When we last visited the Northern Neck of Virginia, and had a flight with our friends at Montross Brewery, we asked them whether the region between the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers held any more craft brewers for us to seek out. An affirmative yes–so we made our way to one of them, Colonial Beach Brewing, in Colonial Beach, on our latest weekend in the area.
The taproom on Washington Avenue is within walking distance of the beach and the town center, making it an easy stop during a day out in this artist’s enclave on the Potomac. They’ve been brewing here for two years now, and the dog-friendly location now has an outdoor patio area as well as bar stools in the taproom itself.
My stepfather went for a pint of the Calm Before The Storm IPA, and found it well-balanced and right to his tastes. My mom had a 4-ounce pour of the Angler Apple Ale, which I also had as part of my flight.
The rotating menu of regular brews at Colonial Beach Brewing 
The well-balanced Calm Before The Storm IPA from Colonial Beach Brewing
My favorite, the Hurricane Mitzi Double IPA, had herbal aromas, like pennyroyal, along with smooth stone fruits on the palate. The Apple ale, a co-ferment with 60% apple leavings, featured a round warm apple flavor, very comforting and inviting. The Washington Wheat knocked up hearty cloves on the palate, with a hint of banana bread. Finally, the Oatmeal Raisin Stout was like a good cookie–but with dates, and also molasses liqueur.
To close it off, I tried a 4-ounce pour of the featured Malecha Extra Pale Ale, named after a local coffee shop owner in his honor after his passing. I found it light, refreshing, and smooth. We enjoyed talking with the brewery’s new social media intern–so support her efforts if you can, on Facebook and Instagram.
A flight of brews from Colonial Beach Brewing in their taproom