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RVA ON TAP: Party Time! Excellent! Scott’s Addition Booz Crawl, and Richmond’s Best-In-Nation Brews

Caley Sturgill | October 17, 2018

Topics: Ardent craft ales, beer crawl, Black Heath Meadery, Blue Bee Cider, booz crawl, Buskey Cider, Castleburg, courthouse creek, Isley, Reservoir Distillery, RVA On Tap, Scott's Addition, Steam Bell, stone, the beer travel guide, The Veil, three notchd, Väsen, waynes world

What’s happening, craft beer lovers of RVA?! Welcome to this week’s RVA On Tap, RVA Magazine’s weekly column for all your craft beer-related events, releases, festivals, and all the booze news your hearts desire.

If you missed the last column, you can check that out here. Our kegs are overflowing with news this week, from beer releases to festivals, events, and other cool happenings around town — so hold on to your mugs!

Last week, we checked out a few awesome beer events and even found a boozy haunted house for Halloween. We’ve got even more exciting stuff coming up, and RVA made the news once again for being one of America’s top beer destinations (surprise, surprise).

PHOTO: The Beer Travel Guide

This week, Richmond was named the “Ultimate craft beer destination in Southeast America” by The Beer Travel Guide, with a note that good ol’ RVA has the best craft beer east of the Mississippi (can’t argue with that). According to the travel guide, we not only have a rich number of breweries, but also have some of the nation’s most elite right here in the city limits. They report:

“Any serious beer trader has a few Richmond breweries on his or her ‘In Search Of’ list. One could easily spend a weekend in Richmond doing nothing but drink craft beer and *still* feel like there wasn’t enough time to get everything done.”

Ain’t that the truth. Since RVA is just so-damn-great, we actually get two parts to our chunk of the country’s guide, all to ourselves. They released Part 1 this week, and some of our favorites made the list.

Final Gravity Brewing Company came in at #3 for its world-class IPAs (with The Doppler Effect recently ranking as the 12th-best IPA in the country). Up next was The Answer Brewpub at #2, where the travel guide remarked, “If the question is ‘Where can you find some of the best beer in the country?’ the answer is…well, The Answer.” #1 on the list is the entire neighborhood of Scott’s Addition (lol) and honestly, they’re totally right.

I’ve been saying forever that RVA is one of the most unique beer cities for its ability to go brewery-hopping (Seriously, where else is that a thing?) and our friends at The Beer Travel Guide found the same to be true.

PHOTO: Scott’s Addition Booz Crawl

Speaking of Scott’s Addition, one of the neighborhood’s best beer events of the year is next! weekend!

Once in a blue moon, we get an opportunity for the whole city to day-drink together, and nobody gets to judge us for it. Richmond’s self-proclaimed Booziest Neighborhood has brought that opportunity back this Saturday, for a full day of adult Trick-Or-Treating in the Scott’s Addition Halloween Booz Crawl.

The crawl this weekend hits 10 different spots in a day, full of beers, ciders, meads, and whiskeys. On your way, make sure to pick up Booz Crawl cards anywhere that’s participating. If you get three unique stamps, you’re entered to win a $25 gift card for each location.

They’ve also included a Lyft voucher for 25 percent off rides, so Trick-Or-Treat responsibly. Participating spots include: Ardent Craft Ales, Black Heath Meadery, Blue Bee Cider, Buskey Cider, Courthouse Creek Cider, Isley Brewing Company, Reservoir Distillery, Three Notch’d RVA Collab House, Väsen Brewing Company, and The Veil Brewing Co.

PHOTO: The Veil Brewing Co.

Party time! Excellent!  Yesterday, The Veil Brewing Co. brought Crucial Taunt back at the taproom, and it won’t last long. Straight from Wayne’s World, Crucial Taunt is Wayne’s girlfriend Cassandra’s band, known for their impressive Jimi Hendrix and “Ballroom Blitz” covers that really jam. The New England-style double IPA is extremely hoppy, dank, and has a low bitterness to accompany its juicy, small-malt taste. As a longtime WW fan, I’m extra stoked on this one — and the brewers have warned it may be gone by Thursday, so hop on it, Richmond. 

PHOTO: Castleburg Brewery

Castleburg Brewery dropped their Above the Salt Gose this week on a berry-blend randall. The Leipzig-style brew is light and tart, and according to Castleburg, it’s the perfect poolside drink as a 50 percent wheat beer that’s crisp and refreshing. It’s Castleburg’s first sour beer, and it hits at a nice medium with a 4.7 ABV. A reminder from the brewers: “Just don’t call us Salt Bae.” 

