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RVA On Tap: “New New Normal” & Puckered Sour DIPAs

Caley Sturgill | September 30, 2020

Topics: Ardent craft ales, bars richmond va, beer, beer column, Black Heath Meadery, Bryant’s Cider, Center Of The Universe Brewing, craft beer richmond va, craft beer RVA, Dragon Run Brewing, Final Gravity, Fine Creek Brewing Company, garden grove, happy hour richmond va, Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, Intermission Beer Company, Isley Brewing Company, Lickinghole Creek, RVA On Tap, Starr Hill, Stone brewing, strangeways, the answer brewpub, the veil brewing co, Thibaut-Janisson, Three Notch’d RVA Collab House, triple crossing, Väsen Brewing Company

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, takeout is available, and you’ll want to keep up on Facebook to see updates on pre-sales for their latest recipes. 

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

THE LATEST BEERS 

  • MISSING FLOPPIES — 5% ABV Fruited Sour with raspberries and passion fruit. 
  • FALLING ASTRONAUTS W/ TOASTED COCONUT — Vietnamese Coffee Stout blended with Rye and Wheat Whiskey Barrel-Aged Stout, with toasted coconut, chocolate, coffee, and barrel character. 
  • KURISUPIBOI — 4.45% ABV Toasted Rice Lager. This light beer was created to pair well with any type of food, and it’s available as part of their anniversary week releases. 
  • TACTICAL LAGER — Just returned in 16oz cans! This old favorite is 480 grams of crushable lager housed inside of space-age aluminum. The Answer says, “Defend yourself from shadow governments with the world’s first ever tactical beverage.” 
  • SHIFT BEER — 8.5% Wilmington Coast DIPA. The first in The Answer’s “Shift Beer” series of Double IPAs. This one was triple dry-hopped with Falconer’s Flight, Rakau, and Mosaic hops. Smooth and dangerous like its namesake. 
  • NO WAY DOWN — 100% Citra DIPA. This triple dry-hopped beer was made with plenty of Citra hops for no burn, just a smooth, citrus flavor. 
  • SLICE OF BEER — Mexican-Style Lager. Crisp and refreshing, this brew is designed to be as classically-comforting as grabbing a slice of pizza. And what better comfort food combination is there than beer and pizza? 
  • JENNY — This is the first brew from The Answer’s Assistant Brewer, Lacy, and the team is very excited to enjoy it with the world. This cream ale is described as smooth around the edges, with a “sessionable crush-ability.” 
  • HAUPIRI — New Zealand-style pilsner. This one was brewed with Wakatu hops, and blends in smooth tropical fruit and citrus flavors. 
  • HOPTONE SERIES — Returns this week with a triple dry-hopped treatment of New Zealand Hops, with a batch showcasing guava, passionfruit, and grapefruit flavors. 
  • THE VIBES — Apricots, peaches, and meyer lemon come together for this salty and sweet beer. 
  • 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. 

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! Be sure to read their new policies during Covid-19. 

Pickup and Delivery: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

  • DOUBLE DRY-HOPPED IPA — 6.8% ABV IPA. West Coast-style IPA dry-hopped with twice the standard citrus hops for a citrusy, tropical hop flavor with grapefruit and melon. 
  • SWEET POTATO & SAGE SAISON — 6.4% ABV Farmhouse Saison. Earthy notes from sweet potatoes are balanced by the fragrant aroma of fresh, local sage. This one’s here in cans for the first time ever! 
  • HONEY GINGER — Just returned! 7.8% ABV. This spiced ale was brewed with locally sourced honey and fresh, hand-peeled ginger. Medium-bodied, it pours a deep copper color to balance mild honey sweetness and a spicy ginger bite in a refreshing summer seasonal. 
  • LITTLE X — 4.6% ABV. The latest Session IPA of the IPA X line. Little X is a juicy IPA brewed with a blend of Citra, Mosaic, Amarillo, Loral and Chinook hops. Little X features tropical fruit flavors and aroma. 
  • 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. 
  • 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 

  • REDRUM IIIPA — Blood red brew just in time for fall. Aromas of kiwi, mango, pineapple, and other tropical fruit are offset by graham cracker and toasted bread notes. 
  • OKTOBERFEST — Traditional German Märzen with a clean, light-malty sweetness.  Balanced with a light breadiness and cracker aroma.  
  • 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. 
  • 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 

  • OKTOBERFEST LAGER — This crisp, malty lager was brewed in the traditional German style and is fresh to the taps at Dragon Run to celebrate the season. 
  • MATTPO-NEIPA — Fresh New England IPA available again now at Dragon Run. 
  • BURGESSES TAVERN ALE — 3.6% ABV English Mild Ale. Big taste, easy drinking: this one was brewed with a Colonial history. According to Dragon Run, George Washington used to travel through their area every time he attended House of Burgesses meetings in Williamsburg — and with spicy malts and a hint of black licorice tastes, this brew honors the beer travelers sought out at local taverns. 
  • COURTHOUSE HOP SMASH — This new brew at Dragon Run is a Fresh Hop IPA. The single-grain and single-hop beer was brewed with hops from Courthouse Hops. 
  • BORN HERE BLUEBERRY LEMONADE SHANDY — 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! 
  • 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 

  • SPACE INVADERS HAZY DIPA — All Mosaic hops! This one releases for the first time in 2020 on Friday. Mango, lemon, tropical fruit, and stone fruit come together in this hop-forward beer with a soft, pillowy body. 
  • OBELISK STOUT — 7.5% ABV Stout available now at Final Gravity. Smoky, roasted malt flavors complement coffee notes. 
  • BRITTLE STAR HAZY DIPA — This Hazy Double IPA was brewed with El Dorado, Galaxy, and Mosaic hops. 
  • 12 PARSECS HAZY DIPA — Brewed with all Falconer’s Flight hops, this Double IPA is available for a limited time on the online store. This fan favorite is bursting with citrus and pine flavors, and drinks very smooth according to its brewers. 
  • RUBY FALLS RED IPA — This Red IPA was brewed with Citra hops. It’s “refreshingly clean,” hop-forward, and brings a malty backbone with a dry finish to your glass. 
  • SOLAR FLARES HAZY DOUBLE IPA — Brewed with Mosaic, Amarillo, and Citra hops, this DIPA is packed with tropical fruit, lemon zest, and pink grapefruit flavors. 
  • DOPPELGANGER IPA — Fresh IPA brewed with all Citra hops. 
  • ITALIAN STYLE DRY-HOPPED PILSNER — Dry-hopped with Mandarina Bavaria and Hallertau Blanc hops. 
  • 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. 
  • JAMES BROWN ALE — 6% ABV American Brown Ale. 
  • 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. Outdoor seating is open again, so check their website for updates on hours! With brand-new recipes and old favorites back in stock, there’s something for everyone at the Powhatan farmhouse. 

Pickup and Delivery: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

  • BARREL AGED SOUR ALE W. PEAR AND PERSIMMON — 5.8% ABV. Barrel aged in fermentation, then conditioned on Asian Pears from Owl Orchard and Persimmons from Powhatan. You’ll taste a bright, fruity complexity with balanced tartness. 
  • HOLTZMAN EFFECT IPA — 6.8% ABV. Brewed for all the Dune fans out there with New Zealand Nelson Sauvin and Australian Vic Secret hops. Together they deliver striking and pronounced elements of passionfruit, pineapple, key lime, white peach, and red berries. 
  • TURF & TWIG BROWN ALE — 6% ABV Brown Ale. This long-time favorite is a quick seller, so if you’ve been waiting for its return, you’ll want to grab it soon! Dark, semi-sweet and nutty Brown Ale with notes of coffee, baker’s cocoa, and pumpernickel bread. 
  • SAISON — 5.2% ABV Saison with coriander, orange peel, and pink peppercorn. This Belgian-style beer was brewed in its tradition to highlight elements from their original house saison yeast. You’ll catch cracked pepper, late summer flower, and citrus notes in this one. 
  • 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. 
  • 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. 

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 2020. We don’t know where we’d be without local beer through all of this! Check below for fresh releases and more updates. 

Pickup and Delivery: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

  • GERMAN PILSNER — 5.8% ABV Pilsner. Aromas of fresh spring breeze and flowers with Novel hops, balanced by bitter and sweet flavors from its malts. 
  • WENDIGO — 9% ABV West Coast Double IPA. Misty aromas of deep stone fruit, pine, and grapefruit, with flavors of dark caramel and sweet resin. 
  • PESTILENCE — 19% ABV Wild Belgian Quadrupel. A wild version of their two-time award-winning Belgian Quadrupel, DEATH. Oak and tart cherry aromas collide with deep sugary raisin notes. Flavors of Brett side up with Port wine notes and abyssal malty sweetness. 
  • PETIT MANSENG — 13.5% ABV. Single varietal Petit Manseng, utilizing native fermentation with grapes from their vineyard in Delaplane, VA. You’ll catch notes of peach along with tropical, sweet fruits. 
  • 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.
  • 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 

  • RUM BARREL PUMPKIN — 12.3% ABV. Rum Barrel Pumpkin has made its seasonal return for the cooler Autumn evenings. Pumpkin is taken to great new heights with this delicious barrel-aged beer. Warm pumpkin pie spices are met with a blackstrap molasses finish that can only be achieved from months of aging in Caribbean rum barrels.
  • PERFECT PERCEPTION — 7% ABV. Bright and tropical using Sabro and Idaho 7 hops, this juicy IPA delivers aromatics of honey dew, refreshing citrus, and coconut.
  • PAPPY’S PUMPKIN PIE — Pappy’s is filled to the brim with the perfect amount of warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, clove, and allspice, with a hint of vanilla bean and coconut for a well balanced, sweet treat.
  • 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. 
  • 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. 
  • 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. 
  • 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 year with beer slushies (and yes, it’s as good as it sounds). Masks are required to enter. Taproom and patio seating are available, and dogs are allowed on the patio. 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 

  • EGOT BELGIAN QUAD — 10% ABV Belgian Quad. Mahogany-colored with caramel-forward malts, and a touch of banana and clove. 
  • TAKE THIS YEAR AND SHOVE IT — 4.0% ABV Gluten-reduced Mixed Berry Berliner Weisse. This one was so popular that it sold out in cans in *an hour* — but you can still get it on tap at the taproom! Loaded with raspberries, boysenberries, strawberries, and blueberries, it tingles the palate with tartness and very-berry flavor. 
  • 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. 

