News

Route 7 Brewing Earns the Loudoun Beer Cup “Best in Show”

February 25, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

Hey craft beer fans and Virginia locals—cheers to Loudoun County’s thriving scene! 🍻 Route 7 Brewing just snagged the ultimate bragging rights, taking home the Loudoun Beer Cup for Best in Show at the 2nd Annual Loudoun Beer Awards on February 4, 2026. Their star performer? Cross Czech, a crisp, malty Czech-Style Dark Lager clocking in at 5.2% ABV—smooth, roasty, and perfectly balanced, it edged out the competition in a blind final tasting of all gold medal winners. Organized by the Loudoun County Brewers Association (LCBA), this sold-out bash celebrated under the theme “Brewing A Revolution” in honor of Virginia’s VA250 commemoration, drawing nearly 100 entries from 16 local breweries. With 22 BJCP-certified judges handling the blind judging back on January 11 at Harvest Gap Brewing, it was a true showcase of Loudoun’s growing craft prowess—now boasting 44 licensed breweries strong!

Route 7 Brewing dominated the night with three gold medals plus the big trophy, while Lost Rhino Brewing matched them with three golds (and a silver), Bear Chase Brewing grabbed two golds plus extras, and 13 out of 16 breweries walked away with hardware. Standouts included Route 7’s hazy crush Lucky 7 (gold in Hazy IPA) and Boho Breeze (gold in Old World/International), Lost Rhino’s Cold Front IPA and Final Glide wheat winner, Bear Chase’s wild berry sour gold, and more across 10 categories from IPAs to hard alternatives. Beyond the blind pours, the LCBA handed out heartfelt Brewers Choice Awards for community MVPs—like Lark Brewing as Community Service Champion, Roger Knoell (Barnhouse Brewery) as Brewer of the Year for his longtime mentoring, Sophia Salcido (Eleven Eleven) as GM of the Year, and Bear Chase’s hyper-local “Meet Virginia” (brewed with 100% Virginia ingredients) nabbing Best of Loudoun Beer. Special shoutout to Old Ox Brewery’s emotional “Last Call” event as Event of the Year. The Loudoun County Brewers Association keeps building this vibrant community through education, collaboration, advocacy, and responsible fun—proving Northern Virginia’s craft beer game is on fire.

About Route 7 Brewing

Route 7 Brewing burst onto the Loudoun County craft beer scene as a fresh, ambitious addition when co-founders Basabi Virmani and Ambar Sharma opened its doors on September 13, 2024, in Ashburn, Virginia. Named after the iconic Route 7 highway stretching from Winchester to Alexandria, the brewery became the passion project of the duo, who first connected in Winchester through community fundraisers before channeling their shared love for great beer and food into this venture. Basabi, armed with a Professional Brewing Certificate from the University of Richmond, teamed up with Ambar to transform a renovated 4,800–5,000-square-foot space into a welcoming spot blending traditional craft brews with innovative cocktails and a unique tapas-style menu featuring fusion small plates. After years of planning, delays, and challenges, the grand opening marked a bright spot amid some local brewery closures, quickly establishing Route 7 as a community hub for hangouts, business meetings, and flavorful experiences in the heart of Ashburn.

In its short but meteoric rise, Route 7 Brewing has already made waves in Loudoun’s vibrant beer community—hitting its first anniversary in September 2025 with celebrations and earning massive acclaim by February 2026. The brewery dominated the 2nd Annual Loudoun Beer Awards, clinching three gold medals and the prestigious Loudoun Beer Cup Best in Show for Cross Czech, their smooth 5.2% ABV Czech-Style Dark Lager—proving their commitment to quality lagers and ales shines through. With head brewer Eric Peterson helping steer the tanks, Route 7 continues to pour crowd-pleasers like the hazy Lucky 7, Boho Breeze, and more, while building a loyal following through events, trivia nights, and that perfect mix of solid beers and creative eats. As one of Loudoun County’s newer players (now part of a county with 44 licensed breweries), Route 7 embodies the fresh energy and resilience of Northern Virginia’s craft scene—turning a highway name into a destination worth the drive.

