Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company (GVBC) is raising a pint, or most likely several, to commemorate 3-years in business. Since opening, the brewery has grown to expand their flagships, started canning beers in the last two years, and successfully turned the tap room into a popular hangout. Thanks to all of YOU, the Greenbrier Valley Brewing Co brand has become more established throughout the craft beer scene all over the mountain state. To celebrate the occasion with you, they are throwing an Anniversary Party on Saturday, April 14th. From 3-9pm, there will be anniversary edition small batch brews, flagship beers, games, prizes, and “kick arse” burgers and other cook-out type food by Rolling STOVE WV food truck. Starting at 6pm, there will be live folk-rock by locally renowned finger/flat picking guitarist Corey Lee McQuade, accompanied by Paul E. Johnson. (Photo above: Cardinal Red Scottish Ale is on tap at Sparetime Sports Bar in Lewisburg, WV)

The brewery began with a passion for beer and some good storytelling between David Kucera and Wil Laska. David is a craft beer enthusiast and home brewer. He shared his brewery dreams with his newly found business partner Wil.  Wil is a retired U.S. Navy pilot, businessman, and craft beer connoisseur. A few years ago, they sprung into action making the brewery dream a reality.  No brewery is complete without a Brewmiester. The team tells us, “Brain Reymiller was an excellent first brewer for us. He came with 18 years’ experience creating superior artisanal beers.” Will Gudmundsson has since taken over the Brewer reins. Coming in with a chemistry background, he also apprenticed under Brain to learn all the ropes and gained the confidence to be the head brewer for the growing brand.

In September 2014, GVBC saw the launch of their first two flagship beers, Wild Trail Pale Ale and Mothman Black IPA. Devil Anse IPA was introduced in December 2014 and this was quickly followed by their Inaugural Canning in January 2015. This was historic as it marked 44 years since beer has been canned in West Virginia and becoming the last US state to offer a canned craft beer.

(Pictured above: Greenbrier Grotto Meeting)

Now it’s time to rejoice! The anniversary party small batches will be a Pilsener: a Brown Rye India Ale, a White IPA, a Ekuanot Honey-Infused Pale Ale, a Chocolate Stout, and a Northern English Brown Ale. The brewery’s flagship beers that are currently on tap will be avail for the anniversary party. This is the Devil Anse IPA, Wild Trail Pale Ale, Mothman black IPA, Zona’s Revenge Witbier,  Cardinal Red Scottish Ale and Barrel Aged Imperial Stout. Pair these excellent brews with Rolling STOVE WV. They are a gourmet kitchen on wheels serving never frozen 100% all beef hamburgers and hot dogs.

While you eat, drink, and mingle, Corey Lee McQuade and Paul Johnson will deliver Americana tunes. Corey is an incredible dobro musician which he plays on his lap. He sings, plays solo shows, and performs with several bands one of which is Johnson’s Crossroads. Paul Johnson is a powerhouse songwriter. His lyrics are tough and tender and his visceral growl calls up and reminds us of the broken majesty inside us all.

In the next 3 years, the brewery hopes to get bigger and better. Their wish list includes new tanks and fermenters, a new canning-line, doubling production and canning their new fan favorite Zona’s Revenge. They are also hoping to serve more Pilsener in the taproom, have new weekly small batches, and host more music festivals and open mic nights. There is SO much more to come.

So after you’ve had your chocolate fix downtown (see page 10), head over to GVBC to celebrate 3 years. Sit back, drink a pint, and enjoy the sounds of old-time mountain music and bluegrass. You may win some schwag too! They are located near Greenbrier Valley Airport at 862 Industrial Park Rd in Maxwelton. For more information, visit GVBEER.com or call 304-520-4669.

– HashtagWV #100. April 2018.