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 

  • PUCKERED DISASTER SOUR DIPA — Sour DIPA. Late kettle additions and a massive dry-hop process bring a big hop flavor and aroma to this one. Hazy yellow pour with a mildly-tart flavor, and a strong, unique finish. 
  • PUNKED — 6.3% ABV Pumpkin Cream Ale. Brand-new at Isley for the fall season! 
  • ICE-SLEY SLUSHIES — Check in every week for fresh new slushie flavors!  
  • 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. 

If you’re looking for something fun this Halloween, LCCB is hosting a Pirate Costume Party! Check here for more information on the event, and of course, wear your mask and practice social distancing. 

Pickup and Delivery: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

  • CARROT CAKE IMPERIAL AMBER ALE — Amber Ale. Made with hundreds of pounds of freshly grated carrots. Spice notes of cinnamon, allspice, cardamom, clove, and vanilla complement the fresh carrot flavor.
  • JUICY #23 — Juicy IPA. The Lickinghole Creek brewers explore the boundaries of the juicy, hazy IPA style with each batch. Each card has a new animal face and tagline to complement and inspire unique creativity. Love this Deck of Cards? There is one new hazy, juicy IPA a month flowing from the creativity and boundary-breaking brewers of Lickinghole Creek. 
  • NASTY WOMEN — 11.3% ABV Barrel-Aged Tripel Ale. Dedicated to the Nasty Woman in all of us. American-grown Sterling and New Zealand from Motueka hops come together for a lemon and lime flavor, and a hint of tropical fruit. Aged for months in Mexican Tequila Barrels with notes of vanilla and oak. 
  • FORAGER SESSION HAZY IPA — 5.0% ABV. IPA brewed with Paw Paw fruit! This awesome fruit is a Richmond treasure, and it comes out in this beer with sabro hops. This IPA bursts with tropical goodness starting with juicy mango, overripe banana, and freshly cut citrus. Those bold flavors are layered over a dry, yet creamy full body. 
  • ONE LION IMPERIAL STOUT — 7.0% ABV. Gold Medal winner at the Virginia Craft Beer Cup! 
  • GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE LAGER — 8.0% ABV. Brewed with cocoa nibs, toasted coconut, pecans, and vanilla beans as a German-style Doppelbock. 
  • 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. 
  • 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. 

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 

  • LAST LEAF MAPLE BROWN ALE — 6.1% ABV Brown Ale. Your beer column writer’s favorite fall beer (trust me, you’ve got to try this one). This English Brown Ale is made with Virginia maple syrup, and has subtle vanilla notes. If you’re searching for the perfect beer to pair with a flannel and a campfire this fall, this is the one. 
  • FESTIE — 4.8% ABV Oktoberfest Lager. This recipe is rich, malty, and perfectly refreshing for the season. 
  • GRATEFUL PALE ALE — 4.7% ABV American Pale Ale. A strong, citrusy aroma starts this brew off before leading to its subtle malt flavor and light body. 
  • REVIVER RED IPA — 6.2& ABV IPA. This Red IPA has a nice red color to complement its name, and you’ll catch pine hop, caramel malt, fruity, and floral notes in this one. 
  • PARTY MONSTER CITRUS SOUR — 4.7% ABV. Berliner Weisse with pineapple, mango, and blood orange. 
  • BINGO BANGO PINEAPPLE BRETT IPA — 6.3% ABV. Tart, funky, and refreshing. 
  • CINNAMON ROLLS NOT GENDER ROLES PASTRY STOUT — This dessert stout is sure to sweeten up your world in its awesome tribute to gender equality. 
  • BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL — 7.5% ABV. 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! 
  • 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. 
  • 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. 
  • 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. 

Updates: Facebook | Instagram | Website 

Stone Brewing Richmond 

Stone Brewing Richmond is open for pick-up, plus both inside and on the patio! 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. Stone also has a great new “Odd Beers for Odd Years” series going on, so stay tuned for updates as special releases come out! 

Pickup: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

  • STONE XOCOVEZA —  8.1% ABV Imperial Mocha Stout inspired by Oaxacan Hot Chocolate. With cinnamon, cocoa, coffee, and nutmeg aromas, this new release is followed up by a full-bodied palate that’s smooth with a light bitterness.
  • 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! 
  • MODERN TIMES / STONE WIZARDS & GARGOYLES 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. 
  • STONE LIBERTY STATION MARBLE RYE BOCK — 7.3% ABV. Maibock style lager brewed with rye and bitter chocolate. 
  • 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. 

Barktoberfest is going down October 3 at Strangeways! This dog-friendly celebration will bring out food, beer, music and the best canine vendors for your pups. Stay tuned for more information next week! 

Pickup and Delivery: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

  • OKTOBERFEST LAGER — 5.1% ABV Lager. This amber-pouring brew has a slight spice in its hop notes from German Noble hops, and a dark malt character. 
  • MURDER HORNET — 7.5% ABV New England IPA. This double dry-hopped brew is pillowy soft, made with Cashmere and Vic Secret hops for flavors like melon and stone fruit. Available in 4-packs of 16oz cans and on tap. 
  • CAPTIVE UNICORN — 10% ABV New England Triple IPA. Hazy, juicy, dank, bitter, sweet, and booze. 
  • PUNCH DRUNK — 4.75% ABV Fruit Punch Berliner Weisse. Deep red color with an over-the-top fruity taste to give you a nostalgic tropical fruit punch. 
  • THE LAST VAQUERO — 4.9% ABV Mexican Lager. Light and crushable, this lager is made in the tradition of Viennese brewers who brought lager to Mexico in the 1800’s.  Brewed with 6-row and Vienna malts, and flaked maize. 
  • STARK RAVING MAD — 6.7% ABV Sour Hazy IPA. Hazy sour ale moderately bittered with Citra for balance and double dry hopped with Citra, Mosaic, and Idaho7 for a truly unique IPA experience. Remarkably drinkable, Strangeways says “Get weird with this one.” 
  • 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. 
  • 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. 
  • LUCKY CHARMS BERLINER WEISSE — Cloudy, sour wheat beer. Dry, fruity funk with a sharp tartness. 

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 

  • NEPHOLOGY AZACCA — 8% ABV. Papaya, grapefruit, and tropical notes come together in this one for big citrus aromas. 
  • WITTY AF BELGIAN WIT — 5.5% ABV Belgian Wit. Brewed to pair with rice and starches, this recipe has the perfect blend of spices and yeast. 
  • KING OF CLOUDS JUICY IPA — 7.5% ABV IPA. Fresh from the Charlottesville brewery, this juicy IPA has a pillowy profile with mango, orange, and tangerine tastes. 
  • THROWING BACK BLUEBERRIES — 9% ABV Imperial Gose. This is the first release of an in-house brew since March, so it’s a special one this year! Packed with fresh blueberries and hibiscus, it’ll give you a glass full of fruity, juicy deliciousness. 
  • BOWSER’S FAVORITE BLONDE STOUT — 6.3% ABV Stout. Looks like a princess, but with a Bowser-like capture of bold roast and chocolate flavors. 
  • BLOOD ORANGE GOSE — 5.1% ABV. Refreshing German Sour Wheat Ale, enhanced with blood orange puree. 
  • GOLD STAR ALL-AMERICAN IPA — 7.0% ABV IPA. This third edition to the Gold Star series is made with Bravo and Tomahawk hops, in honor of SSG Kenneth Wade Bennett of the US Army. 
  • 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. 

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 

  • OXEYE — 4.5% ABV Mixed Culture Grisette. You’ll find deep earthy lemon zest, herbal tea, pink bubblegum, and bright floral character in this one. 
  • NORTH PARK PALE ALE — 5% ABV Pale Ale. Brewed with their base 2 Row, a touch of malted wheat, Chico ale yeast, and a hop blend consisting of Amarillo, Simcoe, and Centennial. Hi-C tangerine taste with lemon-lime, bright pulpy grapefruit, and citrus rinds. 
  • FALCON SMASH IPA — Flagship IPA. Dank hop character from a dry-hop with Falconer’s Flight hops, and a proprietary blend of rotating hop varietals. 
  • RADIANT BLUR DIPA — 8% ABV Double IPA. Galaxy and Mosaic hops come together for a candied orange-pulp citrus, sweet pineapple, ripe mango, and apricot-laden taste. 
  • 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. 
  • ORIGINS — Loosely based on an iconic style pioneered in those densely wooded north eastern states, this DIPA features Simcoe, Centennial, Mosaic, and Amarillo. This one was inspired by a West Coast DIPA but with a fruit-forward hop character. 

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 

  • SMOKED LAGER — 7.8% ABV. Collab with Elation Brewing Company in Norfolk. Slightly smoky with aromas of pine and spice, this malty brew is part of the brewery’s monthlong Oktoberfest celebrations of seasonal releases. 
  • DRY HOP KIWI SOUR — Collab with Untitled Art. This is Untitled Art’s first beer brewed with kiwi; over 5,000 pounds of the “perfect combination” of Kiwi Puree and Kiwi Concentrate give it just the right amount of sour, while still retaining a noticeable flavor of fruit. 
  • MANDARIN GALAXY — 8% ABV. Your favorite dank, fruity DIPA is back and ready to take you to that far away galaxy known as Scott’s Addition where German Mandarina Bavaria and Australian Galaxy hops reign supreme. Intense aromas of tangerine and pineapple are balanced by subtle passion fruit and peach, with a hint of pine on the finish. 
  • 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. 
  • 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. 

