The holiday lights are strung, the air is crisp and the season of big, bold beer flavors is finally here. While Virginia Beach is known for sunny shores and light lagers, the local beer scene truly shines when the cold weather rolls in, trading in refreshing IPAs for deep, dark and warming brews. Without further ado, here’s a guide to some of the locals’ favorite dark beers for the winter season in Virginia Beach.
Treats Pumpkin Spice Porter | Pleasure House Brewing
Not quite ready to leave the flavors of fall behind? That’s more than okay, thanks to Pleasure House Brewing’s Treats brew. This robust pumpkin spice porter features all your favorite warming spices, like cinnamon, clove and allspice, perfectly tying the essence of fall into the coziness of the holidays.
Local Tip: Treats is far from Pleasure House Brewing’s only noteworthy seasonal beer. Stick around for another pint or two, trying other brewed favorites like the Kangaroo Paw Pecan Brown Ale.
Kangaroo Paw Pecan Brown Ale | Pleasure House Brewing
Get the flavors of a homey pecan pie in Pleasure House Brewing’s second winter offering: Kangaroo Paw. A pecan brown ale, this brew brings nutty notes to the forefront, with the ever-classic hoppy and caramel-esque flavors lingering a little longer.
Local Tip: Continue the cozy vibes of your winter Virginia Beach getaway with a stop at AFK Books & Records just across the street. Who knows? Maybe you’ll head back home for a snug evening with a new favorite album or novel.
Haagen Dog Ice Cream Stout | Wasserhund Brewing
The holidays are all about treating yourself: to extravagant meals, to time with family and of course to dessert. Somehow, Wasserhund Brewing has managed to take the indulgence to the next level with its Haagen Dog Ice Cream Stout. This brew essentially tastes like beer and ice cream had a baby. It’s sweet, it has a bit of malty bitterness, and it’s impeccably smooth — all in the best way possible.
Local Tip: Dive into the dog-themed German vibes of Wasserhund Brewing even more with its full-fledged food menu. Try the jumbo beer pretzel, the Dog Tags (fried pickles) and the Burly Bulldog (meat lovers’) pizza.
Après Life | Commonwealth Brewing Company
Après Life could be called the ultimate winter beer. It’s very dark, it’s been aged in bourbon barrels and it features those roasty, nutty notes that make a fantastic dark beer. Keep your tastebuds primed for flavors like cacao and coconut, vanilla and espresso from this Commonwealth Brewing Company creation.
Local Tip: Many locals consider the family-owned Commonwealth Brewing Company to be the best of the Virginia Beach brewery scene. Stick around a little longer to enjoy another pint and their tasty wood-fired pizzas.
Modern S’morefare | Commonwealth Brewing Company
With winter weather comes campfires, and with campfires come ooey, gooey s’mores. Commonwealth Brewing Company’s Modern S’morefare brew brings together the marshmallow and chocolate flavor of s’mores and the bittersweet, malty notes of a stout beer.
Local Tip: Modern S’morefare is available for purchase as a six-pack of 12-ounce cans, so you can take this s’mores-inspired brew and enjoy it with its namesake treat. Sounds like a perfect winter date for two!
Fire at Sea | Reaver Beach Brewing Co.
While technically Fire at Sea isn’t a seasonal beer, its smoky, coffee and dark chocolate notes are perfect for the winter months. It’s a little bit like a campfire in a glass. This Reaver Beach Brewing Co. beer is ideal for those looking for something loosely inspired by the holiday season but not overly sweet.
Local Tip: There’s always some sort of event happening at this Virginia Beach brewery, so why not plan your visit to stop by during the fun? Enjoy trivia nights, charity fundraisers, holiday parties and more.
Murder of Crows | Reaver Beach Brewing Co.
Released at the end of December, Murder of Crows is Reaver Beach Brewing Co.’s newest addition to its winter beer lineup. This double coffee stout uses bourbon barrel-aged Costa Rican coffee beans to bring its warming flavors to life.
Local Tip: Want to enjoy coffee flavors from dawn to dusk? The locally owned Astraea Coffee is just down the road.
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- Chesapeake Bay
- Holidays
- Inland
- Nightlife
- Oceanfront
- Winter
Written by Sarah Etinas
As a full-time freelance travel writer and editor, Sarah Etinas is always on the lookout for her next adventure. With a passion for exploring new destinations, she's covered everything from the vibrant food scene in Hawaii to the stunning outdoor landscapes of Florida. Her work has been featured in renowned publications like TimeOut, TripAdvisor, Thrillist, and Lonely Planet. When she's not writing, Sarah practices what she preaches by hiking to beautiful waterfalls, visiting local markets, and dining on the most unique dishes she can find.
