What’s happening, craft beer lovers of RVA?! Welcome to this week’s RVA On Tap, RVA Magazine’s weekly column for all the Booze News your hearts desire. 

As the River City slowly transitions into a new normal during the pandemic, we’re highlighting the best local brewers. From in-person outdoor events to take-home and delivery beers, let’s support our local businesses together — and stay safe in the process. 

We’ll be bringing you fresh news in the beer world with guidelines on safety. If you’re planning to venture out during the pandemic, your RVA Magazine team wants to stress the importance of wearing your mask. As we all support our favorite brewers, let’s also support the community by taking precautions to ensure everyone stays healthy. Check below beer for updates on wines, meads, and ciders! 

We’ve got pickup and delivery services from locals like The Answer Brewpub, Ardent Craft Ales, Center of the Universe Brewing, Dragon Run Brewing, Final Gravity, Fine Creek Brewing Company, Garden Grove, Hardywood, Intermission Beer Company, Isley Brewing Company, Lickinghole Creek, Starr Hill, Stone Brewing, Strangeways, Three Notch’d RVA, Triple Crossing, Väsen Brewing Company, The Veil Brewing Co. and more. 

Drink up, Virginia! 

The Answer Brewpub 

At The Answer Brewpub, fresh brews are here to cool down these hot summer days. 

Takeout is available, and you’ll want to keep up with The Answer on Facebook to see updates on pre-sales for their latest recipes. This week, we’ve got a brand-new beer available, along with a few special releases from the summer. 

Pickup: To-go locations and info updated regularly on Instagram. 

THE LATEST BEERS 

• HOPTONE SERIES — Returns this week with a triple dry-hopped treatment of New Zealand Hops, with a batch showcasing guava, passionfruit, and grapefruit flavors. 
• ALIENS IN THE VALLEY — Straight out of the Willamette Valley, these hops came together for a West Coast hoppy red ale with a triple dry-hop treatment of Citra, Sabro, and El Dorado. 
• THE VIBES — Apricots, peaches, and meyer lemon come together for this salty and sweet beer. 
• JAZZ CUPS — The Answer blended Sabro and Citra hops for this luxurious triple dry-hop treatment. You’ll catch notes of stone fruits, citrus, coconut, and “that je ne sais quois that you only get from neomexicanus varieties” in this one. 
• HEH HEH HEH HRR RRR HEH HEH HEH HEH HUH RAKAU! HA HRR DIPA — Double IPA. A mouthful just to speak aloud. This is Batch 3 of The Answer’s New Zealand Rakau DIPA, with an excessive triple dry-hop treatment for stone fruit, peach, and apricot flavors. 
• BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL — 10% ABV Imperial Stout. This glittering brew came as a collaboration for the Black Is Beautiful equality and inclusion campaign, and all proceeds go to the Sister Fund RVA and Campaign Zero. With maple syrup, New Guinea vanilla beans, a touch of cinnamon, Roanoke Coffee, and shimmering edible gold glitter, this recipe was inspired to end injustices against POC and promote equality in our community. 
• YOU PUT YOUR WHEAT IN THERE — Huge body from its wheat heavy grain bill, and “jumps out of the can” with intense candied citrus aroma. 
• HARD TO GET A TICKET — 100% Mosaic DIPA ready in a fresh batch. Described as a “tropical fruit bowl,” the Double IPA is available in 4-packs. 
• SUMMER SHOWERS — 6.5% ABV Citrus IPA. Ready to carry you through clear skies or summer rains, this pillowy-soft IPA is available in 4-packs. 

Updates: Facebook | Instagram | Website

Ardent Craft Ales 

Curbside pickup and delivery are available at Ardent Craft Ales, along with beer shipping across Virginia and D.C. Ardent partially reopened their beer garden, and they’ll be serving food every day as well. Don’t forget to check out their full menu for food, as well! Be sure to check out their new policies during Covid-19. 

A big congrats to Ardent this week for winning Virginia’s Third Place Saison spot in the Virginia Craft Beer Cup! 

Pickup and Delivery: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

• SCHWARZBIER — 5% ABV. This dark, German-style lager is brand-new at Ardent, and it’s packed with a chocolatey, roasty aroma. Brewed with 100% German malt and hops, Schwarzbier is crisp and clean with subtle malt flavors and a roasted finish. 
• ARDENT SAISON — 6.7% ABV. This classic farmhouse ale was brewed with premium malt and Czech Saaz hops, and as one of Ardent’s favorites over the last six years, it’s one you’ll want to try if you haven’t already. The traditional yeast strain balances fruity esters, mild spiciness, and a dry finish in this refreshing beer. 
• MOORE ST. DIPA — 9% ABV Double IPA. Moore St. is the biggest, boldest addition to Ardent’s series featuring streets from Scott’s Addition. Double dry-hopped with Galaxy and Amarillo, this brew is full of flavors like orange and pineapple in a soft, smooth, minimally-bitter DIPA. 
• ATLANTICO — 4.4% ABV Mexican-Style Lager. This summertime crusher is brand-new, and was brewed with flaked corn and rice for a dry, refreshing finish. Light-bodied with minimal bitterness, Ardent says this one is the perfect beer on a hot summer afternoon. 
• RESTING MY GREATNESS — Short Throw Brewing Co. available at Ardent. 11.8% ABV Imperial Stout with coffee, Vermont maple syrup, and whole vanilla beans. 
• IMPERIAL STOUT WITH VANILLA & CACAO NIBS — 11% ABV Imperial Stout. Bold, full-bodied beer that pours deep black with a tan head. Rich, chocolatey sweetness complements the roasted malt character for a balanced stout with a smooth finish. 
• BOHEMIAN PILSNER — 4.8% ABV Czech-Style Pilsner. Brewed with a simple recipe of Czech floor malt, Saaz hops, and a Czech lager yeast. Clear golden color with soft mouthfeel, spicy hop notes, and clean finish.

Updates: Facebook | Instagram | Website 

Center Of The Universe 

Center of the Universe is offering pickup and delivery services, and their Beer Garden is open for business! Be sure to check here before you head out to Ashland, and ensure you’re up-to-date on their new policies to keep everyone safe. 

