Rising from the Ashes: A First Look at Inferno Brewery
- Rich lewis
- May 14
- 2 min read
Location: Ranson, WV (Off Rt 9)
After a month of getting our bearings in West Virginia, it was finally time to get back on the ball and scout the local craft scene. The search for a solid wing spot led me to a shopping center in Ranson, where Inferno Brewery stands. From the outside, the building has some sharp, modern lines that catch the eye, though the quiet parking lot had me questioning the hours.
Stepping inside, the vibe is clean and well lit with simple, industrial decor. I was greeted immediately by the bartender, handed a menu, and got down to business.
The Star of the Show: Sweet Susie
I started my afternoon with the Sweet Susie Milk Stout. Now, I’ll be honest I wasn’t expecting to be blown away, but Susie is a total delight.
The Profile: Creamy and thick.
The Flavor: A beautiful balance of slight sweetness followed by a perfectly timed bitter finish.
If you’re a fan of stouts that actually feel like a meal in a glass, this one is a must-try.
The Kitchen: A Tale of Two Tastes
The history of this spot is interesting it was formerly Andy’s Pizza. The owner transitioned it into a brewery but kept the pizza recipes (more on that in a second). I went in with a craving for wings, but the experience was a bit of a mixed bag.
The Wings: They were cooked to perfection tender on the inside with a nice crisp on the skin. However, the sauce was the letdown. It was thin, didn't cling to the meat, and lacked any real depth or heat. It felt like plain Texas Pete straight from the bottle.
The Onion Rings: Solid, standard, and satisfying. Nothing "reinvented" here, but they did the job well.
Pro Tip: I spoke with the owner and shared some feedback on that wing sauce. Hopefully, they’ll tighten up the recipe, but in the meantime, you might want to look toward the pizza oven. I saw a $3.50 "Mega Slice" come out that looked absolutely incredible.
The Flight: Saving the Trip
To get a full scope of what they’re offering, I grabbed a flight of four. Interestingly, they aren't brewing on-site yet; they use an established brewery to produce their specific recipes. The quality is definitely there.
Vesuvius Nut Brown Ale: A standout. I liked it enough to grab a full pour to finish the visit.
Dominate Irish Red: Well balanced and traditional.
Quite Canny Golden Ale: Clean, crisp, and an easy drinker.
Illy Illy Raspberry Wheat: This one had a bit of a sour kick to it. I’m glad I saved it for last as a palate cleanser.
The Verdict
If you find yourself near Charles Town or Ranson, Inferno Brewery is absolutely worth the detour for the beer alone. The Sweet Susie and Vesuvius are reason enough to pull over.
While the wings need a little "heat" added to the recipe, the atmosphere and the promise of that massive pizza slice will definitely have me coming back. It’s a great way to kick off our West Virginia adventures.
Next time: I'm coming for the pizza and seeing what new recipes they've tapped!
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