By Matt de Simone
Cold brews and great views are now open for business in Buchanan.
A Few Old Goats Brewing (AFOG) officially cut the ribbon last Saturday on its new location. Buchanan residents, members of Botetourt County staff, Virginia Tourism, and others welcomed the town’s newest business located at 19318 Main Street.
The new brewery adds to Sycamore Development’s repurposing of the old factory that was once the Groendyk Manufacturing Company. Factory Flats, the other development project on the property, is now a 21-unit apartment complex built from the old factory currently leasing spaces for potential residents.
Buchanan Mayor Tristan Harris shared a few words prior to cutting the ribbon. “As we stand here on this property, we are reminded of the pivotal companies that have previously filled these buildings. Just as those companies helped to build this community with hard work, dedication, and craftsmanship, so too does AFOG embody that same spirit. This brewery also represents a place where we can come together to enjoy quality brews as well as a hub for creativity, friendship, and local pride.”
Dual husband-and-wife owners, Ken and Joyce McGraw and Curtis and Lisa Reed, opened AFOG’s Old Southwest Roanoke location in 2018 after moving to Roanoke from Cleveland, Ohio. The “neighborhood” brewery in Roanoke recently celebrated its sixth year of business.
The ownership group decided on Buchanan after a visit with Chris Vale and Brent Cochran of Sycamore Development a few years back. The McGraws and Reeds immediately jumped at the opportunity due to the town’s “natural charm” and the views from the brewery’s patio area overlooking the surrounding mountains.
Harris added, “To the entire team at A Few Old Goats, thank you for believing in Buchanan. Your passion for brewing and commitment to community is commendable. You’re not just crafting beer; you’re building connections and enriching our town. That is what community is all about.”
AFOG offers a wide range of “classic” selections ensuring that beer-lovers will find something that they are looking for. Additionally, the brewery also offers flavors like pumpkin, cream ale, sour-fruited gose, saison, hard seltzer, and “Goatmeal” (oatmeal).
Co-owner Ken McGraw explained some of AFOG’s philosophies in giving customers what they want at a local brewery in a recent interview. “We have two philosophies about this. One is to make sure you offer something that covers multiple palates. You can go to breweries that specialize in IPAs (Indian Pale Ale), barrel-aged beer, or saisons. We do mostly classic styles and try to get something for everybody.
“The second (philosophy) is making sure we brew two-style with our own twist. For instance, the little red (ale) has a little roasted barley in it to give it a hint of smoke (flavor). We do little things like that. Style-wise, I’m a big barrel-aged beer fan. That’s one of the things we (brew) at our (Roanoke) brewery and we’ll get that a little more involved here (in Buchanan).”
Photos by Matt de Simone
The “two-style” brewing system is a method of producing two different beers from a single brewing session. The AFOG nano-brewery constantly rotates their flavors which gives their frequent customers something new to try for their next visit.
Expect to see food trucks on the property as well. AFOG is currently looking to hold events which will include live music and other collaborative town activities on the property in the future.
“We want to help accentuate (the town),” co-owner Curtis Reed said on Saturday. “We’re looking forward to a partnership with the town and other businesses. We want to work with everybody… The people have been very welcoming.”
A Few Old Goats – Buchanan is open Mondays through Thursdays from 2 p.m. until 9.pm. and Fridays through Sundays from 12 p.m. until 9 p.m. For more info, visit their website at afogbrewing.com.
