These Almost Heaven Beers are Influenced by West Virginia History and Culture

West Virginia’s craft beer scene continues to grow, and it has become quite popular in recent years. Several breweries around the state have made a tradition out of naming their beers after important historical events, figures, culture and folklore from around the Mountain State. Next time you make a stop at one of these Almost Heaven breweries, be sure to try one of these unique beers and pay homage to some of the key historical figures throughout the state’s history.

Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company: Mothman Black IPA

The Mothman Black IPA is appropriately named and modeled after the world-renowned West Virginia cryptid: The Mothman. The Mothman was a creature reportedly spotted in Point Pleasant in the 1960s that made national news and spawned movies, documentaries, a museum and even a video game appearance in Fallout 76. Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company describes the beer as a medium-bodied black ale with a strong, hoppy flavor and a balanced bitterness of citrus and hints of floral.

Morgantown Brewing Company: Zack Morgan’s Pale Ale

Named for Colonel Zackquill Morgan, Morgantown Brewing Company’s Zack Morgan’s Pale Ale is a copper brew made with American cascade hops with a distinctive, hoppy taste mixed with hints of fruit crispness. Zackquill Morgan was the founder of Morgantown and is the first known white settler of the area.

Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company: Zona’s Revenge

Zona’s Revenge Witbier is a light Belgian-style wheat ale mixed with a zesty/fruity finish along with herbs and spices. The beer is named after Zona Heaster Shue, otherwise known as the Greenbrier Ghost. Zona mysteriously passed away in 1897, and several weeks later, her mother reportedly was visited by her ghost – claiming she had been murdered by her husband. Zona’s mother convinced local police to reopen the case, and they re-examined the body, concluding that she had in fact been murdered. Her husband was sentenced to life in prison, and Zona is now recognized as one of the most popular characters in West Virginia folklore.

Wheeling Brewing Company: Nail City Porter

Wheeling is home to some of the richest history in West Virginia. It was the first capital of the state and an important port city along the Ohio River. It became a leader among the iron and steel industry and earned the nickname “Nail City.” The Nail City Porter by Wheeling Brewing Company pays homage to the importance of Wheeling’s history and hard-working heritage. The Nail City Porter is a dark ale with character – thanks to hints of chocolate, caramel and roasted barley.

Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company: Devil Anse IPA

Named after Devil Anse Hatfield, the patriarch of one side of the infamous Hatfield and McCoy feud, the Devil Anse IPA is an American-style India Pale Ale with complex hop flavors with a blend of malts and barley. The Hatfield and McCoy feud took place throughout much of the mid-to-late 1800s and featured rival families along the West Virginia and Kentucky border. Over the years, the feud became world-renowned and has spawned books, plays, movies, documentaries and television shows influenced by the events. The Hatfield-McCoy ATV Trail System is also named after the famous feud.

This is just a small sample size of unique West Virginia craft beers. As the industry continues to grow, there may be even more drinks dedicated to West Virginia history.

What’s your favorite Almost Heaven craft drink?

This post was last updated on March 17, 2022