Prince William Beer Trail
Editors note: This is the second in a series of posts showcasing breweries in Prince William County, Virginia.
After Prince William County had changed a zoning code that longer restricted breweries to industrial areas and allowed them to open in neighborhood shopping districts, Water’s End Brewery chose Dillingham Square in Lake Ridge, and the rest is history.
Owners Zach Mote, Ryan Sharkey, and Josh Fournelle are dedicated owners; you can always find them behind the bar serving customers. As of now, the brewery doesn’t have any other employees, but Ryan Sharkey, one of the three co-owners, noted that when they do start hiring employees, an owner will always remain present.
“We receive constant feedback and the raw experience of serving our customers face to face makes us focus intensely on producing the highest quality beer we can,” said Sharkey. “Our brewer has actually taken a “taproom vote” on which style of beer to brew the next day- that’s not something that would happen at most other breweries.”
Their most popular drink is “Damn Beer,” which they promise to always have on the menu. Sharkey describes it as an “easy-drinking golden ale that is often referred to as their ‘gateway beer.”
Sharkey notes that many customers are new to craft beer and it can be difficult to distinguish a brew that customers like. The Damn Beer gives an easy introduction for newcomers and provides a break from stronger flavors seen in stouts and other darker brews.
“Sometimes you just need a Damn Beer, and our craft beer aficionados will order it too as a break from the big flavors of some other beers,” said Sharkey.
There’s also a method behind the naming madness of each brew courtesy of their brewer, Zach Mote.
“Our Adventure Hat, strong American black ale, describes the hat Zach would like to wear while on brew days on the back deck,” said Sharkey. “You’ll find the hat proudly hanging behind the bar.”
The HopDrop, a white IPA, describes Water’s End logo; Sharkey explains that it’s a water droplet transforming to hop cone as “water ends and the beer begins.” Some names will also have references to the community.
Make sure to also keep an eye out for their Beer Club, one that sports 270+ members who can enjoy larger pours, discounts, special events, and beer releases.
More: Comics, sci-fi, and beer. A one of a kind brewery in Prince William.
Recent Stories
This week, we’re thrilled to host Dr. Babur Lateef, Chairman of the Prince William County School Board, and Jennifer Wall, Gainesville District Representative, for an engaging discussion on the state of education in Prince William County on the next Potomac Local News Podcast.
Rania Lateef, a senior at Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School and the Governor’s School @ Innovation Park, daughter of Prince William School Board Chairman Babur Lateef, has been named one of 40 finalists in the prestigious 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS). Selected from nearly 2,500 applicants nationwide, Rania is recognized for her groundbreaking research on the effects of artificial light and circadian disruption on biobehavioral systems in Drosophila melanogaster. Her work highlights the impact of sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances on physical and mental health.
Rania credited her success to the supportive academic community of Prince William County Public Schools, her teachers Stephanie Brown and Dr. Alexis Patanarut, and her unique opportunities at GS@IP. As a finalist, she has already won $27,000 and will compete for additional awards totaling over $1.8 million during a week-long event in Washington, D.C., in March 2025. Rania’s journey emphasizes the power of passion and commitment in achieving meaningful scientific discoveries.
The Woodbridge District invites residents to join a Community Update Town Hall Meeting hosted by Supervisor Margaret Angela Franklin. This virtual event offers an opportunity for residents to stay informed about the latest developments and initiatives in the community.
Details of the Town Hall:
Date: January 29, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Virtual (via Zoom)
Residents can participate in the meeting by joining the Zoom session.
On January 24, 2025, at 12:25 a.m., Sergeant E.E. West responded to a single-vehicle crash at the McDonald’s on Wonder Road. An intoxicated driver, identified as Juan Gomez Alvarez, 38, of North Carolina, entered the drive-thru at a high rate of speed, struck a sign, and came to rest at an awkward angle, blocking the lane.
Gomez Alvarez displayed red, glassy eyes and had a strong odor of alcohol. The investigation revealed that he had been convicted of DUI in New York just the previous day, making this his second offense in five years. He was charged with DUI second offense, refusal, and destruction of property and was taken to Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
