MAXWELTON W.Va. (WVDN) – Joshua Bennett, owner of The Hawk Knob Appalachian Cidery in Lewisburg, purchased The Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company in August of 2023. He has the company back in full swing today, to the delight of craft beer enthusiasts, everywhere. Fielding licensure and the purchase process since then, Bennett has commenced the brewing process and is ready to begin resupplying the state with his highly sought-after brews. Keeping up with new orders is a task he heralds his “stellar crew” with by saying, “Without them, I wouldn’t be able to do this. They allow me to rejuvenate brands and [be creative]. It’s just an incredible team of people.”
The brewing company is a craft brewery in Maxwelton, West Virginia, proudly providing craft beers throughout the states of West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland. You can find their creations in any bottle shop, grocery store, filling station, pub, tavern or Walmart. With a long history of barrel-aging ciders and home brews, Bennett supports the local business Smooth Ambler in which he ages some of the small-batch beers. Flavor offerings are plentiful such as Ole Ran’l Pilsner or Irish Dave’s Maple Bourbon Porter, which is just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. Also flowing on tap in large-scale production are the coveted Devil Anse IPA, Wild Trail Pale Ale, Mothman Black IPA and Braxie Blonde.
Bennett was a student of Viticulture and Oenology at WVU and has been making hard cider since he was 12 years old, following in the footsteps of generations of brewers. Also studying fermentation and distillation, he is capable of taking the brewery to new heights. The GVBCo had been around for some time and when Bennett saw that it had closed down, he was “saddened to see the beers disappear as well as the numerous jobs.” The high-quality brands and well-known beers previously made at the brewery are a foundation for newer innovations, increasing quality and a very bright future.
Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company’s taproom is open for business at 862 Industrial Rd., Lewisburg, Wednesday through Friday from 3-9 p.m., Saturdays 12-9 p.m., and Sundays 12-6 p.m. Some of the fun events happening begin on Saturday, Feb. 10 with the first annual Chili Cook-Off. The contest runs from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Music will be provided by Patrick O’Flaherty and Beth Patterson at 6 p.m. There is a $25 contestant entry fee. First and second place winners will split the pot 75/25. A $5 cover charge is for the chili tasting. There will be merchandise and growler giveaways! Contestants are to bring their chili already prepared and are responsible for their own heating source; bring a table if you have one. Some tables will be available for those that do not have.
For more information about the contest registration, contact david_grffc@outlook.com OR dylan@hawkknob.com. See their Facebook page for more information, stellar events and craft beer news. Messaging is welcome through Facebook Messenger. As Joshua says “Get Out. Explore. Bring Beer.”