Pickup: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

• OKTOBERFEST — Traditional German Märzen with a clean, light-malty sweetness.  Balanced with a light breadiness and cracker aroma.  
• BELGIAN WHEAT ALE — 5% ABV. A collaboration with Origin Beer Lab, this Belgian-style wheat ale is ultra refreshing with a crisp finish and slight Belgian spiciness.
• THERE GOSE SUMMER TANGERINE GOSE — German-Style Sour. Brewed with heaps of tangerine and a dash of salt, this slightly tart brew will make the “agony of a diminishing summer” a little less dreadful, and much more flavorful. Available in 4-packs and at the brewery. 
• PINEAPPLE WHIP — 6.5% ABV Oat-based beer. Brewed in collaboration with Origin Beer Lab, this beer was made with whole Madagascar vanilla beans and pineapple juice. The result is a creamy, full bodied-brew that “takes your taste buds on a tropical escape.”
• MONKEY’S UNCLE LEMONGRASS TRIPEL — 9% ABV Belgian Tripel. Brewed with local lemongrass, with a light, crisp body and straw color. Fresh lemongrass grown by Village Garden added to the boil for a refreshing treat. 
• CREATIVE JUICES IIIPA — 10% ABV Double IPA. Big, bold, juicy, and gives back! This DIPA is a collaboration with Connor’s Heroes to help celebrate their 10th Annual Heroes Art Ball, which is virtual this year. $5 from every 4-pack will go straight to Connor’s Heroes.
• BLACKBERRY CRYSTAL COTU — Low calorie, gluten-reduced, fruity and fizzy hard seltzer. Available in 4-packs and at the brewery. 

Updates: Facebook | Instagram | Website

Dragon Run Brewing

Dragon Run Brewing is a charming space located to our east. If you’re looking for a new day trip out of the city, this is your spot — and they’ve got plenty of unique recipes to make it worth your while. With a blend of history behind each brew, Dragon Run brings something fresh to the table with every glass. 

Pickup: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

• BORN HERE BLUEBERRY LEMONADE — This Blueberry Lemonade Shandy is the latest in Dragon Run’s shandy series, and if you’re a fan of this type of brew, these guys are doing it right. Head out this week for a taste while they last! 
• KEY LIME PIE — The latest in Dragon Run’s “Grandma’s Sour Pie” series. This one brings out the down-home dessert flavors with real key lime, plus graham cracker notes and a creamy finish. 
• MATTAPO-NELPA — Hazy New England Style IPA, back on tap this week. 
• BORN HERE RASPBERRY LEMONADE SHANDY — 4.4% ABV Raspberry Lemonade Shandy. This one takes the Born Here Pilsner and mixes it with fresh raspberry lemonade for a summertime treat. 
• BRAXTON’S BITTER — 5.2% ABV English IPA. Named after the local founding father, Carter Braxton, who signed the Declaration of Independence among other things, this English Bitter has a slightly sweet malty taste and then an English Hop bite that is reminiscent of that old English Pub taste. 
• MARY OF ORANGE — 4.5% ABV Cream Ale. You know William of Orange, but do you know his wife, Mary Of Orange? This beer is brewed for Mary of William and Mary (Or the Queen in King and Queen County). This is a light cream ale that has a subtle taste of both orange and vanilla to remind you of that favorite ice cream treat, perfect for a warm summer day. 
• TOM’S “COFFEY” STOUT — 6.6% ABV Coffee Stout. This coffee stout is a coffee lover’s dream. Big, bold coffee taste, combined with the malty fullness, and finished with a creamy top provided by the nitro tap. Just like drinking a cold-brew coffee. Named after the brewers’ maternal grandfather, Tom Coffey, who was a legend in his own time, made this beer to be worthy of his namesake. 
• BLACK CHERRY HARD SELTZER — 4% ABV Hard Seltzer. A hard seltzer for those that want a gluten free option. Touched off with with fresh fruit juices for a refreshing taste. 

Updates: Facebook | Instagram | Website 

Final Gravity Brewing Co. 

Final Gravity Brewing Co. is open for pickup and delivery. To-go pours are available for every brew you could dream of: all you need to do is grab a Crowler! The brewery will be hosting food trucks and some new events as well, so be sure to stay safe and wear your mask. 

Pickup and Delivery: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

• ZAXXON HAZY DOUBLE IPA — Online and at the brewery! Brewed with Cashmere and Falconer’s Flight hops, Zaxxon is bursting with tangerine, candied apricot and pineapple flavors and is brewed with our house Kveik yeast. 
• ANCIENT MARINER GOSE FLAVORS — Passionfruit-Pineapple, Calamansi, and Habanero-Mango all came fresh recently, so grab one while you can! 
• CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’ — West Coast IPA. With citrus and tropical fruit flavors, this one packs a subdued bitterness on the end and just came freshly back to the brewery. 
• WEIZEN UP HEFEWEIZEN — 5% ABV. This classic German-style Hefeweizen is back at the brewery now, and it’s been a fan favorite in its time. 
• JAMES BROWN ALE — 6% ABV American Brown Ale. 
• WANDERING STAR HAZY DOUBLE IPA — Hazy Double IPA. Brewed with Citra and then dry-hopped with Mosaic, you’ll catch flavors of grapefruit, citrus, stone fruit, and pine in this bright brew. 
• DOPPLER EFFECT IPA — 7% ABV Flagship IPA. Back on tap, brewed with all Mosaic hops! Juicy New England-style IPA, crisp and clear like West Coast style. 
• STEPPING STONE BLONDE ALE — 5% ABV Blonde Ale. 

Updates: Facebook | Instagram | Website

Fine Creek Brewing Company 

Beer delivery and pickup is available at Fine Creek Brewing Company! Check out their website for a full list of beers available, and below for new brews on tap. With brand-new recipes and old favorites back in stock, there’s something for everyone at the Powhatan farmhouse. 

