Port City Brewing Celebrates 15 Years With Rare Rum Barrel-Aged Ale

Port City Brewing Company is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a two-day event. The Alexandria-based brewery, known for its deep roots in the city's colonial port history, will unveil a special rum barrel-aged ale and host live music throughout the weekend. Owner Bill Butcher reflects on the brewery's journey since its early days in 2011, when Virginia had just 20 breweries compared to over 400 today.

The anniversary festivities begin on Friday with the release of the Golden Rum Barrel-Aged Colossal Anniversary Ale. This limited-edition brew combines rich flavors of toffee and dried dark fruit with subtle hops, layered with vanilla, coconut, honey, and molasses from the rum barrels. Alongside it, the brewery will bring back its classic Colossal Anniversary Ale and reintroduce the Essential Pale Ale in new 12-ounce cans.

Saturday's event will expand with a photo booth, food specials, and three live performances. 'After the Party' will play from 2-4 p.m., followed by an acoustic set from Chris Rote from 4-5 p.m., and 'No Quick Fix' closing the night from 5:30-8 p.m. The brewery's tasting room, a long-standing community hub, will remain central to the celebrations.

Beyond the anniversary, Port City plans to grow its distribution across the mid-Atlantic while keeping its local roots strong. Butcher, whose family has deep ties to Alexandria, named the brewery as a nod to the city's historic port heritage. Over the years, the venue has also hosted political events, including the Alexandria Democratic Committee's straw poll, and Butcher himself has spoken at the Democratic National Convention, highlighting concerns over tariffs affecting beer prices.

Reflecting on the industry's growth, Butcher noted how Virginia's brewery count has surged from around 40 in 2011 to over 400 today. The anniversary marks not just a milestone for Port City but also a testament to the state's booming craft beer scene.

The two-day event will showcase new and returning beers, live entertainment, and community engagement. As Port City Brewing Company looks ahead, its expansion plans aim to reach more drinkers while keeping the tasting room a gathering place for locals. The anniversary also highlights how far Virginia's craft beer industry has come in the past decade and a half.