What's In a Name? First off, what’s the deal with the name Lost Rhino? Well, the “Rhino” in our name was actually inspired by a surfing term, a rhino chaser: someone out to find the best waves, the biggest waves – a true adventurer. The “Lost” we just added because we have a West Coast/surfing vibe, and there’s not an ocean in sight of Ashburn, Virginia. We think it makes some sort of sense.
“Two roads diverged in a wood and I - I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”
– Robert Frost
How It All Started Our story began back in 2009, Old Dominion Brewing Company had been brewing and serving craft beers in Loudoun County, Virginia since 1989 and was a beloved fixture in the area. However, in 2009 the company had been bought by AB InBev and later relocated their operation to Delaware, which of course left a large void in the local craft beer community.
During this transition, Lost Rhino’s founder Matt Hagerman, had managed to purchase some of Old Dominion’s brewing equipment, including its 25 barrel brewhouse and started getting together a business plan. By starting his own adventure in brewing, he would also help bring the spirit of craft beer back into Loudoun County. Having been himself a brewer at Old Dominion, Matt knew exactly what he needed to make this goal a reality. He found a space of his own on Red Rum Drive, set up the brewhouse, fermentors, Brite tanks, and not too long after in 2011, we began brewing some of Lost Rhino's first and most beloved brands: New River Pale Ale, Rhino Chasers Pilsner, and Face Plant India Pale Ale right here in Loudoun.
Nowadays, Lost Rhino has grown quite a bit since it’s founding, but we have never lost sight of our love for the craft. In the brewhouse, we take pride in bringing classic styles and local flavor in all of our beers. Everything we craft is personal; we thrive on choosing the scenic route, the tough challenge, the road less traveled.
