The Local Tap Scene | Breweries in Canaan Valley
Mountain State Brewery
If you are looking for awesome beer, great food, and a comfortable family atmosphere, go visit Mountain State Brewery — the largest and, one of the oldest, distributing microbreweries and taprooms in West Virginia. Mountain State Brewery was founded in Thomas, West Virginia in 2005 by two stepbrothers (Brian Arnett & Willie Lehman) and also has locations in nearby Morgantown, West Virginia and McHenry, Maryland. Mountain State brews from the water at the top of the watershed, which is why their beers are so genuine and delicious! Their trademark? Their sawhorse seats!
Currently, there are four go-to beers brewed here: the Cold Trail Blonde Ale, Almost Heaven Amber Ale, the Seneca IPA and Miner’s Daughter Stout.
Blackwater Brewing Co
This brewery is independently owned and located near the Blackwater Falls entrance in Davis, West Virginia and is classified as a nano-brewery. The owners, Lincoln and Amanda Wilkins, focus on producing high-quality European Session Ales & Lagers. They brew classics and like to say, “Things of quality have no fear of time” and stay away from what’s trendy. This brewery was purchased and brought back to life in May 2012. While you’re there, play some fun pub games with your friends. Next-door, there is also a great menu of burgers, fries and specialties at Barrels Brewhouse. A custom-built brewing system produces small batches of traditional recipes. Also, locally-sourced maple syrup and honey are additions to the flavor profile of custom brews. Top beers to try are the Wood Hick Vanilla Maple Porter and Goldenrod Gold Ale.
Be sure to pick up a hat and a few stickers for your friends back home.
Stumptown Ales
Named for the timbering history that created the town of Davis, WV, Stumptown Ales offers craft- and hop-centric brews. Named West Virginia Brewery of the year in 2017 by brilliantstream.com, head brewer Jon Robeson says, “I’m not gonna put out a beer I don’t like.” Reviews hail the staff as being “experimental” and “dedicated to creating a great experience for guests”. Offering unique beers each week, Stumptown also offers a small plate menu. Food is not offered every day but you can bring outside food from nearby restaurants and sometimes there are food trucks on-site. So, if you’re looking for a cozy place to have a good beer with a friendly vibe, head on over to Stumptown Ales.
Psst…take home a growler of Holy Citra. It’s a tropical life changer!
The Canaan Valley area is also home to some amazing restaurants so take a look at our blog about the top West Virginia eateries.
