For too long, a closely guarded secret at Fleenor Farms in Bristol, VA, fueled intense curiosity among loyal customers. Masterminds Sabrina and Keith Fleenor, famous for their incredible bratwurst, were working on something extraordinary. A brief Facebook post, hinting at new ingredients, sparked a wave of anticipation.
Unleashing Bold New Flavors
With a remarkable collection of perfected flavors like Hot Buffalo, Habanero Mango, and Chocolate Chili, the Fleenors were ready to reshape tradition. A single hint—a picture of butter—fascinated everyone, leaving them eager to try these innovative taste experiences.
The hint from Sabrina went like this: “Tomorrow we will be releasing our NEW Fleenor Farms Bratwurst!!! So here is a lil clue! Feel free to GUESS our new flavor! And don’t forget to make plans to attend the Bristol State Street Farmer’s Market Brat Fest! At the State Street Farmer’s Market this Saturday, 7/26/25. The market will be 8 a.m.-Noon, and the Brat Event will be 10 a.m.-11 a.m.” This image followed:
Brat Fest: A Roaring Success
The irresistible allure of the Brat Fest drew us in. Arriving just after 10 AM, the atmosphere was electric. We immediately spotted the sample table. As we approached, Laci Fleenor, a testament to this family’s dedication, rushed in with more brats. They had already sold out! This warm family effort deepened our connection to the event.
A Taste Revelation: Cowboy Butter and Apple
The two groundbreaking new flavors are Cowboy Butter and Apple. The Cowboy Butter Brat is an explosion of richness, with its texture and flavor amplified by butter and spice. It provides a savory, earthy taste with a pleasantly spicy finish from Chipotle, balanced by a bright, citrusy tang. It perfectly captures the essence of cowboy-style cooking.
The Apple Brat offers a delicate, sweet experience. It’s ideal as a breakfast sausage or as a stunning addition to pasta with Alfredo. The clear apple notes ensure it pairs beautifully with countless dishes.
Elevating the Experience: The Fleenor Pairing Guide
Beyond expectations, they included a Brat Pairing Guide. Courtney Arnett, State Street Farmers Market Manager and talented graphic artist, created this clever guide. The event showcased this idea brilliantly, inviting other vendors to demonstrate pairings. Hawk’s Nest Homestead offered artisanal sauerkraut; Stone Mountain Honey provided luscious honey for dipping. Zeiganwald Dairy’s goat cheese, Laurel Brooks Farm’s jellies, Bristol Roasters’ coffee, and Arise Artisan Bakery’s sourdough bread all beautifully complemented the sausages.
A Family Legacy: Crafting Culinary Magic
We pressed Keith Fleenor on their innovative sausage ideas and who makes them. He revealed they modify and improve spice mixes from a specialized company. The real magic, however, lies with the Fleenor kids, Laci and Jackson, and Trayton McVey—a talented young cattleman and butcher at the family-owned Washington County Meat Packing. This sausage creation is a genuine family effort, with everyone bringing their skills and bold ideas.
The Brat Fest was an undeniable success. We left with incredible brats, eager to enjoy every bite. This event vividly highlights the rising generation’s role in agriculture and food. Seeing young people making sausages, butchering, raising cattle, and farming is truly inspiring. Keep an eye out for upcoming articles celebrating these exceptional young talents!