Frederick, MD – Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe was on hand at Shadow Farm, a 53-acre farm
in Lucketts, Va., last month for a historic announcement on plans for Lucketts Mill
Hopworks, the State of Virginia and the mid-Atlantic’s first commercial-scale hops
production and processing facility. 
Building on that announcement, Flying Dog Brewery out of Frederick, Md., is nearing the
final stages of a partnership to create a separate and unique farm brewery destination
on that same property. The project, Farmworks Brewery, is set to open in summer 2015.
Jonathan Staples, who launched James River Distillery in Richmond earlier this year,
purchased Shadow Farm with the hopes of growing hops and other ingredients
necessary for brewing and distilling. The property sits on the north side of Lucketts, just
west of Rt. 15. Staples’ unparalleled vision for local agriculture attracted Flying Dog to
add a brewing dimension to the operation.
“We are really excited to have Flying Dog on board at Shadow Farm,” Staples said. “They
are a world-class brewery and they are the perfect partner to bring Virginia’s agriculture
to life through a different and distinct experience that will offer a new array of
fascinating beers.”
Farmworks Brewery, which will be owned and operated by Flying Dog, will be situated
on approximately 5 acres of the property and will include a 15-barrel brewhouse, cellar,
coolship and tasting room and hospitality area, along with an extensive barrel-aging and
sour beer facility. With a selection of beers unique to Shadow Farm, it will be a separate
and distinct experience than Flying Dog’s existing brewery, which is located just 17 miles
north of Lucketts in Frederick.
“At Farmworks Brewery, we plan to bring the same brewing energy, passion and talent
that our fans have grown to love from Flying Dog,” Flying Dog COO and Brewmaster
Matt Brophy said. “Agriculture is such an important part of brewing, and having access
to the resources at Shadow Farm will allow us the freedom to experiment and innovate
with a whole new collection of beer styles. It’s a unique setting, and we plan on brewing
some pretty unique beers.” 
Flying Dog will focus its energy on highly-experimental beers at Farmworks that will
include robust barrel aging, wild fermentation and sour beer programs. Farmworks will
also utilize the onsite hops and farming resources to craft recipes for beers made with
local Virginia ingredients.
Lucketts Mill Hopworks, which will be operated by Cumberland, Md.-based Organarchy
Hops, will be supplying Farmworks, as well as other regional breweries, with annual
crops of Virginia-grown hops. It will also provide a central location where growers will
be able to bring their crops for processing and packaging. The 10,000-square-foot facility
will house top of the line equipment and handling procedures required but out of the
budget for the small grower.
"Creating this facility opens up the door for all growers to focus on their crop and
expanding their yards instead of shelling out thousands of dollars for their own
equipment," Organarchy owner Solomon Rose said. "We are now able to assist new
growers with processing and supply chain management, as well as work hand-in-hand
with area universities on how to grow quality hops in this region."
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