Rags to riches stories are rare in this day and age. With an economy that is anything but conducive to business expansion, many businesses are tightening their belts and preparing to ride out the storm in hopes of finding themselves as survivors when the financial clouds finally clear. But, for one brewery in Virginia, rags to riches is a fitting and appropriate way to characterize their rise within the industry.
At this year’s Great American Beer Festival, Devils Backbone Brewing found themselves squarely in the spotlight of the brewing industry. The little brewery that could garnered a stunning eight medals, the Small Brew Pub, and the Small Brew Pub Brewer of the Year awards. For a brewery that produced only 800 barrels of beer in 2011 from its system at its brew pub, those are astounding numbers.
Not surprisingly, the word is out about this brewery and a realization that more production capacity would be necessary came about. In march of this year, the brew pub decided to add a 15,000 square-foot production facility dubbed “The Outpost.” The new facility ramped up production of the brewery to 10,000 barrels in 2012 and provides the basis for hopes to more than double that number in 2013.
Among the breweries full-time offerings will be a dark beer based on the season, increased availability of their Trailblazers Limited Release Series, and a line of brewer’s reserve beers.
As suggested by the number of awards the brewery won this year and over the past years, the beers are fantastic. Tastings at GABF revealed well developed brews that are carefully and lovingly crafted. While they are limited in geographic availability, they are well worth seeking out if you are going to be in Virginia.
Keep up to date on all the beer happenings and news going on in town at the ALL NEW www.JaxBeerGuy.com.
