Hardywood Park Craft Brewery

2408 Ownby Lane
420-2420
hardywood.com

Second Place: Legend Brewing Co.

Third Place: Strangeways Brewing

Hardywood has a unique ability to fill its parking lot in an otherwise lifeless industrial park with hundreds of crisp, preppy young Richmonders. The crowd is a testament to Richmond's love for the brewery, which opened in 2011. Last year saw Hardywood expand its presence on area store shelves when it invested in the equipment necessary to bottle six-packs. In addition to its flagship Singel, a Belgian Abbey-style blond ale, Hardywood produces an array of seasonal beers, including its coveted Gingerbread Stout, and has begun canning a delightfully light cream ale. Legend Brewing Co., the Richmond microbrewery that paved the way, celebrates its 20th anniversary in Manchester. And Strangeways keeps it fresh with 25 beers always on tap — from its reliable Albino Monkey Belgian White Ale to its ever-rotating selection of "curiosities."