Table of Contents
Introduction
Devils Backbone is a craft brewery located in Virginia, United States. It was founded in 2008 by Steve and Heidi Crandall and has since become a popular destination for beer enthusiasts. The brewery offers a wide range of craft beers, including lagers, ales, and IPAs, and has won numerous awards for its high-quality brews. In this article, we will explore whether Devils Backbone is considered a craft beer.
The History of Devils Backbone Craft Beer
Devils Backbone Brewing Company is a craft brewery located in Roseland, Virginia. It was founded in 2008 by Steve and Heidi Crandall, who were inspired by their love for beer and the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Devils Backbone has become a popular destination for beer lovers, and its beers have won numerous awards at national and international competitions. However, there has been some debate about whether Devils Backbone is truly a craft brewery or not.
To understand this debate, it is important to look at the history of Devils Backbone. The brewery started out as a small operation, with Steve and Heidi Crandall brewing beer in their garage. They quickly gained a following, and in 2008, they opened their first brewpub in Roseland. The brewpub was a hit, and Devils Backbone soon expanded to include a production brewery and a second brewpub in Lexington, Virginia.
Devils Backbone has always prided itself on being a craft brewery. The company’s website defines craft beer as “beer made by a small, independent, and traditional brewery.” Devils Backbone certainly fits the bill when it comes to being a small and independent brewery. However, some beer enthusiasts have questioned whether the brewery is truly “traditional.”
One of the main criticisms of Devils Backbone is that it is owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev, one of the largest beer companies in the world. In 2016, Anheuser-Busch InBev acquired Devils Backbone as part of its strategy to expand its portfolio of craft beer brands. This acquisition caused some controversy in the craft beer community, with some people accusing Devils Backbone of “selling out” to a big beer company.
However, Steve Crandall has defended the decision to sell the brewery to Anheuser-Busch InBev. In an interview with The Roanoke Times, he said, “We’re still making the same beer, with the same people, in the same place. We’re just able to do it on a bigger scale now.” He also pointed out that the acquisition has allowed Devils Backbone to expand its distribution and reach more customers.
Despite the controversy surrounding its ownership, Devils Backbone has continued to produce high-quality craft beer. The brewery’s flagship beer is Vienna Lager, a smooth and malty beer that has won numerous awards, including a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival. Devils Backbone also produces a wide range of other beers, including IPAs, stouts, and seasonal brews.
In addition to its beer, Devils Backbone is known for its commitment to sustainability and community involvement. The brewery has implemented a number of environmentally friendly practices, such as using solar panels to power its brewing operations and recycling its spent grain as animal feed. Devils Backbone also supports local charities and organizations, such as the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and the Nelson County Community Fund.
So, is Devils Backbone craft beer? The answer to that question depends on how you define “craft beer.” If you define it as beer made by a small, independent, and traditional brewery, then Devils Backbone certainly fits the bill. However, if you believe that a craft brewery should not be owned by a big beer company, then you may not consider Devils Backbone to be a true craft brewery.
Regardless of how you define craft beer, there is no denying that Devils Backbone produces high-quality beer that is beloved by many. The brewery’s commitment to sustainability and community involvement also sets it apart from many other breweries. Whether you consider it a craft brewery or not, Devils Backbone is a great example of how a love for beer and a passion for the environment and community can come together to create something truly special.
Top 5 Devils Backbone Beers to Try
Devils Backbone Brewing Company is a Virginia-based brewery that has been producing craft beer since 2008. The brewery has gained a reputation for producing high-quality beers that are both flavorful and unique. However, some beer enthusiasts have questioned whether Devils Backbone can be considered a craft brewery. In this article, we will explore this question and provide a list of the top five Devils Backbone beers to try.
First, let’s define what we mean by craft beer. The Brewers Association, a trade group that represents small and independent American craft brewers, defines craft beer as beer that is produced by a brewery that is small, independent, and traditional. Small means that the brewery produces less than 6 million barrels of beer per year. Independent means that less than 25% of the brewery is owned by a non-craft brewer. Traditional means that the majority of the brewery’s beer is made with traditional brewing ingredients like malted barley.
Based on this definition, Devils Backbone can be considered a craft brewery. The brewery produces less than 6 million barrels of beer per year and is independently owned. Additionally, the majority of their beer is made with traditional brewing ingredients.
Now that we have established that Devils Backbone is a craft brewery, let’s take a look at some of their top beers.
1. Vienna Lager – This beer is Devils Backbone’s flagship beer and has won numerous awards, including a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival. It is a smooth, easy-drinking lager with a rich, malty flavor.
2. Eight Point IPA – This IPA is a hop lover’s dream. It is brewed with eight different hop varieties, giving it a complex, citrusy flavor. Despite its hoppy profile, it is well-balanced and easy to drink.