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 

  • YELLOWFERRARI — 8% ABV. Luxuriously-hopped DIPA brewed with the freshest Galaxy and El Dorado. Mouthwatering impressions of lemon, yellow starbursts, and soft melon. 
  • CAT NAP3 — 6% ABV. Cat Nap³ is a new triple dry-hopped IPA brewed with Mosaic, Nelson, Galaxy, and Citra. Impressions of sweet pineapple, musky tropical fruit, tangerine, and papaya fruit leather. 
  • NEW NEW NORMAL — 8% ABV. New New Normal Normal is a brand new Double Oat India Pale Ale brewed with Garage Project. Riwaka hop from Freestyle Hops rounded out with Sabro and Citra Cryo for coconut cocktail and tropical vacation flavors. 
  • NEVER GONNAGETIT3: XTREME — 7% ABV. Gose with triple boysenberry, triple blackberry, and triple raspberry purée blasted with a new proprietary *Xtreme* treatment. Flavors of melted popsicles, fruit syrup, and a mouthful of fresh berries. 
  • HOLLOW PLACE ENHANCED COCONUT & OREO — 10.5% ABV. Imperial Stout treated with *Enhanced* treatment with 21-month old barrel-aged Hollow Place, truly crushed with Oreo and coconut. 
  • SAUVAGE PINK — 4% ABV Belgian Table Beer. Impressions of bubbly champagne and raspberry fruit tape with a soft little finish that isn’t too acidic. 
  • DEATHLESS — 5.5% ABV. Märzen lager brewed in June. Crisp notes of caramel, biscuit, and honey are well balanced by the earthy noble hops and creamy natural carbonation. 
  • ORANGEMIATA — 8% ABV. Luxuriously-hopped IPA brewed with their finest Australian  Galaxy and Enigma hops. Dripping with juicy tropical papaya, white wine, and fresh berries. 
  • NEVER NEVER FOREVER FOREVER — 5.1% ABV. Gose with double passion fruit. Impressions of passion fruit, mango, tropical fruit muskiness, tropical sweet tarts, citrus, and guava. 
  • TRIPLE APRI GUAV TASTEE — 5.5% ABV. Smoothie-Style Sour Ale with triple apricot purée, triple guava purée, and milk sugar. Dripping with impressions of an apricot/mango/guava tropical smoothie. 
  • NEVER RECOVER3 — 5.3% ABV. Never Recover³ is our Gose with triple boysenberry and triple peach purée. Crushed with flavors of tangy boysenberry and juicy peach slices. 
  • SAUVAGE — 3.7% ABV. Belgian Table Beer that was naturally cooled overnight in our rooftop koelschip then fermented and aged in red wine barrels with Brettanomyces for 13 months. Sessionable with delicate notes of oaky Chardonnay, berry, and pineapple. Bottle conditioned for 19 months. 
  • CLOSE FRIEND — 6% ABV. Close Friend is a brand new Saison brewed with a portion of smoked wheat and barley for that lil’ bit of Autumn warmth you’re looking for. Hopped with French Strisselspalt, fermented warm in oak barrels with Saison yeast and Brett, then bottled after eight weeks. Crispy with round impressions of ripe fruit, fall fire pits, and friendship. Art and brew by @catboy_. 
  • THE WEAPON — 8% ABV. The Weapon is a Sour Double IPA brewed with raw wheat, Nelson, Mosaic, raspberry purée, blueberry purée, and milk sugar. Impressions of firecracker popsicles with just enough balance of hoppiness, tartness, and sweetness. One of our favorite Sour DIPAs. 

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 

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 

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 

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.

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 new brew info at [email protected] Catch y’all next week! 

RVA On Tap: Maple Brown Ales & Smoked Lagers

Caley Sturgill | September 23, 2020

Topics: Ardent craft ales, bars richmond va, beer, beer column, Black Heath Meadery, Bryant’s Cider, Center Of The Universe Brewing, craft beer richmond va, craft beer RVA, Dragon Run Brewing, Final Gravity, Fine Creek Brewing Company, garden grove, happy hour richmond va, Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, Intermission Beer Company, Isley Brewing Company, Lickinghole Creek, RVA On Tap, Starr Hill, Stone brewing, strangeways, the answer brewpub, the veil brewing co, Thibaut-Janisson, Three Notch’d RVA Collab House, triple crossing, Väsen Brewing Company

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, takeout is available, and you’ll want to keep up on Facebook to see updates on pre-sales for their latest recipes. 

Happy 6th Anniversary to The Answer! Until Sunday, they’ll be celebrating their 6th ANniversary with special glassware releases, great beer, and good times with good folks. Check here for more information, and support local! More updated presale info is here, and anniversary week beer releases can be found below. 

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

THE LATEST BEERS 

  • KURISUPIBOI — 4.45% ABV Toasted Rice Lager. This light beer was created to pair well with any type of food, and it’s available as part of their anniversary week releases. 
  • TACTICAL LAGER — Just returned in 16oz cans! This old favorite is 480 grams of crushable lager housed inside of space-age aluminum. The Answer says, “Defend yourself from shadow governments with the world’s first ever tactical beverage.” 
  • SHIFT BEER — 8.5% Wilmington Coast DIPA. The first in The Answer’s “Shift Beer” series of Double IPAs. This one was triple dry-hopped with Falconer’s Flight, Rakau, and Mosaic hops. Smooth and dangerous like its namesake. 
  • NO WAY DOWN — 100% Citra DIPA. This triple dry-hopped beer was made with plenty of Citra hops for no burn, just a smooth, citrus flavor. 
  • SLICE OF BEER — Mexican-Style Lager. Crisp and refreshing, this brew is designed to be as classically-comforting as grabbing a slice of pizza. And what better comfort food combination is there than beer and pizza? 
  • JENNY — This is the first brew from The Answer’s Assistant Brewer, Lacy, and the team is very excited to enjoy it with the world. This cream ale is described as smooth around the edges, with a “sessionable crush-ability.” 
  • HAUPIRI — New Zealand-style pilsner. This one was brewed with Wakatu hops, and blends in smooth tropical fruit and citrus flavors. 
  • HOPTONE SERIES — Returns this week with a triple dry-hopped treatment of New Zealand Hops, with a batch showcasing guava, passionfruit, and grapefruit flavors. 
  • THE VIBES — Apricots, peaches, and meyer lemon come together for this salty and sweet beer. 
  • 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. 

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! Be sure to read their new policies during Covid-19. 

Pickup and Delivery: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

  • SWEET POTATO & SAGE SAISON — 6.4% ABV Farmhouse Saison. Earthy notes from sweet potatoes are balanced by the fragrant aroma of fresh, local sage. This one’s here in cans for the first time ever! 
  • HONEY GINGER — Just returned! 7.8% ABV. This spiced ale was brewed with locally sourced honey and fresh, hand-peeled ginger. Medium-bodied, it pours a deep copper color to balance mild honey sweetness and a spicy ginger bite in a refreshing summer seasonal. 
  • LITTLE X — 4.6% ABV. The latest Session IPA of the IPA X line. Little X is a juicy IPA brewed with a blend of Citra, Mosaic, Amarillo, Loral and Chinook hops. Little X features tropical fruit flavors and aroma. 
  • 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. 
  • 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. 

Oktoberfest festivities have kicked off at Center of the Universe! You’ll catch 3 straight weekends of liter beers, bratwurst, and oompa music at the brewery. They’ve got more events planned than we can fit in one link, so you’ll want to head to their event listings on Facebook to stay updated each week. There’s something for everyone here! 

Pickup: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

  • REDRUM IIIPA — Blood red brew just in time for fall. Aromas of kiwi, mango, pineapple, and other tropical fruit are offset by graham cracker and toasted bread notes. 
  • OKTOBERFEST — Traditional German Märzen with a clean, light-malty sweetness.  Balanced with a light breadiness and cracker aroma.  
  • 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. 
  • 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. 

Oktoberfest is here at Dragon Run Brewing! Come out to celebrate in the beer garden and stay updated on Facebook about food trucks & more during these perfect fall days. 

Pickup: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

  • OKTOBERFEST LAGER — This crisp, malty lager was brewed in the traditional German style and is fresh to the taps at Dragon Run to celebrate the season. 
  • BURGESSES TAVERN ALE — 3.6% ABV English Mild Ale. Big taste, easy drinking: this one was brewed with a Colonial history. According to Dragon Run, George Washington used to travel through their area every time he attended House of Burgesses meetings in Williamsburg — and with spicy malts and a hint of black licorice tastes, this brew honors the beer travelers sought out at local taverns. 
  • COURTHOUSE HOP SMASH — This new brew at Dragon Run is a Fresh Hop IPA. The single-grain and single-hop beer was brewed with hops from Courthouse Hops. 
  • BORN HERE BLUEBERRY LEMONADE SHANDY — 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! 
  • 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 

  • SPACE INVADERS HAZY DIPA — All Mosaic hops! This one releases for the first time in 2020 on Friday. Mango, lemon, tropical fruit, and stone fruit come together in this hop-forward beer with a soft, pillowy body. 
  • BRITTLE STAR HAZY DIPA — This Hazy Double IPA was brewed with El Dorado, Galaxy, and Mosaic hops. 
  • 12 PARSECS HAZY DIPA — Brewed with all Falconer’s Flight hops, this Double IPA is available for a limited time on the online store. This fan favorite is bursting with citrus and pine flavors, and drinks very smooth according to its brewers. 
  • RUBY FALLS RED IPA — This Red IPA was brewed with Citra hops. It’s “refreshingly clean,” hop-forward, and brings a malty backbone with a dry finish to your glass. 
  • SOLAR FLARES HAZY DOUBLE IPA — Brewed with Mosaic, Amarillo, and Citra hops, this DIPA is packed with tropical fruit, lemon zest, and pink grapefruit flavors. 
  • DOPPELGANGER IPA — Fresh IPA brewed with all Citra hops. 
  • ITALIAN STYLE DRY-HOPPED PILSNER — Dry-hopped with Mandarina Bavaria and Hallertau Blanc hops. 
  • 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. 
  • JAMES BROWN ALE — 6% ABV American Brown Ale. 
  • 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 our 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. 

