Crooked Run Fermentation

What Crooked Run Fermentation does

Crooked Run Fermentation is a privately held craft fermentation producer founded in 2013 in Leesburg, Virginia, and now operating three taproom locations across Virginia and Washington, D.C. Its portfolio spans the full range of contemporary and traditional fermented beverages: lagers (pilsners, helles, schwarzbier, hefeweizen), West Coast IPAs, kettle sours and fruited sours, over-fruited imperial sours, decocted and dry-hopped specialties, high-ABV bourbon/brandy/wine barrel-aged stouts and barleywines (Black Friday series), as well as low-intervention natural wines (Virginia grapes, no added sulfites, spontaneous fermentation), ciders, and seltzers. The Native Culture sub-brand, launched in 2019, anchors its differentiated position in coolship and mixed-fermentation/lambic-inspired beers produced with native yeast, 100% Virginia malt, and 100% Virginia fruit.

Production is anchored by a 14,000+ sq ft Sterling, Virginia facility (opened 2017) with a 40 BBL fermenter, dedicated sour and barrel rooms, an in-house canning line, and integrated food-and-beverage concepts (J&J Pizza, Daybreak Kitchen, Señor Ramon Taqueria, Nectar Cocktail Bar). Three taprooms — Leesburg (2013, original nanobrewery), Sterling (2017, production + destination), and DC Union Market (2023) — serve as the primary revenue channel, supplemented by wholesale distribution to accounts in Virginia and Maryland (including ChurchKey, Bluejacket/Neighborhood Restaurant Group, and Wheatland Spring collaborations) and recurring event programming (Propagation beer festival, Oktoberfest, Pickle & International Food Festival, Trivia, Karaoke, Movie Nights) plus private event rentals via TripleSeat. The company is founder-led by co-owners Jake Endres (Head Brewer / Production Manager) and Lee Rogan (Operations Manager), has earned a 2016 World Beer Cup Gold Medal for the saison Supernatural, and operates with no disclosed external funding or institutional ownership.

The business model is predominantly direct-to-consumer through taproom on-premise sales (beer by the glass is the primary revenue driver), with secondary wholesale distribution to regional accounts, off-premise sales of cans/bottles, festival ticket revenue, and private event rentals that can accommodate up to 400 guests at Sterling. Pricing is transaction-based across all channels: specialty bottled sours clear at ~$14/750ml; flagship canned six-packs compete in the high-teens craft segment; event offerings include $5 general admission to the Pickle Festival and Happy Hour pricing ($3 select beers, $3 shots) at the DC taproom. There is no subscription or contracted recurring revenue line, and customer concentration is largely diffuse across walk-in taproom traffic complemented by select high-pedigree wholesale accounts.

Name

Crooked Run Fermentation

Legal name

Crooked Run Fermentation

Website

https://crookedrunfermentation.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Crooked Run Fermentation is a privately held Virginia craft fermentation producer operating three taprooms (Leesburg, Sterling, DC Union Market), producing diverse contemporary and traditional beers, coolship sours, natural wines, ciders, and seltzers via its Native Culture mixed-fermentation sub-brand, and distributing wholesale to Virginia and Maryland accounts.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Craft Brewing

NAICS

Breweries (31212), Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages) (7224), Wineries (312130)

SIC

Malt Beverages (2082), Retail-Eating & Drinking Places (5810)

akta.pro primary industry

Brewpubs & Taprooms (On-site Beer Service) (THAFALAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Packaging & Production Breweries (Limited/No On-site Service) (THAFALAB), Kombucha & Other Fermented Non-Alcoholic Beverages (AFAFABAK)

Keywords

• Craft beer production
• Barrel-aged stouts
• Mixed fermentation
• Natural wines
• Taproom restaurant