3. Schwartz Bier – This black lager is a unique take on a traditional German style. It has a roasty, chocolatey flavor and a smooth, clean finish.
4. Cran-Gose – This sour beer is brewed with cranberries and sea salt, giving it a tart, refreshing flavor. It is a perfect beer for a hot summer day.
5. Trail Angel Weiss – This German-style wheat beer is light and refreshing, with a subtle banana and clove flavor. It is a great beer to pair with a meal or to enjoy on its own.
In conclusion, Devils Backbone Brewing Company can be considered a craft brewery based on the Brewers Association’s definition. The brewery produces high-quality beers that are both traditional and unique. If you are looking to try some of their top beers, we recommend starting with their Vienna Lager, Eight Point IPA, Schwartz Bier, Cran-Gose, and Trail Angel Weiss.
Devils Backbone’s Sustainability Efforts
Devils Backbone Brewing Company is a craft brewery located in Roseland, Virginia. The brewery was founded in 2008 by Steve and Heidi Crandall, and it has since become a popular destination for beer enthusiasts. Devils Backbone is known for its award-winning beers, including its Vienna Lager, which won a gold medal at the 2012 Great American Beer Festival.
In recent years, Devils Backbone has also become known for its sustainability efforts. The brewery has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact and promote sustainability.
One of the key sustainability initiatives at Devils Backbone is its use of renewable energy. The brewery has installed a 50-kilowatt solar array on its roof, which generates enough electricity to power the entire brewing operation. The solar panels also help to reduce the brewery’s carbon footprint by offsetting the emissions from its natural gas boilers.
Devils Backbone has also implemented a number of water conservation measures. The brewery uses a closed-loop system to recirculate water during the brewing process, which reduces the amount of water needed for brewing. The brewery also uses a reverse osmosis system to treat its wastewater, which allows the water to be reused for cleaning and other non-potable purposes.
In addition to its renewable energy and water conservation efforts, Devils Backbone has also implemented a number of waste reduction initiatives. The brewery recycles all of its cardboard, glass, and aluminum waste, and it composts its spent grain and hops. The brewery also donates its spent grain to local farmers, who use it as feed for their livestock.
Devils Backbone’s sustainability efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2016, the brewery was awarded the Virginia Green Travel Leader Award, which recognizes businesses that have made significant efforts to reduce their environmental impact. The brewery has also been recognized by the Brewers Association for its sustainability efforts.
Despite its sustainability efforts, some beer enthusiasts have questioned whether Devils Backbone can still be considered a craft brewery. In 2016, the brewery was acquired by Anheuser-Busch InBev, a multinational brewing company. Some beer enthusiasts argue that Devils Backbone’s acquisition by a large corporation means that it can no longer be considered a craft brewery.
However, the Brewers Association, a trade group that represents small and independent craft brewers, defines a craft brewery as one that produces less than 6 million barrels of beer per year and is less than 25% owned by a non-craft brewer. Devils Backbone meets both of these criteria, as it produces less than 100,000 barrels of beer per year and is less than 25% owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev.
In conclusion, Devils Backbone Brewing Company has implemented a number of sustainability initiatives to reduce its environmental impact and promote sustainability. The brewery’s use of renewable energy, water conservation measures, and waste reduction initiatives have earned it recognition from both the Virginia Green Travel Leader program and the Brewers Association. While some beer enthusiasts have questioned whether Devils Backbone can still be considered a craft brewery after its acquisition by Anheuser-Busch InBev, the brewery meets the Brewers Association’s criteria for a craft brewery.
The Brewing Process at Devils Backbone
Devils Backbone is a brewery located in Virginia that has been producing craft beer since 2008. The brewery has gained a reputation for producing high-quality beer that is enjoyed by beer enthusiasts across the country. However, there has been some debate about whether Devils Backbone can be considered a craft brewery. In this article, we will explore the brewing process at Devils Backbone and determine whether their beer can be classified as craft beer.
The brewing process at Devils Backbone begins with the selection of high-quality ingredients. The brewery uses only the finest malts, hops, and yeast to create their beer. The malt is sourced from local farms and is carefully roasted to create the unique flavors that are found in Devils Backbone beer. The hops are also carefully selected to ensure that they provide the perfect balance of bitterness and aroma. The yeast used in the brewing process is a proprietary strain that has been developed specifically for Devils Backbone.
Once the ingredients have been selected, the brewing process begins. The first step is to mash the malt, which involves mixing it with hot water to create a sweet liquid called wort. The wort is then boiled with hops to add bitterness and flavor to the beer. After boiling, the wort is cooled and yeast is added to begin the fermentation process. The beer is then aged for several weeks to allow the flavors to develop.
