When couples think of the perfect beverage to go along with their food on Valentine’s Day, it’s usually wine or champagne, but with so many local breweries offering up so many unique and diverse optio
When couples think of the perfect beverage to go along with their food on Valentine’s Day, it’s usually wine or champagne, but with so many local breweries offering up so many unique and diverse options what’s wrong with switching out that glass of red wine with a ice cold mug of craft beer?
We here at RVA Mag love the idea so we’ve compiled a list of some of our top picks of local craft beers that we think would be great to help you and that special someone celebrate the day of love this Sunday.
Now, most people would immediately go for the chocolately beers or other sweets-inspired brews, but we’re kicking it up a notch and thought we’d go with the spicy beers. Ones that pack some heat while incorporating some delicious zesty flavors or just offer something unusual or unique.
Here is a list of RVA Mag’s craft beer picks for your Valentine’s Day:
Legend Brewing-Bleeding Nun Spicy Stout:This habanero oatmeal stout is inspired by the urban legend that came out of a fire at the Richmond Theatre around Christmas time in 1811. Seventy-two men and women died when the theatre randomly erupted into flames. “Bleeding Nun” was the name of the last play held there. This brew has a dark roast malt body with a fiery finish. Definitely worth checking out.
Garden Grove Brewery–“Life” & “Death” Quadrupels: The Carytown brewery is bringing thee back special for their on-year anniversary this weekend. These blend wine and beer for a truly unique taste. new breed of Belgian ale, Life blurs the boundaries of the Quadruple style with white wine. It’s aged in California Chardonnay barrels. Life shares many of the attributes of a classic Belgian Quadruple but with a malt profile with flavors of vanilla, mango and honey. “Death”, also a Belgian Quadruple, is transfered to red wine barrels resulting in a bright and sweet flavor, with tasting notes of blueberry, raisins and red wine.
The Answer-She Good: A great IPA. The brewpub also has Grand Larceny another dank IPA that provides a nice hop flavor with aromas and tastes of tropical fruits.
Hardywood-Raspberry Chocolate Stout: I know we said no sweet and chocolately, but come on raspberries and chocolate? This is too good not to have on the list. The brewery’s Bourbon Barrel Sidamo is also an excellent choice for the special occasion. This imperial coffee stout is aged in bourbon barrels with roasted Sidamo coffee from Lamplighter Roasting Company. Bourbon, Coffee and Chocolate all in one? YES PLEASE! Pair this with some dessert and you’re in for a treat!
Lickinghole Creek-Heir Apparent: The Goochland farm brewery is always coming out with a new release every weekend, but their Heir Apparent made our list this time. It’s a Mexican-spiced imperial stout that clocks in at 11.5%. And while its creamy chocolate and malty flavor are definitrly there, the heat of fresh Mexican peppers, Vanilla, Cinnamon and Cocoa are what makes the beer stand out. It’s blend of spices is sure to heat up your chilly Valentine’s Day!
Triple Crossing-Falcon Smash: Not spicy, but this hopped up IPA definitely packs a punch. It’s citrusy, clean and crisp and easy drinking.
Strangeways Brewing-Hinterlander Barleywine: This barleywine is VERY strong and aged a solid year in oak barrels with Black Mission figs. And instead of wine this year, you should try the brewery’s Virginia Stingo, a red wine barrel aged English Strong Ale. It’s boozy, but meant to be sipped and savored-like a fine wine.
Isley-Tall Dark and Hopsome: For those who dare, try this double black IPA. A strong pronounced coffee flavor, but yet still hoppy and creamy. This brew is very complex and at 8 percent, this dark bad boy is not for the faint of heart.
Ardent Craft Ales– Honey Ginger. The brewery is bringing back this deep gold-colored ale this weekend! Expect aromas of fresh spicy ginger and the taste of sweet locally sourced honey. It’s a strong, yet refreshing and deceptively smooth summer ale.
Virginia Tourism also recently put together their own list of Valentine’s Day brews. Richmond breweries had quite a few on the list, check that out here!
