Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery Archives

RVA On Tap: Ditch The Corona. Here’s How To (Safely) Support Local Brewers!

Caley Sturgill | June 3, 2020

Topics: Ardent craft ales, bars in richmond va, beer, beer column, coronavirus, covid 19, covid19, craft beer, craft beer richmond va, events in richmond va, events near me this weekend, events richmond va, Final Gravity, Fine Creek Brewing Company, happy hour richmond va, Hardywood, Intermission Beer Company, Isley Brewing Company, Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery, richmond events, richmond va, RVA, RVA On Tap, Starr Hill, the answer brewpub, things to do in richmond va, things to do richmond va, triple crossing, vasen brewing

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.

If you missed the last column, you can check that out here. Our kegs are overflowing this week with craft beer, and we’re not riding out this virus without our favorite local brewers… but this time, we’re bringing them home with us.

This week in Booze News, we’ve got fresh can releases, new brews for growler fills, and some creative ideas from local brewers during the pandemic. You’ll get all the best for delivery & pickup, in alphabetical order, to find your local favorites easily. Don’t miss out, Richmond, and continue supporting local business!

We’ve got pickup and delivery services from brewers like The Answer Brewpub, Ardent Craft Ales, Center of the Universe Brewing, Intermission Beer Company, Isley Brewing Company, Final Gravity, Fine Creek Brewing Company, Garden Grove, Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, Lickinghole Creek, Starr Hill, Stone Brewing, Strangeways, Triple Crossing, Väsen Brewing Company, The Veil Brewing Co. and more. Stay healthy, and drink up.

BREWERIES: IF YOUR HOURS OR DAYS OF OPERATION HAVE CHANGED, PLEASE EMAIL [email protected] TO UPDATE! THANKS, EVERYONE!

The Answer Brewpub

In to-go brews, The Answer Brewpub is first on our alphabetical list of local spots that will be doing carry-out purchases. If it looks like your favorites are sold out, be sure to catch up with them on Facebook and Instagram for updates and more details!

HOURS: Tuesday and Thursday from 2-6pm (6:30 latest pick-up time), and Sunday from 12-4pm (4:30 latest pick-up time).

AVAILABLE BEERS:

ANSWER
Milk Chocolate Chugyo
Quarantine Crusher in 4-packs 16oz
Nicht Trocken (bottles and crowlers)
Kurisupībōi in 4-packs 16oz
Fancy Claps (Double Dry Hopped) in 4-packs 16oz
Rum Passionfruit Painkiller (crowlers)
Stonefruit Triple Swirlsicle (crowlers)
Imperial 3 Scoops: Passionfruit, Mango, Peach (crowlers)
Imperial Morning Juice 9 (crowlers)
Strawberry Guava Double Swirlsicle (crowlers)
Blackberry Pineapple Triple Puffsicle (crowlers)
Crowlers of any Joose on tap. ($20/piece)

Don’t forget to add your tips to support their team when you place your order!

To find out more on which brews The Answer currently has on tap, check out their draft list here on Untappd. If you’re planning to stop by for a to-go order, the brewery is encouraging you to please follow CDC safety guidelines.

Ardent Craft Ales

Ardent Craft Ales is offering curbside pick-up options and delivery. They’re including Blue Bee Cider, Black Heath Meadery, Potter’s Craft Cider, and red and white wine in orders as well! Beer shipping across Virginia and D.C. is coming soon, so stay tuned. Order Here!

HOURS: Monday-Friday 2-8pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 12-6pm.

AVAILABLE BEERS:

Altamont DIPA
Bohemian Pilsner
IPA X
Italian Pilsner
Double Dry Hopped IPA X
Peach Gose
Eldig Baltic Porter
Earl Grey Brown Ale
Saison
Honey Ginger
Hathor Gose
Imperial Milk Stout
Barrel Aged Milk Stout
Honest Admiration
Defenestrator
Dark Rye
White Wine
Red Wine
Potter’s Craft Cider
Black Heath Mead
Ninja Kombucha
Snowing in Space Coffee

Guests are welcome to swing by the taproom for quick to-go orders — but staying on-site afterward is not permitted, so plan to drink these at home. You can also call the taproom at 804-359-1605 to place orders.

For pickups, park in Ardent’s parking lot off Highpoint Avenue, and give the taproom a call to let them know you’re there. They’ll bring your orders out and check your ID at your car, so folks won’t have to get out and come inside at all. These are expected to be available within 30 minutes of the order being placed, so shoot for that time frame, and you’ll receive updates from Ardent if there are any delays due to higher volumes of orders.

For deliveries, drivers will come to the address provided, and IDs will be checked upon arrival. Be sure to plan for it — if you’re unavailable when they arrive, they’ll bring your order back to the taproom and keep it available for pick-up. Curbside pick-up is free, and so is delivery within Scott’s Addition. Within 5 miles, the delivery fee is $6, and $12 for anything up to 10 miles away. Be sure to tip your drivers to support the taproom crew during the shutdowns!

ARDENT HELPS:

Ardent has recently launched a food bank initiative, teamed up with Sysco, The Holli Fund, and Digital Minerva. Ardent Helps is a resource to support restaurant workers during the COVID-19 crisis, and this food bank is free for restaurant staff that have been laid-off, furloughed or are suffering from reduced hours. Impacted people can place orders online at www.ardenthelpsrva.com.

Orders may be placed seven days a week, with pick-up times at Ardent Craft Ales’ taproom at 3200 West Leigh Street in Scott’s Addition during the brewery’s operating hours of 2-8pm on Tuesday-Sunday. Participants are asked to show their most recent pay stub to confirm eligibility upon pick up. A variety of perishable and non-perishable items donated by Sysco will be available. Ardent is accepting shelf-stable food donations to support the program and monetary donations to directly benefit affected restaurant workers via grants from the Holli Fund.

Center of the Universe Brewing

UPDATE: Head to cotubrew.square.site to order for Thursday & Friday delivery of their best recipes. You can place orders at (804) 368-0299, or via the website by checking “Fulfillment Method” and “Delivery” with your address before finishing check-out.

HOURS: Curbside pickup 7 days a week from 12-7pm. Delivery same hours 7 days a week within a 20 mile radius of the Ashland brewery. Shipping (VA and DC Only) 24/7.

AVAILABLE BEERS & CROWLERS:

Chameleon IPA 16oz Can 4-Pack
Monkey’s Uncle Lemongrass Tripel 16oz Can 4-pack
Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Porter 16oz Can 4-Pack
Pocahoptas IPA 12oz Can 6-Pack
Rally Cap Grapefruit Shandy 16oz Can 4-Pack
Ray Ray’s Front Porch S’IPA 12oz Can 6-Pack
Summer Moon Imperial Raspberry Wheat Ale

Orange Blossom Honey Ale: A BEEr to BEE Generous helps to support their staff during this time.

“Due to the circumstances, this popular seasonal brew will only be available at the brewery and not for distribution, which means we have a lot of it! Rather than dump it down the drain, we are using it for its original purpose: to help others,” says Center of the Universe Brewing Cofounder Phil Ray.

$30 of every case sold will go directly to the COTU staff relief fund. In addition to the sale of BEEr, Center of the Universe has also been hosting virtual concerts on their Facebook page and asking viewers to tip by contributing to their GoFundMe. They will also be pooling all tips for the staff.

Customers can park alongside the front curb and proceed to the front door. Patrons will stay outside, and COTU team will deliver orders to the front. All tips received will benefit the front staff during closures. Kegs are available, ordering via email at [email protected] for availability and pricing. Gift cards are available here.

Final Gravity Brewing Co.

Over at Final Gravity Brewing Co., to-go pours are available for every brew you could dream of: all you need to do is grab a Crowler. Check out their website and Order Here.

HOURS: Tuesday-Sunday from 2-7pm, plus 12-7 on Saturdays and 12-6 on Sundays.

AVAILABLE BEERS:

Absolute Magnitude Hazy DIPA
California Dreamin’ West Coast IPA
Weizen Up
Stepping Stone Blond
ILL TECHNIQUE Hazy Double IPA
The Doppler Effect IPA
Fire Station 5 American Amber Ale
Montpelier Train Station Porter
Obelisk Stout

Final Gravity will also be processing payments for orders over the phone, so you can call ahead to have your Crowlers ready for pick-up. Keep up with them on Facebook for more updates as we move forward.

Delivery runs up to 10 miles! For regular pickup, head inside to their bar. For curbside pickup, there’s a green tent set up behind their building. Call 264-48084, Option 1, to let them know when you’ve arrived.

Fine Creek Brewing Company

Out at Fine Creek Brewing Company, beer delivery is available! Check out Fine Creek’s website for a full list of beers available for pick-up and delivery, and find them on Facebook for updates and more information. Order Here!

HOURS: Thursday-Sunday with only to-go orders on beer. Thursday-Saturday from 3-7pm for beer and food preorders only.