The Wild & Weird Festival is back!! This festival is one of my favorites each year, because it brings together all the best styles of beer that aren’t your regular IPA. All of September will be showcasing some of Fine Creek’s favorite beers brewed at the farm, and some brewed with their friends as well. All seating will be outdoor, and orders and pickups will take place at the bar if you’re heading out to spend the day with these awesome brewers. 

A big congrats to Fine Creek this week for winning Virginia’s Second Place Specialty spot for their Wine Barrel Aged Golden Sour in the Virginia Craft Beer Cup! They also won Third Place for their Herbarium Wild Saison. 

Pickup and Delivery: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

• MICHIGAN PILSNER — 5.2% ABV Pilsner. This pilsner showcases the Michigan-grown Zupper Saazer from Hop Head Farms. While this hop maintains many of the attributes associated with Saaz, this Michigan grown variety is much more intense with more oil content and alpha acids than would be expected. The aroma is a bouquet of dried flowers and fresh herbs and gives way to a palate that is spicy, earthy, and floral with a crisp finish from its balanced bitterness. 
• AMERICAN WHEAT —  4.4% ABV Wheat Ale. Medium-bodied with a slightly creamy mouthfeel, and a dry and refreshing finish. This one comes from the Weissbiers of Germany, but as Fine Creek says, the American versions allow clean fermenting yeast for a neutral background and more significant hop presence. 
• RKATSITELI SOUR — 6.6% ABV Golden Sour collab with Blenheim Vineyards. Rkatsiteli is a grape often used to produce white wine, and is one of the oldest cultivated grape varieties. The beer has a funky, floral aroma with notes of gooseberry, peach skin, and subdued oak. The flavor leads with a predominant combination of white grape and tart lemon, which gives way to layers of spice and mixed berry. Despite an initial juicy and round mouthfeel the beer finishes with a refreshing, drying tartness. 
• GOLDEN SOUR — Bottled Sour Ale. The barrels layered this beer with notes of mixed berries, red wine, oaky tannins, and vanilla. Golden sour culture brought a bright acidity, along with flavors of lemon and fresh pineapple. This beer combines deeper wine barrel tones with a refreshing tart palate and a dry and tannic finish.
• GERMAN PILSNER — 4.8% ABV Pilsner. Light Bodied, malt-forward. Floral, grassy, & herbal hop notes. 
• PROTOSCIENCE IPA — 7.3% ABV IPA. Orange, papaya, and mild grapefruit flavors with a rich, fruity character. 
• RAYGUN GOTHIC IPA — 7.5% ABV IPA. Pineapple and tropical fruit flavors with a full mouthfeel. 
• CITRUS HONEY SAISON — Back on tap! The last keg of this beloved brew is coming back this Friday, and it’s only available for a limited time. It goes fast, according to Fine Creek, and it’ll also be available on the next canning run. 
• VITALISM IPA — Hazy IPA. This new release was dry-hopped with Kohatu and Mosaic hops, combining for a sweet aroma of bright tropical fruit, with notes of freshly cut papaya and pineapple. Earlier additions of Idaho 7 and German Amarillo hops contribute more to the flavor, which features fruity tones alongside black tea, citrus zest, and a mild floral note. Vitalism has a medium body and a round mouthfeel that is paired with enough bitterness to avoid feeling too rich. 
• AMERICAN STOUT — 7% ABV. The latest batch comes from English Pale malts from Murphy & Rude Malting Co. in Charlottesville, and with a nutty and sweet backbone, this one was layered in Toasted Oats and Crystal Wheat to build up a sweeter tone of whole grain cereal and baked goods. Toasty notes of black coffee and baker’s chocolate, medium body balanced by a subtle hop flavor. 

Updates: Facebook | Instagram | Website

Garden Grove Brewing & Urban Winery 

Garden Grove is offering curbside pickup, carry-out orders, and same-day delivery! Masks are required to visit their taproom, and they’ve been offering some great new brews to get us through the insanity that is the summer of 2020. We don’t know where we’d be without local beer through all of this! Check below for fresh releases and more updates. 

A big congrats to Garden Grove this week for winning Virginia’s First Place Strong Ale spot for their Fergus Wee Heavy in the Virginia Craft Beer Cup! 

Pickup and Delivery: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

• FINAL ANSWER NEIPA — 7.5% ABV. This “super clean” New England IPA is light and soft, with notes of mango and citrus. 
• TSUNAMI — 7% ABV. Gluten free! Flavors of kiwi and lychee swim beautifully together in a tropical limeade. Just like these last remaining weeks of summer, this honeywine is here for a good time, not a long time.
• REFILL SPARKLING PINK LEMONADE HONEYWINE — Final run of 2020! This unique recipe is available on draft and in 4-packs right now, so be sure to grab one while you can before it’s gone until spring. 
• MUNICH KOLSCH — 4.8% ABV Kolsch. The latest recipe is a traditional, crisp golden brew with slight floral aromas (and it’s a sneak peek at their upcoming Oktoberfest lineup)! 
• MADELINE SAISON — 6.5% ABV Saison. Notes of classic banana and spice. Soft bodied, with flavors of tropical fruit, white pepper and rye.

Updates: Facebook | Instagram | Website

Hardywood Park Craft Brewery 

Hardywood Richmond and West Creek locations are open! And just look at that awesome setup above at West Creek. The outdoor spaces have been rearranged to allow for proper social distancing, and all us Hardywood fans can now visit them again safely. If you’d rather drink from home, online ordering is still available with all of Hardywood’s best. 