PHOTO: Stone Brewing

The first full-time brewed and bottled West coast double IPA on the planet is back at Stone Brewing. Ruination 2.0 is the second round of the groundbreaking pale ale, dry-hopped and hop-bursted to get “every last drop of piney, citrusy, tropical essence” that gives this beer its character. It’s also the second stanza in the brewery’s Liquid Poem to the Glory of the Hop. 

Stone’s also got their Bikes and Beers event coming up this Saturday for all the athletes out there. Gear up for 15- and 30-mile rides leaving the brewery (rest stops included, thank god) and circle back to Stone to get a glass, koozie, and two free beers! It’s similar to Hardywood’s motorcycle event last weekend, but for analog motorcycles (bicycles), and it’s got a raffle just the same. If you participate in the ride, you get a free raffle ticket — and if you’re anything like me, you might have so much fun you win back your own day-beer lost-belongings in the raffle. 

Proceeds go to Bike Walk RVA to improve cycling conditions in RVA, so even if you don’t ride, swing by for a beer and make sure to check this one out! 

PHOTO: Steam Bell Beer Works

Out in Midlothian, Steam Bell Beer Works just brought back Dueling Hops. The American-style IPA, brewed with Mosaic and Amarillo hops, has notes of mango and stone fruit for an easy-drinking fruit bomb. 

The brewery’s also a stop on the Richmond Beer Trail (with more than 30 craft breweries — no wonder we’re top in the country). Pick up a map and hit five RVA breweries for stamps, and get one of these sweet trucker hats fo’ free! 

PHOTO: Ardent

In more new-beer news this week, the cold weather is back, and so is stout season! Swing by Ardent tomorrow for the release of their Imperial Milk Stout. This bold, rich chocolatey-sweet stout is balanced with a roasty base and has a silky smooth finish — unlike “the boozy burn” that often comes with a 10 percent brew like this.

That’s it for this week’s RVA On Tap! As your new 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 [email protected], and if you’re a beer enthusiast, drop me a line anytime to talk booze. Catch y’all next week!

TAPPED: Cheers to Independence at Strangeways, Castleburg’s Prepare to DIePA, & Väsen’s Smoked Blood Peach Sour

RVA Staff | June 27, 2018

Topics: Blue Bee Cider, Castleburg Brewery, Fine Creek Brewing Company, Hardywood, RVA beer, rva beer news, tapped, triple crossing, Vasen Brewing Company

What’s happening craft beer lovers of RVA?! Welcome to this week’s “Tapped,” RVA Magazine’s go to weekly craft beer column where you can find all your craft beer-related events, releases, festivals and all the booze news your little hearts’ desire.

If you missed last week’s beer news, you can check those out here. Our cup is overflowing with news this week from releases to events, and other cool happenings around town, so hold on to your mugs because we’re getting ready to tap this thing!

Breweries all around town are gearing up for Independence Day, and Strangeways Brewing is no exception. This Saturday is their “Cheers to Independence” Beer Release. They’ll be releasing a whopping four beers for the event, starting with the Everlasting Light Lime Kolsch, a light, crisp ale made with Mandarina Bavaria hops and boiled with lime and kaffir lime leaf. They’ll also feature a new IPA, the Work Jorts IPA, a new sour ale, the Comfortably Plum American Sour, and the Cantilever Dark Ale, a hybrid of several beer styles with a malty backbone, some character of hops, and the crispness of a blonde ale.

Strangeways Cantilever Dark Ale

The event starts 11 a.m. Saturday and lasts all day, and teachers receive 20 percent off all in-house beer.

Tonight, Castleburg Brewery and Taproom will release their latest IPA: You Killed My Father, Prepare to DIePA. An homage to our favorite vengeful Spaniard from the popular film ‘The Princess Bride,’ it’s a beer even Inigo Montoya could enjoy after a long day of sword training. It will slice through your tastebuds with citra, comet, mandaria bavaria, and flavors of nuget–and for the bloodthirsty avenger in you, don’t be surprised to find notes of blood orange.

Back by popular demand, Väsen Brewing will be re-releasing their Smoked Blood Peach Sour brew tonight. The beer’s summery vibes of citrus and peach combine with a light smokiness and hints of toffee make it a fan favorite. Be sure to stop by their Paint Party starting at 6 p.m., as local artist Shay Wilson will guide you through painting on reclaimed wood canvas as you sip away.

