Brewery Profile

Michael Waltrip Brewing Co.

In Bristol’s compact beer scene, a visit here connects craft beer with a recognizable sports personality and a broader entertainment identity. The brand was established by Michael Waltrip, the two-time Daytona 500 winner, and the racing connection shapes what visitors notice as much as the beer itself. Rather than presenting as a highly technical, experimental brewery, the experience is built around familiar, social drinking: beers meant to be approachable, settings that suit groups, and visual cues tied to motorsports, classic cars, music, and general sporting culture. For travelers moving through Bristol, that gives the stop a different feel from a quiet neighborhood taproom or a brewery focused mainly on rotating pilot batches. It sits comfortably in a city better known nationally for its music heritage, nearby outdoor recreation, and proximity to major racing culture.

Beer travelers in Southwest Virginia and the broader Appalachian region often look for a mix of easy-drinking lagers and ales, hop-forward options, seasonal releases, and beers that work well with a casual afternoon or evening out. Michael Waltrip Brewing Co. fits that pattern through its emphasis on broad appeal and event-friendly drinking rather than obscure styles or high-concept brewing. A visitor is likely to approach the beer list with that context in mind: this is a place to look for clean, accessible pours that can suit mixed groups, including people who may not be deeply involved in craft beer. The motorsports identity also makes it a natural stop for fans visiting Bristol around race weekends or travelers interested in how regional breweries connect beer with local entertainment, sports, and lifestyle brands.

For planning purposes, the taproom is the place to confirm the day’s pours, current hours, and any event schedule. Because the company places importance on distribution and availability in casual settings, visitors may also encounter the beer beyond the brewery itself, particularly around gatherings, sports-oriented venues, or regional events. In the taproom, it is worth asking staff which beers best represent the core lineup and which pours are most popular with first-time visitors. Bristol’s downtown and surrounding area can be busy during music events, race periods, and weekends, so checking timing before going is sensible. Travelers making a broader beer itinerary can pair a stop here with other regional breweries, live music stops, or outdoor activities in the Tri-Cities area, using this brewery as the more approachable, sports-branded point on the route.

Website available

221 Moore St, Bristol, VA 24201, USA, Bristol, Virginia, 24201

Phone: (276) 821-3010

Website: https://michaelwaltripbrewing.com/

Hours: ["Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM","Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM","Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM","Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM","Friday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM","Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM","Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM"]