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For Washington Breweries, February is a Rough Month for Sales

February 25, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

Hey craft beer crew and Seattle-area sippers—listen up, because while everyone’s talking Dry January, Washington’s breweries are quietly battling Frigid February (and honestly, the whole chilly winter stretch) with sales taking a serious hit. According to the Brewers Association, nearly half of breweries see their slowest month smack in January or February, and if you toss in the holiday slowdowns of November and December, a whopping two-thirds are slogging through their toughest times before St. Patrick’s Day finally brings some green (and greenbacks) back. Daniel Olson, executive director of the Washington Brewers Guild, nails it: “January is Dry, February is Frigid”—taprooms and brewpubs are hurting big time, with customers not bouncing back like they used to pre-pandemic. Add inflation, supply chain headaches, staffing struggles, tariffs, and folks just drinking less overall, and Washington’s 400+ breweries are facing the roughest road in generations—record closures (nearly 30 taprooms, brewpubs, and breweries in recent years), national craft sales down 5% in 2025 (after 4% in 2024 and 1% in 2023), and WA beer faring even worse at -6.5% in 2024 and -3.7% in 2023.

But here’s the heart of it: these spots aren’t just businesses—they’re your local legends, the cozy corners where you toasted your 21st, had that epic first date that turned into forever, watched games with buddies, or just escaped the rain with a killer pint. Washington’s craft scene still pumps out massive good: supporting over 57,000 jobs, $3.7 billion in wages, $12.4 billion in economic activity, and more than $1.5 billion in taxes every year. The Washington Brewers Guild is all about keeping that thriving—advocating for smart policies, uniting brewers statewide, and reminding everyone that showing up this winter matters. Bundle up, rally your crew, hit your favorite taproom for trivia night, a flight of hazy IPAs, or a hearty stout by the fire—because if we don’t support these spots now, your go-to might not be pouring come summer. Let’s thaw this Frigid February together, one local pour at a time.

About Washington Brewers Guild

The Washington Brewers Guild was born in 1999 as a non-profit trade association dedicated to uniting, protecting, and championing Washington’s burgeoning craft beer scene during a time when the industry was still finding its footing post-Prohibition revival. As craft brewing exploded across the state—fueled by pioneers turning hops-rich Yakima Valley bounty into world-class IPAs and more—the Guild stepped up to give independent brewers a collective voice in Olympia and even Washington, D.C. From the start, it focused on legislative advocacy to shape smart beer laws, educate members on compliance and best practices, and foster community among brewers so no one had to navigate the regulatory maze alone. Over the years, the Guild has proudly built a track record of “getting things done,” helping grow the scene from a handful of trailblazers to over 400 breweries statewide while ensuring quality, choice, and fair play for beer lovers everywhere.

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Highland Brewing is Doing Has a Good Future and Good Vibes

February 25, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

Hey beer fans and mountain lovers—grab a cold one and settle in, because Highland Brewing, Asheville’s OG craft beer trailblazer since 1994, just dropped a seriously inspiring update on crushing 2025 and charging into 2026 with their signature Thirst For Good vibe! After getting hammered by Hurricane Helene in late 2024 (which wrecked the area big time), Highland didn’t just bounce back—they came roaring in like champs. On-premise draft pours jumped a massive +25.4%, off-premise cans and bottles climbed +4.4%, all powered by legends like the iconic Gaelic Amber Ale (still the king of balanced ambers and #2 in its category across their four-state turf), the hazy crush of Highland Haze, the easy-sipping Daycation family (shoutout to that World Beer Cup gold for Daycation Gold), and top-sellers like AVL IPA ruling Western NC shelves. They even turned heartbreak into hope: releasing Highland Haze on draft to raise over $13K for hospitality workers hit hard, and dropping AVL Strong (an imperial take on AVL IPA) one year post-Helene to fund small business grants. Oh, and yeah—President Biden personally called to say thanks for turning their spot into a relief hub, hosting supply drops, nonprofits, and even a herd of lawn-mowing goats. Talk about going the extra mile!

Now, with founder Oscar Wong—the godfather of Asheville craft beer who sadly passed in May 2025—his legacy lives on stronger than ever through daughter Leah Wong Ashburn leading the charge as CEO. “Thirst For Good” is the new rallying cry: Good Flavor (pouring killer cores like Gaelic Ale, juicy IPAs in the Hop Journey variety pack that ranked #4 in the region, and expanding Highland Haze with grocery giveaways and big 19.2oz cans), Good Future (rocking one of the biggest solar arrays in craft beer, repurposed shipping containers, and sustainable everything from brew to can), and Good Feels (their epic 40-acre hilltop campus is leveling up in 2026 with Cultivate Climbing’s 45-foot walls for epic sends, Black Dome Mountain Sports for all your gear and climbing museum vibes, plus a fresh New Haven-style pizza spot slinging thin-crust pies, hearty sammies, and more to pair with your pint). Live music, disc golf, volleyball, weddings, events—it’s already a must-visit hang, and soon it’ll be the ultimate adventure-beer-food playground. Highland’s proving that great beer isn’t just about the brew—it’s about community, resilience, and keeping the good times flowing no matter what. Who’s road-tripping to Asheville for a climb, a slice, and a Gaelic? Let’s go!

