Luck ‘O the Irish in the Heart of Appalachia
Six Taphouses, Cideries, Breweries & Distilleries to Help You Get Your St. Paddy’s Day Drink On
Here in the Appalachian Mountains, Virginia is for Irish Lovers! Of course, there’s no better time to share that love than with a frosty pint (or a fiery whisky) on Saint Patrick’s Day! However, you don’t have to go to Boston to find the perfect place to raise a glass to the Luck O’ the Irish. We’ve got loads of breweries and pubs throughout the region to tickle your fancy right here in the Heart of Appalachia.
So, kick back and let us do the work for you with this list of our favorite Southwest Virginia breweries, cideries, and distilleries to help you get your drink on. Check out these local favorites that’ll have you wanting to don the green all year-round, not just on March 17th.
Coaltown Taps | Richlands
With a generous selection of craft beer in bottle and on tap, Coaltown Taps is quickly becoming known for new brews, old favorites, and delicious bites. Located in a renovated 100-year-old home in downtown Richlands, the taproom was once known as the Agatha Inn. With 12 taps – 11 that mix it up with the seasons, find your new favorite beer here! Plus, just for St. Patrick’s Day, cocktail drink specials, reubens, and everyone’s Paddy’s Day favorite, an ice-cold Guinness, you can’t go wrong at Coaltown Taps.
Sugar Hill Brewing Company | St. Paul
This old hardware store in downtown Saint Paul is home to one of the area’s premier destinations for quality craft beer and food. That’s right! Irish eyes are smiling at Sugar Hill Brewing Company. With blonde and pale ales, pilsners, hard seltzers, ciders, and more, this small-town brewing company is a blast. Whether you’re gathering the gang together for Happy Hour or collecting the crew for a family meal, Sugar Hill is your place. Definitely be sure to check out their St. Patrick’s Day specials!
Axe Handle Distilling | Pennington Gap
Undoubtedly showing off the region’s Scottish heritage with an American twist, Axe Handle settled in a custom-built Old Virginia Hand Hewn Log Home. With a wrap-around porch, production and tasting rooms, and, of course, the bar, this family-owned distillery has the same pride of land that their ancestors did. Working toward 100 percent locally sourced grains, Axe Handle Distilling was nominated just last fall as one of USA Today’s best new craft distilleries. Considering its competitors hailed from some of the top breeding grounds for upstart craft distilling and brewing companies, like Portland, Oregon, that’s saying a lot. Known for its bourbon and rye whiskey, this small-town distillery now has American gin and vodka. Order it neat or request a craft cocktail.
Lonesome Pine Brewing Company | Lebanon
There’s nothing nano about this nanobrewery. Located in downtown Lebanon, Lonesome Pine Brewing Company knows there’s nothing better than beer and barbecue! Fall in love with a pairing of their delicious craft beer with mouth-watering pulled pork or brisket sliders. Plus, enjoy lots of lucky drinks to get you in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit!
You don’t have to ride a motorcycle to enjoy the Back of the Dragon Brewery. There are brown and golden ales, American and Mexican lagers, porters, wheat beer, Scottish imports, marzens, and fruit beers a-plenty for everyone! After you get your thirst under control, the Back of the Dragon Food Truck can satisfy your growling stomach. And don’t forget to snap a picture with the huge dragon caged up outside before you leave! While you might have been thinking St. Paddy’s was meant more for leprechauns and fairies, everyone knows the Irish have dragons, too. Don’t they?
Sugar Hill Cidery | Norton
Whether you’re with friends or family, Sugar Hill Cidery is a great location to eat, drink, and be merry! With housemade hard ciders, as well as craft beer and local wines, there’s always something new to taste at this regional hotspot. Their renowned ciderist creates a variety of flavor profiles, ranging from dry to sweet, spiced, and fruity. But don’t take our word for it. Stop in and enjoy their St. Patrick’s day specials!
