Along the edges of the New River Gorge National Park, Freefolk Brewery has dedicated itself to crafting exceptional beer here in the Mountain State. Founded by the dynamic husband-and-wife duo Jeff and Sarah Edwards, Freefolk Brewery is more than just a brewing haven—it’s a celebration of Appalachian culture across its two locations, in Fayetteville and Hico.
Jeff’s journey into the world of fermentation began in 2014, right in the backyard of their Morgantown, WV, home. Armed with a makeshift 15-gallon system crafted from garage sale finds, his hobby quickly evolved into a heartfelt pursuit. What started as a small-scale experiment transformed into a love affair with the intricate art of brewing.
After years of cultivating their craft and raising their son Seth in Morgantown, Jeff and Sarah felt the call for a change. The duo decided to bring their brewing dreams to life in Fayetteville, where they opened the doors to Freefolk Brewery. Collaborating with WV artist Jamie Lester, the space was transformed into a visual symphony of handcrafted steel features, wood accents, and concrete, adorned with vibrant murals that encapsulate the essence of Freefolk. Also featured is their Folk Club, where each member gets a custom ceramic Folk-Stein, crafted by Lester.
The initial brewhouse, with its modest brewing system, witnessed the birth of iconic brews like Moondog’s Blonde Ale, Trucker Speed IPA, and Orange Oswald SMaSH IPA. The Freefolk brand and its devoted team flourished, prompting a significant expansion in the fall of 2022 in Hico, upgrading to a 20-beer barrel brewhouse and taproom and marking a pivotal moment in their brewing journey. This expansion speaks to Freefolk’s dedication to not only crafting exceptional beer but also to serving and enriching the local community.
As Freefolk continues to flourish and write its story, one sip at a time, it stands as a shining example of how a shared passion can transform into a community-driven success story in the heart of Appalachia. Visit them online at freefolkbrew.com or in person at their Fayetteville and Hico locations.
