Sip Your Way Through Norfolk

Sip Your Way Through Norfolk offers a laid-back approach to discovering the local craft beer scene. For just $28, you’ll gain access to either three or six breweries in Norfolk, with a pass valid for 60 days. While it sounds like a fun way to explore, this experience does have some quirks that may affect your overall enjoyment.

What we like most about this pass is the flexibility it offers. You can choose which breweries to visit and spread out your tasting over two months, giving you plenty of time to plan visits around your schedule. The fact that there’s no need to download an app keeps things simple, and the digital format means instant access on your device. That said, a significant drawback is that most of the breweries are quite spread out, which could mean additional costs for transportation — mainly Uber rides, as noted by previous reviewers. This can eat into your savings if you’re not prepared for the travel between stops.

This tour is best suited for casual beer lovers who enjoy exploring local spots at their own pace rather than participating in a guided tour or structured tasting experience. It’s perfect if you’re in Norfolk for an extended stay and want to enjoy a variety of breweries without rushing or paying for more expensive packages or tours.

Key Points

• Flexible duration: Valid for 60 days, so you can pace your visits
• Choice of packages: Options for 3 or 6 breweries, with the ability to select your stops
• No app needed: Easy digital access for all users
• Transportation considerations: Most breweries are not within walking distance, so expect to spend on Uber or other transport
• Variety of breweries: From large distribution breweries to community-focused spots
• Limited feedback: Only one review available, citing poor value due to transportation costs

A Closer Look at the Norfolk Brew Hop Pass

The concept behind the Norfolk Brew Hop Pass is simple: pay a flat rate to enjoy free drinks at multiple breweries, with the flexibility to visit at your own pace. It’s marketed as a budget-friendly way to sample the local craft scene, but several factors influence whether it truly offers value.

The Itinerary and Stops

The tour includes five notable breweries, each with its own personality and offerings:

The Bold Mariner Brewing Co:
Set in a spacious tasting room with views of their brewery, The Bold Mariner provides a relaxed atmosphere. The space on the second floor can be reserved for private events, which hints at a community-focused vibe. You get a tasting flight here, and outside, you can unwind on the porch with food from Bar-Q. The brewery distributes its beers locally, so you might find them at nearby stores or restaurants, extending your tasting experience beyond the brewery visit.

COVA Brewing Company:
A highlight for those wanting more than just beer, COVA serves craft beer, coffee, and wine in a beautiful indoor-outdoor seating area. They feature a self-serve tap system, where you can enjoy tasting in a relaxed environment, and daily food trucks add an extra treat. The inclusion of a $10 credit voucher makes this stop appealing, especially if you plan to pair your drink with some local eats.

Maker’s Craft Brewery:
This brewery emphasizes smooth, flavorful beers over high ABV or extreme flavors. They want to offer enjoyable beers for any occasion, which makes it a good stop for casual drinkers who prefer approachable brews.

Smartmouth Brewing Company:
An established name in the area, Smartmouth has been shaping the craft beer scene since 2012. Their focus on quality ingredients and flavor over gimmicks makes their beers a reliable choice. They have a sizable distribution network and a large facility in Norfolk, along with a smaller experimental brewery in Virginia Beach.

Veil Brewing Co.:
Known for their innovative styles, Veil Brewing is a beer and restaurant combo, adding a food element to your tasting journey. The reviews don’t specify the exact offerings here, but it’s a popular brewery with a solid reputation.

What’s Included and How It Works

Each stop includes a free drink, such as a flight or a pint, depending on the brewery. The pass is valid for up to 60 days, giving you ample time to spread out your visits without feeling rushed. You simply present your digital pass at each location, no app download necessary, which simplifies the process.

The Realities of the Experience

The main challenge, as pointed out by the sole review, is transportation. Since none of the breweries are within walking distance, expect to spend extra on Uber or other ride services. The reviewer, Ed_Z, noted, “whatever we saved on our free pints was immediately spent on an Uber.” This is a crucial consideration because adding transportation costs can significantly reduce the overall value of the pass.

Plus, with only a single review available, we don’t have comprehensive feedback about staff friendliness, brewery atmospheres, or the quality of drinks across all stops. However, the variety of breweries suggests you’ll experience a good cross-section of Norfolk’s craft scene, from community-focused spaces to larger, established breweries.

Pricing and Value

At $28, the pass isn’t expensive. But the value depends heavily on how many stops you plan to visit and how much you’d spend on transportation. If you visit all six breweries and are able to keep travel costs low (perhaps by sharing rides or planning a route), you might find it worthwhile. Otherwise, the extra costs could outweigh the savings, especially if you’re only planning a quick visit.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This is ideal for local beer enthusiasts or visitors planning to stay in Norfolk for an extended period. If you’re comfortable arranging your own transportation and enjoy exploring multiple breweries at your own pace, this pass provides a flexible, budget-friendly way to do so. It’s not a guided tour — more of a DIY brewery crawl, which suits independent travelers.

On the other hand, if you’re seeking a guided, all-inclusive experience with transportation included, or if you’re looking for a more curated tasting journey, this might not be the best fit.

The Sum Up

The Norfolk Brew Hop Pass is a low-cost, flexible option for those who want to dip into the local craft beer scene at their own pace. Its greatest strength is the extended validity—you can space out your visits over 60 days—allowing for a casual, unhurried experience. However, the spread-out nature of breweries means transportation costs can quickly add up, so travelers should plan accordingly.

If you’re an independent explorer who enjoys choosing your own stops, and you’re okay with arranging transportation, this pass can be a good value. It’s especially suited for local residents or long-term visitors who want to taste a variety of Norfolk beers without committing to guided tours or expensive packages.

But for those seeking a more structured or all-inclusive experience, or if your time in Norfolk is limited, you might find this option less appealing. As always, balancing costs, convenience, and your personal interests will help you decide if this “brew hop” is the right fit for your trip.

FAQ

Can I visit the breweries in any order?
Yes, the pass is digital and flexible, so you can choose which breweries to visit and when within the 60-day period.

Do I need to download an app to use my pass?
No, the pass is a downloadable digital ticket that doesn’t require any app installation.

Are all breweries within walking distance?
No, the review indicates they are spread out, so expect to use taxis or Uber to travel between stops.

How long can I spend at each brewery?
Most stops allow around 2 hours, which should be enough for a tasting flight or a pint.

Is the pass worth $28?
It depends on how many breweries you visit and how much you spend on transportation. If you plan to visit all six, it could be a decent deal; fewer stops might make it less cost-effective.

Can I cancel my pass if I change my plans?
Yes, the ticket can be canceled for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before your scheduled visit.

What’s included in the package?
Each brewery offers a free drink, such as a flight, pint, or credit voucher, depending on the location.

Are there any food options included?
Food trucks are available at some stops, but food isn’t included in the pass — you’ll need to purchase separately.

How does the review suggest the overall experience?
With only one review mentioning high transportation costs and limited value, travelers should weigh these factors before purchasing.

In short, if you’re a flexible, independent beer enthusiast willing to manage your logistics, the Norfolk Brew Hop Pass offers an affordable way to sample the local scene. Just be prepared for possible extra costs and plan your route wisely.