AVAILABLE BEERS:

Helles Lager
Rye Lager
Rotbier German Red Lager
German Pilsner
Spicebush & Cherrywood Norwegian Farmhouse Ale
Avec Frere 9 Belgian Tripel
Turf & Twig Brown Ale
Milk Stout w. Chocolate
Epiphany & Citra Pale Ale
Game Winner IPA
Protoscience IPA
Herbrarium Wild Saison
Wild Saison w. Peaches collab with Fullsteam Brewery

Garden Grove Brewing & Urban Winery

Garden Grove is joining the safety precautions by focusing on to-go cans and bottles. Along with carry-out orders, they’ve also started curbside pick-up for all their best brews. With your favorites like EarthTone, you’ll be able to order beers here and pick them up from your car to keep things safe.

HOURS: 12-8pm Monday through Friday and 12-9pm on weekends with curbside pickup and delivery.

AVAILABLE BEERS:

Wendigo Double West Coast IPA
Fenrir Coffee Stout 6 Pack
TYR Norwegian IPA
Berserker 6 Pack (12oz Cans)
“Table for One” Belgian Table Beer 6 Pack
Earthtone
Czech Pils
House Made Ginger Ale
Powder Belgian Wit
Something Stupid IPA
Koushma Wild Beer
Lucifinia
Fergus Wee-Heavy
Evangeline
Synthesis

WINE:

Yūrei Cider
2017 Petit Verdot
2017 Chardonnay
2018 Adaptation
Synthesis 300ml

This is an especially awesome place to support right now, because they’ll be taking a portion of to-go sales to support the taproom staff that’s unable to work during this time. For service industry workers, this is an extremely hard time to get by, so please do what you can to support local business as the city gets through this health crisis.

They’re keeping things safe, and encouraging folks to use curbside pickup to limit the number of customers in the taproom at any given time on to-go orders. Keep up with them on Facebook for updates.

Hardywood Park Craft Brewery

For all us Hardywood enthusiasts, head over here to Order Online. Now that everything’s set up, you can grab packs of your favorite Hardywood brews like Richmond Lager, Hardywood Singel and more. They’ll be offering awesome new beer releases and fun online events like virtual beer tasting panels, so be sure to stay updated with them going forward.

HOURS: To-go service is Tuesday through Friday from 2-7pm, and Saturday & Sunday from 11am-4pm.

Hardywood Richmond brews listed below. CLICK HERE for West Creek info & cases/growler fills!

AVAILABLE BEERS:

Brian’s Barrel Blends
Tropic Like It’s Hot
Southern Peach Suncrush
Triadic
Trifecta
Richmond Lager
Great Return
Pils
Singel
VIPA
Peach Tripel
Mamaw’s Mean Cobbler
Horns & Radlers
More of the Same But Something Different
Frusta Fresca
Bourbon Cru
Tangerine Suncrush
Cranberry Suncrush
West Creek Hard Cider
Christmas Pancakes
Hopkeeper
Bourbon Baltic Sunrise
Raspberry Stout
Great Return
Peach Tripel
Bourbon Baltic Sunrise

Keep up with Hardywood on Instagram and Facebook for more updates, and make your way out to support!

Intermission Beer Company

Intermission Beer Company has introduced delivery. Order Here! To grab a curbside pickup order, call or text Intermission at 804-585-0405 and they’ll deliver any of their available beers straight to your car when you arrive. Beer slushies are now available, too!

HOURS: Pick-up orders Wednesday & Thursday 5-8pm, Friday 4-9pm, Saturday 3-8pm, Sunday 3-6pm.

AVAILABLE BEERS:

Beer Slushies! Check Facebook every Friday to see the weekend’s flavor.
Conjured Darkness
EarthTone
Oats n’ Hoes
Ghost Light Lager
Hathor Gose
Vienna Cream
Ovation: Lemon
Ovation: Orange
Ovation: Raspberry
Winter Warmer

They’ll deliver within a 5 mile radius of Intermission, and reserve the right to cancel any orders further than 5 miles away. You can check here to see if your address is within their range.

Expect a text from their delivery driver when they’re on the way. Be sure to have your ID ready when they arrive, too! If you are unavailable at the address provided when our delivery driver arrives, your order will be returned and made available for Curbside Pick-Up at Intermission. Any delivery orders placed after 3pm will be delivered the next day.

Check with Intermission on Facebook for updates as things go on, and catch up with them to find out more about brews on tap.

Isley Brewing Company

To-go brews are available at Isley Brewing Company! The tasting room will be closed, but all 13 of their beers on tap will be available for pickup. Text your order to 804-449-0721 (more Order Info here).

HOURS: Monday-Friday, 2-8pm. Saturday & Sunday 12-8pm.

AVAILABLE BEERS:

OFF THE BOULEVARD
APPLE OF MY EYE
GOSE-BUSTERS
THE BRIBE
CHOOSY MOTHER
PLAIN JANE STRAWBERRY
PLAIN JANE
PLANE JANE BLUEBERRY
CASH AND CARRY CASHMERE HAZY IPA
RHIZOME SUN
I’LL BEE BOCK
ISLEY CZECH PILSNER
COCONUT CREAM PIE
RASPBERRY RAZZLE
BERLINER WEISSE

In orders, be sure to include your name, address, email, and what you’d like to order in four-packs, then let them know when you’re there. There’s a minimum purchase of two four-packs per order, and delivery charges will apply. A big plus with Isley: they deliver up to 5 miles away from the brewery — so if you’re located further out, it’s no problem!

Check their post here for more information on ordering, and keep up with Isley on Facebook for updates.

Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery

Multi-state shipping and drive-thru pickup now available! Get your brews online and Order Here from Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery’s website.

HOURS: Friday-Sunday 12-6pm.

AVAILABLE BEERS:

LCCB JUICY #20
ABSOLUTE COUP OF ENLIGHTENED DESPOT
NUCLEAR NUGGET
BLUEBERRY FRENCH TOAST IMPERIAL BROWN ALE
TEQUILA OAK SPIRAL AGED LA CALAVERA CATRINA THREE CHOPT TRIPEL ALE WITH LIME ZEST
THREE CHOPT TRIPEL
HEIR APPARENT MEXICAN SPICED IMPERIAL STOUT
MAIDENS BLONDE ALE
LCCB JUICY #19
FRENCH TOAST BROWN ALE
VIRGINIA STRAWBERRY HEFEWEIZEN
NINE MILE IPA
ROSEMARY SAISON
ONE RIDE NON-ALCOHOLIC
SUNFLOWER SAISON
CHALLENGE THE BEAR BALTIC PORTER
TWELFTH NIGHT SPICED BELGIAN QUAD
VANILLA VIRGINIA BLACK BEAR
RUM BARREL AGED CARROT CAKE IMPERIAL AMBER ALE
BOURBON BARREL & GINGER THREE CHOPT TRIPEL
REDNECK SOAP OPERA
COCONUT QUADRUPLE ALE
ILLUMINATOS
HIDE THE DESPOT
HUG THE DESPOT
AWAKEN THE DESPOT

Head over here to Lickinghole Creek’s website for more information on policies regarding COVID-19, and catch up with them on Facebook here.

Starr Hill Richmond Beer Hall & Rooftop

Starr Hill 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. Order Here!

HOURS: 1-7pm.

AVAILABLE BEERS:

SUMMER TOUR
SAY IT AIN’T SOUR
NOTHERN LIGHTS IPA
RAMBLE ON HAZY IPA
STAY FOREVER ESPRESSO STOUT
CAROLE CRAN-RASPBERRY GOSE
FRONT ROW GOLDEN ALE
GRATEFUL PALE ALE
JOMO LAGER
PIXIE PINEAPPLE GOSE
ROXANNE RASPBERRY SOUR
THE LOVE HEFEWEIZEN
WILD HEART HOPPY BLONDE
2 TONE VANILLA PORTER
BLACKTHORN EXPORT STOUT
CARLY CUCUMBER GOSE
CURRANT AFFAIRS BLACKBERRY CURRANT SOUR
DOUBLE BASS ORANGE CHOCOLATE STOUT
DOUBLE BASS RASPBERRY CHOCOLATE STOUT
DOUBLE PLATINUM IMPERIAL IPA
EXPAT BARREL STOUT
HATHOR RASPBERRY GOSE
JOMO VIENNA LAGER
LITTLE RED ROOSTARR COFFEE STOUT
LIZZY LIME GOSE
LOOKING GLASS IPA
NOTHING GOLD CAN STAY HAZY IPA
REDUX RASPBERRY SPARKLING ALE
RIVER CITY RED
WAREHOUSE PILS

+ More in cases! Check out Starr Hill’s website for more details. Full info with cases and more can be found here.

Keep up with them on Facebook for updates on hours and information, and check their website here for news on their COVID-19 precautions being implemented at the brewery.

Stone Brewing Richmond

Stone Brewing Richmond is open for pick-up! This awesome East End brewery has had some delicious releases lately, and you can keep up with them on Facebook for updates on the newest brews. Order Online!

HOURS: 12-6pm Monday-Thursday, 12-8pm Friday-Sunday.

