has quickly become a favorite brewery for locals and visitors. The brewery is in Salem, just a few miles west of downtown Roanoke.
Parkway Brewing Company is known for its flagship beers, including Get Bent Mountain IPA and Raven’s Roost Baltic Porter, which have gained a loyal following. In addition to its selection of craft beer, Parkway Brewing Company also offers outdoor seating and special events throughout the year.
5. Olde Salem Brewing Company
Image Source: Olde Salem Brewing Company
Olde Salem Brewing Company is a famous local brewery in downtown Roanoke, Virginia. The brewery offers exceptional craft beers, including flagship ones like Cream Ale and Notorious IPA. Olde Salem won numerous awards and recognition for its outstanding brews, such as the Silver Medal at the Virginia Craft Beer Cup for their Mothman Black IPA in 2015.
6. Chaos Mountain Brewing
Image Source: Chaos Mountain Brewing
Chaos Mountain Brewing is a craft brewery in Callaway, Virginia, only 20 minutes from Roanoke. Notable beers include Agents of Chaos, a hoppy imperial IPA, and the Great Outdoors Series, which provides for brews such as the Cream Ale and the IPA.
Chaos Mountain has won numerous awards, including two gold medals at the Virginia Craft Beer Cup. With a beautiful outdoor beer garden, live music, and special events, Chaos Mountain is a must-visit for beer enthusiasts in the Roanoke Valley area.
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7. Twisted Track Brewpub
Image Source: Twisted Track Brewpub
Twisted Track Brewpub, located on Shenandoah Ave NW in Roanoke, VA, is known for its delicious craft beers and unique railroad-inspired decor. The owners, also railway enthusiasts, transformed an old grocery store into a popular brewpub, quickly becoming a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Twisted Track is famous for its cream ale and other session beers, best enjoyed in the pub’s beer garden or while playing outdoor games. However, the brewpub also offers a wide selection of craft beer, including seasonal releases that feature unique flavors and aromas.
8. Twin Creeks Brewing Company
Image Source: Twin Creeks Brewing Company
Established in 2019, the brewery has quickly gained a reputation for its delicious flagship beers, such as the Bold Rocker IPA and the Two Creeks Kolsch. In addition to its core lineup, Twin Creeks also produce seasonal and limited-edition brews that the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains often inspire.
The brewery has received recognition for its exceptional beers, including a silver medal at the 2020 Virginia Craft Beer Cup for its Rosedale Saison. In addition, twin Creeks continue to grow in popularity among locals and visitors alike.
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Brewery Tours and Tastings in Roanoke VA
Roanoke, VA, is known for its incredible craft beer scene, with several breweries offering tours and tastings to visitors. Here are some of the best brewery tours and tastings in Roanoke:
Starr Hill Brewery
Starr Hill is a regional brewery with a pilot brewery and a side stage for live music. They offer tours every Saturday at 1 pm, 3 pm, and 5 pm, and cost $5 per person. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the production facility and learn about their flagship and specialty beers.
Chaos Mountain Brewing
Chaos Mountain brewery tours are available on Saturdays at 4:30 pm and cost $10 per person, which includes a tasting flight of their core and seasonal beers. In addition, they often host special events, like outdoor games and food trucks.
Olde Salem Brewing Company
Olde Salem Brewing is a favorite brewery with locals. They offer tours and tastings every Saturday at 2 pm, 4 pm, and 6 pm, and cost $10 per person. In addition, you’ll get to sample their delicious cream ales and IPAs and check out their outdoor seating and beer garden.
Conclusion
Roanoke, VA, is home to some of the best craft breweries in the region, with each offering a unique brewing experience that beer enthusiasts will surely enjoy. There’s a wide variety of craft beers, from flagship beers to experimental brews. So, add these top Roanoke breweries to your list the next time you visit Roanoke.