Pickup and Delivery: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

• FARMHOUSE PUMPKIN — This one comes straight from Virginia-grown sugar pumpkins from Grandma’s Pumpkins in Midlothian. With whole nutmeg, clove, allspice, and a classic saison yeast, this farmhouse ale has a soft mouthfeel with balanced, rustic fall flavors. 
• GRAPEFRUIT SINGEL — Hardywood’s classic flagship, Singel, gets a zesty makeover to help beat the summertime heat with the addition of refreshing grapefruit. 
• TRIUMVIRATE — This New England-Style IPA has notes of fresh mandarin, orange, lemon peel, and a hint of pineapple. 
• TRIADIC — New England-Style IPA with “a hop combination like no other.” Motueka, Nelson Sauvin and Bramling Cross hops blend together a triad of flavors – citrus, tropical fruit and black currant. Chewy and juicy with a balanced bitterness. 
• HOAX — Imperial milk stout aged for 18 months in freshly-emptied brandy barrels. Bold oak, dried fruit, and dark chocolate roasty maltiness all come together here for a complex drinking experience. 
• RICHMOND LAGER LIME — Richmond Lager Lime still has the same local ingredients we love, including Virginia-grown malt and hops. Real lime juice takes this beer to the next level. 
• DREAMLIKE — Malted Wheat and Flaked Oats round out this dreamy New England Style IPA using Galaxy, Azzaca, Falconers Flight and Cascade hops in both Whirlpool and Dry Hopping on this iteration. 
• CUVEE PEACH — Peach Tripel matured in freshly-dumped white wine barrels to allow for a true depth of flavor to develop. The result is a beautifully complex beer with stone fruit esters and juicy peach undertones, complemented by a pleasantly dry finish. 
• STRAIGHT TALK VOL. I & VOL. II — The Straight Talk Series are a “single barrel & single beer experience.” Vol. I is an Imperial Milk Stout, perfectly balanced with notes of silky chocolate and toffee, plus vanilla and smooth dark caramel from its bourbon barrel. Vol. II is a Saison aged in Red Wine Barrels for 11 months. 
• RICHMOND DARK LAGER — The same refreshing and crisp experience of its original recipe, with an ever-so-slight sweet dark malt characteristic. Although visually darker then its golden bubbly brother, Richmond Dark Lager does not have the roasty characteristics you might usually find in a beer this color. 
• SUNCRUSH — Summer’s favorite hard seltzer. Check Hardywood’s ordering site for available flavors! 

Updates: Facebook | Instagram | Website 

Intermission Beer Company 

Intermission is open! These brewers have taken it to the next level this summer with beer slushies (and yes, it’s as good as it sounds). A recent favorite is the Abbey Colada. Masks are required to enter. Taproom and patio seating are available, and no pets during this time. It’s first-come, first-serve, and it’ll be closed for seating once they reach capacity. Always remember to wear your mask and keep folks safe! 

Pickup and Delivery: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

• BEER SLUSHIES! — Check Facebook every Friday to see the weekend’s flavor. 
• ABBEY ALE — The favorite is back! 5.5% ABV Belgian Blonde. A gluten-reduced classic Belgian Singel with a subtle sweetness and light fruity notes. 
• BRANNIGAN’S LAW — 6.4% ABV Honey Beer. Braggot (honey beer) brewed in the style of an Irish Red Ale. Deep red hue, full bodied, and as smooth as a velour fog. Gluten Reduced. 
• CONJURED DARKNESS — 6.4% ABV Milk Stout. Dark roasted malts give a chocolatey foundation sweetened with milk sugar and lightly hopped. Dark, decadent, and creamy. Gluten Reduced. 
• HONEY HIBISCUS SAISON — 5.9% ABV Saison Farmhouse Ale. Light bodied with a slightly tart, dry finish. Notes of fresh honey along with a pink hue. 
• TROPICAL THUNDER IPA — 7% ABV American IPA. Malt base with tropical fruit hop notes, doubled down with passion fruit, mango, and pineapple. 
• GHOST LIGHT LAGER — 5% ABV. Light and crisp American Lager. Gluten Reduced.

Updates: Facebook | Instagram | Website 

Isley Brewing Company 

To-go brews are available at Isley Brewing Company! Indoor and outdoor seating is available, and dogs are welcome if they’re leashed. Be sure to ask about the latest Ice-sley slushie flavors, because these brewers have something fresh every week. No reservations required, and be sure to wear your mask! 

Pickup and Delivery: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

• ICE-SLEY SLUSHIES — Check in every week for fresh new slushie flavors! Pineapple Red Ale and Bubble Gum Sour are recent favorites. 
• JAMWICH — 5.4% Sour Ale. Light bodied, golden colored blonde, with heaps of fresh blackberry puree, hopped to perfection with only the finest German noble varieties.
• I’LL BEE BOCK — 8% ABV. Single / Traditional Bock. Hopped exclusively with Czech Saaz hops, and finished with a clean German lager yeast, the beer pours a light copper, with a thick, creamy head. 
• SUNBURNT COUNTRY IPA — 8.5% IPA. A Hazy DIPA, brewed exclusively with varietals grown only in the Southern Hemisphere. The beer pours a cloudy yellow, with a soft, pillowy foam.
• TEA-RIFFIC — 6% ABV Amber Ale. Growing up, summer in the South meant… Sweet Tea! They’ve brewed a malty Amber Ale, infused it with heaps of Black Tea, and sweetened it right up with approximately 100 percent of pure cane sugar. 
• SET SAIL — 6% ABV Hopped Lemon Pale Ale. Brewed with late additions of Mandarina Bavaria and Citra hop varietals, and lemon and orange zest, the wheat and barley blended base is a perfect vessel to let the fresh, citrus flavors really shine. 
• OFF THE BOULEVARD — 5% Irish Red Ale. Balanced, easy-drinking traditional Irish Red Ale.
• RASPBERRY RAZZLE — 5.4% ABV Sour Gose. Return of the Raspberry-Infused Gose, this one is light, refreshing, and adds in a low hop bitterness with sour, sweet, tart, and salty flavors. 

Updates: Facebook | Instagram | Website 

Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery 

Multi-state shipping and drive through pickup available! The taproom is also open, and with plenty of awesome outdoor seating, the farm at Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery is one you don’t want to miss. 