Pickup and Delivery: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

  • BARREL AGED SOUR ALE W. PEAR AND PERSIMMON — 5.8% ABV. Barrel aged in fermentation, then conditioned on Asian Pears from Owl Orchard and Persimmons from Powhatan. You’ll taste a bright, fruity complexity with balanced tartness. 
  • HOLTZMAN EFFECT IPA — 6.8% ABV. Brewed for all the Dune fans out there with New Zealand Nelson Sauvin and Australian Vic Secret hops. Together they deliver striking and pronounced elements of passionfruit, pineapple, key lime, white peach, and red berries. 
  • TURF & TWIG BROWN ALE — 6% ABV Brown Ale. This long-time favorite is a quick seller, so if you’ve been waiting for its return, you’ll want to grab it soon! Dark, semi-sweet and nutty Brown Ale with notes of coffee, baker’s cocoa, and pumpernickel bread. 
  • SAISON — 5.2% ABV Saison with coriander, orange peel, and pink peppercorn. This Belgian-style beer was brewed in its tradition to highlight elements from their original house saison yeast. You’ll catch cracked pepper, late summer flower, and citrus notes in this one. 
  • 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. 
  • 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. 

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 2020. We don’t know where we’d be without local beer through all of this! Check below for fresh releases and more updates. 

Pickup and Delivery: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

  • WENDIGO — 9% ABV West Coast Double IPA. Misty aromas of deep stone fruit, pine, and grapefruit, with flavors of dark caramel and sweet resin. 
  • PESTILENCE — 19% ABV Wild Belgian Quadrupel. A wild version of their two-time award-winning Belgian Quadrupel, DEATH. Oak and tart cherry aromas collide with deep sugary raisin notes. Flavors of Brett side up with Port wine notes and abyssal malty sweetness. 
  • PETIT MANSENG — 13.5% ABV. Single varietal Petit Manseng, utilizing native fermentation with grapes from their vineyard in Delaplane, VA. You’ll catch notes of peach along with tropical, sweet fruits. 
  • 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.
  • 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. 

Gingerbread Stout is back!!!!! If you want to pre-order this iconic Richmond brew, you’ll want to order soon. They’ll be selling complete sets of their renowned recipes, with variations like the original Gingerbread Stout, Christmas Morning, Christmas Pancakes, Gingerbread Porter, Fluffy GBS, Frosty GBS, and many, many more. For the full list of what’s included, head here and order before they’re gone. These will probably go fast! 

Pickup and Delivery: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

  • RUM BARREL PUMPKIN — 12.3% ABV. Rum Barrel Pumpkin has made its seasonal return for the cooler Autumn evenings. Pumpkin is taken to great new heights with this delicious barrel-aged beer. Warm pumpkin pie spices are met with a blackstrap molasses finish that can only be achieved from months of aging in Caribbean rum barrels.
  • PERFECT PERCEPTION — 7% ABV. Bright and tropical using Sabro and Idaho 7 hops, this juicy IPA delivers aromatics of honey dew, refreshing citrus, and coconut.
  • PAPPY’S PUMPKIN PIE — Pappy’s is filled to the brim with the perfect amount of warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, clove, and allspice, with a hint of vanilla bean and coconut for a well balanced, sweet treat.
  • 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. 
  • 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. 
  • 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. 
  • 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 year with beer slushies (and yes, it’s as good as it sounds). Masks are required to enter. Taproom and patio seating are available, and dogs are allowed on the patio. 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 

  • BELGIAN QUAD — 10.0% ABV. Full-bodied and mahogany-colored, this beer is caramel-forward with a malty goodness, plus a touch of banana and clove.
  • TAKE THIS YEAR AND SHOVE IT — 4.0% ABV Gluten-reduced Mixed Berry Berliner Weisse. This one was so popular that it sold out in cans in *an hour* — but you can still get it on tap at the taproom! Loaded with raspberries, boysenberries, strawberries, and blueberries, it tingles the palate with tartness and very-berry flavor. 
  • 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. 

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 

  • PUNKED — 6.3% ABV Pumpkin Cream Ale. Brand-new at Isley for the fall season! 
  • ICE-SLEY SLUSHIES — Check in every week for fresh new slushie flavors!  
  • 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. 

If you’re looking for something fun this Halloween, LCCB is hosting a Pirate Costume Party! Check here for more information on the event, and of course, wear your mask and practice social distancing. 

Pickup and Delivery: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

  • CARROT CAKE IMPERIAL AMBER ALE — Amber Ale. Made with hundreds of pounds of freshly grated carrots. Spice notes of cinnamon, allspice, cardamom, clove, and vanilla complement the fresh carrot flavor.
  • JUICY #23 — Juicy IPA. The Lickinghole Creek brewers explore the boundaries of the juicy, hazy IPA style with each batch. Each card has a new animal face and tagline to complement and inspire unique creativity. Love this Deck of Cards? There is one new hazy, juicy IPA a month flowing from the creativity and boundary-breaking brewers of Lickinghole Creek. 
  • NASTY WOMEN — 11.3% ABV Barrel-Aged Tripel Ale. Dedicated to the Nasty Woman in all of us. American-grown Sterling and New Zealand from Motueka hops come together for a lemon and lime flavor, and a hint of tropical fruit. Aged for months in Mexican Tequila Barrels with notes of vanilla and oak. 
  • FORAGER SESSION HAZY IPA — 5.0% ABV. IPA brewed with Paw Paw fruit! This awesome fruit is a Richmond treasure, and it comes out in this beer with sabro hops. This IPA bursts with tropical goodness starting with juicy mango, overripe banana, and freshly cut citrus. Those bold flavors are layered over a dry, yet creamy full body. 
  • ONE LION IMPERIAL STOUT — 7.0% ABV. Gold Medal winner at the Virginia Craft Beer Cup! 
  • GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE LAGER — 8.0% ABV. Brewed with cocoa nibs, toasted coconut, pecans, and vanilla beans as a German-style Doppelbock. 
  • 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. 
  • 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. 

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 

  • LAST LEAF MAPLE BROWN ALE — 6.1% ABV Brown Ale. Your beer column writer’s favorite fall beer (trust me, you’ve got to try this one). This English Brown Ale is made with Virginia maple syrup, and has subtle vanilla notes. If you’re searching for the perfect beer to pair with a flannel and a campfire this fall, this is the one. 
  • FESTIE — 4.8% ABV Oktoberfest Lager. This recipe is rich, malty, and perfectly refreshing for the season. 
  • GRATEFUL PALE ALE — 4.7% ABV American Pale Ale. A strong, citrusy aroma starts this brew off before leading to its subtle malt flavor and light body. 
  • REVIVER RED IPA — 6.2& ABV IPA. This Red IPA has a nice red color to complement its name, and you’ll catch pine hop, caramel malt, fruity, and floral notes in this one. 
  • PARTY MONSTER CITRUS SOUR — 4.7% ABV. Berliner Weisse with pineapple, mango, and blood orange. 
  • BINGO BANGO PINEAPPLE BRETT IPA — 6.3% ABV. Tart, funky, and refreshing. 
  • CINNAMON ROLLS NOT GENDER ROLES PASTRY STOUT — This dessert stout is sure to sweeten up your world in its awesome tribute to gender equality. 
  • BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL — 7.5% ABV. 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! 
  • 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. 
  • 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. 
  • 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. 

Updates: Facebook | Instagram | Website 

Stone Brewing Richmond 

Stone Brewing Richmond is open for pick-up, plus both inside and on the patio! 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. Stone also has a great new “Odd Beers for Odd Years” series going on, so stay tuned for updates as special releases come out! 

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. 
  • STONE LIBERTY STATION MARBLE RYE BOCK — 7.3% ABV. Maibock style lager brewed with rye and bitter chocolate. 
  • 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. 

Barktoberfest is going down October 3 at Strangeways! This dog-friendly celebration will bring out food, beer, music and the best canine vendors for your pups. Stay tuned for more information next week! 

Pickup and Delivery: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

  • MURDER HORNET — 7.5% ABV New England IPA. This double dry-hopped brew is pillowy soft, made with Cashmere and Vic Secret hops for flavors like melon and stone fruit. Available in 4-packs of 16oz cans and on tap. 
  • CAPTIVE UNICORN — 10% ABV New England Triple IPA. Hazy, juicy, dank, bitter, sweet, and booze. 
  • PUNCH DRUNK — 4.75% ABV Fruit Punch Berliner Weisse. Deep red color with an over-the-top fruity taste to give you a nostalgic tropical fruit punch. 
  • THE LAST VAQUERO — 4.9% ABV Mexican Lager. Light and crushable, this lager is made in the tradition of Viennese brewers who brought lager to Mexico in the 1800’s.  Brewed with 6-row and Vienna malts, and flaked maize. 
  • STARK RAVING MAD — 6.7% ABV Sour Hazy IPA. Hazy sour ale moderately bittered with Citra for balance and double dry hopped with Citra, Mosaic, and Idaho7 for a truly unique IPA experience. Remarkably drinkable, Strangeways says “Get weird with this one.” 
  • 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. 
  • 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. 
  • LUCKY CHARMS BERLINER WEISSE — Cloudy, sour wheat beer. Dry, fruity funk with a sharp tartness. 

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 

  • WITTY AF BELGIAN WIT — 5.5% ABV Belgian Wit. Brewed to pair with rice and starches, this recipe has the perfect blend of spices and yeast. 
  • KING OF CLOUDS JUICY IPA — 7.5% ABV IPA. Fresh from the Charlottesville brewery, this juicy IPA has a pillowy profile with mango, orange, and tangerine tastes. 
  • THROWING BACK BLUEBERRIES — 9% ABV Imperial Gose. This is the first release of an in-house brew since March, so it’s a special one this year! Packed with fresh blueberries and hibiscus, it’ll give you a glass full of fruity, juicy deliciousness. 
  • BOWSER’S FAVORITE BLONDE STOUT — 6.3% ABV Stout. Looks like a princess, but with a Bowser-like capture of bold roast and chocolate flavors. 
  • BLOOD ORANGE GOSE — 5.1% ABV. Refreshing German Sour Wheat Ale, enhanced with blood orange puree. 
  • GOLD STAR ALL-AMERICAN IPA — 7.0% ABV IPA. This third edition to the Gold Star series is made with Bravo and Tomahawk hops, in honor of SSG Kenneth Wade Bennett of the US Army. 
  • 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. 

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! 

Triple Crossing is opening a new location! The new spot will be in Midlothian at Winterfield Crossing, and it’s a giant building that’ll allow for more drinking and dining. It’s planned to have fire pits, walking paths, a large outdoor patio, and awnings for drinking year round. Expect this space to open late 2021 or early 2022. The brewing process here will be completely based on open fermentation, a process where their “carefully-selected lager and ale yeast is allowed to ferment unencumbered by head pressure found in traditional unitanks or top vessels.” 

