Kindred Sprit Brewing’s Low Country Boil had plenty of music and great craft beer… but the food wasn’t quite what we expected.
On Sunday, June 9, Kindred Spirit Brewing hosted a low country boil at their brewery in Goochland. Kindred Spirit, located in Goochland County, keeps 16 of their own beers on tap daily, and hosts multiple events each weekend and throughout the week.
The enticing prospect of a low country boil drew us to the brewery that Sunday afternoon. Traditionally, a low country boil consists of sausage, shrimp, crab, potatoes, and corn all boiled in one pot with a brine of some sort — which at times can be made with beer — and lots of Old Bay seasoning for that nice spicy kick that so complements the seafood.
Upon arriving at the brewery, we found smokers lining the patio and the front entrance, despite the drizzling rain that fell. Jadean’s Smokin’ Six-O were the men behind the boil. Jadean’s, a barbecue restaurant and food truck, has been in business since 1976. They specialize in applewood-smoked BBQ chicken and ribs, seafood, and down home southern cooked meals.
However, the boil offered by Jadean’s did not live up to its name. Although shrimp, sausage, potatoes, and corn were on the menu, the way they were offered was more like a deconstructed plate of seafood than an actual boil. The steamed shrimp, grilled corn, boiled potatoes, and sausage were served on a sectioned plate with a side of Jadean’s famous hush puppies for $14. The hush puppies were an odd addition — nothing in a boil should ever be fried.
The food on offer may still have been delicious; however, it was not what advance advertising had led us to expect. Kindred Spirit also offers pizza in the front room, and many of the guests chose to indulge in the slices available as an alternative.
Despite what was certainly a disappointing food offering for some, Kindred Spirit was still a great place for beer lovers to visit. The brewery had a special release beer on tap — their Back in the Day IPA. This West Coast IPA was delicious. For someone who isn’t an avid IPA drinker, the explosive taste of oranges and grapefruit came through with every sip while hints of pine could also be tasted.
Windows ran along the left side of the building that allowed for every guest the opportunity to see what really happened inside the brewhouse. It would’ve been nice to see what really goes into brewing the beer while the event was happening but the brewhouse was empty, most likely because it was the weekend.
Kindred Spirit was also playing host that afternoon to a 30th anniversary celebration held by Lindy Fralin Pickups, a Richmond-based company that hand-makes pickups for electric guitars and basses. In addition to making pickups, Fralin is also the guitarist and vocalist for local rockabilly band The Bopcats, who serenaded the crowd with tunes as they celebrated.
Overall, in spite of the food missing the mark, the beer and music made up for it, providing for an enjoyable afternoon at Kindred Spirit Brewing. The only suggestion I would give is to change the multiple TVs around the bar to display a more entertaining sport than golf.
Kindred Spirit Brewing is located at 12830 W. Creek Parkway in Goochland. Learn more about their events and craft beer offerings at their website, kindredspiritbrewing.com.
Photos by Brea Hill
