Lake Anne Brew House Takes Home Gold In 2022 Virginia Craft Beer Cup

Reston, VA — Lake Anne Brew House earned a gold medal for one of its flagship beers in the 2022 Virginia Craft Beer Cup, announced by the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild Monday.

The Virginia Craft Beer Cup is the largest state competition of its kind in the U.S., allowing breweries to compete, get feedback from judges and win statewide recognition to help their brands. A record 106 breweries in Virginia participated this year, including 14 new participants. Breweries could submit up to four beers for judging in 33 categories.

"It was clearly evident in the tight race that every brewery is extremely dedicated to the craft and their dedication is inspiring," said head judge Charlie Harr in a statement. "This year’s competition proves Virginia has some of the best craft brewers in the nation."

Lake Anne Brew House's Reston Red finished first among amber ales, earning it a gold medal. Lucky Cat from Norfolk's Bold Mariner Brewing Company came in second.

The brew house also received an honorable mention for All That Razz, the raspberry farmhouse ale it brews every year to celebrate Pride Month.

Monday's gold medal was the 11th the company has earned in the annual completion since it opened for business in 2016.

"We have a couple of other golds, some silvers and some bronzes already on our medal rack here in the brew house," said Melisa Romano, who owns the brew house with her husband Jason.

The competition took place at Old Ox Brewery in Ashburn. Competition winners also receive media, retail marketing and tourism opportunities, including a Cup Winner Beer Trail, digital medals for labels and retail displays.

In addition to being the host, Old Ox Brewery took home a bronze medal for its Cream Ale.

A full list of 2022 Virginia Craft Beer Cup winners is available here.

Port City Brewing Company from Alexandria won three medals: third place in Best of Show for its Optimal Wit, first place in the Belgian Wit category for its Optimal Wit, and first place in the Porters category for its Porter.

"We are thrilled for the recognition of two of our best-selling beers, Optimal Wit, and Porter, being among the best craft beers in Virginia," said Port City Brewery founder Bill Butcher in a statement. "It is more competitive than ever, and these two Gold Medals are a testament to our team’s dedication to brewing great quality beers day in and day out."