The Belly Love Brewing Company Legacy: What Happened To The Purcellville Favorite And The Rise Of Eleven Eleven Brewing Co.
Belly Love Brewing Company, a beloved staple of the Loudoun County, Virginia, craft beer scene for nearly a decade, has officially concluded its run under that name, marking a significant transition in the Purcellville microbrewery landscape. As of late 2023/early 2024, the physical location and brewing operations have been taken over by a new ownership group and rebranded as Eleven Eleven Brewing Co.. This change represents the natural evolution of the craft beer industry, where even successful, long-running establishments pass the torch to a new generation of brewers and visionaries.
The original brewery, which opened its doors in 2014, quickly cultivated a loyal following, known not only for its quality, consistent brews but also for its intimate, taproom-focused atmosphere nestled in a quiet Purcellville shopping center. This in-depth look explores the rich history and unique offerings of Belly Love, the key figures behind its success, and the exciting new direction its physical home is taking under the Eleven Eleven brand.
The Belly Love Brewing Company Era: A Decade of Craft and Controversy
Founded in 2014, Belly Love Brewing Company established itself in Purcellville, Virginia, a town already known for its burgeoning craft beverage scene, including the highly-regarded Adroit Theory. Belly Love’s approach was often described as more approachable, focusing on a wide range of styles to please every palate, from easy-drinking lagers to bold, hop-forward IPAs.
The brewery was originally owned by Tolga Baki, who was known for his hands-on approach and commitment to the local community. His team focused on quality and consistency, building a reputation as a friendly, welcoming spot for both locals and visitors to Loudoun County. The taproom’s location at 725 E. Main St., tucked away at the end of a breezeway, only added to its charm as a hidden gem.
Signature Beers and the Belly Love Brand Identity
One of the most memorable aspects of Belly Love Brewing was its often irreverent and attention-grabbing beer names. These names contributed significantly to the brewery's unique, memorable brand identity, often sparking conversation and curiosity among craft beer enthusiasts.
Notable Belly Love Beer Entities:
- Narcissist: An attention-grabbing name for a presumably bold brew.
- Shut The Fook Up: A famously provocative title that certainly stood out on the tap list.
- My Bitter X: A playful name suggesting a highly-hopped, bitter beer, likely an IPA.
- Eye of Jupiter: Indicating a celestial or powerful brew.
- März Attacks: A seasonal or German-style beer, likely a Märzen or Oktoberfest lager.
- Smoke Em If You Got Em: Suggesting a smoked beer or a strong, flavorful ale.
- Bust A cocoNut: A clear indication of a stout or porter brewed with coconut.
These unique names helped Belly Love stand apart in the crowded Virginia craft beer market and demonstrated a commitment to fun and a refusal to take the brewing process too seriously. The brewery also actively participated in the homebrewing community, teaming up with the Homebrewers of Western Loudoun (HOWL) on new programs, further cementing its local roots.
The Transition: From Belly Love to Eleven Eleven Brewing Co.
After a successful run of approximately ten years, the ownership of the Purcellville location transitioned. Belly Love Brewing Company was officially taken over by new proprietors and rebranded as Eleven Eleven Brewing Co.. This transition, completed in late 2023/early 2024, ensures that the space remains a vibrant hub for craft beer production in the heart of Loudoun County.
The new venture is headed by Marianne and Matt, a pair of passionate craft beer enthusiasts and homebrewers who had been planning to open their own brewery since 2013. They inherited the established infrastructure, allowing them to hit the ground running and continue the tradition of quality brewing at the E. Main Street address.
Eleven Eleven Brewing Co.: New Vision, Familiar Location
Eleven Eleven Brewing Co. has introduced a fresh concept to the space, positioning itself as a cozy, retro-industrial microbrewery and taproom. While the physical location remains the same, the new owners bring their own distinct style and beer philosophy to the fore.
The new company continues the tradition of unique and diverse offerings, but with a new set of memorable names. Their tap list features a wide selection of craft beers, demonstrating their commitment to variety and flavor exploration.
Eleven Eleven Brewing Co. New Beer Entities:
- 50 Shades of Gold: A catchy, modern name likely for a Golden Ale or a bright, pale beer.
- Flying Unicorn Crotch Kick: An example of the new brand's commitment to fun, highly-memorable, and slightly outlandish beer names, following in the spirit of the previous tenant.
This rebranding is a significant event for the Purcellville craft beer scene. It provides a continuity of service for local patrons while injecting new energy and a fresh perspective into the established location. The legacy of Belly Love's decade-long contribution to Virginia craft beer lives on through the continued operation of the microbrewery space.
The Enduring Appeal of Purcellville's Craft Beer Scene
The story of Belly Love Brewing Company’s transition is a microcosm of the dynamic and constantly evolving craft beer industry, particularly in rich brewing regions like Loudoun County, Virginia. Breweries often change hands, allowing new creative teams to take over existing, successful operations.
The area, which is a key destination for Virginia craft beer lovers, benefits from the continued presence of a dedicated microbrewery at the 725 E. Main St. location. While enthusiasts may miss the original Belly Love brews—such as the bold, grapefruit and apricot-noted IPA that defined their early offerings—the ability to pass the torch ensures that craft beer culture remains strong in Purcellville.
For visitors and locals alike, the transition from Belly Love to Eleven Eleven Brewing Co. is an invitation to explore a new chapter. It is a chance to celebrate the foundation laid by the original owners while embracing the innovative concepts and new brews being crafted by Marianne and Matt. The cozy, retro-industrial taproom continues to serve as a cornerstone of the local community, proving that while names may change, the love for quality, local craft beer in Loudoun County remains absolute.
Detail Author:
- Name : Vivian Hirthe
- Username : dubuque.soledad
- Email : cassin.candido@gmail.com
- Birthdate : 2002-02-03
- Address : 693 Isadore Ranch Suite 204 North Arnehaven, LA 69687
- Phone : 440-884-5468
- Company : Ferry, Fadel and Hahn
- Job : Tire Changer
- Bio : Voluptas doloribus error perferendis quidem. Mollitia quas est et. Perspiciatis maxime fugiat quo eos facilis voluptates. Consequuntur a est eos est asperiores.
Socials
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/cnienow
- username : cnienow
- bio : Sequi fugit cum et fuga beatae. Dignissimos exercitationem dolorem voluptas.
- followers : 5240
- following : 2582
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/carmelanienow
- username : carmelanienow
- bio : Quia non cupiditate consequuntur consequuntur. Ab tempora itaque necessitatibus aspernatur perspiciatis tenetur accusantium. Quia et ut dolor.
- followers : 1543
- following : 1561