Pickup and Delivery: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

  • OXEYE — 4.5% ABV Mixed Culture Grisette. You’ll find deep earthy lemon zest, herbal tea, pink bubblegum, and bright floral character in this one. 
  • NORTH PARK PALE ALE — 5% ABV Pale Ale. Brewed with their base 2 Row, a touch of malted wheat, Chico ale yeast, and a hop blend consisting of Amarillo, Simcoe, and Centennial. Hi-C tangerine taste with lemon-lime, bright pulpy grapefruit, and citrus rinds. 
  • 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. 
  • ORIGINS — Loosely based on an iconic style pioneered in those densely wooded north eastern states, this DIPA features Simcoe, Centennial, Mosaic, and Amarillo. This one was inspired by a West Coast DIPA but with a fruit-forward hop character. 
  • 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. 
  • FOEDER I  — 5% ABV Golden Ale. Candied pineapple, fresh pomelo, light notes of dill and sweet honey with a restrained acidity and dry finish.

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. 

Oktoberfest is happening at Väsen! Through the end of September, find seasonal beer releases, drink specials, and horn glasses at the brewery. More info is here! 

Pickup and Delivery: Order Here

THE LATEST BEERS 

  • SMOKED LAGER — 7.8% ABV. Collab with Elation Brewing Company in Norfolk. Slightly smoky with aromas of pine and spice, this malty brew is part of the brewery’s monthlong Oktoberfest celebrations of seasonal releases. 
  • DRY HOP KIWI SOUR — Collab with Untitled Art. This is Untitled Art’s first beer brewed with kiwi; over 5,000 pounds of the “perfect combination” of Kiwi Puree and Kiwi Concentrate give it just the right amount of sour, while still retaining a noticeable flavor of fruit. 
  • MANDARIN GALAXY — 8% ABV. Your favorite dank, fruity DIPA is back and ready to take you to that far away galaxy known as Scott’s Addition where German Mandarina Bavaria and Australian Galaxy hops reign supreme. Intense aromas of tangerine and pineapple are balanced by subtle passion fruit and peach, with a hint of pine on the finish. 
  • 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. 
  • 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. 

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 

  • ORANGEMIATA — 8% ABV. Luxuriously-hopped IPA brewed with their finest Australian  Galaxy and Enigma hops. Dripping with juicy tropical papaya, white wine, and fresh berries. 
  • IDONTEVERWANTTOBU — 9.3% ABV. Double Dry-hopped, zero IBU Double IPA brewed with piles of Mosaic and Citra hops. Deep and juicy flavors of ripe mango, berries, and honey. 
  • NEVER NEVER FOREVER FOREVER — 5.1% ABV. Gose with double passion fruit. Impressions of passion fruit, mango, tropical fruit muskiness, tropical sweet tarts, citrus, and guava. 
  • TRIPLE APRI GUAV TASTEE — 5.5% ABV. Smoothie-Style Sour Ale with triple apricot purée, triple guava purée, and milk sugar. Dripping with impressions of an apricot/mango/guava tropical smoothie. 
  • NEVER RECOVER3 — 5.3% ABV. Never Recover³ is our Gose with triple boysenberry and triple peach purée. Crushed with flavors of tangy boysenberry and juicy peach slices. 
  • SAUVAGE — 3.7% ABV. Belgian Table Beer that was naturally cooled overnight in our rooftop koelschip then fermented and aged in red wine barrels with Brettanomyces for 13 months. Sessionable with delicate notes of oaky Chardonnay, berry, and pineapple. Bottle conditioned for 19 months. 
  • CLOSE FRIEND — 6% ABV. Close Friend is a brand new Saison brewed with a portion of smoked wheat and barley for that lil’ bit of Autumn warmth you’re looking for. Hopped with French Strisselspalt, fermented warm in oak barrels with Saison yeast and Brett, then bottled after eight weeks. Crispy with round impressions of ripe fruit, fall fire pits, and friendship. Art and brew by @catboy_. 
  • THE WEAPON — 8% ABV. The Weapon is a Sour Double IPA brewed with raw wheat, Nelson, Mosaic, raspberry purée, blueberry purée, and milk sugar. Impressions of firecracker popsicles with just enough balance of hoppiness, tartness, and sweetness. One of our favorite Sour DIPAs. 

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 

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 

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 

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.

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 new brew info at [email protected] Catch y’all next week! 

RVA On Tap: Gingerbread Stout & REDRUM

Caley Sturgill | September 16, 2020

Topics: Ardent craft ales, bars richmond va, beer, beer column, Black Heath Meadery, Bryant’s Cider, Center Of The Universe Brewing, craft beer richmond va, craft beer RVA, Dragon Run Brewing, Final Gravity, Fine Creek Brewing Company, garden grove, happy hour richmond va, Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, Intermission Beer Company, Isley Brewing Company, Lickinghole Creek, RVA On Tap, Starr Hill, Stone brewing, strangeways, the answer brewpub, the veil brewing co, Thibaut-Janisson, Three Notch’d RVA Collab House, triple crossing, Väsen Brewing Company

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. 

Happy 6th Anniversary to The Answer! From next Tuesday to Sunday, they’ll be celebrating their 6th ANniversary with special glassware releases, great beer, and good times with good folks. Check here for more information, and support local! 

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

THE LATEST BEERS 

  • NO WAY DOWN — 100% Citra DIPA. This triple dry-hopped beer was made with plenty of Citra hops for no burn, just a smooth, citrus flavor. 
  • SLICE OF BEER — Mexican-Style Lager. Crisp and refreshing, this brew is designed to be as classically-comforting as grabbing a slice of pizza. And what better comfort food combination is there than beer and pizza? 
  • JENNY — This is the first brew from The Answer’s Assistant Brewer, Lacy, and the team is very excited to enjoy it with the world. This cream ale is described as smooth around the edges, with a “sessionable crush-ability.” 
  • HAUPIRI — New Zealand-style pilsner. This one was brewed with Wakatu hops, and blends in smooth tropical fruit and citrus flavors. 
  • HOPTONE SERIES — Returns this week with a triple dry-hopped treatment of New Zealand Hops, with a batch showcasing guava, passionfruit, and grapefruit flavors. 
  • THE VIBES — Apricots, peaches, and meyer lemon come together for this salty and sweet beer. 
  • 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. 

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! Be sure to read their new policies during Covid-19. 

Pickup and Delivery: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

  • HONEY GINGER — Just returned! 7.8% ABV. This spiced ale was brewed with locally sourced honey and fresh, hand-peeled ginger. Medium-bodied, it pours a deep copper color to balance mild honey sweetness and a spicy ginger bite in a refreshing summer seasonal. 
  • LITTLE X — 4.6% ABV. The latest Session IPA of the IPA X line. Little X is a juicy IPA brewed with a blend of Citra, Mosaic, Amarillo, Loral and Chinook hops. Little X features tropical fruit flavors and aroma. 
  • 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. 
  • HIGHPOINT DIPA — 8% ABV. Highpoint DIPA was triple dry hopped, predominantly with Galaxy and rounded out with Citra and El Dorado, for a tropical fruit aroma and flavors of pear and citrus.
  • 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. 
  • 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. 

Oktoberfest festivities kick off this Friday at Center of the Universe! You’ll catch 3 straight weekends of liter beers, bratwurst, and oompa music at the brewery. They’ve got more events planned than we can fit in one link, so you’ll want to head to their event listings on Facebook to stay updated each week. There’s something for everyone here! 

Pickup: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

  • REDRUM IIIPA — Blood red brew just in time for fall. Aromas of kiwi, mango, pineapple, and other tropical fruit are offset by graham cracker and toasted bread notes. 
  • OKTOBERFEST — Traditional German Märzen with a clean, light-malty sweetness.  Balanced with a light breadiness and cracker aroma.  
  • 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. 
  • BLACKBERRY CRYSTAL COTU — Low calorie, gluten-reduced, fruity and fizzy hard seltzer from COTU. 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 

  • BURGESSES TAVERN ALE — 3.6% ABV English Mild Ale. Big taste, easy drinking: this one was brewed with a Colonial history. According to Dragon Run, George Washington used to travel through their area every time he attended House of Burgesses meetings in Williamsburg — and with spicy malts and a hint of black licorice tastes, this brew honors the beer travelers sought out at local taverns. 
  • COURTHOUSE SMASH — This new brew at Dragon Run is a Fresh Hop IPA. The single-grain and single-hop beer was brewed with hops from Courthouse Hops. 
  • BORN HERE BLUEBERRY LEMONADE SHANDY — 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. 
  • 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, plus at half capacity indoors and on the patio! 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 

  • 12 PARSECS HAZY DIPA — Brewed with all Falconer’s Flight hops, this Double IPA is available for a limited time on the online store. This fan favorite is bursting with citrus and pine flavors, and drinks very smooth according to its brewers. 
  • RUBY FALLS RED IPA — This Red IPA was brewed with Citra hops. It’s “refreshingly clean,” hop-forward, and brings a malty backbone with a dry finish to your glass. 
  • SOLAR FLARES HAZY DOUBLE IPA — Brewed with Mosaic, Amarillo, and Citra hops, this DIPA is packed with tropical fruit, lemon zest, and pink grapefruit flavors. 
  • DOPPELGANGER IPA — Fresh IPA brewed with all Citra hops. 
  • ITALIAN STYLE DRY-HOPPED PILSNER — Dry-hopped with Mandarina Bavaria and Hallertau Blanc hops. 
  • 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. 
  • JAMES BROWN ALE — 6% ABV American Brown Ale. 
  • 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 our 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. 

Pickup and Delivery: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

  • TURF & TWIG BROWN ALE — 6% ABV Brown Ale. This long-time favorite is a quick seller, so if you’ve been waiting for its return, you’ll want to grab it soon! Dark, semi-sweet and nutty Brown Ale with notes of coffee, baker’s cocoa, and pumpernickel bread. 
  • SAISON — 5.2% ABV Saison with coriander, orange peel, and pink peppercorn. This Belgian-style beer was brewed in its tradition to highlight elements from their original house saison yeast. You’ll catch cracked pepper, late summer flower, and citrus notes in this one. 
  • 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. 
  • 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. 

