Lake Ridge / Woodbridge Brewery Update 2018 – Part 2

Brew Republic Bierwerks

This start up brewery has come a long way in its first year and moving into 2018.  They have really expanded their distribution of some (2) of their beers and the biggest mover it seems is the Patriot 212.  You can find it at a few Wegman’s stores in No. VA as well as at Total Wine.  More places are signing on and you can also find BR Beer at many local restaurants and establishments!  I also think they may have to expand a bit to keep up with demand, so it will be cool to learn what other changes will be taking place in 2018.  Check out their website to see where they are currently pouring and their social media pages to find out where they are doing tastings!

Their food menu has expanded!  They have a regular set of dishes they serve all the time and then they have an ‘upstart menu’ I call it which offers different dishes throughout the week and changes regularly.  I recommend the Buffalo Shrimp Salad, the Vegetarian Chili and on their ‘Taco Tuesdays’ you have to have the tacos… they are very good!  The Taco Tuesday price is awesome at $9.99!  Normally their beers run $6.50-$8 a beer and on Taco Tuesday you get the three tacos and your choice of beer for $9.99!  How great is that!  A $8 beer and for $1.99 more, three great tacos!

Speaking of ‘Taco Tuesday’, Brew Republic has something going on it seems every night of the week!  From ‘Sunday Funday’ to ‘Radio Bingo’ on Thursday’s and ‘Open Mic’ night on Saturdays… there seems to be something.  Make sure to check their website to see what is going on.  Oh… they also have special events and parties as well.  On of those events being, well as of this year, their annual ‘Woodbridge Beerfest’.  Sure, they had the ‘1^st Annual’ one last year but can you really call it annual if you have only had one???  I say NO DAMNIT and you must have two or more to be annual, so get to it Brew Republic… make it happen!  Lots of thirsty people around in the spring.

There has also been a change in the ‘Beer Commissioner’ (beer club) membership.  They have gone from charging a monthly $17.99 member fee to a new $49.99 quarterly fee… a $3.98 savings from the past year 😒.  BUT… you get a $10 discount if you pay for the full year upfront ($189.99) which is a $2.50 savings from the quarterly price (insert trombone ‘Whaaa-whaaaa-whaaaaaaaaaa).  As far as the benefits of joining as a commissioner, those are:

• A taller pour (special Commissioner only glass, larger than regular glasses at 16oz) for each beer you order in the tap room.
• A quarterly 64oz growler fill (you provide the growler).
• $4 off 64oz, $2 off 32oz full price growler fills.
• Your choice of any available Brew Republic special edition glassware (i.e. Hoppenheimer, Anniversary, Oktoberfest, Inauguration, etc.).
• An official Brew Republic logo sticker for each quarter you’re a Commissioner.
• Free VIP upgrade to annual Woodbridge Beer Fest.
• Early entrance at annual Oktoberfest.
• 5% discount on all food.
• 10% discount on Brew Republic official merchandise.
• Exclusive night-before Guerrilla tasting each month.
• Free 4oz taste of yearly anniversary beer at annual pre-party.
• Priority table reservations for special events (please call in advance).
• Other special surprise benefits during the year (as available).
• And if you bite the bullet and pay for the full year you get two additional benefits… those being:
• Choose any hat or short-sleeve t-shirt from existing inventory
• An official Brew Republic 13.5oz pub glass.

Alas, I decided that I would let my commission expire at the end of 2017 and not renew for 2018… even with the changes.  I was the first full year member in 2017 and enjoyed being a commissioner and the commissioner’s responsibility of spreading the word about the ‘Republic of Beer’ but for me, the cost is still high compared to others.  However, you will still see me drinking there from time-to-time, like taking advantage of their happy hour, when I can, and their great Taco Tuesdays.

Growling Bear Brewing Company

As we go into 2018, Growling Bear Brewing Company is going on their 3^rd year after celebrating year 2 in the fall of 2017.  There have been some small changes from what I can tell but nothing major or mind blowing.  The wall that held the beer menu has been modified.  It has been shortened and there have been an addition of 4 regulation dart boards.  It is a nice set up and geared for tournament play.

As a matter of fact, they have posted on the wall that they host a “Luck of the Draw” tournament on Fridays starting at 7:30PM.  I do not know if they host any events from PWDA (Prince William Dart Association) but it would be a nice location to host an event.

In my opinion, it appears that they have cut back some on the home brewer supplies but they are still selling some starter kits as well as a variety of ingredient kits to get those interested in home brewing up and going.  Currently, they are on ‘Winter Hours’ which means they are open only three days a week;

-          Friday from 4:30pm – 10:00pm

-          Saturday from 1:30pm – 10:00pm

-          Sunday from 1:30pm -6:00pm

Their spring and summer hours should be starting here soon, so check the website for more information.

There have been no changes in the benefits in being a mug club member with Growling Bear as far as it is defined on their site and a review of membership benefits may be warranted.  On my last visit the new beer board does not contain prices (that I saw) for beer so that may need to be re-evaluated as when there I ordered a full pour of their ‘Smoking Bear Stout’ and a small (taster) pour of their Double Dark Bear.  The total at check out was $12.38, which suggests from the previous review that prices might have increased but more investigation is needed…. Maybe they have winter prices as well as winter hours.  LOL 😊

So… congratulations Growing Bear as being the oldest brewery in the Lake Ridge / Woodbridge area and I hope you continue for many more years.  I look forward to a review in 2019 on any changes.  See you soon!!

Stay tuned for the last updated review for Waters End... coming soon!