If you've been following us on Facebook (which we hope you are), then you know that there is a lot that can make you fall in love with Loudoun. Over the past few weeks, and throughout the rest of the summer, we have been sharing what makes Loudoun unique from some of your favorite personalities such as Chair Phyllis Randall, Eileen Whelan, Winslow the Dog and Angela Nunez. This week, we are featuring Roche from DC101 and sharing his love and passion for the breweries along the LoCo Ale Trail. When asked what he loves about Loudoun, this is what Roche had to say:
"The thing I love most about the Loudoun County is the camaraderie among the breweries. There are a lot of breweries in Loudoun County and you would think that it would breed a lot of competition. I’m sure on a certain level they all want to succeed and they all want to be known as the best in LoCo, but that doesn’t prohibit them from working together on collaboration beers, helping each other out and event contracting some of them to make beer. I’ve really been impressed by how well they get along and how well they all look out for each other. I was at Dirt Farm Brewing not too long ago and they’re at the top of a mountain. Getting to the top of that mountain and overlooking the scenery to the valley was literally breathtaking. To know that within a half hour I could be in a thriving city, really kind of takes your breath away. To me, that’s one of the more awesome things about Loudoun County- you can literally do and live any lifestyle you want to live and not be disconnected from anything you don’t want to be disconnected from"
Roche really does love the LoCo Ale Trail and he will be out and about throughout the rest of the year for #Thirstdays with DC101! Checkout the schedule below to meet up with him and find out more on why he loves Loudoun.
Old Ox Brewery - June 8
Old Ox is a family owned and operated commercial brewery that produces favorites like Golden Ox and Black Ox. Father and son team, Graham and Chris Burns, started out home-brewing and turned their passion into a favorite on the LoCo Ale Trail. Celebrate their three-year anniversary with them during the Year of the Ox Party on June 17th.
Jack's Run Brewing Company - July 13
Jack's Run Brewing Company is a veteran owned and operated microbrewery in the historic district of Purcellville. Before visiting, you should know that not only do they have great beers, but they also have a great historical story as the building their located in was one of the first in Western Loudoun to sell television sets and is quite possibly haunted by ghost on the second floor.
Vanish - August 8
Looking for delicious beer, mouth-watering barbecue and a place to play with your dog? Vanish has it all. Vanish resides on the 53 acre Black Hops Farm in beautiful Lucketts. With the use of local ingredients, they focus on bringing you beer that is plant to pint and seed to sip. Not to mention they also have great food options from Bryan Voltaggio and a new barn and outdoor patio that is dog-friendly.
Belly Love Brewing Company - September 14
Owner & Head Brewer Tolga Baki has been brewing for over 17 years alongside Co-Owner & wife, Kathleen Baki, who manages the Tap Room. Together, they've created a gathering place that serves high-quality, balanced beers and bites that your belly will love. They have a delicious menu of dishes to pair with your Loudoun brew like Goat Cheese Brulee, Beef Brisket, Jerk Chicken Nachos and more.
Adroit Theory Brewing Company - October 12
If you are looking for something new, unique or experimental, Adroit Theory Brewing Company is the place for you. They are a nano-brewery located along the LoCo Ale Trail in Purcellville. This extremely small brewery make only one or two kegs at a time, but have 24 beers on draft at a time! Each time you go is like visiting a different brewery so make sure to plan a few stops.
Quattro Goomba's Brewery - November 19
A farm brewery with pizza and great beer? Yes, please! Quattro Goomba's is a delicious stop on the LoCo Ale Trail. They recently announced that they have a new brewery joining the team, Chris Jacques, who has recently worked for Lost Rhino Brewing Company and Ornery Brewing. Be on the lookout for exciting new brews from him!
Barnhouse Brewery - December 14
You can catch Roche at Barnhouse Brewery! Barnhouse Brewery was started by husband and wife team, Roger and Christine Knoell, with the goal to create a fun farm brewery in Loudoun. Their goal is simple: brew great beer, create relationships with the people drinking the beer, use local ingredients and provide a setting where people will want to come back.
We hope that we will see you out on the LoCo Ale Trail to visit with Roche, taste great beer and have a great time. Make sure to head over to Facebook and tell us what why you #LoveLoudoun