About Highland Brewing:

What makes Highland a must-visit destination is their epic 40-acre hilltop campus in East Asheville, which has evolved from a production brewery into a full-on adventure hub with live music, disc golf, sand volleyball, hiking vibes, and space for weddings, events, and thousands of happy hangers-out. In 2026, it’s leveling up even more with big additions: Cultivate Climbing bringing 20,000 sq ft of rope walls up to 45 feet tall (plus bouldering, kids’ areas, and training zones), Black Dome Mountain Sports for gear, apparel, and that cool climbing museum feel, and a fresh in-house pizza spot slinging New Haven-ish thin-crust pies, hearty sandwiches, salads, and more to pair perfectly with a cold pour. Whether you’re crushing a Daycation IPA on the meadow, catching a show, or sending a route then refueling with Gaelic and pizza, Highland delivers that unbeatable mix of killer beer, good feels, and mountain magic—proving they’re not just brewing beer, they’re building community one epic day at a time.

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Urban South Brewery Releases Paradise Strawberry Beer – Again!

February 25, 2026 by Dustin Scoggins

Hey beer lovers and crawfish conquerors—grab your sunnies and your appetite because Paradise Strawberry is back at Urban South Brewery, and it’s ready to make spring in the South even sweeter!

This fan-favorite is basically Paradise Park—that crisp, crushable American lager we all know and love—getting a juicy strawberry glow-up. Brewed with real strawberries, it hits you with those bright, berry-good vibes up front, then finishes clean and refreshing like a classic lager should. At 4.4% ABV, it’s light, easy, and dangerously sessionable—perfect for sunny days, backyard hangs, or whenever you need something that screams “springtime in the Gulf South.”

Paradise Strawberry is rolling out now across Urban South’s turf: Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Houston, Texas, and the Florida Panhandle. Limited time only, so don’t sleep on it!

And let’s talk pairings—nothing beats this strawberry lager with a steaming pile of crawfish. Whether you’re going classic Cajun spicy or Viet-style with that garlic-butter magic, this beer’s bright fruitiness cuts through the heat and seasoning like a champ. Swing by the Urban South taproom in New Orleans to grab a pour (or a growler… or four) alongside their legendary crawfish boils, running strong through the end of crawfish season in May 2026. Pro tip: Bring friends. And maybe a bib.

“Paradise Strawberry has become our springtime ritual—folks start asking about it the second the weather turns nice,” says Kyle Huling, Co-Founder of Urban South Brewery. “It’s our way of taking a solid, no-nonsense lager and sneaking in a little fruity fun without losing that easy-drinking soul we’re known for.”

About Urban South Brewery:

Urban South Brewery, founded in 2016 in the heart of New Orleans, has quickly become a standout force in the Southern craft beer scene. Started by founder Jacob Landry—who got hooked on great beer during a year exploring Europe’s classic brews—the brewery blends old-world European brewing traditions with the bold, innovative spirit of modern American styles. With deep Louisiana roots and a true Cajun soul, they’ve built a reputation for cranking out high-quality, easy-drinking beers that are perfect for the steamy Southern climate and any laid-back occasion. Their flagship Paradise Park American Lager remains a crowd-pleaser, alongside heavy hitters like the juicy Holy Roller Hazy IPA, the refreshing Lime Cucumber Gose, and seasonal gems that capture the region’s vibe, like the returning Paradise Strawberry and Mardi Gras Pils.

What sets Urban South apart is their commitment to community, affordability, and fun—they’re all about beers that bring people together, whether at their family-friendly New Orleans taproom (complete with smash burgers and happy hours) or across their growing footprint in states like Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and beyond. The brewery has racked up plenty of hardware over the years, from medals at the U.S. Open Beer Championship and Can Can Awards to Great American Beer Festival nods, proving their brews aren’t just tasty—they’re award-worthy. With expansions like their Houston spot and a focus on creative, approachable beverages, Urban South keeps delivering that perfect mix of urban edge and Southern heart, making every sip feel like a celebration of good times and great beer.

