In the past 10 years, Virginia has had an explosion of craft breweries! Virginia now has its own Craft Beer Magazine and website that lists the Commonwealth’s Breweries and special events and announcements from these popular destinations. In the Shenandoah Valley, one of the most popular Craft Breweries is Devils Backbone Brewing Company with two locations near Steeles Tavern Manor B&B and Alpine Hideaway Cottages.
Devils Backbone originated in Roseland, Virginia at what they call their “Base Camp”. The 100-acre site is located only about 30 minutes from our B&B. The “Basecamp Brewpub & Meadows” offers lots of special events and entertainment. Coming up on April 21, 2018, at the Basecamp, Seafood & Brews will feature – fresh seafood of course! Be entertained with live music; Enjoy FRESH oysters from Ward Oyster Company in Mobjack Bay, VA; Taste craft brews from six craft breweries at the Pop-up Beer Festival. This will be a day you don’t want to miss. Tickets are only $15 if you pre-purchase, $20 at the gate. AND $1 from each ticket sold will benefit the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Imagine – have a great day and help save the bay!
Devil Backbone continues to grow and expand! Next to the Basecamp Brewpub, you will find the very recently opened Devils Backbone Distilling Company. The new building has rustic lounges and offers their new, distilled liquors. The first new offering is Mountain Cane Silver Rum. Distillery Tours will be available on April 24, 2018 at 4, 5, and 6 pm. They will hold a grand opening and ribbon-cutting event on April 27, 2018.
Devils Backbone has a facility even closer to the B&B – The Outpost Brewery & Tap Room is located just outside of Lexington, VA. It’s an easy 17-minute drive to the Outpost from Steeles Tavern. This is the location where most of the brewing and canning is done for Devils Backbone. Try a flight of beer in the Tap Room or grab a growler and enjoy a picnic in the “bier garden” out back behind the main building. Brewery tours are available at the Outpost on Saturdays and Sundays at 2, 3, 4, and 5 pm. Be sure to wear closed-toed shoes to go on the tour. The Outpost is also expanding to add a kitchen so that food will be available for purchase. Watch for this new project to be completed sometime this summer!
Here at Steeles Tavern Manor B&B, we offer a welcoming social time each afternoon. We offer Virginia Wines, local cheeses, and local craft brews. Of course Devils Backbone brews are part of the selections. We don’t just sip the beer, we also cook with it! This beer cheese recipe is one that guests enjoy – and we hope that you will too.
BEER CHEESE
1 16oz. Velveeta cheese
2 8oz cream cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
10 – 12oz. Devils Backbone Vienna Lager
1 loaf crusty bread (sour dough, rye, pumpernickel, etc)
Cut cheeses into cubes. In blender, add ½ beer and ¼ of the Velveeta and ½ cream cheese cubes. Blend until smooth. Continue adding the cheeses & beer, little at a time, until all is blended. You can add more beer depending on how thick you like it. Add garlic powder and stir into cheese mixture. Store the beer cheese in refrigerator until ready to use.
Cut bread into cubes. (If desired, you can place the bread cubes in 200 degrees oven until slightly toasted).
Serve Beer Cheese with the bread cubes. (You can serve the cheese in a round crusty bread that has the top cut out like a well.)
Makes 4 cups.
Enjoy this recipe at home or make a reservation to stay with us and visit Devils Backbone Brewing Company. We are offering special spring mid-week rates and the brewery is open seven days per week. Plan a spring getaway to the Shenandoah Valley!