Headquarters

HQ city

Sterling

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. On-Premise Beer Sales: Selling beer by the glass at taproom locations. Primary revenue driver as majority of beer is sold by the glass in taprooms.
2. Off-Premise Beer Sales: Canned and bottled beer for takeout including new releases, flagships, and specialty barrel-aged beers sold at taprooms.
3. Food and Beverage Partnerships: Revenue from on-site food vendors including J&J Pizza, Señor Ramon Taqueria, Daybreak Kitchen, and Nectar Cocktail Bar operating within Sterling location.
4. Private Event Rentals: Rental of event spaces at Sterling and DC locations for parties, corporate events, weddings with reserved seating and catering options.
5. Festival Admissions: Ticket sales for annual Pickle & International Food Festival including VIP and general admission tickets.
6. Distribution Sales: Wholesale distribution of canned and bottled beer to accounts in Virginia and Maryland including local bars and restaurants.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Crooked Run Fermentation produces and sells craft fermented beverages including contemporary and traditional beers (West Coast IPAs, pilsners, lagers, fruited sours, barrel-aged stouts), coolship spontaneous sours, mixed-fermentation beers (Native Culture sub-brand), natural wines, ciders, and seltzers. The company operates three taproom locations in Virginia and Washington D.C. with on-site food partners offering NY-style pizza, brunch, tacos, and craft cocktails, and distributes wholesale to accounts across Virginia and Maryland.

Product overview

Crooked Run Fermentation is a Virginia-based craft beverage producer founded in 2013 in Leesburg, VA, offering a diverse portfolio of fermented products centered around beer but extending to natural wine, cider, and seltzer. The core product portfolio centers on flagship beers including Coast (New Zealand pilsner), Raspberry Empress (fruited kettle sour), Scorpion (West Coast IPA), and Storm (retooled West Coast IPA), complemented by extensive rotating and seasonal offerings across lagers, IPAs, barrel-aged stouts, coolship sours, and mixed-fermentation beers. A key differentiator is the Native Culture sub-brand (launched 2019) for spontaneously fermented coolship beers and lambic-inspired beers using Virginia-grown ingredients and native yeast. Additional offerings include over-fruited imperial sours, goses, saisons, barrel-aged stouts and barleywines (annual Black Friday releases), low-intervention natural wines (Virginia grapes, no added sulfites, spontaneous fermentation), ciders, and seltzers. On-site food operations at Sterling include J&J Pizza (NY-style), Daybreak Kitchen (brunch/biscuits), Senor Ramon Taqueria (tacos), and Nectar Cocktail Bar (cold-pressed juice cocktails). The company operates three taprooms: the original Leesburg nanobrewery (2013), the main Sterling production facility and taproom (2017), and the DC Union Market taproom (2023). Private event hosting is available at Sterling (up to 400 people) and DC (up to 90 people). The company also hosts the annual Propagation beer festival (mixed fermentation and lager-focused) and the Fall Pickle & International Food Festival in Sterling.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Native Culture: Sub-brand for mixed fermentation beers showcasing interaction between different yeasts and microbes. Inspired by Belgian breweries and American sour beer pioneers. Uses Virginia-grown barley, wheat, local fruit, native yeast, and barrel fermentation. Releases include coolship beers and lambic-style beers.
• Daybreak Kitchen & Biscuit
• Nectar Cocktail Bar

Products and services

• Craft Beer (Flagship and Rotating Portfolio)
• Native Culture Sub-Brand (Mixed Fermentation)
• Barrel-Aged Stout and Barleywine Series
• Natural Wine
• Cider
• Seltzer
• Private Event Rental
• Propagation Beer Festival
• Fall Pickle and International Food Festival