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Top 10 Bockfest Festivals in America plus a few more

February 25, 2026 by Dow Scoggins

Get ready to raise your steins and chase away winter at the best bock beer festivals in the USA—these epic spring celebrations of rich, malty doppelbocks, crisp maibocks, and quirky German traditions are pure beer-lover heaven! From Cincinnati’s massive Bockfest (March 6-8, 2026) with its legendary goat-led keg parade drawing thousands, to New Ulm’s cozy Schell’s Bock Fest (March 7, 2026) featuring bonfires and hot-poked caramel bock, and Pottstown’s hilarious Sly Fox Goat Races (first Sunday in May) where the winning goat names the maibock—these top bockfests blend hearty lagers, live polka, brats, and unforgettable goat antics for the ultimate toast to warmer days ahead. Prost to the most fun, flavorful bock bashes across America!

Bockfest (Cincinnati, Ohio) – March 6-8, 2026
Get ready to goat wild at America’s biggest and oldest bock beer festival! Held in historic Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati’s Bockfest kicks off spring with a hilarious goat-led parade pulling a keg of doppelbock, tons of local craft bock beers flowing freely, heritage tours, live music, and thousands of cheerful revelers toasting Cincinnati’s brewing legacy—it’s the ultimate bock party you don’t want to miss!
Address: Multiple venues in Over-the-Rhine (main events around Bockfest Hall, e.g., 1811 Vine Street)
Website: https://www.bockfest.com/

August Schell’s Bock Fest (New Ulm, Minnesota) – March 7, 2026
Bundle up for a Midwest classic at one of America’s oldest family-owned breweries! Schell’s Bock Fest is all about poking hot irons into your caramel-rich bock beer for extra flavor, massive bonfires to chase away winter, bratwursts grilling nonstop, a wild bock medallion scavenger hunt, live polka tunes, and crowds singing “Ring of Fire”—pure German gemütlichkeit and the perfect way to welcome spring with strong, smooth bock lagers!
Address: 1860 Schell Road, New Ulm, MN 56073
Website: https://www.schellsbrewery.com/events/bockfest/

Sly Fox Bock Fest & Goat Race (Pottstown, Pennsylvania) – First Sunday in May (May 3, 2026)
Who needs horse racing when you’ve got goats? Sly Fox’s legendary Bock Fest & Goat Race turns spring into a hilarious spectacle with real live goat races—the winner even names the brewery’s special maibock! Pair that with ice-cold German-style bocks, polka dancing, brats, and massive crowds cheering under the sun for one of the most fun, family-friendly bock beer festivals in the USA.
Address: 331 Circle of Progress Drive, Pottstown, PA 19464
Website: https://www.slyfoxbeer.com/bockfest

Capital Brewery Bockfest (Middleton, Wisconsin) – February 28, 2026
Shake off winter chills at Capital Brewery’s epic outdoor Bockfest! Celebrate the tapping of platinum award-winning Blonde Doppelbock and Maibock with quirky traditions like the fish toss, a 1K “Running of the Blondes” in silly outfits, live music, food trucks, and steins raised high—it’s Middleton’s backyard party where strong bock beers and Midwest fun make spring feel unbeatable!
Address: 7734 Terrace Avenue, Middleton, WI 53562
Website: https://www.capitalbrewery.com/

Big Bear Lake Maifest (Big Bear Lake, California) – Typically mid-to-late May
Trade snow for sunny spring vibes at Big Bear Lake’s Maifest, a multi-weekend Bavarian bash that’s like Oktoberfest’s cheerful little sister! Twirl around traditional Maypole dances, sip imported maibocks and refreshing Maibowle punch, feast on authentic German grub, and soak in live music amid mountain views—perfect for bock beer fans craving a scenic, festive escape.
Address: Big Bear Lake Convention Center, 42900 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Website: https://bigbearevents.com/big-bear-lake-maifest/

German-American Society Bock Fest (Pinellas Park, Florida) – Typically spring
Warm-weather bock lovers rejoice! The German-American Society’s Bock Fest brings ceremonial doppelbock tappings, specialty pours from local breweries, hearty German food, lively music, and sunny community cheers to Pinellas Park—it’s a laid-back Florida twist on classic bock traditions where strong lagers and good times flow under palm trees.
Address: 8098 66th Street North, Pinellas Park, FL 33781
Website: https://germantampabay.com/bockfest/