One of the key factors that determine whether a brewery is considered a craft brewery is the size of the brewery. The Brewers Association, which is the trade organization for craft breweries, defines a craft brewery as a brewery that produces less than 6 million barrels of beer per year. Devils Backbone produces approximately 40,000 barrels of beer per year, which is well below the 6 million barrel threshold. Therefore, Devils Backbone can be considered a craft brewery based on this definition.
Another factor that determines whether a brewery is considered a craft brewery is the ownership of the brewery. The Brewers Association defines a craft brewery as a brewery that is independent, meaning that less than 25% of the brewery is owned by a non-craft brewery. Devils Backbone was acquired by Anheuser-Busch InBev in 2016, which is a non-craft brewery. However, the Brewers Association has stated that Devils Backbone can still be considered a craft brewery because the acquisition occurred after the brewery had already established itself as a craft brewery.
In conclusion, Devils Backbone can be considered a craft brewery based on the size of the brewery and the definition provided by the Brewers Association. While the ownership of the brewery may be a point of contention, the fact remains that Devils Backbone produces high-quality beer using traditional brewing methods and high-quality ingredients. Whether you consider Devils Backbone to be a craft brewery or not, there is no denying that their beer is delicious and worth trying.
Devils Backbone’s Impact on the Craft Beer Industry
Craft beer has become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more breweries popping up across the country. One such brewery that has gained attention is Devils Backbone, located in Roseland, Virginia. However, there has been some debate as to whether or not Devils Backbone can truly be considered a craft brewery.
Devils Backbone was founded in 2008 by Steve and Heidi Crandall, and has since grown to become one of the largest breweries in Virginia. In 2016, it was acquired by Anheuser-Busch InBev, a multinational beverage company that also owns major beer brands such as Budweiser and Stella Artois. This acquisition has led some to question whether Devils Backbone can still be considered a craft brewery.
The Brewers Association, a trade group that represents small and independent craft brewers in the United States, defines a craft brewery as one that produces less than 6 million barrels of beer per year and is independently owned. By this definition, Devils Backbone would no longer be considered a craft brewery, as it is now owned by a large corporation.
However, the definition of craft beer is not so clear-cut. While the Brewers Association has its own definition, many beer enthusiasts and industry professionals have their own opinions on what constitutes a craft beer. Some argue that it is more about the quality and creativity of the beer, rather than the size or ownership of the brewery.
In terms of quality and creativity, Devils Backbone has certainly made a name for itself in the craft beer industry. The brewery has won numerous awards for its beers, including several medals at the Great American Beer Festival. Its flagship beer, Vienna Lager, is a classic example of the style and has become a fan favorite.
Devils Backbone has also been innovative in its brewing techniques, experimenting with barrel aging and sour beers. Its Trail Angel Weiss, a tart Berliner Weisse, has been particularly well-received by beer enthusiasts.
Despite its acquisition by Anheuser-Busch InBev, Devils Backbone has maintained its commitment to quality and creativity. The brewery still operates independently and has continued to release new and exciting beers. In fact, its ownership by a large corporation has allowed it to expand its distribution and reach a wider audience.
Some may argue that Devils Backbone’s acquisition by Anheuser-Busch InBev goes against the spirit of the craft beer industry, which values independence and local ownership. However, others see it as a sign of the industry’s growth and success. As craft beer becomes more popular, it is natural for larger corporations to take notice and want to invest in it.
In the end, whether or not Devils Backbone is considered a craft brewery is up for debate. While it may no longer meet the Brewers Association’s definition, it still produces high-quality, innovative beers that are beloved by many. Its impact on the craft beer industry cannot be denied, as it has helped to bring attention to Virginia’s growing beer scene and has inspired other breweries to push the boundaries of what is possible with beer.
Regardless of how one defines craft beer, it is clear that Devils Backbone has made a significant impact on the industry. Its commitment to quality and creativity has earned it a loyal following, and its acquisition by a large corporation has allowed it to reach even more beer enthusiasts. Whether or not it is considered a craft brewery, Devils Backbone is a testament to the power of good beer and the passion of those who make it.
Q&A
1. Is Devils Backbone a craft beer?
Yes, Devils Backbone is a craft beer.
2. What type of beer does Devils Backbone produce?
Devils Backbone produces a variety of beer styles, including lagers, ales, and IPAs.
3. Where is Devils Backbone located?
Devils Backbone is located in Roseland, Virginia.
4. When was Devils Backbone founded?
Devils Backbone was founded in 2008.
5. Is Devils Backbone available outside of Virginia?
Yes, Devils Backbone is distributed in several states across the United States.
Conclusion
Yes, Devils Backbone is a craft beer.