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 2020. We don’t know where we’d be without local beer through all of this! Check below for fresh releases and more updates. 

Pickup and Delivery: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

  • PESTILENCE — 19% ABV Wild Belgian Quadrupel. A wild version of their two-time award-winning Belgian Quadrupel, DEATH. Oak and tart cherry aromas collide with deep sugary raisin notes. Flavors of Brett side up with Port wine notes and abyssal malty sweetness. 
  • PETIT MANSENG — 13.5% ABV. Single varietal Petit Manseng, utilizing native fermentation with grapes from their vineyard in Delaplane, VA. You’ll catch notes of peach along with tropical, sweet fruits. 
  • 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! 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. 

Gingerbread Stout is back!!!!! If you want to pre-order this iconic Richmond brew, you’ll want to set your alarms for this Thursday, September 17 at 10am. They’ll be selling complete sets of their renowned recipes, with variations like the original Gingerbread Stout, Christmas Morning, Christmas Pancakes, Gingerbread Porter, Fluffy GBS, Frosty GBS, and many, many more. For the full list of what’s included, head here and don’t forget to order this Thursday. These will probably go fast! 

Pickup and Delivery: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

  • RUM BARREL PUMPKIN — 12.3% ABV. Rum Barrel Pumpkin has made its seasonal return for the cooler Autumn evenings. Pumpkin is taken to great new heights with this delicious barrel-aged beer. Warm pumpkin pie spices are met with a blackstrap molasses finish that can only be achieved from months of aging in Caribbean rum barrels.
  • PERFECT PERCEPTION — 7% ABV. Bright and tropical using Sabro and Idaho 7 hops, this juicy IPA delivers aromatics of honey dew, refreshing citrus, and coconut.
  • PAPPY’S PUMPKIN PIE — Pappy’s is filled to the brim with the perfect amount of warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, clove, and allspice, with a hint of vanilla bean and coconut for a well balanced, sweet treat.
  • 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. 
  • 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. 
  • 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 Strawberry Lemonade Slush. Masks are required to enter. Taproom and patio seating are available, and dogs are allowed on the patio. 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. 

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 

  • PUNKED — 6.3% ABV Pumpkin Cream Ale. Brand-new at Isley for the fall season! 
  • ICE-SLEY SLUSHIES — Check in every week for fresh new slushie flavors!  
  • 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. 

It’s Lickinghole Creek’s 7th anniversary this Saturday! To celebrate, they’re releasing the latest in the Juicy IPA series: Juicy #23. If you’re a fan of this style of beer (it’s my personal favorite!), LCCB’s Juicy brews are absolutely for you. Juicy #22 was amazing, and we can only expect the best from #23 as it debuts this weekend. They’re also bringing back their Carrot Cake Imperial Amber Ale for the occasion! For the event on Saturday, head out to the brewery for rare beers on draft, live music from Rocky Ford, and great eats from the Firesides food truck. See below for more details on the special releases.

Pickup and Delivery: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

  • CARROT CAKE IMPERIAL AMBER ALE — Amber Ale. Made with hundreds of pounds of freshly grated carrots. Spice notes of cinnamon, allspice, cardamom, clove, and vanilla complement the fresh carrot flavor.
  • JUICY #23 — Juicy IPA. The Lickinghole Creek brewers explore the boundaries of the juicy, hazy IPA style with each batch. Each card has a new animal face and tagline to complement and inspire unique creativity. Love this Deck of Cards? There is one new hazy, juicy IPA a month flowing from the creativity and boundary-breaking brewers of Lickinghole Creek.
  • NASTY WOMEN — 11.3% ABV Barrel-Aged Tripel Ale. Dedicated to the Nasty Woman in all of us. American-grown Sterling and New Zealand from Motueka hops come together for a lemon and lime flavor, and a hint of tropical fruit. Aged for months in Mexican Tequila Barrels with notes of vanilla and oak. 
  • FORAGER SESSION HAZY IPA — 5.0% ABV. IPA brewed with Paw Paw fruit! This awesome fruit is a Richmond treasure, and it comes out in this beer with sabro hops. This IPA bursts with tropical goodness starting with juicy mango, overripe banana, and freshly cut citrus. Those bold flavors are layered over a dry, yet creamy full body. 
  • ONE LION IMPERIAL STOUT — 7.0% ABV. Gold Medal winner at the Virginia Craft Beer Cup! 
  • GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE LAGER — 8.0% ABV. Brewed with cocoa nibs, toasted coconut, pecans, and vanilla beans as a German-style Doppelbock. 
  • 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!) 
  • 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. 

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 

  • PARTY MONSTER CITRUS SOUR — 4.7% ABV. Berliner Weisse with pineapple, mango, and blood orange. 
  • BINGO BANGO PINEAPPLE BRETT IPA — 6.3% ABV. Tart, funky, and refreshing. 
  • CINNAMON ROLLS NOT GENDER ROLES PASTRY STOUT — This dessert stout is sure to sweeten up your world in its awesome tribute to gender equality. 
  • BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL — 7.5% ABV. 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! 
  • 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. 
  • 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. 
  • 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. 

Updates: Facebook | Instagram | Website 

Stone Brewing Richmond 

Stone Brewing Richmond is open for pick-up, plus both inside and on the patio! 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. Stone also has a great new “Odd Beers for Odd Years” series going on, so stay tuned for updates as special releases come out! 

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. 
  • STONE LIBERTY STATION MARBLE RYE BOCK — 7.3% ABV. Maibock style lager brewed with rye and bitter chocolate. 
  • 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 

  • CAPTIVE UNICORN — 10% ABV New England Triple IPA. Hazy, juicy, dank, bitter, sweet, and booze. 
  • PUNCH DRUNK — 4.75% ABV Fruit Punch Berliner Weisse. Deep red color with an over-the-top fruity taste to give you a nostalgic tropical fruit punch. 
  • THE LAST VAQUERO — 4.9% ABV Mexican Lager. Light and crushable, this lager is made in the tradition of Viennese brewers who brought lager to Mexico in the 1800’s.  Brewed with 6-row and Vienna malts, and flaked maize. 
  • STARK RAVING MAD — 6.7% ABV Sour Hazy IPA. Hazy sour ale moderately bittered with Citra for balance and double dry hopped with Citra, Mosaic, and Idaho7 for a truly unique IPA experience. Remarkably drinkable, Strangeways says “Get weird with this one.” 
  • 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. 
  • 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. 
  • LUCKY CHARMS BERLINER WEISSE — Cloudy, sour wheat beer. Dry, fruity funk with a sharp tartness. 

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 

  • THROWING BACK BLUEBERRIES — 9% ABV Imperial Gose. This is the first release of an in-house brew since March, so it’s a special one this year! Packed with fresh blueberries and hibiscus, it’ll give you a glass full of fruity, juicy deliciousness. 
  • BOWSER’S FAVORITE BLONDE STOUT — 6.3% ABV Stout. Looks like a princess, but with a Bowser-like capture of bold roast and chocolate flavors. 
  • BLOOD ORANGE GOSE — 5.1% ABV. Refreshing German Sour Wheat Ale, enhanced with blood orange puree. 
  • GOLD STAR ALL-AMERICAN IPA — 7.0% ABV IPA. This third edition to the Gold Star series is made with Bravo and Tomahawk hops, in honor of SSG Kenneth Wade Bennett of the US Army. 
  • 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. 

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! 

Triple Crossing is opening a new location! This is awesome news for the local beer world. The new spot will be in Midlothian at Winterfield Crossing, and it’s a giant building that’ll allow for more drinking and dining. The new spot will have fire pits, walking paths, a large outdoor patio, and awnings for drinking year round. Expect this space to open late 2021 or early 2022. The brewing process here will be completely based on open fermentation, a process where their “carefully-selected lager and ale yeast is allowed to ferment unencumbered by head pressure found in traditional unitanks or top vessels.” Basically, it’ll let them bring out a whole new unique character to their beers.  

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. 
  • 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. 
  • INTERSTELLAR BURST DIPA — 8% ABV DIPA. Generously hopped with Galaxy, Citra and El Dorado with deep and plush impressions of passionfruit, pineapple, grapefruit, and mango. 
  • ORIGINS — Loosely based on an iconic style pioneered in those densely wooded north eastern states, this DIPA features Simcoe, Centennial, Mosaic, and Amarillo. This one was inspired by a West Coast DIPA but with a fruit-forward hop character. 
  • 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. 
  • FOEDER I  — 5% ABV Golden Ale. Candied pineapple, fresh pomelo, light notes of dill and sweet honey with a restrained acidity and dry finish.

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 

  • SMOKED LAGER — 7.8% ABV. Collab with Elation Brewing Company in Norfolk. Slightly smoky with aromas of pine and spice, this malty brew is part of the brewery’s monthlong Oktoberfest celebrations of seasonal releases. 
  • DRY HOP KIWI SOUR — Collab with Untitled Art. This is Untitled Art’s first beer brewed with kiwi; over 5,000 pounds of the “perfect combination” of Kiwi Puree and Kiwi Concentrate give it just the right amount of sour, while still retaining a noticeable flavor of fruit. 
  • RETURN OF THE MANDARIN GALAXY — 8% ABV. Your favorite dank, fruity DIPA is back and ready to take you to that far away galaxy known as Scott’s Addition where German Mandarina Bavaria and Australian Galaxy hops reign supreme. Intense aromas of tangerine and pineapple are balanced by subtle passion fruit and peach, with a hint of pine on the finish. 
  • 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. 
  • 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. 