AVAILABLE BEERS:

6-Packs Cans

STONE NOTORIOUS P.O.G. BERLINER WEISSE
STONE TIKI ESCAPE
STONE ROARING DRAGON
STONE IPA
STONE DIEHARD FAN IPA
BUENAVEZA SALT & LIME LAGER
DELICIOUS
W00TSTOUT
ENTER NIGHT PILSNER
TROPIC OF THUNDER
SCORPION BOWL IPA
///FEAR.MOVIE.LIONS DIPA
TANGERINE EXPRESS IPA
ENJOY BY 07.04.20 UNFILTERED IPA
ARROGANT BASTARD
LOCOVEZA CHARRED 2015

Be sure to keep up with their updated available beer list here, as supplies are subject to change. Drink happy, y’all!

Strangeways Brewing

All 3 tasting rooms are open for delivery, curbside pick-up, and to-go orders! Full order info including delivery charges can be found here, and be sure to check their website to Order Online.

HOURS: Monday-Friday 2-7pm , Saturday 12-7pm , Sunday 2-6pm.

AVAILABLE BEERS:

ALBINO MONKEY BELGIAN WHITE
DR. FOUDRE I WILD ALE
GINGERBREAD WOODBOOGER
GOTH KIDS BLACK LAGER
GOURD OF THUNDER
HELLES FROZEN OVER MUNICH HELLES LAGER
MARTIAN SPRING HOPPY ALE
PLAYDAY PILS
TIRAM’ZU BREW RUM BARREL AGED PORTER
TURBOGENERATOR
UBERLIN BERLINER WEISSE
WAMPUS CAT TRIPLE IPA

Be sure to catch up with Strangeways on their website for a full list of beers, and for the most-updated brews available.

Triple Crossing Beer

Triple Crossing Beer has to-go and delivery options available, and can shipping is another brand-new option!

With Texting Can Alerts, you can text TCALERTS to (855) 918-2808 to be enrolled with all the new can releases and beer information available at Triple Crosisng. If you’re feeling hungry, they’ve also got food to-go, which is a great unique note for these brewers in particular. Order Here!

HOURS: To-go service will be offered daily from 12-8pm. Receiving orders 24hrs per day and fulfilling all orders that come in by 12pm same day. Delivery service runs from 12-8pm.

AVAILABLE BEERS:

Foeder Aged Clever Girl
Falcon Smash IPA
North Park Pale Ale
Poor Icarus
Precursor Pils
Irish Dry Stout
Kolsch Crowler
Likely Story Crowler
Czech Amber Lager
Czech Dark Lager
Czech Pale Lager
Waiting for a Sign

Be sure to check your locations and order here, as different locations will have different availability.

Triple Crossing is also offering delivery options, and thanks to a high demand, they’re able to keep supporting their staff while the taproom is closed. Be sure to tip your delivery drivers well, and help service industry folks get through these shutdowns. Head here to order downtown pick-up orders, and here for Fulton pick-up orders. Keep up with Triple Crossing on Facebook here.

Väsen Brewing Company

At Väsen Brewing Company, Order Here for pickup and delivery!

HOURS: Delivery Tuesday-Friday 2-7pm, Saturday-Sunday 12-7pm. Closed Monday (if you order after 2pm Sunday, you might have to wait until Tuesday — so order early!) To-go sales start at 12pm from Saturday-Sunday, 2pm Tuesday-Friday, and end at 7pm Tuesday-Sunday.

AVAILABLE BEERS:

ESCAPE CLOUD
THE SUNRISE OTTER
HATHOR GOSE
MEXICAN LAGER
EVERYTHING FLOATS ON PINEAPPLE
THE VELVET WALRUS ON RASPBERRY
MAU RAKAU
HEFEWEIZEN
RADAPILS
LAGER
THE VELVET WALRUS ON VANILLA COFFEE & CINNAMON
WINDHOOK IPA
NORSE DOUBLE IPA
VANILLA MOONBEAR DUBBEL
GOLDENBEAR TRIPEL
CITRON SAISON
ELDIG BALTIC PORTER

Check out the full order info here!

The Veil Brewing Co.

The Veil Brewing Co. will be doing outdoor to-go sales from both locations. Cans will be sold directly outside of the main entrance of our taproom under a tent in the parking lot side of both locations. Order Here!

HOURS: 1-7pm Tuesday-Friday, 1-6pm Saturday and Sunday.

AVAILABLE BEERS:

S.U.R.E.
CHOOSE ME
FREAKEE DEAKEE TASTEE
BRAUHAUSENWEISSE
OLE WINDMILL
HIDE YOUR HEART
NEVER NEVER MIND MIND
DREAMLESS
TWICE THE DAILY SERVING
MAKE YOU FEEL
BLACKBERRY VERMICIOUS KNID
NEVERMORE3
DOUBLE STUFFED OREO AND CINNAMON HORNSWOGGLER
CHERRY ALL THAT YOU ARE
AS I AM
WORN
PETALZ ORANGEBERRY
PETALZ ORANGE
PETALZ FRED
OPEN UP AND LOVE AGAIN PEACH AND PLUM

Check here for updated lists, as stock is subject to change as orders come in.

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!

All Hands On Deck

Carley Welch | May 19, 2020

Topics: Bottoms up pizza, coronavirus, covid 19, Legend Brewing, Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery, outdoor seating, Phase One, Ralph Northam, richmond restaurants

With Phase One of Virginia’s reopening plan underway in the counties and less than two weeks away within Richmond’s city limits, restaurants with outdoor seating are making plans for reopening their patios and balconies.

On March 24, Governor Ralph Northam issued Executive Order Fifty-Three, which called for the closure of certain non-essential businesses, banned all gatherings of more than 10 people, and closed all K-12 schools for the remainder of the academic year. At that point, the question of how local restaurants and businesses would survive became a looming thought in the back of many workers’ heads.

After almost a month and a half in which restaurants and breweries have only provided takeout and delivery services, Gov. Northam announced that the state of Virginia could begin implementing Phase One of Virginia’s reopening plan on Friday, May 15. Once this phase begins, restaurants and breweries are allowed to utilize outdoor patio seating, if it’s at least six feet away from the sidewalk or any public area, at 50 percent capacity, while enforcing that there be six feet between parties seated in the area.

After planning to reopen this past Friday, Richmond restaurants were struck with late-breaking news that they were to halt reopening for another two weeks. This occurred as a result of Mayor Levar Stoney’s letter to Gov. Northam requesting that the City of Richmond receive a two-week exemption from starting Phase One, due to an increase in the number of the city’s coronavirus infections.

Nick Lewis, manager at Bottoms Up Pizza in Richmond, said he was planning on opening back up the restaurant’s balcony and patio in accordance with Phase One on the 15th, but when he found out reopening was delayed, he understood the decision to do so. Despite being fully prepared to open back up this past Friday, he said he’s happy to abide by whatever executive orders come next.

“When the mayor came on and said we want to push it back to the 28th, I said ‘All right, that’s Richmond City,’ so we pushed back everything to the 28th,” Lewis said. “Unless they say otherwise again, then we’ll plan to follow whatever orders are destined for Richmond City.”

Among Lewis’ hygiene and safety implementations are that all employees must wear masks and gloves, no customers are allowed inside the restaurant besides to use the bathroom, and then only one customer can be in the bathroom at a time. There’s also “a special solution” that managers have to pre-mix, which kills the coronavirus virus within 60 seconds. They use this mix to wipe down all surfaces, Lewis said.

“We’re trying to beat this just as much as everybody else,” Lewis said. “At the end of the day, this is not something that anybody is used to. No one expected a pandemic.”

Despite another two weeks of being closed for in-person dining, Lewis said they’re staying afloat thanks to deliveries and takeout.

Similarly to Bottoms Up, Legend Brewing’s Richmond location was also planning to reopen their deck under the guidelines set by Phase One on the 15th. Allen Valencia, the regional pub manager of Legend Brewing’s Richmond and Portsmouth locations, said despite not opening back up in Richmond, he and his staff feel comfortable because of the necessary precautions they’ve taken.

“We had already thought about the precautions we were going to take long before the governor’s guidelines came out,” Valencia said.

Valencia said these precautions include serving on utensils that can be thrown away, so there’s no need to sanitize them every time they’re used. He also said that only every other table on the deck was made available, so they could abide by the six-feet rule. They’ve also designated separate entrances and exits, so that people entering and leaving aren’t passing each other in close proximity.

Furthermore, Valencia said they even went the extra mile to sanitize every half hour, even though the governor’s office said to do so only every 60 minutes.

*The deck at Legend Brewing’s Richmond location. Photo via Legend Brewing/Facebook*

Valencia’s staff members have not all returned, as a result of smaller demand making business slower. However, he said all staff members who aren’t already working will return in waves starting next week, with all hopefully returning by the end of the month.

At Legend’s Richmond location, Valencia said the deck usually sits around 200 people, so he’ll be able to sit 100 guests on the deck. He also has a beer garden that will be able to seat at least 30 guests with the 50 percent capacity rule, since it usually seats around 70.

Luckily for Valencia, he was able to open Legend’s Portsmouth location last Friday. When he left that location late Friday afternoon to come back to Richmond, he said it was still pretty busy, and “everything ran smoothly.” The Portsmouth location is still conducting to-go and curbside pick-up orders. These same to-go and curbside pick-up orders are what are keeping the Richmond location alive.

