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!
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
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 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 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. 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
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 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 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
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 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
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 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 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. 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 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 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
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 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!