Triple Crossing has teamed up with Foam Brewers to create a few new juicy brews, one of which will release this Friday. The Distance DDH IPA perfectly combines the new brewers’ techniques and makes an interesting combination of yeast and hops. Bold notes of ripe mango, key lime pie, orange rind, and pineapple make it a great summer treat, and will be released alongside the Falcon Smash IPA.

Recreating a historical beer that originated in Berlin, Hardywood is releasing Cucumber Berliner Weisse–a light, refreshing, and tart beer that the Germans of old sipped to beat the heat. Hardywood uses traditional German ingredients along with a kettle souring method and will be releasing their newest canned beer this Friday.

Looking for a place to watch the fireworks on the 4th, but don’t want the crowd? Blue Bee Cider has the perfect solution. Join them next Wednesday for the release of their Firecracker New Vintage small batch cider, a ginger-infused eau de vie fortified apple brandy with plenty of pineapple aroma, a rich, smooth sweetness, and ginger zing on the finish. Kids and dogs are welcome, and the event kicks off at 1 p.m.

Submissions or ideas for Tapped can be emailed to Amy at [email protected] Cheers! 

Featured Image: Strangeways Brewing

Tapped: Midnight Brewery turns five, Garden Grove’s One Trick Pony IPA, & Mother’s Day celebrations

Amy David | May 10, 2017

Topics: Blue Bee Cider, Buskey Cider, Center of the Universe, Garden Grove Brewing Company, Hardywood Brewery, Isley Brewing Company, midnight brewery, RVA, RVA beer, RVA On Tap, Steam Bell Beer Works, Strangeways Brewing, The Veil Brewing Co., Three Notch'd Brewing Company

What’s happening craft beer lovers of RVA?! Welcome to this week’s “Tapped,” RVA Magazine’s go to weekly craft beer column where you can find all your craft beer-related events, releases, festivals and all the booze news your little hearts desire.

Our cup is overflowing with news this week, but first head over here to check out what awesome brews were released in Richmond last weekend.

So 2017 started off pretty crazy and it seems it’s just getting crazier by the day, but one thing you can count on is RVA Mag will always have the scoop on where you can go to get the finest craft beer in town! This week we have new beer releases, events, and other cool happenings around town, so hold on to your mugs because we’re getting ready to tap this thing!

Midnight Brewery is celebrating five years this Saturday, May 13 with live music, food, and a new beer release. The brewery will be pouring Summer Down Under, a new Pale Ale that has a twist with the fruit of Guava.

This Friday, Isley is back with their weekly infusion, this time its a Bloody Mary version of their Fifth Circle IPA.

Isley Brewing is also celebrating mothers all month long with specials and events all around the Choosy Mother Peanut Butter Porter! Regular glasses of their signature porter will be priced $1 for the entire month, and customers will receive $5 off the purchase of three 32oz. crowlers to go!

The weekend of May 20th will be jam packed with events for the whole family to enjoy. Saturday, May 20th they will have Strawberry Fields florist on site (since Mom enjoys flowers this week as well), and will feature music from 2:00-9:30 from Zack Artis, The Royal We and more! On Sunday, May 21st, local bakers will compete for the title of Choosy Mother Bake-Off Champion with a judged competition to see who can create the best recipe using the Choosy Mother as an ingredient. For more info or to reserve a spot in the contest, please contact [email protected].

Center of the Universe is celebrating moms on Sunday with a special brunch. Moms are invited to sip on MOMosas and beer bloody marys, sample cheeses from Truckle Cheesemongers, dine off of the menu provided by The Grapevine, and walk away with a special limited edition stemless wine glass.

On Thursday, Strangeways Brewing will release three Totally Tublar Radler variants including Apfelsine (Orange, Pampelmuse (Grapefruit), and Kirsche (Cherry) go try them all!

On Mother’s Day, Strangeways is also treating moms to a Southern-Fried Drag & Variety Brunch. Hosted by the one and only, Magnolia Jackson Pickett Burnside, this fun, campy, raunchy DRAG & Variety show is not for those fancy, tea-sippin’ mamas out there. Add some fresh chicken n’ waffles from Mama J’s, a side of beermosa specials, and a sprinkling of raffle prizes throughout the show, and you’ve got a recipe for one fabulously fun feast! Advanced tickets are $25 and include admission to the show, a reserved seat for your party, a beermosa ticket, chicken n’ waffles, a your first raffle ticket, beermosa specials, and mor

Hardywood has quite a few events and releases happening this weekend. On Friday, the brewery will do a small batch can release of Road to Idaho, a citrusy IPA.

