Devil's Backbone Brewing Company

Devil's Backbone Brewing Company has become one of the most celebrated craft breweries on the East Coast, and it happens to sit in the Blue Ridge foothills about 90 minutes from Smith Mountain Lake. For beer lovers at SML, a trip to Devil's Backbone is a pilgrimage worth making, offering world-class craft beer, a stunning mountain setting, and a beer garden atmosphere that captures the best of Virginia's outdoor culture.

What Makes Devil's Backbone Special

The brewery was founded in 2008 by Steve Crandall, a passionate homebrewer who partnered with German-trained brewmaster Jason Oliver to create something special. The results speak for themselves: Devil's Backbone has won more Great American Beer Festival medals than any other Virginia brewery, with their Vienna Lager becoming a regional icon and their seasonal releases drawing devoted fans from across the Mid-Atlantic.

The Basecamp Brewpub in Roseland is the original location and the one most worth visiting. Set against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the property includes a full restaurant, an outdoor beer garden, a hop yard, and views that make you want to linger over every pint. The brewing operation is visible from the restaurant, and you can often smell the mash brewing as you walk through the grounds.

What to Expect When You Visit

The Basecamp is a full-service brewpub with a menu that goes well beyond typical bar food. The kitchen takes its food as seriously as the brewers take their beer, with wood-fired pizzas, smoked meats, salads, and seasonal specials that pair beautifully with the beer lineup. The tap list runs deep, with flagship beers, seasonal releases, and experimental small-batch brews that are only available on-site.

The beer garden is the highlight, particularly on a warm afternoon or a crisp fall evening. Picnic tables, fire pits, and mountain views create an atmosphere that encourages long, relaxed visits. Food trucks sometimes supplement the restaurant menu during busy weekends and special events.

Insider Tips

Start with the Vienna Lager. It is the beer that put Devil's Backbone on the map, and it remains one of the best examples of the style brewed anywhere in America. From there, explore whatever seasonal or limited release catches your eye; the brewing team is constantly experimenting, and the results are reliably excellent.

Visit on a weekday if possible. The Basecamp can get crowded on weekends, especially during peak leaf-peeping season in October. A Thursday afternoon visit gives you shorter wait times, a quieter beer garden, and more opportunity to chat with the staff about what is new and noteworthy on tap.

Bring a growler or pick up cans to take home. The limited releases and Basecamp-only brews are worth stocking up on, and they make great conversation starters at your next SML dock party.

Nearby Communities

Devil's Backbone is a popular day trip from any Smith Mountain Lake community. The drive itself is beautiful, passing through rolling farmland and mountain scenery. Residents of The Water's Edge and other south-side communities have the most direct route.

Practical Information

The Basecamp Brewpub is open daily, with hours that vary by season. No reservations are taken for the beer garden; indoor dining reservations may be available during busy periods. Parking is free and ample. The brewery is family-friendly during daytime hours, with outdoor space for kids to move around. Check the website for current hours, tap lists, and event schedules. If you are combining this trip with the Nelson County Wine Trail, the two are close enough to visit in the same day.