“We’ve been surviving thanks to the RVA faithful,” Valencia said. “People have been coming by and picking up their own beer and food from our establishment.”

Some establishments, such as Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery, owned by Lisa Pumphrey and located outside Richmond in the Goochland/West Creek area, decided not to reopen even prior to the delay in Phase One. As of last Wednesday, Pumphrey decided against reopening, because she felt it wasn’t in the best interest of herself, her customers, or her employees to do so.

“It just isn’t worth the money,” Pumphrey said. “It’s just safety first. The curve did come down, and we don’t want to be part of the problem.”

Just like Valencia, Pumphrey is thankful to her loyal customers for continuing to support her brewery with curbside pickups, deliveries, and to-go orders. However, Pumphrey said she’s grateful to say she hasn’t been hit too hard by the pandemic, as their business model was already very much based on wholesale, and wasn’t completely dependent on their tasting rooms being open.

“I know other breweries that are very tasting-dependent,” Pumphrey said. “It hit them hard and it was a big shock in the beginning. But then you reconfigure and begin delivery and the curbside, and that did well.”

*Lickinghole Creek employees engaging in safety measures while packing orders. Photo via Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery/Facebook*

In addition to providing their normal food and beer, Lickinghole Creek has started a whole new business expenditure — producing and selling hand sanitizers. Pumphrey, who’s on the Board of the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild, said this idea came to her and she decided to run with it because luckily, the federal government has been less strict with breweries in issuing distillery licenses, which are needed to make the sanitizer. After Pumphrey received the required FDA establishment registration and FDA labeler code, she followed the mandated FDA monograph recipe for the sanitizer and begin to sell it.

“It’s been exciting,” Pumphrey said. “Once I got in deep enough, I was like, ‘Well, I’m just gonna go ahead and start a distillery now.’ It’s something I thought about doing in like, three years, but it ended up getting fast-tracked.”

She said with the reopening of many businesses, she’s seen a surge in orders, which she’s grateful for since this allows her to continue to provide jobs for her staff — because right now, they have to be “all hands on deck.”

“By filling all these orders, it really makes us feel like we’re being good community partners,” Pumphrey said. “Filling the needs, and helping fight the virus.”

Top Photo via Bottoms Up Pizza/Facebook

RVA On Tap: The Pho-King Superbowl & Getting Juicy at Lickinghole Creek

Caley Sturgill | January 29, 2020

Topics: Ardent craft ales, bars in richmond va, beer, beer column, Center Of The Universe Brewing, craft beer, craft beer richmond va, events in richmond va, events near me this weekend, events richmond va, fine creek brewing co, garden grove brewing and urban winery, happy hour richmond va, Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery, lonerider spirits, mekong, Pho King, pho king championship, richmond events, richmond va, RVA, RVA On Tap, Strangeways Brewing, The Answer, The Veil Brewing Co., things to do in richmond va, things to do richmond va, Vasen 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 your craft beer-related events, releases, festivals, and all the booze news your hearts desire.

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

This week, Lonerider Spirits starts their debut in Virginia with ready-to-drink Whiskey Mule cocktails in cans across ABC stores. Something Chill hits Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery, the Pho King Championship comes to Mekong, and Garden Grove Brewing & Urban Winery releases a 12% rosé with a touch of sweetness. Don’t miss new brews at Hardywood, Väsen, Center of the Universe, Ardent Craft Ales, and more, along with a multi-release at The Veil Brewing Co. and fresh recipes at Fine Creek Brewing and Strangeways.

Pho King Championship comes to Mekong

The annual PHO KING Championship is coming to Mekong this Sunday, and we can’t wait to dive into the 10th year of this Pho Eating Contest with our pals at Mekong and The Answer Brewpub. Be sure to check out the video above for a montage of Pho King training procedures to prepare yourself properly, should you decide to challenge the champions… and strengthen your beer-drinking, jump-roping, chicken-chasing skills along the way.

RVA Magazine is hosting the event with our own Pho King, John Reinhold, going down at 4pm, right before the Super Bowl. If you want to join the list (with limited space — so act soon!) get in touch with John or An Mekong to secure your spot. Come out for amazing brews, delicious pho, and of course, football, on this holy day of celebrating the Super Bowl in the most traditional way: with plenty of booze and plenty of food. We’re eagerly awaiting the next Pho King or Queen’s crowning, so mark your calendars, folks. It’s going to be a special one. And don’t forget:

“MAY THE ODDS BE EVER IN YOUR FAVREEEEEEER!”

Lonerider Spirits brings Whiskey Mules to the Virginia alcohol market

There’s a new kid on the Richmond alcohol block, and they don’t taste anything like what’s in our usual cans… but we think that’s a good thing, and it’s worth noting as we kick off this week’s RVA On Tap.

Lonerider Spirits is hitting Virginia, and their approach brings a unique taste to the River City as their Whiskey Mules come to ABC stores in the state. The four-packs of cans are filled with a ready-to-drink cocktail that saves drinkers the time of preparing (and the stress of getting the recipe just right). With the classic sweet and spicy balance of ginger, premium whiskey, and lime juice, Lonerider adds a bit of fizz into the mix with their carbonated cocktails. These are delicious in any season of the year, so their winter debut in Virginia is welcomed before we move into warmer weather.

The North Carolina cocktail crafters are launching their Whiskey Mules in 100 ABC stores this year, so keep an eye out for the bright green can top as they roll them out. We’re stoked to give these a try!

Juicy #18 comes to Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery

The latest in the Juicy series is out at Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery, and it’s #18 on the list.

Something Chill just made its way out in cans over the weekend. At 7.5% ABV, this one is “a hazy beauty” according to its brewers, and it’s my favorite beer of the releases happening in this week’s RVA On Tap. You’ll catch flavors of citrus, cantaloupe, grapefruit, and tropical melons in this one, perfectly bringing out the fruitier side of things and sweetening up the wheat-forward New England IPA.

Juicy #18 Something Chill also came out with two more brews at Lickinghole Creek over the weekend, so head out to the brewery for a surprise. Lickinghole Creek might just be the prettiest brewery in the region (especially when sunflower season hits on the farm), so you’ll be glad you made the drive. If you’re in the mood for a darker brew, keep an eye out for their Blueberry Obsession Imperial Stout when it comes out soon.

Acaí Cherry Brut Rosé at Garden Grove Brewing & Urban Winery

The folks at Garden Grove Brewing & Urban Winery just released Acaí Cherry Brut Rosé this week, along with their Synthesis White Tawny Port returning in bottles.

Acaí Cherry Brut Rosé is a sparkling honeywine that pours bright red (as pictured above) with a great blend of sweet and tart. It’s full of flavors from acaí berries, black cherries, and organic tart, bringing out a fruit-forward taste with “just a touch of sweetness.” This one comes in at 12% ABV, so if you want a crisp, fruity drink without having to sacrifice its strength, this rosé is just right.

Synthesis is even stronger, with a 16% ABV for this wine-port hybrid. It came together with barley along with Virginia-grown Blanc and Chardonnay grapes, and was aged for 14 months in Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon barrels to pack a stronger wine punch. You’ll catch flavors of orange blossom and wildflower honey in this one as well, making it the perfect intersection between beer and wine for those who can’t get enough of either.

Covalent can release at Hardywood

#FreshCanFriday brought something extra-fresh to Hardywood over the weekend. The Covalent Double IPA dropped in cans on Friday, and its fruity and dank hops combine with a fruit-forward yeast strain in this 8% ABV New England brew. Its brewers report that it’s a “dank, fruity option in the midst of stout season,” so it’s a great option to take a break from the darker brews of winter.

Also over the weekend at Hardywood, I headed out to the West Creek location to enjoy the strangely-warm weather we’ve been having (thanks but no thanks, global warming). If you haven’t trekked to the West End to visit their giant farmhouse, it’s worth it — plus, if you live downtown, it doesn’t hurt that you can enjoy your beer from macrame swings overlooking the forest and pretend you’re in the country, even if just for an afternoon. Hardywood’s hosting an open house on Saturday at the West Creek location, so this weekend will make the perfect time to check it out. They’ll have guided tasting panels, tours of the bottling line, sample stations all around, and three limited releases with It Figures, Trickiest, and Coconut Jack.

Radapils release at Väsen Brewing Company

This Friday, Väsen Brewing Company is throwing a party for the release of Radapils. This one got its name from a Slavic god, Radagast, who ruled hospitality, fire, and the evening sky in its folklore. The “Wizard of Middle-Earth” comes out in inspiration through Radapils, which brings together Czech Saaz and German Hersbrucker hops for an herbal aroma in a classic lager.

With Super Bowl Sunday on the horizon (let’s go 49ers!), it’s also a great time to swing by Väsen to stock up on the best brews for the game. They’re hosting tons of specials this week, with discounts on four-packs and crowler fills, along with free anniversary glasses for everyone who buys packs of cans. To see if your favorite brew is in stock, the brewery says to head over to Untappd and check their availability on their page.

Bald Irishman beer release at Center of the Universe Brewing

The Irish Red Ale has returned to Center of the Universe, and it’s won some big awards since the last time we saw it. Bald Irishman is hitting the taps this Saturday in Ashland, with plenty of toasted grain, graham cracker, toffee, and berry notes to bring in a new combination of flavors.

