Ornery Beer Company Wins 2 Medals In 2022 Virginia Craft Beer Cup

FAIFAX CITY, VA — Several craft breweries in the Fairfax City area took home medals 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."

Ornery Beer Company, which has a brewpub on University Drive in Fairfax City and a taproom in Manassas, won silver medals for its Down Wit It and Pacific Ways.

Great American Restaurant's Sweetwater Tavern, with eateries in Merrifield, Centreville, and Sterling, scored a gold medal for its Bishops Pass Ale and a silver medal for its Rusty Roadrunner Lager.

Caboose Brewing Company, which has locations in Vienna and Merrifield, won a total of three medals for its Vienna Lager, Bienvenidos Mexican Lager, and Das Gut pilsner. Caboose also received an honorable mention for its Boxcar Brown.

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."