The Science Museum of Virginia http://www.smv.org is landing on the craft-brewing scene of Richmond to teach locals about the science behind their favorite beverages.
The Science Museum of Virginia http://www.smv.org is landing on the craft-brewing scene of Richmond to teach locals about the science behind their favorite beverages. Science on Tap hopes to turn your drinking experience into an equally educational one.
“Richmond is really big on the craft beer scene so we thought this was something to tap into, pun intended,” said Chrissy Caldwell, manager of communications and curiosity at the Science Museum of Virginia.
She said the Science Museum is always trying to find ways to teach people, especially about things they’re actually excited about.
“We’re really looking to connect science to everyone’s life,” Caldwell said, “whether you’re an elementary school kid, whether you’re a young professional or whether you’re a retired adult.”
Presented by the Emerging Leaders Council of the Science Museum of Virginia, which was formerly known as the Universe Society, Science on Tap will host over 12 breweries including Ardent Craft Ales, Hardywood, Strangeways Brewery and Devil’s Backbone.
There will be three presentations by local companies about the science of beer and an “Ask the Brewers” Q & A.
James River Homebrewers will brew on-site and explain the process as they go about it.
Huguenot Hops will discuss the Alpha and Beta levels in beer and how essential oils create the different aromas in our favorite pints.
Original Gravity Homebrew Supplies will talk about hops, grains and yeast and let the audience smell the various ingredients.
Tony Ammendolia, owner and operator at Original Gravity Homebrew Supplies, started brewing in his early twenties, when a brewing supplies store opened up on Main Street. He and his roommate started brewing and eventually had seven beers, which they invited all their friends to try and a beer party, complete with descriptions of each one and a recommended order to try them in.
His interest eventually became his business when he opened OG in November 2011. At Science on Tap, he’ll be able to share what he’s learned through many years of trial and error home brewing.
“I think a lot more people are getting interested in craft beer in general,” Ammendolia said. “Not everybody knows what it takes to actually make the beer. So what we’ll bring to it is just being able to show you that it can be done pretty easily.”
While Ammendolia currently just sells the supplies for do-it-yourself brewing, he said by this summer, he hopes to have his own brewing company up and running. They’re waiting for the forms to go through, but Final Gravity Brewing Company’s grand opening is tentatively set for August 2015.
Attendees will be able to play corn hole, dance to blues bands Vexine and Bluz Catz and enjoy food from food trucks like Goatocado, Poblano Torta Slideways and Smokie Joe’s BBQ, all while enjoying a pint.
General Admission tickets are available at the door for $10 and the first 1,000 guests will also receive a signature pint glass.
Beer tickets are sold separately at $6 for full pours and $3 for tastings.
Attendees can eat, drink, be merry and learn something new.
“It’s really to show that there’s science behind everything,” Caldwell said. “And we want to relate to the people in the community and bring that and connect with them with something that they’re interested in.”
Science on Tap is Saturday, May 9 from 2 – 6 p.m. and don’t forget to bring your ID’s!