Pickup and Delivery: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

• SEERSUCKER SHANDY — Coming soon! Check back next week for more info on a brand-new shandy at Lickinghole Creek. 
• SHOCKOE SESSION ALE — 4.5% ABV. Brewed with well water, a blend of German Pilsner, and malt made from their 6 row barley along with their hops. This one is golden, bright, crisp, and extremely easy to drink with notes of banana. 
• BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL — 10% ABV Imperial Dessert Stout. This one is for the true stout lovers out there. Lickinghole Creek took the Black Is Beautiful recipe from Weathered Souls Brewing, and tried to keep it as true to the original as possible. “We wanted this beer to showcase the masterfully roasted and caramel malt graciously donated from Murphy and Rude Malting out of Charlottesville, VA. We get huge notes of deeply roasted coffee, rich cacao, creamy vanilla, and caramel toffee.” All proceeds will go to organizations in pursuit of ending racial and social injustice everywhere. 
• JUICY #22 — 7.5% ABV. Juicy 22 is layered with orange zest, orange juice, and with a soft kiss of vanilla. Juicy 22 showcases the wonderful hop LOTUS. (This is a personal favorite of mine, so I definitely encourage you to try it!) 
• ABSOLUTE COUP OF ENLIGHTENED DESPOT — 9.3% ABV Bourbon Spiral Aged Russian Imperial Stout. A modern twist on an old favorite. The Enlightened Despot is overtaken by upstart spirals of bourbon-soaked toasted oak. The two-time gold medal winning Virginia Black Bear ages on Bourbon oak spirals for the Absolute Coup of the Enlightened Despot. 
• BLUEBERRY FRENCH TOAST IMPERIAL BROWN ALE — 8% ABV Brown Ale. This American Brown Ale was conditioned on fresh vanilla, cinnamon, and blueberries with a noticeable maple syrup flavor. 
• NUCLEAR NUGGET IMPERIAL HONEY IPA — 10.5% ABV. While it’s not brand-new, it’s worth noting as a fan favorite. This hop bomb is a lot of things. One thing it is not, is subtle. Nuclear Nugget explodes the nose with notes of citrus, flowers, and Centennial hops, then the nuclear fallout is accompanied by local clover honey, to bring everybody back to safety. 
• GOOCHLAND QUADRUPEL ALE — 11.2% ABV. Tasting notes of raisin, plum, prune, and currants. Easily drinkable, complex, and refreshing. 
• WATERMELON GOSE — 5% ABV. Traditional German-style wheat ale. Expect a light and crisp beer with notes of sour, salt, and juicy watermelon on your taste buds.

Updates: Facebook | Instagram | Website 

Starr Hill Richmond Beer Hall & Rooftop 

Starr Hill RVA is also keeping things safe, with to-go beer sales taking place during abbreviated business hours. All of their year-round beers will be available, in addition to some special favorites from the brewery. 

Pickup: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

• AIR DRUMMER HAZY IPA — The latest brew from Starr Hill, available now after its debut in April! This Hazy IPA is out on tap and in 4-pack cans for pickup. 
• HEY BUDDY — The latest pilot batch from right here in Richmond. This beer is dedicated to Starr Hill’s buddy, Dio, who’s been a member of the crew for over 10 years. This golden brew lagered in our tanks for over five months, for a crisp and refreshing finish. 
• FESTIE — Oktoberfest Lager. This recipe is rich, malty, and perfectly refreshing for the season. 
• RAMBLE ON HAZY IPA — This is a personal favorite of mine, and if you’re into DIPAs and Hazy IPAs, trust me — it’s right up your alley. This is a summertime favorite, but it’s great through any season. 
• BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL — Starr Hill’s recipe of the Weathered Souls Brewing initiative. This hopped-up stout was brewed with Chinook, Citra, Centennial and Falconer’s Flight. 100 percent of the proceeds go to the Equal Justice Initiative! 
• DOUBLE PLATINUM IMPERIAL IPA — 8.6% ABV Imperial IPA. Brand-new Imperial IPA from Starr Hill, limited edition! 
• KING KUNU PINEAPPLE IPA — Pineapple IPA. 4-packs available from the brewery. 
• SAY IT AIN’T SOUR — 12-pack that brings together all the best Starr Hill Gose brews. Pixie Pineapple Gose, Carly Cucumber Gose, Carole Cran-Raspberry Gose and Lola Guava Gose. 
• SUBLIME CITRUS WIT — Witbier. New recipe with a fresh lime zest. Citrus, wheat, and spice meld together to create the perfect summer beverage. 
• CARLY CUCUMBER GOSE — 6-pack of the new Gose recipe. 
• CAROLE CRAN-RASPBERRY GOSE — A cranberry-raspberry infusion in 6-packs available at Starr Hill. 
• PIXIE PINEAPPLE GOSE — Another fresh recipe available in 6-packs. 

Updates: Facebook | Instagram | Website 

Stone Brewing Richmond 

Stone Brewing Richmond is open for pick-up! This awesome East End brewery has had some delicious releases lately, and they’ve got brews ready at the door if you plan to take them home. The patio is open as well, so mask up and head out for some great new releases. Stone also has a great new “Odd Beers for Odd Years” series going on, so stay tuned for updates as special releases come out! 

A big congrats to Stone this week for winning Virginia’s First Place IPA spot in the Virginia Craft Beer Cup! 

Pickup: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

• BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL — 10% ABV. Stone’s take on the Weathered Souls Brewing initiative. Imperial stout with a rich, dark chocolate character. Oak and bourbon barrel character adds sweetness, caramel and oak complexity. Take one home to save for later if you’d like, because Stone says this beer will age beautifully! 
• WIZARDS & GARGOYLES SLAY HAZY COFFEE IPA — Stone joined up with Modern Times Beer to create this fresh IPA. It uses two new hops that are still in development, along with Centennial, Cashmere, Citra, and Azacca. This hazy coffee IPA is now available nationwide, and with light chocolate notes, coffee, citrus pith, tangerine, tart peach, caramel, mild oak, hay, and cognac tastes, it’s one that’s unlike any you’ve had before. 
• OLD GUARDIAN — Triple IPA. This one-time-only release, part of Stone’s “Odd Beers for Odd Years” series, takes a downright excessive brew into uncharted, extra-hoppy territory. They did this by dry-hopping it with Azacca hops, essentially turning an American barley wine into a triple IPA. Like its Classic counterpart, this delicious oddity has evolved into an even more glorious beer with age, and now the Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine (Extra Hoppy) is on tap in Richmond. 
• STONE LIBERTY STATION MARBLE RYE BOCK — 7.3% ABV. Maibock style lager brewed with rye and bitter chocolate. 
• STONE LET ME HEAR YOU SCREAM — 8% ABV. Hazy IPA brewed with vanilla and lactose. 
• SOARING DRAGON IMPERIAL IPA — 8% ABV. Imperial IPA brewed with white tea. 
• STONE BUENAVEZA SALT & LIME LAGER — 4.7% ABV Lager. This one has been a favorite this summer, so grab one while you can! 
• ENTER NIGHT PILSNER — 5.7% ABV Pilsner. German-style pilsner with low bitterness and bright tastes. 
• STONE TIKI ESCAPE — 7.7% ABV IPA. Tropical, fruit-forward IPA brewed with Sabro and Mosaic hops. 