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 

  • CRUCIAL TAUNT — 8% ABV. This one is The Veil’s beloved house Citra-forward Double IPA – now with a new label! A classic balance of orange candy, citrus zest, and pineapple juice. 
  • IDONTWANTOBU3 — 6.9% ABV. IdontwantoBU³ is the triple dry-hopped version of our zero IBU Citra and Mosaic IPA. Concentrated bursts of soft melon, subtle grapefruit, and tropical lime. 
  • NEVER RECOVER3 — 5.3% ABV. Never Recover³ is our Gose with triple boysenberry and triple peach purée. Crushed with flavors of tangy boysenberry and juicy peach slices. 
  • SAUVAGE — 3.7% ABV. Belgian Table Beer that was naturally cooled overnight in our rooftop koelschip then fermented and aged in red wine barrels with Brettanomyces for 13 months. Sessionable with delicate notes of oaky Chardonnay, berry, and pineapple. Bottle conditioned for 19 months. 
  • CLOSE FRIEND — 6% ABV. Close Friend is a brand new Saison brewed with a portion of smoked wheat and barley for that lil’ bit of Autumn warmth you’re looking for. Hopped with French Strisselspalt, fermented warm in oak barrels with Saison yeast and Brett, then bottled after eight weeks. Crispy with round impressions of ripe fruit, fall fire pits, and friendship. Art and brew by @catboy_. 
  • YOUNG YOUNG & PURE PURE — 6% ABV. Young Young & Pure Pure is a new Double Dry-hopped IPA with a hop blend of Citra, Galaxy, and Simcoe. A great hop combo leads to a very soft tropical chewiness with a lemony snappy finish. 
  • THE WEAPON — 8% ABV. The Weapon is a Sour Double IPA brewed with raw wheat, Nelson, Mosaic, raspberry purée, blueberry purée, and milk sugar. Impressions of firecracker popsicles with just enough balance of hoppiness, tartness, and sweetness. One of our favorite Sour DIPAs. 
  • TRIPLE APRI GUAV TASTEE — 5.5% ABV. Smoothie-Style Sour Ale with triple apricot purée, triple guava purée, and milk sugar. Dripping with impressions of an apricot/mango/guava tropical smoothie. 
  • 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. 
  • 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. 
  • 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 

  • THE MUSE — Traditional mead created to honor the mead of poetry — this was a mythical beverage that made the drinker a poet or scholar. Let their muse be your inspiration. 
  • 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. 
  • BERRY GOODE — Blueberry melomel made with local blueberries. 
  • APPLE PIE — Blue Angel-infused with apple pie spices and additional honey. 

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. 
  • CHARRED ORDINARY — 8.3% ABV. Bone-dry and old-fashioned. Pairs well with salty, smokey, gamey flavors. Semi-sparkling. 
  • FIRECRACKER — 16% ABV. Hazy apple port with ginger-infused ear de vie, exploding with spice and sweetness. 
  • 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 coming to local shops this week!

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: 

  • VIRGINIA FIZZ — Cremant-style wine made of 100% Chardonnay. Packed with apples and peach flavors, the wine has a very creamy and smooth texture.
  • 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.

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 [email protected], and if you’re a beer enthusiast, drop me a line anytime to talk booze. Catch y’all next week! 

RVA On Tap: RedRum & Pumpkin Pie

Caley Sturgill | September 9, 2020

Topics: Ardent craft ales, bars richmond va, beer, beer column, Black Heath Meadery, Bryant’s Cider, Center Of The Universe Brewing, craft beer richmond va, craft beer RVA, Dragon Run Brewing, Final Gravity, Fine Creek Brewing Company, garden grove, happy hour richmond va, Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, Intermission Beer Company, Isley Brewing Company, Lickinghole Creek, RVA On Tap, Starr Hill, Stone brewing, strangeways, the answer brewpub, the veil brewing co, Thibaut-Janisson, Three Notch’d RVA Collab House, triple crossing, Väsen Brewing Company

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 

  • JENNY — This is the first brew from The Answer’s Assistant Brewer, Lacy, and the team is very excited to enjoy it with the world. This cream ale is described as smooth around the edges, with a “sessionable crush-ability.” 
  • HAUPIRI — New Zealand-style pilsner. This one was brewed with Wakatu hops, and blends in smooth tropical fruit and citrus flavors. 
  • 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. 

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! Be sure to read their new policies during Covid-19. 

Pickup and Delivery: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

  • LITTLE X — 4.6% ABV. The latest Session IPA of the IPA X line. Little X is a juicy IPA brewed with a blend of Citra, Mosaic, Amarillo, Loral and Chinook hops. Little X features tropical fruit flavors and aroma. 
  • 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. 
  • HIGHPOINT DIPA — 8% ABV. Highpoint DIPA was triple dry hopped, predominantly with Galaxy and rounded out with Citra and El Dorado, for a tropical fruit aroma and flavors of pear and citrus.
  • 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. 
  • 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 

  • REDRUM IIIPA — Blood red brew just in time for fall. Aromas of kiwi, mango, pineapple, and other tropical fruit are offset by graham cracker and toasted bread notes. 
  • 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 

  • COURTHOUSE SMASH — This new brew at Dragon Run is a Fresh Hop IPA. The single-grain and single-hop beer was brewed with hops from Courthouse Hops. 
  • BORN HERE BLUEBERRY LEMONADE SHANDY — 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. 
  • 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 

  • SOLAR FLARES HAZY DOUBLE IPA — Brewed with Mosaic, Amarillo, and Citra hops, this DIPA is packed with tropical fruit, lemon zest, and pink grapefruit flavors. 
  • DOPPELGANGER IPA — Fresh IPA brewed with all Citra hops. 
  • ITALIAN STYLE DRY-HOPPED PILSNER — Dry-hopped with Mandarina Bavaria and Hallertau Blanc hops. 
  • 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 our 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. 

Pickup and Delivery: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

  • SAISON — 5.2% ABV Saison with coriander, orange peel, and pink peppercorn. This Belgian-style beer was brewed in its tradition to highlight elements from their original house saison yeast. You’ll catch cracked pepper, late summer flower, and citrus notes in this one. 
  • 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. 
  • 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 2020. We don’t know where we’d be without local beer through all of this! Check below for fresh releases and more updates. 

Pickup and Delivery: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

  • PETIT MANSENG — 13.5% ABV. Single varietal Petit Manseng, utilizing native fermentation with grapes from their vineyard in Delaplane, VA. You’ll catch notes of peach along with tropical, sweet fruits. 
  • 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 

  • PERFECT PERCEPTION — 7% ABV. Bright and tropical using Sabro and Idaho 7 hops, this juicy IPA delivers aromatics of honey dew, refreshing citrus, and coconut.
  • PAPPY’S PUMPKIN PIE — Pappy’s is filled to the brim with the perfect amount of warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, clove, and allspice, with a hint of vanilla bean and coconut for a well balanced, sweet treat.
  • 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. 
  • 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 Cherry Tart Slush. Masks are required to enter. Taproom and patio seating are available, and dogs are allowed on the patio. 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. 

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 

  • PUNKED — 6.3% ABV Pumpkin Cream Ale. Brand-new at Isley for the fall season! 
  • 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 

  • FORAGER SESSION HAZY IPA — 5.0% ABV. IPA brewed with Paw Paw fruit! This awesome fruit is a Richmond treasure, and it comes out in this beer with sabro hops. This IPA bursts with tropical goodness starting with juicy mango, overripe banana, and freshly cut citrus. Those bold flavors are layered over a dry, yet creamy full body. 
  • ONE LION IMPERIAL STOUT — 7.0% ABV. Gold Medal winner at the Virginia Craft Beer Cup! 
  • GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE LAGER — 8.0% ABV. Brewed with cocoa nibs, toasted coconut, pecans, and vanilla beans as a German-style Doppelbock. 
  • 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 

  • BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL — 7.5% ABV. 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! 
  • 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. 
  • 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. 

Updates: Facebook | Instagram | Website 

Stone Brewing Richmond 

Stone Brewing Richmond is open for pick-up, plus both inside and on the patio! 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. Stone also has a great new “Odd Beers for Odd Years” series going on, so stay tuned for updates as special releases come out! 

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. 
  • STONE LIBERTY STATION MARBLE RYE BOCK — 7.3% ABV. Maibock style lager brewed with rye and bitter chocolate. 
  • 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 

  • THE LAST VAQUERO — 4.9% ABV Mexican Lager. Light and crushable, this lager is made in the tradition of Viennese brewers who brought lager to Mexico in the 1800’s.  Brewed with 6-row and Vienna malts, and flaked maize. 
  • STARK RAVING MAD — 6.7% ABV Sour Hazy IPA. Hazy sour ale moderately bittered with Citra for balance and double dry hopped with Citra, Mosaic, and Idaho7 for a truly unique IPA experience. Remarkably drinkable, Strangeways says “Get weird with this one.” 
  • 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. 
  • 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 

  • GOLD STAR ALL-AMERICAN IPA — 7.0% ABV IPA. This third edition to the Gold Star series is made with Bravo and Tomahawk hops, in honor of SSG Kenneth Wade Bennett of the US Army. 
  • 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. 
  • 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. 
  • INTERSTELLAR BURST DIPA — 8% ABV DIPA. Generously hopped with Galaxy, Citra and El Dorado with deep and plush impressions of passionfruit, pineapple, grapefruit, and mango. 
  • ORIGINS — Loosely based on an iconic style pioneered in those densely wooded north eastern states, this DIPA features Simcoe, Centennial, Mosaic, and Amarillo. This one was inspired by a West Coast DIPA but with a fruit-forward hop character. 
  • 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. 
  • FOEDER I  — 5% ABV Golden Ale. Candied pineapple, fresh pomelo, light notes of dill and sweet honey with a restrained acidity and dry finish.

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 

  • RETURN OF THE MANDARIN GALAXY — 8% ABV. Your favorite dank, fruity DIPA is back and ready to take you to that far away galaxy known as Scott’s Addition where German Mandarina Bavaria and Australian Galaxy hops reign supreme. Intense aromas of tangerine and pineapple are balanced by subtle passion fruit and peach, with a hint of pine on the finish. 
  • 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. 
  • 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. 
  • 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. 