This brew was a fan favorite when it first released, and we’re glad to see it making its way back. It won the Gold Medal for Irish-style Red Ales at the World Beer Cup last year, and if its awards aren’t enough to convince you to try it, maybe its donations are — 10 percent of all proceeds from this one go to the St. Baldrick’s foundation to provide life-saving research for kids with cancer.

In its brewing process, Bald Irishman came together with Maris Otter, malted oats, Black Prinz, CaraRed, C90 malts, Irish Ale Yeast, and Cluster hops. It’s got a lot to show, so you’ll want to head to the brewery on Saturday for its release party along with the Freekin’ Rican food truck.

Multi-release at The Veil Brewing Co.

Last night at The Veil Brewing Co., the weekly Tuesday release brought some great new brews. Chubbles Chubbles (pictured above) kicks off the releases for us, and this Triple IPA was brewed as a collaboration with Cloudwater Brew Co. At 10.9% ABV, the higher-alcohol recipe comes in with a soft feel, featuring overripe cantaloupe, tropical fruit, and extra additions of oats with its Citra, El Dorado, and Galaxy hops.

Winter Sauce Tastee comes next, adding another new recipe to the list of The Veil’s delicious Tastee recipes in smoothie-style beers. This Sour Ale was brewed with boysenberry, cranberry, black currant purées, a dash of cinnamon, and milk sugar to thicken things up for a smoothie blend. It has a lower 5.5% ABV, so it’s an easy drinker with mulled fruit flavors.

Humanimal is another brand new recipe, and it’s something we don’t see too often. This brew is a “Wild” Double IPA that was aged in red wine barrels for 15 months. With guava purée, peach, and gummy candy tastes, the 8% ABV beer is fresh from collaborating with Trillium Brewing.

Master Shredder returned with a new face, sporting its updated labels and some beautiful (and metal) artwork on its cans. The House IPA of The Veil, Master Shredder “is dripping with syrupy canned peaches, pineapple, cantaloupe, and orange.” If that doesn’t make you want to drive straight to The Veil, I don’t know what will. This one’s lower in ABV, at 5.5% again like Winter Sauce Tastee.

Open Up and Love Again: Huckleberry and Blueberry first made its way to taps at The Veil back in August of 2018, and it’s back now in bottles for those who loved it. It’s another Mixed Fermie™ in the brewery’s series, collaborated with American Solera, Cloudwater Brewing, Monkish Brewing, and TRVE Brewing. With malted wheat, noble hops, and mixed-culture Saison yeasts, Open Up and Love Again returns in this fruity huckleberry and blueberry variation.

Destroy Who You Are closes out our news from The Veil this week, and it’s an extra-special recipe from their multi-release. With Citra, Idaho 7, Sabro, Enigma, and Galaxy hops, this brew is a brand-new Triple IPA packed with creamy tropical coconut and musky lime zest. Its 11% ABV is true to the Triple IPA fashion, and its creamy coconut is exactly what we’re craving this week as we dream of sunshine returning to the River City.

Barrel Aged Milk Stout at Ardent Craft Ales

The latest release at Ardent Craft Ales has us reminiscing on Kentucky Christmas Morning that we loved from Hardywood over the holiday season. Ardent’s Barrel Aged Milk Stout packs a ton of taste from its six months aging in Kentucky bourbon barrels, and this one builds up a new array of flavors onto its rich, chocolatey base. With a bourbon nose, a full body, and an oaky character, this recipe is a “smooth, warming winter indulgence” according to its brewers.

At 11.8% ABV, Ardent says Barrel Aged Milk Stout is a match made in beer heaven in its bourbon-stout blend. Head out to Scott’s Addition tomorrow night for a glass, and enjoy the best of stout season while it lasts.

Helles Frozen Over can release at Strangeways

Over the weekend, one of the brewers’ favorites returned to Strangeways Brewing in cans. Helles Frozen Over is a Munich Helles Lager, and this one has never been released in cans until now: which means it’s the perfect time to go grab a four-pack and bring it on home. As the beloved flagship lager of its brewers, Helles Frozen Over is light and full-bodied — and it aims to please all lager fans (especially those who have yet to try one from Strangeways).

In event news at the brewery, head over to Strangeways for live music on Tuesday with Citizens’ Loft, a record label from up north coming to Richmond with bands like Ross, DeUrso, FU, and Geisel, along with Caterpillar Trap. For the dog lovers out there, Strangeways is also hosting their Indoor/Outdoor Yappy Hour events at their Dabney Road spot every Wednesday. With plenty of happy hour specials, they’re opening their doors for dogs to come inside (and give us dog moms a place to let our pups get out of the house without freezing ourselves on the patio in January).

Avec Frère 11 Belgian Quad release and High Gravity Saturday at Fine Creek Brewing Company

Out on the farm, Fine Creek Brewing Company is getting ready for the weekend with their Avec Frère 11 release this Friday. The Belgian Quad comes with Fine Creek’s series of Belgian recipes, and the brewery has done a great job this season of mastering this brewing style through different variations in their recent releases. Avec Frère 11 is rich, with a balanced profile, and its brewers say it’s the one they’re most excited about since starting their focus on Belgian brews.

Fine Creek is also dropping their Barrel Aged Barleywine this weekend, with some of their “booziest beers to date.” For High Gravity Saturday, they’re bringing out a great batch of brews like their Wheatwine, Barleywine aged in Reservoir Distillery bourbon barrels, Avec Frère 9, Avec Frère 11, Dad Strength DIPA, and Tractor Juice Belgian DIPA. It’ll certainly be a release to remember, and we’re especially excited to hear from drinkers what Dad Strength is all about.

RVA On Tap: Pine Brews & Apple Brandy Hot Toddy Collabs

Caley Sturgill | January 22, 2020

Topics: bars in richmond va, beer, beer column, craft beer, craft beer richmond va, events in richmond va, events near me this weekend, events richmond va, final gravity brewing, Fine Creek Brewing Company, happy hour richmond va, Hardywood, Intermission Beer Company, Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery, richmond events, richmond va, RVA, RVA On Tap, The Veil Brewing Co., things to do in richmond va, things to do richmond va, Three Notch’d RVA Collab House, Triple Crossing Beer

This week, The Veil Brewing Co. drops a seven-beer multi-release with several collabs from brewers around the country. Pine is in the air with new recipes at Hardywood and Fine Creek Brewing Company, and another multi-release starts the year off right at Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery. Don’t miss Double IPAs and Milk Stouts at Final Gravity Brewing Co., Intermission Beer Company, and Triple Crossing Beer, plus an Apple Brandy Hot Toddy brew at Three Notch’d RVA Collab House.

The Veil Brewing Co. multiple release

The Veil Brewing Co. is back with another big release this week, and it brought us seven new varieties both on tap and returning in bottles. Cognac Circle of Wolves (pictured above) kicks it off for us, and the English-style Barleywine came out in bottles after aging in French Cognac barrels for two years. It has a high 14% ABV, so this one’s not for the lighthearted — but with raisins soaked in cognac, fine amaro, hard caramel candy, and chocolate-covered fig flavors, it’ll be very worth it to all those who can take its higher alcohol percentage.

Buggie Nuggie came out for the first time, as a brand-new West Coast DIPA. This one came together with Citra, Mosaic, Simcoe, and Enigma hops in its brewing process, with Monkish Brewing as a collab beer. You’ll find tropical juicy hops, subtle bitterness, and a pine-flavored finish in this 8% ABV brew.

Never Never Goaway Goaway also made its debut. This Gose pours thick with its double açaí, double blackberry, and double passionfruit additions, and the 5% ABV recipe “tastes like you’re on a tropical oasis” eating a frozen smoothie bowl, according to its brewers.

Petalz Raspberry came out as a collab with Jester King Brewery, and it’s another Mixed Fermie™ variation from The Veil. It was first brewed two years ago this month, and the 5% ABV recipe brings Texas raw wheat, Virginia corn grits, spelt, and aged whole leaf hops into the mix. The Petalz series has a few different variations now, and the brewers report that this one is full of the same drinkability and balance of its other versions, but with a bit more tartness.

Open Up and Love Again: Peach + Plum came out in bottles after its original release in August of 2018, so if you’ve been waiting for an opportunity to have this one again, it’s here! Peach and plum are delicious flavors together, and this Mixed Fermie™ is no exception. It was a collab between The Veil and American Solera, Cloudwater Brewing, Monkish Brewing, and TRVE Brewing. It’s another lighter, easy-drinking recipe at 5% ABV.

Strange Strange & Eternal Eternal released in cans, and it’s extra-sweet with flavors like fruit snacks, gushers, and pineapple in the “unique, cool, soft crusher.” The double dry-hopped IPA was brewed with Citra, Mosaic, Motueka, and Simcoe hops for a perfectly-balanced sweet IPA taste.

Melancholia closes out our new releases at The Veil this week. This one is a bit different from the others, as the farmhouse Saison keeps things crisp. Described as “stainless” by its brewers (with a metal-forward can to match), it came back in cans last night with farmhouse phenolics, rye, and spelt grist at 6% ABV.