Updates: Facebook | Instagram | Website 

Strangeways Brewing 

All three Strangeways Brewing tasting rooms are open for delivery, curbside pick-up, and to-go orders! They’re also open for draft brews, and wear your mask when visiting in-person. Be sure to check their website for updates. 

Pickup and Delivery: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

• JERRY BEAR SMASH IPA — Limited experimental batch! Jarrylo hops originated from the Summit and Azzaca hop lines, and were named after the slavic god of vegetation and fertility. “Given the dank nature, we couldn’t help but associate them with a musical icon as well, Mr. Jerry Garcia. So we end up with a Jerry Bear SMaSH IPA, that offers a range of hop characteristics almost as vast as the range of styles you might here at a Dead show. (smells pretty similar too),” Strangeways says. You know this rider, and you’re gonna miss it when it’s gone. So come on by asap and hop on the Jerry Bear bus! 
• I CARY’D A WATERMELON BERLINER WEISSE — This summer favorite is back on tap at Strangeways! This new brew adds locally-grown sweet watermelon to the brewery’s original Berliner Weisse recipe. It originally came out for the annual Carytown Watermelon Festival, but was such a fan favorite that the brewers decided to bring it to the taproom. Very limited availability, so get it while it lasts! 
• SINEWY — 8% ABV Strong Saison. A fan favorite for years, Sinewy is basically an imperial farmhouse ale, made with Vienna, White Wheat, and Belgian Aromatic Malts then generously hopped Sorachi Ace. Fermented very dry producing a crushable farmhouse ale with notes of honey, green peppercorn, earth, and freshly cut hay. 
• I KNOW WIT YOU DID LAST SUMMER — 5.4% ABV Sour Witbier. Combines the spice of a traditional Belgian wit, with the mellow tart of German sour wheat ale. A subtle citrus characteristic sticks around from nose to aftertaste, briefly replacing mid-taste with a light peppery sweet tart. 
• BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL — Imperial Stout. Highlights intense roast character with moderate sweetness and subtle booze on the nose. 100 percent of proceeds benefit Girls for a Change. 
• SHIMMER & SHAKE — Spiked Sparkling Seltzer. Lemon-lime flavors, with a light, crisp, and effervescent taste for summertime. 
• AFM WILD ALE — Farmhouse Saison. 2-row, Vienna, and Wheat Malts. Heavily hopped with Columbus in the brewhouse, then aged 22 months in French Oak barrels. Strong, but drinkable, with a balance between hops and funk. 
• FULL STACK LUMBERJACK — Stout. Dark, rich and luscious. Conditioned with pure Wisconsin Little Man maple syrup and thick-cut Smithfield maple flavored bacon. 
• GNAR SHREDDER — Double IPA. Soft and pillowy with light sweetness. Intensely fruity from big additions of Vic Secret and Cashmere hops giving notes of passionfruit, peach, pear, and rock candy. Double dry-hopped. 
• LUCKY CHARMS BERLINER WEISSE — Cloudy, sour wheat beer. Dry, fruity funk with a sharp tartness. 
• WAKE ME UP BEFORE YOU GOSE — Lighthearted Germanic Sour. Lemony tartness alongside Sicilian sea salt, coriander, and ginger to “put the boom-boom into your heart.” 
• WHAT THE ASTRONAUTS DRINK — Sour Berliner Weisse. Infused with orange flavored drink mix for a familiar tangy flavor. 

Updates: Facebook | Instagram | Website 

Three Notch’d RVA Collab House

Three Notch’d RVA Collab House is open for business, and they just welcomed a new Head Brewer in August: Bobby Faithful. With a wealth of professional brewing experience (including being the director of the brewing program at University of Richmond), Bobby’s got plenty of new recipes to cook up for the River City. Between pickup and delivery services, in addition to a great patio, Three Notch’d RVA is bringing lots of fresh tastes into this summer. 

Pickup and Delivery: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

• HANSEL & KETTLE IMPERIAL OKTOBERFEST — 8% ABV. This Imperial Marzen-style lager is big in flavor with the bready/biscuit/caramel flavors of a traditional Marzen magnified. The big blend of noble hops makes this beer a perfectly balanced brew.
• 40 MILE IPA — 6.1% ABV. Flagship IPA combines citrus, peach, and pineapple flavors with mild bitterness and crisp malt body for a refreshing, delicious beer. 
• BIG SLICE JUICY IPA — 7.8% ABV IPA. Brewed in the New England style, but with a twist. The banana profile from the hefeweizen yeast pairs with big tropical fruit flavors of Moutere and Mosaic hops. 
• BROTHER BARNABAS BELGIAN TRIPEL — 10.4% ABV. This Belgian-style Tripel is crisp, refreshing, and highly carbonated with fruity Belgian esters for a great pear skin, apple, and citrus profile. 
• GHOST AMERICAN PALE ALE — 5.1% ABV. Classic American Pale Ale is brewed with an ambush of dry hops, giving this crisp, refreshing beer all the hop flavor without being overly bitter. 
• JACK’S JAVA ESPRESSO STOUT — 5.5% ABV. Brewed with a special three-roast coffee blend by Dave Fafara, roastmaster at Charlottesville’s Shenandoah Joe Coffee Roasters. 
• GOLD STAR ALL-AMERICAN IPA — The latest beer from the Three Notch’d series to honor the fallen. This brew is in memory of SSG Kenneth Wade Bennet of the U.S. Army, and it’s brewed with American-grown Bravo and Tomahawk hops. 

