Billsburg Brewery opens its doors to beer fans

By: Anthony Harris and Steve Roberts, Jr.
October 27, 2017
WY Daily

The Historic Triangle’s newest brewery is now open for business.

Billsburg Brewery officially opened Friday at the James City County Marina, with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 12:30 p.m.

The new brewery consists of two buildings — the brewery itself, as well as a taproom for guests to grab a seat, a beer and a view of the marina.

“Our goal was to make this a destination brewery,” said CEO and Master Brewer Dave Baum. “This is a place to come hang out and enjoy what James City County has to offer.”

Baum said seven beers will be on tap in the taproom, which seats 30. An adjoined deck can seat nearly 50 more customers. Eight beers will be available on tap at the garage doors of the brewery during events on the property’s lawn.

“Tourists can come here and enjoy but also residents alike,” said Amy Jordan, Economic Development Authority director for James City County. “Whether you’re catching a ferry on your way home or you live within the county and you want to swing out here and enjoy the view and have a drink. It’s a great place for people to socialize and come together.”

Baum, a James City County resident, signed a lease with the county for the marina property on Aug. 2, 2016. The IT professional said he was inspired to start the business after experimenting with homebrewing.

Billsburg will have food trucks on site all weekend, and the brewery will open at 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. So far, Baum said the social media response has been “very, very positive.”

He added the brewery will employ five full-time and six part-time employees.