Ardent Craft Ales to celebrate one year anniversary with block party

by | Jun 10, 2015 | EAT DRINK

Ardent Craft Ales is throwing down big this weekend for its one year anniversary.


Ardent Craft Ales is throwing down big this weekend for its one year anniversary.

The West Leigh Street brewery will celebrate all day Saturday with an outdoor block party featuring 16 of its own beers, three casks, a special anniversary brew, beer from other local breweries, food trucks and live music.

The brewery opened this time last year in Scott’s Addition in a revamped space with only a few brews on tap, and a year later it’s still going strong in the ever-growing brewery scene. Ardent will open up the beer garden, taproom, the parking lot, and block off part of West Leigh Street for the anniversary party.

Ardent’s Honey Ginger, Diamond Pale Ale, Earl Grey Brown Ale and Session India Pale are just some of the brews that will be available at the event. Beers from Legend, Triple Crossing, Center of the Universe, The Answer Brewpub, Midnight Brewery, Stone Brewing Co., Lickinghole Creek, Hardywood, Isley, Strangeways and Garden Grove will also have some beers at the event.

And for the cider fans, Potters Cider and Blue Bee Cider will also be on tap.

Co-owner and Operations Director Tom Sullivan said the brewery wanted to celebrate not only their success as a startup brewery and making a mark in the Richmond brewery scene, but also the other local breweries that helped them get their start in their early homebrewing days in Church Hill.

“It kind of goes back to our roots of being beer lovers first and acknowledge our part in the greater Richmond beer scene and what collectively all the local breweries have accomplished,” Sullivan said. “We feel like without their help and advice that we wouldn’t have gotten as far as we have or been as successful as we have.”

“It felt like the right thing to do to show our appreciation and support of the overall scene,” he added.

To commemorate the anniversary, Ardent brewed up a Szechuan Peppercorn Saison Ale that will be sold in 750 mL bottles.

“It’s kind of got this numbing heat or spice to it that really complements the Saison style,” Sullivan said. “We’re going to have a few kegs of that and very limited bottles that will be available that day.”

Three casks will be available at the anniversary block party as well, which Ardent plans to reveal some time this week.

Goatocado, Station 2, Happy Empanada, Return of the Mac will be on site for you to stuff your face and the brewery has booked Peace Beast, Clair Morgan, The Milkstains, Christi and NO BS! Brass Band to perform at the festival..

The free event runs from 1 to 8 pm. Drink tickets will be sold at the door. Check out more info here.

.

Amy David

Amy David

Amy David was the Web Editor for RVAMag.com from May 2015 until September 2018. She covered craft beer, food, music, art and more. She's been a journalist since 2010 and attended Radford University. She enjoys dogs, beer, tacos, and Bob's Burgers references.




more in eat drink

Richmond Restaurant Week Returns! Eat, Support, Repeat

Richmond’s food scene steps up once again as Richmond Restaurant Week returns from October 21st to 27th. Over 30 restaurants are participating, each offering a three-course meal for $35.24, with $5.24 of that going to support Feed More, a local nonprofit that works to...

New School Legend Jesse Smith Talks Richmond Tattoo Convention

Jesse Smith, the local legend and founder of Loose Screw Tattoo in Carytown, has been repping this ol’ Fist City since the '90s with his twisted animation style and has been celebrated all over the world for his craft. His works span a wide range of genres, but like...

Bright Lights, Carytown Nights: New Art Deco Sign Debuts

Carytown just got a serious facelift, and it’s bringing some retro swagger to one of Richmond’s most iconic spots. On Friday night, the shopping district unveiled its new Art Deco-style sign—a sleek, neon gateway hanging over Cary Street. According to The Richmonder,...

Richmond Ranks Top 20 In New ‘Best Foodie Cities’ Report

For those who can afford to dine out, Richmond, VA is grabbing some well-deserved attention in WalletHub’s just-released 2024 Best Foodie Cities in America report. Landing at the 17th spot on a “people who love to eat” list about those who appreciate good food. It’s...

A Vegan Feast Awaits! Discover Delicious Options at RVA VegFest

From its humble beginnings over twenty years ago, Richmond’s vegan food festival, VegFest, is returning this weekend Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 12 PM to 6 PM in Byrd Park. VegFest is a family (and dog) friendly, free event in Richmond that promotes a plant-based...

Pay What You Will: Unlock Richmond’s Arts Scene at artoberVA

Art is the lifeblood of any city, and if you’re in Richmond, you know we’re swimming in a sea of talent. From the quirky to the avant-garde, our city is a playground for incredible artists, organizations, and institutions that cater to every vibe and taste. As October...