Updates: Facebook | Instagram | Website

Triple Crossing Beer

Triple Crossing Beer has to-go and delivery options available, and can shipping is another option as well. Visit their patio for some outdoor time in the East End, and wear your mask! 

Pickup and Delivery: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

• BUTTERCUP GRISETTE — 4.5% ABV. Buttercup is an open fermented Grisette comprised of pilsner malt, spelt, red wheat and flaked barley. We taste Spree citrus candies, lime leaf, juicy stone fruit and white wine minerality with a refreshing acidity. 
• FOEDER I  — 5% ABV Golden Ale. Candied pineapple, fresh pomelo, light notes of dill and sweet honey with a restrained acidity and dry finish.
• SWITCHING OFF — 6% ABV. Hoppy with a heavy dose of Cashmere, this one blends varietals to compliment and contrast its profile. We taste notes of tropical candied tangerine lime zest, plush melon, sweet spruce like pine, and gentle stone fruit apricot. 
• BABY FALCON — Tropical papaya, bright pineapple, and white grape melon come together for this classic Falcon orange oil citrus marmalade flavor. Entirely drinkable, and brewed Downtown at the source of the original first ever batch of their most famous hoppy beer. 
• LITTLE HILLTOP — 3.8% ABV Kellerbier. This Franconian-inspired recipe has an “effortlessly session-able ABV,” comprised of a simple grain bill with a hop kettle treatment. 
• FALCON SMASH IPA — Flagship IPA. Dank hop character from Falconer’s Flight dry-hop process. 

Updates: Facebook | Instagram | Website 

Väsen Brewing Company

Väsen is open for pickup and delivery! Outdoor seating is available, so please wear your mask and keep folks safe. They’ve recently released a great array of fresh new brews, and we can’t wait to grab a glass of every one! Kegs are also available to take home. 

Pickup and Delivery: Order Here

THE LATEST BEERS 

• FESTBIER — 5.2% ABV. Märzen festbier, a deep amber lager with rich malty character contributed by Munich malts, as well as subtle fruity and spicy notes from noble hops and Bavarian lager yeast. 
• RETURN OF THE MANDARIN GALAXY — 8% ABV. Let yourself slip the surly bonds of earth with this dank, fruity DIPA. A universe of hoppy citrus flavors awaits you in each sip thanks to German Mandarina Bavaria and Australian Galaxy hops. Intense aromas of tangerine and pineapple are balanced by subtle passion fruit and peach, with a hint of pine on the finish. 
• TRIPLE PEACH SAISON — 6.2% ABV Saison. This crisp, fruity brew was made with white, yellow, and blood peach to get a deep, natural character which perfectly complements the classic saison flavors of spice and clove. 
• NORSE DIPA — Returning alongside Triple Peach Saison in cans, this hazy double dry-hopped IPA was made with Citra, Mosaic, and Amarillo hops. 
• COHESION — This collab with Capsoul and Chilalay brought us a brand-new Hazy Double IPA, and it’s focused on community health, cultural awareness, and social change. African Queen, Azacca, and Southern Passion hops lend aromas of pear and white grape, along with flavors of tangerine and vanilla. Support your community simply by having a beer! 
• EVERYTHING FLOATS ON GUAVA AND PASSION FRUIT — Bold, dry-hopped sour… and all of it floats on a fruity foundation of real guava and passion fruit. Along with the tropical flavors dominating this tart brew, you’ll also find subtle citrus aromas and pleasant floral character from a light addition of citra hops. 
• FEASTA — 8% ABV Hazy DIPA. Brewed with Nelson Sauvin, Citra, and Vic Secret Hops. 
• NEOMEXICANUS — 8% ABV Hazy DIPA. Brewed with Sabro, El Dorado, and Azacca hops.
• APRICOT SOUR — 7% ABV Sour Ale. Brewed with apricot for a summery, fruity flavor. 
• MIERKA — 6% ABV Farmhouse Brett Saison. Dry-hopped with Citra and Amarillo hops. 
• FREYJA — 6% ABV Hazy IPA. Brewed with Mosaic, Rakau, and the 2019 Pink Boots Hop Blend. 

Updates: Facebook | Instagram | Website 

The Veil Brewing Co. 

The Veil Brewing Co. is hosting outdoor to-go sales from both locations. They’ve also got shipping available to select states, and they’re currently open for curbside pickup only. Patio lovers, stay tuned for openings in the future! 

Pickup and Delivery: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

• MASTER SHREDDER3 — 5.5% ABV. Triple dry-hopped Mosaic-forward IPA.
• BROZ NIGHT OUT — 8% ABV. 100% Citra Double IPA!
• P.A.I.N. — 8% ABV. P.A.I.N. is a  Double Dry-hopped Double India Pale Ale brewed creamy oats and hopped heavily with Citra, Mosaic, BRU-1, and El Dorado. 
• TEFNUT CREAMSICLE BERRY SWIRL — 10% ABV. Tefnut Creamsicle Berry Swirl is an Imperial Gose in collaboration with Omnipollo brewed with loads of blackberry, raspberry, orange juice, non-dairy vanilla ice cream, whole Madagascar vanilla beans, and vanilla sea salt. 
• NUMB — 4.4% ABV. Lager brewed with Pilsner malt and a decent amount of malted wheat, fermented with one of our favorite lager strains and hopped solely with Hallertau Mittelfrüh. Effervescent , bright, floral, and just an absolute crusher. Naturally carbonated for baby bubbles. 
• CURTAINS — 11% ABV. Curtains VI is a brand new Triple India Pale Ale in collaboration with our pals at Hudson Valley Brewery brewed with lots of raw wheat, malted oats, Galaxy, Enigma, and Sabro hops. Impressions of a pineapple + coconut tiki cocktail, juicy tangerines, and a bowl full of freshly picked berries. 
• STAY HYDRATE — 6% ABV. Stay Hydrate is an IPA with Citra, Galaxy, Wakatu, and Motueka. Soft and juicy with notes of fruit loops, orange blossom, and honey. 
• BARREL AGED MELANCHOLIA: PEACH — 6.1% ABV. Barrel Aged Melancholia: Peach is a Farmhouse-inspired Ale aged in red wine barrels for 13 months then conditioned on freshly sliced whole Virginia Peaches from Agriberry Farm. Impressions of peach soda, a basket of roadside peaches, and Mawmaws’s peach cobbler with a round body and carbonation. 
• NEVER GONNAGETIT3 — 5.3% ABV Gose. Triple raspberry, triple blackberry, and triple boysenberry purées. This is a great batch with flavors of pulpy berry popsicles and smoothie bowls. 
• HOLLOW PLACE 500ML BOTTLE — 10.5% ABV. Hollow Place: Vanilla Walnut is a new Imperial Stout conditioned on piles of crushed walnuts and freshly split Madagascar vanilla beans. Awesome oily flavors of rich vanilla cake, walnut fudge, and candy bars. 
• VEIN — 4.5% ABV. Pilsner step-mashed with floor-malted barley and hopped with Saaz and Tettnang. Crispy, hoppy, and thirst-quenching.

