Checkpoint Delta: The Devil's Backbone

 Check Point Charlie was a quick stop to rest weary eyes in Winston-Salem, NC. We picked-up a sample in the morning at zee Cafe Adler (ie Foothills Brewing), and unlike the harrowing accounts of it's Cold War counterpart, we cruised through, unabated, and headed ENE to the most anticipated checkpoint on our trek, Devils Backbone. This place won the GABF 2012 Small Brew Pub of the Year, 2013 Small Brewing Company of the Year, and 2014 Midsize Brewing Company of the Year. A resume capable of putting the fear or hope of Dionysus (Beer God) into any aspiring brewer. The route required us to diverge off the traveled path to reach Roseland, VA, location of Devil's Backbone base camp. As we ventured on through the country, the road narrowed and curved. Soon we could only see as far the next turn, as the trees and road intertwinded with the landscape into the bowels of the beast. Then as the sunlight reduced to a glint through the leaves, and our expectations heightened to a brilliance, we reached a glen in the woods. There in the clearing was Devils Backbone Brewing Company. It was magnificent. The base camp location gave 360 degree views of the majestic masterpiece of the mountains. A multitude of hunting trophies welcomed us as we eased into our bar stools with a Vienna Lager and a Schwartzbier. With one sip I stared back amazed into the brew, and wondered, "Where have you been all my legal adult life?" Both had amazing up front flavor with the distinct crisp lager finish. Aaron, one of the brewers chatted with us, and encouraged us on our mission, as we sipped on a Tripel, and Pilot Brau (Enjoyed the balance of the Tripel, and the unique flavor of the New Zealand hop varietal in the Brau). This place had it all, great beer (especially technically difficult lagers), gorgeous location, cozy lodge feel, did I mention great beer. Once we cleared our heads, we amassed our samples, saluted the brewers on their marvelous work, and reluctantly left our posts at the end of the bar. Unbeknownst when we may ever return to this place, we decided to make the best of our location, and performed a slight course adjustment. The mission's route was redirected to include a portion of the Blue Ridge parkway just on top of the ridge that overlooked the valley. Once we reached the top, we were pleased with our choice. The straw yellow hues of the leaves were highlighted by the golden rays of the setting sun. A beautiful sight to behold that would give any Beligian Wit drinker, or Red-blooded American goose bumps of glee. Filled with joy we coasted down from the mountaintop into Checkpoint Echo: Blue Mountain Brewery and Hop Farm. With time bearing down on us we were forced to make it a quick stop, which was fine, since the rhizomes weren't as big as I expected (more like a serene hop garden of Cascades and Centennials). There was this cool craft brew map on the wall.

After a quick taster flight, we were off, and once we merged back onto the main thoroughfare of the Northeast I-95 corridor we knew we were ever so close to our ultimate destination.