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7 Secrets To Old 690 Brewing Company’s Success: A Look At Loudoun’s Pioneering Farm Brewery In 2025

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Old 690 Brewing Company, nestled in the picturesque countryside near historic Hillsboro, Virginia, remains a cornerstone of the burgeoning Loudoun County craft beverage scene as of December 2025. This pioneering establishment, known for its commitment to the farm-to-glass concept, continues to draw craft beer enthusiasts with its unique blend of rural charm and expertly brewed ales, making it a destination that lives up to its motto: "hard to find, harder to leave."

The brewery, which was the first licensed farm brewery in Loudoun County, has successfully navigated the competitive landscape, hosting events well into late 2025 and releasing fresh seasonal brews that keep its loyal customer base engaged. From their flagship IPAs to their highly anticipated autumn releases, Old 690 offers a taste of authentic Virginia farm brewing that few others can match.

The Pioneers: Old 690 Brewing Company Profile & Key Milestones

Old 690 Brewing Company is more than just a taproom; it represents a significant piece of Virginia's craft beer history, particularly within Loudoun County. The brewery was founded by Loudoun native Ronda Powell and her husband Mark Powell, who are considered pioneers in the local beer scene.

  • Founders: Ronda Powell and Mark Powell
  • Location: 15670 Ashbury Church Rd, Hillsboro, VA 20132 (often associated with Purcellville, VA)
  • Opening Date: Late summer of 2014
  • Pioneering Status: First licensed farm brewery in Loudoun County, Virginia
  • Property Size: Located on a beautiful 10-acre family-owned property
  • Brew System: Utilizes a 7BBL (7-barrel) brew system
  • Mission: To brew and serve a unique yet balanced variety of fresh craft beers, including seasonal ales that utilize local crops
  • Motto: "Hard to find, harder to leave"

The establishment of Old 690 coincided with a pivotal moment in Virginia's agricultural and beverage laws. In 2014, the state allowed farmers to establish breweries on their land, and the Powells quickly capitalized on this opportunity. Their dedication to the farm brewery model—which mandates the use of a certain percentage of Virginia-grown ingredients—helped set a precedent for the dozens of breweries that followed in the region.

The 5 Must-Try Brews and 2025 Seasonal Releases

The beer list at Old 690 Brewing Company is celebrated for its balance and classic styles, appealing to both seasoned beer geeks and casual drinkers. Their commitment to fresh, quality ingredients is evident across their core and seasonal offerings.

Core & Flagship Beers to Sample

The tap list typically features a selection of well-crafted, approachable beers, ensuring there's a pint for every palate.

  1. Hillsboro Gap IPA: A classic American IPA, this is often cited as one of their flagship brews, showcasing a balanced hop profile.
  2. Blonde Ale: A light, crisp, and refreshing golden ale, perfect for a warm Virginia afternoon on the farm.
  3. Ruger Irish Red Ale: A smooth, malt-forward red ale, offering notes of caramel and a clean finish.
  4. Peach Blonde: A flavorful variation of their Blonde Ale, incorporating fruit to create a unique, slightly sweet, and aromatic brew.
  5. Gnarly Boar Pale Ale: An American Pale Ale that strikes a perfect balance between malt sweetness and hop bitterness.

Fresh 2025 Seasonal Spotlight

The brewery keeps its offerings dynamic with seasonal releases, ensuring there is always something new to try. One of the notable new entries for the year is a classic autumn favorite.

  • Wicked Old Lady Pumpkin Ale (2025): This seasonal release is listed as a Pumpkin / Yam Beer style, confirming the brewery’s continued tradition of releasing themed, high-quality seasonal brews that utilize farm-fresh ingredients.

Why Old 690 Remains a Loudoun County Landmark

Old 690 Brewing Company's enduring success is rooted in its unique identity and deep ties to the local community and the broader Virginia craft beer scene. Its location in the scenic Loudoun Valley offers an unparalleled experience that goes beyond simply drinking a beer.

The Farm Brewery Experience

The concept of the farm brewery is central to Old 690’s appeal. By being the first licensed operation of its kind in Loudoun County, they established a model that blends agriculture and craft brewing. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy their beer in a rustic, open-air environment, often with views of the surrounding farmland, which provides a genuine "escape" from city life.

Active Participation in the Craft Beer Scene

Despite being one of the older farm breweries, Old 690 remains an active and relevant player in the highly competitive Northern Virginia (NoVA) beer market. They are consistently involved in local industry events, such as being listed among the participants for the Loudoun Beer Awards 2025. This involvement demonstrates their commitment to quality and community, even when facing competition from newer, highly successful breweries like Eavesdrop Brewery and Ocelot Brewing Company.

A Community Hub for Events

The brewery is well-known for hosting local events, which solidify its role as a community gathering place. Recent schedules show continued activity, including live music and other gatherings, with events listed as late as December 2025. This steady stream of programming ensures that the brewery is a vibrant, year-round destination for residents of Hillsboro, Purcellville, and the greater Loudoun County area.

Furthermore, Old 690 has historically shown its community spirit by participating in state-wide initiatives, such as uniting with the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild and other breweries like Olde Salem Brewing Co and Tradition Brewing Company for hurricane relief efforts, demonstrating a commitment that extends beyond their local footprint.

In conclusion, Old 690 Brewing Company continues to thrive in 2025 by staying true to its roots as a pioneering farm brewery while consistently offering high-quality, fresh craft beer. The combination of its historic significance, the passion of its owners Ronda and Mark Powell, and its engaging seasonal releases like the Wicked Old Lady Pumpkin Ale ensures that this Hillsboro gem will remain a favorite destination in the Virginia craft beer landscape for years to come.

7 Secrets to Old 690 Brewing Company’s Success: A Look at Loudoun’s Pioneering Farm Brewery in 2025
old 690 brewing company
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