Updates: Facebook | Instagram | Website 

WINE, MEADS, & CIDERS

Black Heath Meadery

Black Heath Meadery has the patio open for plenty of great outdoor events now, so keep up with them on Facebook for the latest updates — and be sure to wear your mask! 

Pickup and Delivery: Order Here 

THE LATEST MEADS 

• MEAD SLUSHEES — Check out Black Heath’s Facebook page for daily flavor updates! The most recent editions are Blueberry Lemon and Cherry Lime. 
• JERRY VANILLA — Sour Cherry mead aged in Reservoir bourbon barrels with vanilla beans and cacao nibs. 
• BLUE ANGEL — Gold Medal Mazer Cup International award winner. Batch 6 utilizes Jonagold apples and VA wildflower honey. 
• GINGER — Traditional mead fermented with VA wildflower honey and Casselmonte Farms baby yellow ginger. 
• MEADSAIC — Traditional mead dry hopped with Mosaic. 
• SOUR CHERRY — Traditional strength mead fermented with VA wildflower honey, Montmorency and Balaton cherries. 

Updates: Facebook | Instagram | Website 

Blue Bee Cider 

Blue Bee Cider is running curbside pickup every day, plus same-day local delivery orders! This Scott’s Addition spot was Virginia’s first urban cidery, and their ciders come from rare and heirloom Virginia apples “prized for their tannin, acidity, and flavor.” 

Pickup and Delivery: Order Here 

THE LATEST CIDERS 

• MILL RACE BRAMBLE FROSÉ — 7.0% ABV. The Mill Race Bramble frosé has been served for the last two years, and it was the first berry-infused cider in Virginia. It first came out back in 2013, and with apple cider infused with blackberries and raspberries, this one is the perfect recipe to carry you through the rest of summer’s warm days. 
• PETIT MANCHURIAN — 10% ABV. This semi-sweet wine-cider hybrid came together with Petit Manseng grapes and Manchurian crab apples. 
• HARRISON — 8.5% ABV. Dry, slightly tannic, with notes of golden raisin and marrow. 
• HEWE’S CRAB — 8.5% ABV. Dry, fruit-forward, bright and floral. This one has notes of cumin and honey. 
• ARAGON 1904 — 8.6% ABV. Semi-dry blend of modern and heirloom apples that’s light, crisp, and fruit-forward. 
• ROCKY RIDGE RESERVE — 8.0% ABV. Dry, oak-aged semi-sparkling cider. 

Updates: Facebook | Instagram | Website 

Bryant’s Cider 

The new Bryant’s Cider location in Richmond opened this summer, and we’re stoked to keep up with their latest releases. They’re offering shipping and pickup, so if you want to drink from home, they’ve got you covered! Stay tuned for more info on their latest project, River City Seltzer, which is opening up in September. 

Pickup and Delivery: Order Here 

THE LATEST CIDERS 

• LEO — The latest in Bryants Cider’s zodiac series, Leo is coming soon… and this special edition is flavored with habanero and pineapple. Stay tuned for the release date! 
• BLUEBERRY LAVENDER AND LIME — A brand-new cider recipe featuring blueberry, lavender, and lime flavors with Crescent Simples. 
• RED EYE — Coffee collaboration with Recluse Roasting Project. This brut cider is made with a single origin bean from a farm named Cual Bicicleta in Honduras. Bryant’s says, “The coffee is amazing, just like the cider it’s cold brewed in.” 
• GEMINI — Zodiac series Cider. A blood orange and hibiscus cider made with the air signs in mind. 
• CANCER — Zodiac series Cider. A blueberry cider with the perfect combination between tart and dry. 

Updates: Facebook | Instagram | Website

Thibaut-Janisson Winery 

Thibaut-Janisson was born from a long friendship that began in a Grand Cru village in the Champagne region of France and continues today in Blue Ridge Mountains of Charlottesville, Virginia.

THE LATEST WINES: 

• BLANC DE CHARDONNAY NV — 100% Chardonnay. Elegant and suave, with good minerality. Subtle notes of apple, white peach with hints of hazelnuts. Creamy mouthfeel, fine bead, clean and zesty finish. 
• BLANC DE NOIRS — 100% Pinot Noir. Pale pink in color, this sparkling is medium bodied with subtle strawberry aromas and flavors. Well balanced with texture, structure and a lovely long finish.
• EXTRA BRUT NV — 100% Chardonnay. This 100% Chardonnay blend is made from Tête de Cuvée, or first pressing of the grapes, considered superior in quality, with a high percentage of reserve wines for extra complexity, depth and richness, and a low added dosage to preserve purity and freshness.
• VIRGINIA FIZZ — Cremant-style wine made of 100% Chardonnay. Packed with apples and peach flavors, the wine has a very creamy and smooth texture.

Updates: Facebook | Instagram | Website 

That’s it for this week’s RVA On Tap! As your weekly columnist, I’m here to take all your beer releases, event info, ideas and questions. If you’re a brewer, send me your release info at caley@rvamag.com, and if you’re a beer enthusiast, drop me a line anytime to talk booze. Catch y’all next week!