Sippin on Pine, Not Juice can release at Hardywood

Coming up for this #FreshCanFriday at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, the tastes of winter are in full swing.

As the colors of the season continue to fade and we’re seeing more pale skies, this time of year makes the deep green of pine trees stand out more than ever — and with forest green as my favorite color, I’m all about it. The crisp, earthy scent makes you want to wrap up by a fire, and its flavors are coming out strong in Hardywood’s latest release.

Sippin’ on Pine, Not Juice is fresh in cans this week, and the 6% ABV IPA is full-bodied. It comes with a dry, bitter finish to complement its light copper color, and as it was inspired by classic West Coast IPAs, this one is “all about the hops.” If you’re planning to swing by for a taste, you can come hungry and ready for its perfect pairing with River City Wood Fire Pizza.

Winter Pine IPA at Fine Creek Brewing Company

Another pine-forward brew came out this week with Fine Creek Brewing Company’s Winter Pine IPA. Of this recipe, Fine Creek said there’s something about the smell of fresh pine needles that “evokes a sense of crisp winter days and long, cold nights” — and I couldn’t agree more. It brings out the best feelings from the flavor, and this brew came together with Riverbend Malt House Appalachian wheat, along with Virginia & Loblolly pine tips.

At 7% ABV, Winter Pine IPA has a citrus character that pairs with fruity hops for an earthy taste. It finishes with herbal and resiny notes, and it’s available now at Fine Creek to grab a glass of your own.

First Release of 2020 at Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery

Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery is ringing in the new year with three new beers on tap, and they’re kicking it off with the latest from their Juicy IPA series. Each brew from the series has been beloved by its drinkers so far, and the new Juicy #18 Something Chill will go great with the rest of the group.

They’ve also got Fresh Nuclear Nugget and Maidens Blonde Ale ready to start 2020 off right, so if you’re looking for a reason to get out of the city, head out to their beautiful Goochland farm and find your new favorite.

Star Castle Hazy Double IPA at Final Gravity Brewing Co.

Fresh at Final Gravity Brewing Co. this week is the Star Castle Hazy Double IPA. This one was crafted with Nelson Sauvin and Citra hops, and we’ve been pleasantly surprised at the amount of Nelson Sauvin hop brews we’ve seen so far in the new year. Star Castle infuses grape and tropical flavors to sweeten up these cold winter days, and “pushes the boundaries of fruitiness,” according to its brewers.

Conjured Darkness at Intermission Beer Company

A brand-new milk stout is headed to Intermission Beer Company this Saturday with Conjured Darkness, a Shakespeare-inspired beer with some history to go along with it. Intermission reminds us that while Shakespeare’s plays were debuted in outdoor theaters during the day, they were set to take place at night: so the playwright got creative by using speech and action to give the audience feelings of darkness as the plays went on. Conjured Darkness gets its name from that method, conjuring up a darkness of its own in a rich milk stout that still hits in at a lighter 6.4% ABV. With roasted malts and chocolate, milk sugar, and light hops, this recipe is “dark, decadent, and creamy.”

Double release at Triple Crossing

A double release just went down at Triple Crossing Beer in Fulton over the weekend. For a fresh recipe from one of our local favorites, head out to Triple Crossing and get a taste of Dawn Chorus: an 8% ABV Double IPA packed with bright fruits for a citrus, melon, pineapple, and dank undercurrent taste. With its Citra, Vic Secret, and Galaxy hops, Triple Crossing says this recipe keeps with their signature super-soft Double IPA body and feel.

Next up from Triple Crossing was The Grid. Another 8% ABV brew, Triple Crossing brought two of their favorite hops together once again with Mosaic and Falconer’s Flight. The Grid results in bold flavors with sticky mango, passionfruit, apricot, and candied orange slices that come together for a hop-forward fermentation profile.

Apple Brandy Hot Toddy Ale release at Three Notch’d RVA Collab House

This Thursday, Three Notch’d RVA Collab House is dropping the perfect warmer for a cold winter night with their new Apple Brandy Hot Toddy. The special release was a collaboration between Three Notch’d and the URSPCS Beer Brewer program with the University of Richmond, a professional brewing certificate course that works with local breweries. The students behind this brew will be in attendance for its release, and many more drinkers outside the program will want a taste of this Amber Ale brewed with honey and lemon, along with its aging process in apple brandy barrels.

VA Shows You Must See This Week: December 4 – December 10

Marilyn Drew Necci | December 4, 2019

Topics: A Will Away, Astral Void, Bandito's, Bent Knee, Black Flake, Black Liver, Boogaloo's, Buck Gooter, Capital Ale House Music Hall, Charlie's American Cafe, Dad, Death Angel, Deathtrap, Dorthia Cottrell, Downhaul, Elvzig, Every King & Commoner, Exmortus, Fuzzy Cactus, gallery 5, Garden Grove Brewing, Good Cretins, Gull, Hell Fire, High Voltage, Infinite Xmas, Insignificant Other, Jenna Kole, Kadavar, Karen Estrella, Krampusnacht, Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery, Madison Turner, Mister Earthbound, Nonfiction, Punks For Presents, Rock You Like A Candy Cane, Ruby The Hatchet, Scott "Wino" Weinrich, shows you must see, Sinn, Sled Boys, Sled Dynamite, Small Talks, Smashing Presents, Snow Control, Spiral Fracture, Sunsleeper, Thank You Scientist, The Canal Club, The Embalmers, The Emma Garell Band, The Golden Pony, The Nine 22's, The Tea Club, Those Weird Neighbors, Tiara, Viktoria Ashley, Woman Crush Wednesdays

FEATURED SHOWS
Friday, December 6, 8 PM
Punks For Presents Night 1, feat. Elvzig, Smashing Presents, High Voltage, Rock You Like A Candy Cane @ Bandito’s — Donations requested
Saturday, December 7, 8 PM
Punks For Presents Night 2 Pt 1, feat. Good Cretins, Black Flake, Sled Boys @ Fuzzy Cactus – $10 requested donation
Saturday, December 7, 8 PM
Punks For Presents Night 2 Pt. 2, feat. Snow Control, Sled Dynamite @ Boogaloos – Donations requested
Last week, we discussed the fact that Thanksgiving is the holiday for jam bands. This week we have to tackle the fact that, as holidays go, Thanksgiving is an exception — the rule for live music around holidays is that there will be punk and metal bands doing tribute sets. It used to be just a Halloween thing, but it’s spread to a variety of other holidays, and through the generous work of Punks For Presents, the punk-and-metal-tribute holiday show has been a fixture of Richmond for around a decade now.

Punks For Presents ensures that our celebrations of this, the most materialistic of holidays, do not overlook the less fortunate. At all of these shows, the group will be collecting donations of toys and cash to be given to the Children’s Hospital of Richmond, so we can be sure that the sick and disadvantaged kids of the area have a good Christmas too. It’s a great cause, and you can be a part of that effort by spending your weekend rocking out at three tribute shows taking place at three different clubs on two nights, which is a pretty good exchange when you think about it.

Start off on Friday over at Bandito’s, where members of Hewolf are presenting a Christmas-themed take on the works of the almighty Danzig, accompanied by equally holiday-themed tributes to Smashing Pumpkins, AC/DC, and the Scorpions, all brought to you by some of the most beloved and talented musicians Richmond has to offer. Then spend your Saturday on Brookland Park Boulevard, where across-the-street neighbors Fuzzy Cactus and Boogaloos will present two shows in one, with bands staggering set times so you can troop across the street to catch the next band as soon as the last one is done! Long-running Ramones tribute act Good Cretins top the bill over at Fuzzy Cactus, with tributes to Black Flag and Dead Boys sharing the stage there as tributes to Bad Religion and Kid Dynamite rock the house across the way at Boogaloos! The block is rocking for a great cause — make sure you’re there to enjoy and support it.

Wednesday, December 4, 6 PM
Woman Crush Wednesdays December showcase, feat. Jenna Kole, Tiara, The Emma Garell Band, Viktoria Ashley @ Lickinghole Creek Shockoe Bottom – Free!
The problem of male dominance at shows, and the need to counteract it by booking shows focusing on female artists, has long been a relevant topic in the worlds of punk and hardcore. However, we’re clearly seeing real progress in the music world as a whole, because the desire to make space for female musicians has spread locally to encompass the indie-folk/singer-songwriter scene as well. That’s what the monthly Woman Crush Wednesday showcases coming to the stage at Lickinghole Creek’s Shockoe Bottom location are all about, and as a woman who loves all genres of music, I couldn’t be happier to see it happening.

This month’s showcase takes place tonight, and the bill is headed up by Jenna Kole, bringing her quietly intriguing folk-rock sounds from the countryside into the heart of the city. She’ll be joined by the female half of local indie-soul duo Tiara & Andrew, presenting a solo set full of smooth, intriguing vibes. The Emma Garell Band will show off their catchy, energetic tuneage and get the room moving, and Viktoria Ashley will open things up with a solo set to get everyone in the mood. It should be a lovely evening of sounds brought to you by women who are too often relegated to the background while men strut their stuff. And if that’s not crushworthy, I don’t know what is.