On Saturday, Hardywood will release a Boysenberry Berliner Weisse, a new fruited variation of of of their warm weather brews.

On Sunday for Mother’s Day, Hardywood will host a market with Studio Two Three To Go. They will have vendors on site with handmade gifts for the special Mama in your life! The S23 To-Go truck will be on site live-printing small prints/mom inspired cards, totes, and koozies! Bikini Panini will be here serving up good eats for the whole family! Live music by Lemon Sky starts at 3pm.

Garden Grove Brewing Company has two special releases for you this weekend. First up is One Trick Pony, a 6.4% juicy, tropical IPA. The Carytown brewery will also release Virginia Pale Ale, a 4.6% brew highlighting Meridian and Calypso Hops.

On Monday, May 29 GG will host their next great meal in their ongoing Taproom Dinner Series featuring Wild Ginger Asian Fusion & Sushi! Five courses of mouth-watering cuisine will be matched with five of their beers. $39 plus tax & tip, Reservations Required.

The Veil Brewing Co. is celebrating Mother’s Day teamed up with Commune RVA to provide a vendor market with plenty of gift ideas to shop with or for mom.

From 2p-6p Indigo Therapeutic Massage and Healing Arts will have two chairs set up offering free 10-minute massages. Sign up sheets available on-site. Goatocado will be slinging food all day starting at Noon and we will have some amazing treats from Sweet Frog Premium Frozen Yogurt starting at 2p.

Three Notch’d Brewing Company RVA Collab House returns with their weekly beer collaboration on Thursday. This time, they’ve partnered with Joey Johnson who has spent years in the beer industry and as an accomplished homebrewer to make the “Juicy J” IPA.

Steam Bell Beer Works recently announced they planned to open a 5,000 square foot brewery and taproom called Canon & Draw Brewing Co. in the Fan on West Main Street. Check out our interview here.

Taste and check out over 30 Craft Beers from some of the best breweries in Virginia at the Virginia Hops & Barley Festival this Saturday at Westchester Commons. 1 pm-7 pm. Tickets $10-$50 which can be purchased here.

Blue Bee Cider is celebrating Mother’s Day with their in-house sangria, made with raspberries and blackberries soaked in their Harvest Ration dessert cider, plus delicious eats from Continental Divide Richmond taco truck.

Today, Buskey Cider will release their mouth-watering collaboration with Sugar Shack, a Jalapeño Lime Randall’d Cider. Get their donuts specially made with Buskey’s Jalapeño Lime Cider at this event served off their gluten free donut truck and pair this dessert with a pint of Buskey

On Mother’s Day, Buskey Cider will have sangria pints and produce from Ellwood Thompson’s! Details here.

Send all craft beer-related submissions to Amy at [email protected]. Cheers!

Words by Amy David. Top Photo credit: Midnight Brewery

A guide to Virginia Cider Week events in RVA

Amy David | November 14, 2016

Topics: Blue Bee Cider, Buskey Cider, rva cider, Virginia Cider Week

The Virginia Cider Week celebration kicked off over the weekend and now, through the 20th Richmonders can have their fill of hard cider tastings, workshops and other cider-related events around the city.
[Read more…] about A guide to Virginia Cider Week events in RVA

RVAMag President John Reinhold pairs local craft beer with Halloween candy

John Reinhold | October 26, 2016

Topics: Ardent craft ales, Black Heath Meadery, Blue Bee Cider, Buskey Cider, Garden Grove Brewing, Halloween candy, Hardywood, isley brewing, Legend Brewery, Lickinghole Creek, Midnight Brewing, RVA breweries, RVA craft beer, Steam Bell Beer Works, Stone brewing, strangeways, the answer brewpub, The Veil Brewing, Triple Crossings Brewery

What kind of madman would pair Halloween candies and beer? In what kind of world do we live in where articles about candy and beer together are allowed to go online? It’s just not right. It’s a heart attack in the making here folks, and real dentists dream.
[Read more…] about RVAMag President John Reinhold pairs local craft beer with Halloween candy

Blue Bee Cider expanding to Scott’s Addition, investing $1 million

Amy David | February 18, 2016

Topics: Blue Bee Cider, hard cider, rva cider

Gov.
[Read more…] about Blue Bee Cider expanding to Scott’s Addition, investing $1 million

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