The Virginia Beer Company celebrated its first birthday in 2017, but the young business is already garnering attention. The business earned the title of The Virginia Gazette’s Best Of Williamsburg in the best brewery and best craft beer selection categories. Its founders said the Williamsburg location is intrinsic to the company.
“We fell in love with craft beer in Williamsburg,” said co-founder Robby Willey, who attended the College of William and Mary with fellow co-founder Chris Smith. “There was a story here.”
The duo has made giving back to the community a top priority, hosting events in the beer garden for organizations such as Heritage Humane Society and teaming up with their alma mater for a special beer release before homecoming, with some of the proceeds going to benefit the college.
But those philanthropic endeavors don’t come at the expense of their namesake beverage.
“The quality is there because of the pedigree of the brewers,” Willey said.
In 2018, the company plans to ramp up limited edition brew releases, expand distribution to Richmond and introduce a new rewards program dubbed Full-time Friends. It’s all about building off the success and friendships forged throughout 2017.
“We’re humbled by it, for sure,” said assistant taproom manager and marketing coordinator Michael Rhodes. “We’re very proud of this place being a community gathering space.”
The Virginia Beer Company
Address: 401 2nd St.
Hours: 4-9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, noon to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 7 p.m. Sunday
Phone: 378-2903
Website: virginiabeerco.com