Thursday, December 5, 6 PM
Death Angel, Exmortus, Hell Fire, Spiral Fracture, SiNN, Deathtrap @ The Canal Club – $18 (order tickets HERE)
It’s been over 35 years since five Filipino-American cousins, all of whom were then teenagers, came together to form one of the earliest and most important bands of the original thrash wave. Death Angel may not be quite as well-known today as the much-vaunted Big Four, but their first three albums made a huge impact on the west coast thrash-metal movement of the 80s, combining galloping speed and guitar pyrotechnics with youthful energy and a wry lyrical approach that shows through in classic tunes like “Bored.”

Three decades later, and Death Angel aren’t as young as they once were (though for a band with a 35-year career, their average age being right about 50 is still noteworthy). But they’re still going strong, dishing out the speed-thrash riffage with intensity and vigor on their ninth album, Humanicide, released earlier this year. Rest assured, Death Angel will rock you right out of your socks at The Canal Club this Thursday night, mixing excellent new jams with time-tested classics in order to create a perfect recipe for maximum headbangs. You’re not going to want to miss it.

Friday, December 6, 7 PM
RVA Krampusnacht “Yuletide Monsters,” feat. Infinite Xmas, Those Weird Neighbors, The Nine 22’s, The Embalmers @ Gallery 5 – Free!
Ah, Krampusnacht. This celebration of Santa Claus’s devilish counterpart, complete with horns and hooves, has become a strong tradition of Richmond’s holiday season, and Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without it. The traditional Carytown Krampus walk will take place this Saturday night, but you’ll be able to get in the mood the night before by spending First Friday at Gallery 5 for their annual “Yuletide Monsters” throwdown.

Music is just part of what you’ll find when you head down to Jackson Ward this Friday night, but there are some noteworthy sounds on offer at Gallery 5 this fine evening, headed up by Infinite Xmas, a project featuring an ambient take on traditional holiday tunes from Lobo Marino’s Laney Sullivan. This will certainly be a new twist on the often-overplayed music of this holiday season. Local performing arts mainstays Mark Slomski and Madame Onca will also bring you a set by their vaudevillian musical duo, Those Weird Neighbors, which should be a true holiday treat, and we’ll hear garage-punk and surf-psych sounds from The Nine 22’s and The Embalmers, respectively. Plus there’s way more artistic and performing action happening, including a wild n’ crazy variety show hosted by Ego Von Hubris, a photo booth run by the Red Vein Army, a dance party featuring ANIMAL’s fearless leader, DJ Dirt Thurston, and of course a fantastic group art exhibition with contributions from over 20 noteworthy local creators. Missing this one may actually endanger your immortal soul. Don’t take that risk.

Saturday, December 7, 6 PM
Thank You Scientist, Bent Knee, The Tea Club @ The Canal Club – $18 (order tickets HERE)
Prog-rock is a much-mocked genre of music, but the main thing people have always mocked about it is its overwhelming solemnity, which tends to come off as humorless pretentiousness. By contrast, prog-rock as a strictly musical genre can be quite enjoyable, especially when a band approaches it with sense of humor at the forefront. That’s the sort of approach Thank You Scientist has always taken — as the above photo of the group in matching bathrobes should make clear. Which is why, regardless of your opinion of bloated prog-rock monstrosities like Yes’s Tales Of Topographic Oceans, you should still make some time for Thank You Scientist in your life.

Their new LP, Terraformer, mixes complex jazz-fusion aspects, driven by the band’s saxophone, trumpet, and electric violin players, with a virtuosic approach to melodic rock riffs that call to mind groups like Circa Survive or Coheed And Cambria. It’s catchy, it’s dynamic, and it’s a whole lot of fun. So whether you want to engage in an in-depth study of complex chord structures or just dance around with a goofy grin on your face, Thank You Scientist will have you covered when they hit the Canal Club stage this Saturday night. Be there.

Sunday, December 8, 7 PM
Kadavar, Ruby The Hatchet, Mister Earthbound, Astral Void @ Capital Ale House Music Hall – $15 in advance/$20 day of show (order tickets HERE)
Thanksgiving’s over, but for Kadavar, the pilgrim hats are a year-round thing. This German band, who’ve been cranking out witchy, psychedelic proto-metal for nigh on a decade now, take an occult-driven approach to groove-laden doom metal. When you think “occult metal,” it’s easy to assume you’re getting Slayer’s Show No Mercy or that first Hellraiser movie, but on their new LP, For The Dead Travel Fast, Kadavar are much closer to Black Widow’s Sacrifice and the original Wickerman. The spookiness of the European countryside is not to be denied, y’all.

Kadavar come to town in the company of Ruby The Hatchet, who hail from a closer proximity (specifically the city of Philadelphia), but still have a strongly witchy doom vibe. These guys strike a really good balance between 70s and 80s pop-culture occult metal on their latest LP, Planetary Space Child, which sounds like an early Blue Oyster Cult record blasting from the tape deck of a Trans Am headed to Camp Crystal Lake, if you know what I mean. With Mister Earthbound and Astral Void rounding out this particular bill, this one will be a real treat for all you denim-vested rock n’ rollers with quartz pendants around your necks. Get with it.

Monday, December 9, 6 PM
A Will Away, Small Talks, Sunsleeper, Black Liver @ The Canal Club – $13 in advance/$15 day of show (order tickets HERE)
You don’t necessarily need something all that challenging to brighten up your Monday night. After all, we’ve all got a long work week ahead of us, and no one’s really got their Christmas shopping done, no matter what they tell you. So here’s an easy way to bring some lovely sounds into your Monday night — head down to the Canal Club and enjoy a set from Connecticut’s A Will Away.

The quartet describe their sound as “80s pop-rock on acid,” and that might be fair, but just as fair would be to say that their latest EP, the just-released Soup, is a fun slice of catchy tuneage that stands directly on that thin line between power-pop and pop-punk. Which side of the line it leans towards depends on the song, but all of them are a blast to listen to, and this group’s sure to provide a charming end to a day that might need a bit more charm by the time it’s over. South Carolinians Small Talks are slightly more emotionally focused, but still have that killer pop sensibility that will bring a smile to your face even when they’re singing about forlorn topics. Between the two, these bands can brighten up the rainiest and coldest of Mondays. And this Monday might be one of them. Plan to spend it at this show.

Tuesday, December 10, 6 PM
Insignificant Other, dad, Madison Turner @ Garden Grove Brewing – Free!
It’s always nice to have a reason to head to Garden Grove — and when you’re a sober girl like me, the brews are never enough. But they’ve subtly carved out a niche for themselves in the local music scene by becoming an extremely reliable source for poppy punky musical fun, and that’s something we can never have too much of around here. This time around, it’s a Close By Air production featuring Florida/Alabama queer pop-punk trio Insignificant Other, and you can certainly expect to get some smiles out of this Tuesday night bill.

I’m So Glad I Feel This Way About You! is the name of Insignificant Other’s newest LP, and it’s a ton of fun, from the both witty and extremely real lyrics about the difficulties of interpersonal relationships to the bouncy, scrappy sound, complete with handclaps, of the super-catchy tunes. Expect a good bit more of that sort of thing when Insignificant Other takes the Garden Grove stage. You can also expect some powerful grunge-punk angst from Richmonders dad, and some speedy acoustic punk tunes full of heart and honesty from Madison Turner. Everything about this one’s gonna be great.

Elsewhere Around The State:

Wednesday, December 4, 7 PM
Downhaul, Nonfiction, Every King & Commoner, Karen Estrella @ Charlie’s American Cafe (Norfolk) – $5
Down in Norfolk, there’s a non-local show featuring a local band on tour that I want to bring to your attention, and I assure you, it’s worth it. Whether you’ve caught up with Downhaul around Richmond, where they’ve spent the past couple years working hard to prove their talent, or you’re still wondering exactly what’s up with this band whose name shows up on a lot of local flyers, anytime is a good time to see what Downhaul is up to. They’ve just released a four-song cassette entitled Tornado Season, and it’s a great demonstration of their Smoking Popes-meets-Hop Along take on melodic, emotional alt-rock. Would calling it “post-pop-punk” make sense to anyone? I have no idea, but it seems appropriate nonetheless.

This current tour for Downhaul pairs them up with Philly’s Nonfiction, a group who are slightly more straightforward in their alt-rock approach, but are sure to appeal to anyone who enjoys sounds in the general emo/indie/pop-punk realm, at least if their latest EP, Same Pain, is any indication. Norfolk locals Every King & Commoner and Karen Estrella round out this bill, making it well worth your time whether you’re a curious Tidewater head seeing what’s up with these regional delights or a Richmonder who knows that a Downhaul set is worth your time even if it involves a 90-minute drive. You’ve got the gas money, right? So use it.

