Brewmaster Matt Rose didn't have his sights set on a major franchise when he opened Forge Brew Works in Lorton. He simply loved brewing high-quality beers in small batches. So you can expect the same level of care at this small, local brewery, which regulars say offers some stellar suds despite its modest size.

The Belgian Blonde is a favorite: it's a relatively light beer crafted using Belgian Pilsen and Abbey malts as well as Belgian yeast. The Abbey Ale is another popular option: it's a slightly strong dark ale inspired by the types of beers that monks have brewed for hundreds of years. There are many other staple beers available here, from the Seaward Double IPA to the Petite Saison, but you can also look for seasonal specialty beers, which fall into the White Label category (brewed by the head brewmaster) or the Striker Series (invented by assistant brewers).

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