Ballast Point to Open Virginia Brewery

Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits, which was ranked the 11th largest craft brewer in the Brewer's Association's 2015 list of Top 50 Craft Breweries, will invest $48 million dollars to turn an existing building into a production and retail facility in Botetourt County, Virginia, about thirty miles north of Roanoke.

The expansion will create about 175 jobs directly, and will generate around 540 secondary jobs, along with an estimated $375 million in annual economic impact.

“The location ticked all of our boxes from an operational and infrastructure standpoint,” said Ballast Point spokeswoman Hilary Cocalis. “Plus, the active and welcoming community is a great fit with our company and culture, and county and state officials have been great to work with on this opportunity.”

Area brewers are welcoming the news. The deal, along with Deschutes' announcement in March that it will build an $85 million facility in Roanoke, will bring increased attention to the brewing scene, which includes nearby craft brewers Flying Mouse Brewery, Big Lick Brewing Company and Parkway Brewing Company.

The brewery, which will include a tasting room, does not have a set date, but construction should begin towards the latter end of the year.