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 

  • PINKFERRARI — 8% ABV. Luxuriously-hopped DIPA series featuring the best Galaxy and Nelson Sauvin hops available. Impressions of creamy tropical muskiness that only comes from two of the best Southern Hemisphere hops. 
  • UNCLE UNCLE COUSIN COUSIN — 11% ABV. Uncle Uncle Cousin Cousin is Double Dry-hopped DIPA brewed exclusively with Mosaic hops. It has the same base as We Ded Mon, but we switch the Citra out for Mosaic. Concentrated blasts of cantaloupe and bags of frozen berries. 
  • YOUNG YOUNG & PURE PURE — 6% ABV. Young Young & Pure Pure is a new Double Dry-hopped IPA with a hop blend of Citra, Galaxy, and Simcoe. A great hop combo leads to a very soft tropical chewiness with a lemony snappy finish. 
  • THE WEAPON — 8% ABV. The Weapon is a Sour Double IPA brewed with raw wheat, Nelson, Mosaic, raspberry purée, blueberry purée, and milk sugar. Impressions of firecracker popsicles with just enough balance of hoppiness, tartness, and sweetness. One of our favorite Sour DIPAs. 
  • TRIPLE APRI GUAV TASTEE — 5.5% ABV. Smoothie-Style Sour Ale with triple apricot purée, triple guava purée, and milk sugar. Dripping with impressions of an apricot/mango/guava tropical smoothie. 
  • MASTER SHREDDER3 — 5.5% ABV. Triple dry-hopped Mosaic-forward 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. 
  • 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. 
  • THE MUSE — Traditional mead created to honor the mead of poetry — this was a mythical beverage that made the drinker a poet or scholar. Let their muse be your inspiration. 
  • 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. 
  • BERRY GOODE — Blueberry melomel made with local blueberries. 
  • APPLE PIE — Blue Angel-infused with apple pie spices and additional honey. 

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. 
  • CHARRED ORDINARY — 8.3% ABV. Bone-dry and old-fashioned. Pairs well with salty, smokey, gamey flavors. Semi-sparkling. 
  • FIRECRACKER — 16% ABV. Hazy apple port with ginger-infused ear de vie, exploding with spice and sweetness. 
  • 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: 

  • VIRGINIA FIZZ — Cremant-style wine made of 100% Chardonnay. Packed with apples and peach flavors, the wine has a very creamy and smooth texture.
  • 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.

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 [email protected], and if you’re a beer enthusiast, drop me a line anytime to talk booze. Catch y’all next week! 

RVA On Tap: Blueberry Lemonade Shandy? Yes, Please!

Caley Sturgill | September 2, 2020

Topics: Ardent craft ales, bars richmond va, beer, beer column, Black Heath Meadery, Bryant’s Cider, Center Of The Universe Brewing, craft beer richmond va, craft beer RVA, Dragon Run Brewing, Final Gravity, Fine Creek Brewing Company, garden grove, happy hour richmond va, Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, Intermission Beer Company, Isley Brewing Company, Lickinghole Creek, RVA On Tap, Starr Hill, Stone brewing, strangeways, the answer brewpub, the veil brewing co, Thibaut-Janisson, Three Notch’d RVA Collab House, triple crossing, Väsen Brewing Company

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 [email protected], and if you’re a beer enthusiast, drop me a line anytime to talk booze. Catch y’all next week! 

RVA ON TAP: Farmhouse Pumpkins & Pink Lemonade Honeywines

Caley Sturgill | August 26, 2020

Topics: Ardent craft ales, bars richmond va, beer, beer column, Black Heath Meadery, Bryant’s Cider, Center Of The Universe Brewing, craft beer richmond va, craft beer RVA, Dragon Run Brewing, Final Gravity, Fine Creek Brewing Company, garden grove, happy hour richmond va, Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, Intermission Beer Company, Isley Brewing Company, Lickinghole Creek, RVA On Tap, Starr Hill, Stone brewing, strangeways, the answer brewpub, the veil brewing co, Three Notch’d RVA Collab House, triple crossing, Väsen Brewing Company

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. 

We’ve got pickup and delivery services from locals like The Answer Brewpub, Ardent Craft Ales, Black Heath Meadery, Bryant’s Cider, 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 

  • 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. 
  • 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. 
  • 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. 

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! Be sure to check out their new policies during Covid-19. 

Pickup and Delivery: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

  • 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 

Black Heath Meadery

*UPDATE: Black Heath Meadery will be temporarily closed. Check back next week for their reopening date!* 

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 

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

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.  
  • 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. 

THE LATEST BEERS 

  • 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 

  • 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. 
  • ITALIAN STYLE DRY-HOPPED PILSNER — Also back on tap this week (so get it while you can)! Dry-hopped with Mandarina Bavaria and Hallertau Blanc hops. 
  • JUICE BOX HAZY DOUBLE IPA — 8% ABV Double IPA. This hazy beauty was brewed with Strata, Belma, and Citra hops. 
  • TANGERINE GOSE — Ancient Mariner and Habanero Mango. 
  • VAPOUR TRAIL HAZY DOUBLE IPA — 8% ABV Hazy Double IPA brewed with Citra and Falconer’s Flight hops. 
  • STEPPING STONE BLONDE ALE — 5% ABV Blonde Ale. 
  • CASSIOPEIA HAZY DOUBLE IPA — This fan favorite is back in the online store, and it’s no wonder it’s been so well-received in its time. Dry-hopped with Cashmere and Mosaic hops, Cassiopeia is full of tropical fruit notes, pineapple forward with a touch of dankness and a smooth finish. 
  • STARDUST HAZY IPA — 6% ABV. Hopped with BRU-1 and Mosaic, Stardust IPA has bright, floral characteristics and a pineapple punch. 
  • RITES OF SPRING GINGER HONEY LAGER — 5.5% ABV. 

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. 

Pickup and Delivery: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

  • 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. 

Pickup and Delivery: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

  • 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)! 
  • TYPHOON PASSION FRUIT AND MANGO HONEY WINE — 7% ABV Honey Wine. Sweet tropical aromas of passion fruit and mango swing together. “Bursting with big, bold flavors wave after wave.” 
  • MADELINE SAISON — 6.5% ABV Saison. Notes of classic banana and spice. Soft bodied, with flavors of tropical fruit, white pepper and rye.
  • ARASSAS KOLSCH — 4.8% ABV German-Style Kolsch. 
  • DEATH — 10% ABV Belgian. Brings out as much ripe and dark fruit flavors reminiscent of rich red wines as possible, by fermenting with red wine grapes from each year’s harvest. Death is made once a year in tandem with the Virginia wine grape harvest schedule. 
  • CARTOON VILLAIN IPA — 7% ABV IPA. Tropical and juicy. 
  • MOZU — 8% Peach Yuzu Honey Wine. Flavors and color from White and Blood Peaches, balanced by bright and shiny Yuzu. “Confuse your palate” with this brew that’s both sweet and dry. 

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. 
  • 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 their Abbey Ale with Strawberries. 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! Chipotle Blackberry Sour and Peach 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 

  • 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. 
  • 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! 

Pickup: Order Here 

THE LATEST BEERS 

  • 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 

  • 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. 
  • LEGALIZE IT — Small Axe West Coast-Style IPA in honor of the recent decriminalization of marijuana in Virginia. 
  • 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 

  • GALAXY CLEAR JUICY IPA — 7.6% ABV. Clear juicy IPA with tropical fruit flavor from Australian Galaxy hops, with all the yeast haze in suspension. 
  • 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. 
  • AMERICAN BARREL-AGED RED SOUR — 6.3% ABV. American Red Sour aged in wine barrels with house lactobacillus culture. 
  • 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. 
  • HYDRAULION IRISH RED ALE — 5.3% ABV. This Irish-Style Red is perfectly balanced with a great caramel sweetness and crisp, citrusy hop profile. 
  • 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. 
  • HANSEL & KETTLE IMPERIAL OKTOBERFEST — 8% ABV Oktoberfest. This imperial version of the classic Marzen style has Munich and Vienna malts, which give the beer a toast-like malt sweetness, balanced by the classic spice profile of German Noble Hops. 
  • 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. 
  • BLACK CHERRY HARD SELTZER — Hard Seltzer. Low sugar, low carb, and only 100 calories for the days you’re craving something lighter. 

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 

  • 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. 
  • PARANOID — 5% ABV. Pale ale with a Citra hop varietal and malted white wheat. Impressions of mango, sweet apricot, and floral grapefruit orange. 
  • SUMMER JETLAG — 12% ABV. Brewed in February 2019. English-style Barleywine that rested in bourbon barrels for 16 months, then conditioned on a measured blend of vanilla beans and in-house toasted coconut. 
  • 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. 
  • BUTTERCUP GRISETTE — 4.5% ABV. Open-fermented Grisette comprised of pilsner malt, spelt, red wheat and flaked barley. 
  • FALCON SMASH IPA — Flagship IPA. Dank hop character from Falconer’s Flight dry-hop process. 
  • FOEDER I  — 5% ABV Golden Ale. Candied pineapple, fresh pomelo, light notes of dill and sweet honey with a restrained acidity and dry finish.

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 

  • 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 

  • DIRT NAP — 8.8% ABV. DIPA featuring Galaxy, Citra, Mosaic, and Nelson Sauvin! This batch is popping with juicy papaya and a Southern Hemisphere tropical muskiness that is perfectly balanced by the American Citra and Mosaic. 
  • STRANGE STRANGE & ETERNAL ETERNAL — 6% ABV. Strange Strange & Eternal Eternal is a double dry-hopped IPA with Citra, Mosaic, Motueka, and Simcoe. Tastes like gushers fruit snacks. A unique, cool, soft crusher. 
  • CARRY ME — 8% ABV. Carry Me is a brand new Double India Pale Ale that’s heavy on the fluffy oats and hopped with a blend of Citra, Nelson, Idaho 7, BRU-1, Enigma, and Mosaic. Layered notes of strawberry and skittles candy. 
  • 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. 
  • NEVER NEVER CALM CALM — 5.1% ABV Gose with the awesome fruit combo of double passion fruit and double pineapple. Tasty vibes of canned fruit cups, peach skin, and obviously tons of passion fruit and pineapple. 
  • 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.
  • LOVELY — 5.2% ABV. Lovely is a blend of a Farmhouse-inspired Pale Ale and a 100% wheat Farmhouse-inspired ale. Both beers were barrel fermented, inoculated with our house culture, and aged in French oak red wine barrels for 12 months.

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 [email protected], and if you’re a beer enthusiast, drop me a line anytime to talk booze. Catch y’all next week! 

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