The highly anticipated Back Bay Farmhouse Brewing Co. has officially opened in Virginia Beach, and while it’s the newest brewery in town, it feels far from actually being in town. Set in a renovated 1912 farmhouse, the brewery eschews the industrial feel found in many breweries in favor of a more pastoral experience. What feels like a hidden escape miles away in the countryside is in fact conveniently located in Kempsville, quietly nestled near the hustle and bustle.
Stepping onto the brewery’s front porch, a large, cushioned swing beckons to be enjoyed, while inside, a fun yet sophisticated sitting room with spunky music also seems like the ideal spot to enjoy a beverage. Outside, patrons can indulge in their favorite yard games from giant checkers and cornhole to bocce ball, ladder ball and Connect Four. There are plenty of picnic tables as well as covered, swinging tables set among strands of twinkle lights, providing a serene ambience in a seemingly rural retreat.
More than just a farm atmosphere, the brewery will use ingredients from the on-property 1.5-acre farm when able. The 15-barrel high gravity brew system, multiple 30-barrel fermenters for beer and ciders and four 50-hectoliter foeders for their sour beer program will be used to fill 23 taps in two tasting rooms. A handful of options were available during our visit, and we chose the Apricot Tripel, a clean, slightly sweet beer with a lovely apricot finish. As the temperatures cool, we’re looking forward to the Oatmeal Raisin Stout.
Here’s something else to look forward to. The brewery will partner with Tarnished Truth Distilling Co. to receive bourbon barrels as part of their extensive barrel aging program. All production will be handled by Head Brewer David Achkio, who has more than 20 years of professional brewing experience.
In addition to beer and cider, the brewery offers a wine list, handcrafted by staff experts. Local food trucks will be on the property every Wednesday through Sunday, and the brewery will also partner with local restaurants including Aloha Snacks and Commune to serve small, pre-packaged foods.
The brewery itself sits on 8.6 acres, which will be available for weddings and private events. A vintage ice cream truck and bread truck are being converted to serve beer and cider on property, and live music will flow from the front porch, rounding out the most enjoyable farm experience found in the very heart of town.
Back Bay Farmhouse Brewing Co. is located at 1805 Kempsville Rd., Virginia Beach. 757-512-6430. Their current hours are Monday–Thursday 3–9 p.m., Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–10 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
