The holidays have come and gone and dry January is ALMOST over, so we figured it’s about time to offer up even more of some unique and interesting beers you can try this winter, recommended straight from our Fairfax County Breweries. Think of it as a winter survival kit – make your own six-pack (or case) by mixing and matching these creative brews. Don’t forget to sign up for your free Locally Poured Field Guide before hitting up these spots – check in at each location for exclusive discounts, deals, and rewards!
Here are some of the best winter beers you can find in Fairfax County this season. Tell us about your favorites in the comments below!
Settle Down Easy Oakton – Fallfax Lite
Lager American Light – 4.0% ABV
Image courtesy Settle Down Easy Brewing
Settle Down Easy Brewing Co., which operates two taprooms in Fairfax County - one in Merrifield and one in Oakton - will be releasing its Fallfax Lite lager at its Oakton location this winter. Created with flavorful and dependable American grains and hops, this everyday favorite beer keeps it light and refreshing without sacrificing flavor. Specially brewed to be gluten-reduced and a lower-calorie option, head on over to Oakton to enjoy a pint.
Ono Brewing Co. – Ho’oilo
Amber Winter Ale – 8.0% ABV
Image courtesy Ono Brewing Co.
Ono Brewing Co., based in Chantilly, is serving up its winter amber ale, Ho’oilo (pronounced ho-oh-ee-low), which is the Hawaiian word for winter. (The ancient Hawaiians technically only had two words for seasons, “Kau” for summer season and “Ho’oilo” for winter, often referred to as the rainy season.) Pale, Vienna, crystal and chocolate malts are added, with a splash of the brewery's favorite hops to create a balanced, tasty “Big Boy.”
Lake Anne Brew House – 2024 Golden Strong
Belgian Strong Golden Ale - 10% ABV
Image courtesy Lake Anne Brew House's Facebook
This Belgian Strong Golden Ale is brewed just once per year at Reston's waterfront nano-brewery, Lake Anne Brew House. This year's offering, the 2024 Golden Strong, has significant fruity esters that give off a hint of pear and pineapple. Yet it still allows the moderate spiciness and delicate floral hop aromas to tickle your palate. This beer has quite a fanbase, as it is a multi-winner at the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild, including GOLD.
Juicy Brewing Co. - Mega Dark BA
Russian Imperial Stout - 14.0% ABV
Image courtesy Juicy Brewing Co.
Aged until perfect in George Dickel Tennessee Whiskey Barrels, featuring aromatics of rich chocolate, charred oak and smooth Whiskey, Herndon's Juicy Brewing Co.'s Mega Dark Barrel Series goes down smooth and silky with a slight warming touch, like lounging under a blanket by the fireplace. This iteration of our barrel-aged Mega Dark series focuses on the intricate balance of flavor between charred oak barrel, beloved Whiskey, and rich Stout character.
Bunnyman Brewing – Mango Passionfruit
Lactose Sour Ale - 5.5% ABV
Image courtesy Bunnyman Brewing
Bunnyman Brewing - just like its namesake - is starting its own urban legend at its location near the tracks in the Burke/Fairfax area. Featuring 18 self-pour taps, Bunnyman Brewing brews to satisfy the most discerning brewers to casual beer drinkers. Its Mango Passionfruit Lactose Sour Ale is a great daily drinker with a low ABV. With strong notes of mango and passionfruit, the lactose provides a pillowy mouthfeel that smoothes out the tart finish. If you like where this came from, get excited, because the brewery announced this year it will open a second location at the Workhouse Arts Center!
Fair Winds Brewing Co. – Masted Mosaic
East Coast IPA - 6.5% ABV
Image courtesy Fair Winds Brewing Co.
Bring a bit of berry, tangerine, and tropical fruit flavor to your day with Fair Winds Brewing Co.'s single-hopped brew, Masted Mosaic IPA. Pale and Crystal malts bring a subtle caramel note to this deep garnet-colored Mosaic hop brew. One of Fairfax County's first production breweries, Fair Winds celebrates its ninth year in Lorton in 2024. Upon your visit, don't forget to also try the Quayside Kolsch, which took home BEST IN SHOW (!) at the Virginia Craft Beer Cup in 2021. You can find the Malted Mosaic, among other options, in the Lorton taproom and at various grocery chains in the area.
Bike Lane Brewing Co. – Get to the Knoppa
Imperial Stout – 10% ABV
Image courtesy Bike Lane Brewing Co.
The perfect way to cap a bike ride along the W&OD Trail? Pump those bike tires and grab a pint at this bike shop-meets-brewery in Reston (at mile marker 16.5 on the W&OD Trail). Get to the Knoppa, an imperial stout, is the brainchild of the brewery's friend and bartender, Jack. It is inspired by the tasty German wafer treats called Knoppers and the beer is brewed with just a touch of milk sugar, then conditioned on freshly toasted hazelnuts and cacao nibs. The result is a slightly sweet, chocolate-forward stout that finishes with a hint of warm roast and toasted hazelnut. Prost!
Caboose Brewing Co. – Spruce Tip
Pale Ale – 4.5% ABV
Image courtesy Caboose Brewing Co.
Whether you are fresh off the bike trail in Vienna or fresh off a day of shopping at Mosaic District, Caboose’s two locations (Tavern in Vienna and Commons in Merrifield) are the perfect spots for kicking back with unique beers. Spruce Tip is a delicious wintery brew based on the classic American-style Pale Ale beer style. Twenty pounds of spruce tips are added late into the boil to drop you right into a stroll through the Pacific Northwest woods. Brewed with a small amount of crystal malt, to add a little color and sweetness, Spruce Tip is hopped with an American "noble" variety CTZ and newer hop Idaho 7 which imparts notes of apricot and pine.
G34.3 Brewing Co. – The Horologium
Smoked Bavarian-styled Rauchbier – 5.3% ABV
Image courtesy G34.3 Brewing Co.
Lorton-based, veteran-owned brewery G34.3 Brewing continues to create out-of-this-world beer by building an intriguing craft beer experience. The Horologium is a Bavarian-style Rauchbier with a smoky flavor that is excellently balanced, achieved through the use of Weyermann Beechwood Smoked Malt. With its deep, clear amber color, this beer offers a journey to the hills of Bamberg, Germany, without the need for a passport.
Mustang Sally Brewing Co. – Away Away
Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout – 12.3% ABV
Image courtesy Mustang Sally Brewing Co.
Mustang Sally Brewing Co. is releasing a taproom exclusive Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout perfect for this season. Rich and smooth, this stout blends wonderfully with the bourbon character, which creates a delightful fusion of dark chocolate and toasted coconut flavors that offers a true treat for the palate. Treat your taste buds to this unique offering at MSB's Chantilly taproom.
Which of these unique Fairfax County beers has your mouth-watering? Let us know in the comments and be sure to tag us on social when you collect your winter survival kit using #FXVA, #LocallyPoured, and @VisitFairfax. Learn more about our local breweries by visiting FXVA.com/beer. For an in-depth dive on some of our breweries, check out more blogs here.