Thursday, December 5, 7 PM
Scott “Wino” Weinrich, Dorthia Cottrell, Buck Gooter, Gull @ The Golden Pony (Harrisonburg) – $12 in advance/$15 day of show (order tickets HERE)
Sometimes doom metal powerhouses are just as intense without all the volume. This double-headlining bill featuring two legendary frontpeople of the doom world — Scott “Wino” Weinrich of The Obsessed, Saint Vitus, Spirit Caravan, and more; and Dorthia Cottrell of the almighty Windhand — is here to act as proof positive of that fact. Both of these performers have had some artistic success with solo ventures in recent years. While it’s been several years since Wino released a new acoustic venture, 2010’s Adrift is a powerful testament to the strength his music can have even without amplification.

Dorthia Cottrell had a solo release of her own a few years ago, and that self-titled LP on Forcefield demonstrated that the memorable vocals that made Windhand a standout are still attention-grabbing and hypnotic even if they’re laid over an ambient acoustic soundscape rather than a succession of towering riffs. So if you’ve ever had any doubt that heaviness can be achieved without an excess of volume, head for Harrisonburg and this Thursday night and learn what you’ve been missing from two masters of the craft.

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Email me if you’ve got any tips for me about upcoming shows (that take place after the week this column covers -– this week’s column has obviously already been written): [email protected]

Top Photo by Drew Sim Photography, via Facebook

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RVA Mag Presents: Stinky Cheese & Brews For Your Holidays!

John Reinhold | November 27, 2019

Topics: bingo beer, Brebirousse D'Argental, Commonwealth Brewing Co, Drunken Goat, Ellwood thompson's, goat cheese, Grayson, Hardywood, holiday celebrations, holidays, Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery, local craft beer, Locksley Estate, Meadow Creek, methanethiol, Monte Enebro, muenster, Pont-Le'Eveque, Prince John, stinky cheese, Tallegio, Three Notch'd Brewing, Troegs Brewing, Vasen Brewing Company, washed-rind cheese

Happy Holidays everyone! We hope you’re enjoying this holiday season. By now you should be relaxing, gettin’ your grub on, and heading deep into seasonal depression. Very soon, many people will descend on Black Friday, storming shops and stores in town, tossing people to the side, and running over children in the hopes of saving a few bucks. Big fun! Let’s add some stank to it.

As some may know from past articles, over the holidays we like to do pairings with our fave local brews. We’ve done everything from candy pairings to pairings for your oh-so-fun relatives. For this holiday season, we’re going to an all-time favorite of mine: Stinky Cheese!!

After days of stuffing your face, shopping, dealing with kids, and everything else, why not treat yourself to a nice night of some cheese and wine? Or, if you’re like me — and I know you are — local Craft brews. Some people you know might like a nice Pinot or Chardonnay with their cheese… but not us, because we’re American (kidding). Actually, any good wine or whisky will do quite well with most cheese, but for the purposes of my tastes this Thanksgiving, we’re going with beer.

Two the of the great loves of my life are beer and cheese (along with hot sauces and, well, a few more things). Many years ago I acquired a palate for really earthy washed-rind cheeses, and this sparked a journey into stink unlike any other. I’m not even kidding — as you can see from the picture of my Death Star cheese plate set, I’m deathly serious.

Cheese, beer, and Death Star cheese plate — *The Death Star cheese plate in question (Photo by John Reinhold)*

For these pairings I wanted to make it easy for you. I stopped in Ellwood Thompson’s — a one-stop shop for all your cheese and beer needs. My friends at Ellwood’s are very knowledgeable on it all, and can provide it all in one visit, or offer some options. Below is just a quick match on a few good ones I like, in all their gooey creamy stank. #stankyhollidays

So let’s break this down first:

Washed-Rind Cheeses are types that have been washed in brine or salt, bathed in wine or liquor, scrubbed, aged, shouted at, and called names. They grow bacteria (brevibacterium linens) on them, which give them their golden hue, or orange crust around the edges. Ready for this? The bacteria that grows resembles the bacteria that can get on your feet and produce Methanethiol — the molecule that is largely responsible for the stink in stinky cheese and the smell of smelly feet. Boom!!! There you have it. I’m here to teach you things that can be used in odd conversations, or for Trivial Pursuit.

These cheeses might seem very stinky from the offset, but often have a wonderful earthy and creamy treat underneath. Don’t let that rind scare you off — it’s there to help out. So now that you understand the basics, let’s move on.

Pairings

Pont-Le’Eveque paired with Hardywood Bourbon Barrel GBS

Going big for this first one. One thing is for certain — I can not, for the life of me, say that name correctly. I looked it up. It’s way too hard for me, so I’m calling it “Pont” for now. It can be stinkier depending on which one you get. I find find it fairly easy to deal with in comparison to a Limburger, Epoisses, or French Muenster. It’s a nice earthy creamy cheese that most would enjoy, and it’s considered one of the big ones from France.

Pairing this with a big wash of Bourbon Barrel GBS from Hardywood. Grab some bread or a cracker if you need. I find the GBS can stand on its own and give a bit of bourbon on the back palette, which gets you ready for the next bite of cheese. Plus, when you’re done, you’ve got a whole bottle of GBS to down. Enjoy.

Meadow Creek Grayson with Bingo Beer Fiordland

Grayson makes wonderful local-ish cheeses; you can really feel the mountains and freshness in everything they make. I love the Grayson in particular because it packs a punch. It’s beefy and big, and some might be a bit worried from the immediate smell, but you should jump in and do it. It somehow has a nice deep end cream with a bit of funky mushroom hit, all somehow giving us that nice mountain feel at the same time. I have grown to really love it.

I’m pairing this with Bingo Beer’s Fiordland — a big IPA that can stand up with this cheese. All these Bingo Beers would be good, I’m just going with the big juicy one to match the cheese. I like this pairing a lot. Take time between bites to refresh.

Locksley Estate Prince John with Three Notch’d Brewing’s A Foggy Day

Prince John is a wonderful cheese that anyone would dig into — it’s on the lighter fare of this list. This cheese has a pleasant salty and sweet finish to it. You can eat the rind on this one, as it’s fine and silky (much like an easygoing cream brie).

Pairing this with a Foggy Day here, as the English low bitter IPA works nicely to complement this cream bomb. This would make a nice pairing for a Christmas party as well.

Monte Enebro with Väsen Velvet Walrus

Something a lithe different here — not your usual washed rind. But we do dip into the goat’s milk area, and that’s a place I really like. This cheese also has some penicilium roqueforti, with a blue mold that develops on the outside. But most importantly, it is a powerful goat cheese that’s really dense and rich. Over time, and with an older version of this cheese, it gets quite barnyard, and then I really love it.

I’m putting this with Väsen’s Velvet Walrus Bourbon Barrel edition to pair with this goat. I like the two horns together, ya know. It’s a nice silky milk stout that draws some nice malty maple bourbon taste. It works well with this big goat ramming us. Black Phillip approved 100%.

Taleggio with Twelfth Night from Lickinghole Creek

You probably know this one, it’s quite popular on the rind cheese front with most of us. I don’t think it’s smelly at all, but some might disagree. I do know it’s amazing with just about anything. I also know I had an old one I named “Stan Malone” once. I took him from house to house with me in the fridge. Eventually, he became basically a really intense muenster stink bomb that grew legs. He was my constant — until he mysteriously disappeared, never to be seen again. I think somewhere out there he still lives, going from house to house… I can dream, at least.

Where was I? Oh yeah, Taleggio is great with a nice fruity tang to it. It has a thin crust — unless it gets older, like Stan. I’m pairing this fruity guy with Twelfth Night, because Shakespeare would make it so. This is a big quad that is quite powerful, dank, spiced, and boozy. The fruity background of these pair well. This is nice after dessert — or for dessert.

Drunken Goat with Commonwealth Brewing’s Co’s Botanicalia — or any Commonwealth beer

Drunken Goat is a staple for me, if I can get it. It’s a cheese the kids love, a not-too-musky goat cheese that’s a hard cheese but not too heavy. I like munching on it before meals. It’s also great on salads, candies, crackers, macaroons, ice cream, strawberries, spaghetti, and… well, you get the point. Buy it and eat it.

I’m pairing this with Commonwealth Brewing’s Botanicalia, a Berliner that is fruity and light enough to pair with this cheese. It really shines with some tropical feels, and is very drinkable. You can’t go wrong with any of their beers, but the strong IPA might be a bit much for this pairing. Then again, shoot, it’s worth trying.

Brebirousse D’Argental with Mad Elf from Troegs

Brebirousse D’Argental is another cheese I can’t really pronounce. But that’s okay, because I love it no matter what. It’s a gooey, buttery, bomb washed-rind cheese made from sheep’s milk. So it’s got a bit of backbone in the creaminess, but man, this one is a crowd pleaser. Probably should get two of them, or a full half of this one. It’s such a rich, creamy cheese that it’s going to go fast.

Pairing this with a holiday classic: Troegs‘ Mad Elf. Those are ridiculous together. Watch yourself on the Mad Elf — he is a bad man. Don’t let the ears and small stature fool you. He will turn the night in a different way. Take time between tastes, and don’t be greedy on that cheese, as everyone needs some.

Thats it, y’all. I hope you enjoy these cheeses and beers. There are plenty more that the fine folks at Ellwood’s can help you with. Let us know of any other fine pairings you enjoy — I’m always on the lookout. Enjoy your Stinky Holidays, RVA!

Top Photo by John Reinhold