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
The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a double homicide following the discovery of two deceased individuals in a Heatherwood Drive residence about two miles from Courtland High School.
Investigators are mum about how they died.
On Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., deputies responded to a call from a concerned individual who reported not having heard from a friend. Upon visiting the residence in the 10800 block of Heatherwood Drive, the caller entered the home and discovered a female’s body. They exited and contacted the Spotsylvania County 911 call center.
Patricia A. Healy, the longest-serving member in the history of the Stafford County School Board, celebrated a remarkable milestone on January 14, 2025—25 years of dedicated service to Stafford County Public Schools. First elected to represent the Rock Hill District in 2000, Healy has since become a pillar of leadership and advocacy for education in the community.
In a special recognition at the school board meeting, Healy was lauded for her steadfast commitment to students, families, and educators. Over the course of her tenure, Healy has served alongside 33 board members and held leadership roles, including seven years as chair and one year as vice chair. Her guidance has been instrumental in navigating the board through significant growth, challenges, and transformations within the school system.
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.
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.