Quantifiable outcome

• World Beer Cup Gold Medal 2016 for Supernatural saison
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Blue Ridge Pickling LLCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOfficial pickle partner for the Fall Pickle & International Food Festival 2026. Co-presenting the festival with Crooked Run. Dane and Francesca from Blue Ridge Pickling sourcing pickle vendors from across the East Coast.
• J&J PizzacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNY-style pizza and wings vendor at Sterling and DC locations. Julian Addison's modern NYC-style pizza with 48-hour cold fermented dough. Provides whole pies, pizza by slice, wings, and shareables. Operating at both taproom locations.
• Señor Ramon TaqueriacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTacos, tortas, and more offered seven days a week at Sterling location. Partnership with owner Damian Dajcz for restaurant concepts adjacent to brewery.
• Daybreak Kitchen & BiscuitcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBreakfast and brunch concept at Sterling serving house-made biscuits with fried chicken, decadent dessert waffles, and lunch fare. Southern meets West Coast approach with creative and healthy options.
• Nectar Cocktail BarcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCocktail bar featuring house-made cold-pressed juice creating refreshing cocktails and mimosas. Offers guest beers from smaller highly-acclaimed breweries and bourbon selection. Located at Sterling.
• Catoctin Creek DistilleryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlanned barrel collaboration project in Purcellville for future Black Friday releases. Exciting project mentioned in 2020 blog post.
• Ocelot BrewingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst collaboration beer released in 2015 - a saison brewed with grapefruit and Galaxy hops. Described as 'favorite folks' by co-founder.
• Bluejacket (Neighborhood Restaurant Group)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNeighborhood Restaurant Group's brewery in Navy Yard. Head brewer Ro Guenzel has decades of experience. Collaboration on hoppy pils. Bluejacket described as 'top dog of DC beer scene'.
• Wheatland Spring Farm BreweryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFarm brewery outside Waterford, VA. Planned collaborations using estate-grown wheat, farm partner chestnuts and honey, and barrel aging with herbs.
• Barreled SoulsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaine brewery where Crooked Run served as guest at Maine Brewers' Guild Festival, pouring alongside Barreled Souls.
• Damian DajczcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOwner of Señor Ramon Taqueria and partner for two new restaurant concepts at Sterling: Daybreak Kitchen & Biscuit and Nectar Cocktail Bar. Partnership to create destination with multiple dining options.
• The UPS Store (Springfield & Kingstowne)minorOthersFestival sponsor for Pickle & International Food Festival 2026
• N2 LoCo Virginia Ale TrailminorOthersFestival sponsor for Pickle & International Food Festival 2026
• Studio ONEminorOthersFestival sponsor for Pickle & International Food Festival 2026
• Fairfield InnminorOthersFestival sponsor for Pickle & International Food Festival 2026
• 24 breweries (Propagation Festival)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLimited-ticket beer festival featuring 24 breweries serving bottles and cans. Festival focused on mixed fermentation beers and lagers rather than typical IPA/kettle sour/stout. All beer served by Crooked Run staff.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• The Veil Brewing Co. Richmond, Virginia craft brewery widely known for hazy IPAs, mixed-fermentation sours, and an experimental taproom model that closely parallels Crooked Run's Native Culture sub-brand and Sterling taproom concept.
• Hardywood Park Craft Brewery: Richmond, Virginia craft brewery producing a diverse portfolio of beer across barrel-aged, IPA, and seasonal lines, with a flagship taproom, multiple restaurant/food partners, and statewide distribution - directly comparable to Crooked Run's Sterling model.
• Starr Hill Brewery: Charlottesville, Virginia craft brewery operating its own taprooms and broad Virginia distribution with a wide style portfolio (lager, IPA, sour), similar in go-to-market and footprint to Crooked Run's three-location, VA/MD distribution approach.
• Bluejacket / Neighborhood Restaurant Group: Washington DC craft brewery and gastropub operated by Neighborhood Restaurant Group with a strong barrel-aged and experimental program, multiple dining concepts, and DC distribution - directly comparable to Crooked Run's DC Union Market destination concept.
• Aslin Beer Company: Herndon, Virginia craft brewery known for innovative IPAs, fruited sours, and a strong taproom/retail presence in the DC metro - similar product innovation cadence and target customer base to Crooked Run.
• DC Brau Brewing Company: Washington DC's first production brewery inside the district, operating a taproom and DC-focused distribution with an award-winning IPA-led lineup - comparable Mid-Atlantic craft footprint and taproom-led model.
• Three Notch'd Brewing Company: Charlottesville, Virginia craft brewery with multiple taprooms, broad-style portfolio, and Virginia regional distribution - comparable three-location production-and-taproom model to Crooked Run's Leesburg/Sterling/DC footprint.
• Ocelot Brewing Company: Falls Church, Virginia craft brewery producing hazy IPAs and experimental small-batch beers with a single taproom - comparable mix of innovation, local collaboration (Crooked Run's first collab partner), and DC-metro distribution to Crooked Run's smaller-location footprint.

Emerging players

• Trillium Brewing Company: Massachusetts craft brewery known for hazy IPAs, mixed-fermentation sours, and a multi-taproom destination model with New England-wide distribution - similar diversification across styles, on-premise-led GTM, and complex/spontaneous fermentation programs that Crooked Run's Native Culture sub-brand targets.

Regional players

• Wheatland Spring Farm Brewery: Waterford, Virginia farm brewery collaborating with Crooked Run on estate-grown grain, chestnut, and honey beer programs; comparable Loudoun County footprint with a Virginia-malt focus and small-batch barrel-aging specialty directly mirroring Crooked Run's Native Culture sourcing ethos.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/crookedrunbrew
• Facebookfacebook.com/CrookedRunFermentation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/crooked-run-fermentation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Crooked Run Fermentation