Sacramento Turn Verein Bockbierfest (Sacramento, California) – Typically mid-April
Dive into authentic Bavarian bliss at Sacramento’s historic Turn Verein, where Bockbierfest celebrates dark, malty bock beers imported straight from Germany alongside homemade eats, polka bands, folk dancing, wine, champagne, and a cozy Kaffeehaus—it’s the capital’s most genuine spring bock gathering for raising steins and feeling fröhlich!
Address: 3349 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95816
Website: https://sacramentoturnverein.com/bockbierfest/

Plattduetsche Park Maibock Festival (Franklin Square, New York) – Typically spring
Spring blooms deliciously at Plattduetsche Park’s Maibock Festival, featuring a custom-brewed golden maibock paired with a massive hot-and-cold buffet, live Bavarian bands, and biergarten vibes on Long Island—grab your lederhosen for this tasty tribute to lighter bock styles and German hospitality!
Address: 1132 Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Square, NY 11010
Website: https://www.parkrestaurant.com/

NuLu Bock Fest (Louisville, Kentucky) – March 28, 2026
Goat races meet great bock beers in Louisville’s trendy NuLu neighborhood! This street party features adult and baby goat dashes down “Nanny Goat Strut,” local craft bock pours, live music, vendor fun, and the “Best of the Wurst” contest—it’s quirky Kentucky energy at its bock-loving best.
Address: 600-700 blocks of East Market Street, Louisville, KY 40202
Website: https://www.nulu.org/BockFest

Beaver Island Brewing Maibock Fest (St. Cloud, Minnesota) – Typically May
Welcome spring the Minnesota way at Beaver Island’s casual Maibock Fest: fresh maibock releases on tap, juicy brats sizzling, yard games, commemorative glasses, and everyone encouraged to rock lederhosen or dirndls—it’s a relaxed taproom bash bursting with bock beer cheer and community spirit!
Address: 216 6th Avenue S, St. Cloud, MN 56301
Website: https://beaverislandbrew.com/

Schulz Bräu Brewing Maifest (Knoxville, Tennessee) – Typically mid-May
Southern hospitality meets German roots at Schulz Bräu’s Maifest: fresh maibock tappings, local vendors (think plants, crafts, and farms), cocktails, live music, and plenty of prost-ing—Knoxville’s springtime bock bash is pure fun in an authentic brewery setting.
Address: 126 Bernard Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917
Website: https://www.schulzbraubrewing.com/maifest/

Lakefront Brewery Bockfest (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) – Typically spring
Milwaukee’s lager legacy shines at Lakefront Brewery’s Bockfest, pouring hearty maibocks and doppelbocks alongside brewery tours, classic German bites, live tunes, and that unbeatable beer hall atmosphere—perfect for bock enthusiasts in America’s brewing heartland.
Address: 1872 N Commerce Street, Milwaukee, WI 53212
Website: https://lakefrontbrewery.com/

Summit Brewing Bockfest (St. Paul, Minnesota) – Typically late winter/spring
Cozy up to bonfires and hot-poked bock beers at Summit Brewing’s winter-to-spring Bockfest in St. Paul—strong seasonal releases, food trucks, live entertainment, and Twin Cities camaraderie make it a frosty-yet-fiery celebration of Minnesota’s bock traditions.
Address: 910 Montreal Circle, St. Paul, MN 55102
Website: https://www.summitbrewing.com/

Liars Bench Beer Co. Bockfest (Portsmouth, New Hampshire) – Typically late March/early April
New England’s craft scene gets bock-y at Liars Bench’s multi-brewery Bockfest, showcasing classic doppelbocks to creative twists, goat-inspired dishes, German lagers galore, and Northeast flair—it’s a flavorful fest for adventurous bock beer hunters!
Address: 459 Islington Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801
Website: https://www.liarsbenchbeer.com/events-1

Sprankle Woods Maifest (Ohio/Pennsylvania border area)
Channel old-school German-American vibes at this community Maifest with ceremonial maibock keg tappings, colorful Maypole dances, polka bands pumping the energy, and traditional festivities—it’s a hidden gem for bock beer fans seeking heartfelt spring celebrations near the Ohio border.
Address: 340 Riemer Road, Winfield/Jefferson Township area (near Ohio border)
Website:https://spranklewoods.com/

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