Discover the Award-Winning Boxcar Brown Ale
One of the best brews in the country, the Boxcar Brown ale from Caboose Brewing Company, has gained national recognition. This remarkable beer took home the gold at the prestigious U.S. Open Beer Championship in 2024, making it a local gem in Fairfax County.
Boxcar Brown Ale: A Fairfax County Treasure
The Boxcar Brown Ale is a staple at both Caboose Tavern in Vienna and Caboose Commons near the Mosaic District in Merrifield. Described as a smooth and robust brown ale, it boasts hints of rich chocolate and dark fruit, offering a delightful drinking experience for beer enthusiasts.
Award-Winning Craftsmanship
Developed by head brewer Matt Smith, the Boxcar Brown Ale has earned its place on the menu at both of Caboose’s locations. This national recognition is a significant achievement for the brewery, having previously won multiple awards at the Virginia Craft Brewers Cup. In fact, this is only the second time Caboose has been honored at a national level, with a previous win at the Great American Beer Festival in 2021.
Local Pride in Every Sip
According to Dave Traille, Director of Brewing Operations at Caboose Brewing Company, the team is excited and proud to bring back a medal to Virginia. It reflects the quality and dedication of local craft breweries in the state.
The History of Caboose Brewing Company
Taking its name from Vienna’s Red Caboose, Caboose Brewing was founded in 2015 by the McLaughlin and Greer families. They expanded their operations to Merrifield in November 2018, continuing their journey of brewing excellence and community engagement.
More Than Just a Brewery
Caboose Brewing Company’s success at the U.S. Open Beer Championship highlights its dedication to quality and craft. The competition featured over 9,000 beers from across the country, showcasing the best in American brewing. While Caboose was the only Fairfax County brewery to earn a medal, several other Virginia breweries also secured awards, contributing to the state’s vibrant beer scene.
Recognizing Excellence Nationwide
The 2024 U.S. Open Beer Championship was held at the U.S. Open Event Center in Oxford, Ohio. The event celebrated the finest in brewing, with Ohio’s Third Eye Brewing taking the Grand National Champion title. Though no Virginia brewery made the top 10, the state had multiple medal winners, showcasing the broad talent and creativity of its brewers.
Virginia Breweries | Medals Won |
---|---|
Barley Naked Brewing Company (Stafford) | Gold |
Benchtop Brewing Company (Norfolk) | Silver |
Caiseal Beer & Spirits Co. (Hampton) | Bronze |
Tradition Brewing Company (Newport News) | Gold |
Iron Pipe Alewerks (Orange) | Silver |
MoMac Brewing Company (Portsmouth) | Bronze |
New Realm Brewing Co. (Virginia Beach) | Gold |
Olde Salem Brewing Company (Salem) | Silver |
Patch Brewing Co. (Gordonsville) | Bronze |
2 Silos Brewing Co. (Manassas) | Gold |
Barrel Oak Winery & Brewery (Delaplane) | Silver |
Conclusion
With its award-winning Boxcar Brown Ale, Caboose Brewing Company has solidified its place among the best in the nation. The recognition from the U.S. Open Beer Championship not only brings pride to Fairfax County but also highlights the thriving craft beer culture in Virginia. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, a visit to Caboose Brewing offers a taste of excellence that’s hard to beat.