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, takeout is available, and you’ll want to keep up on Facebook to see updates on pre-sales for their latest recipes.
Pickup: To-go locations and info updated regularly on Instagram.
THE LATEST BEERS
- MISSING FLOPPIES — 5% ABV Fruited Sour with raspberries and passion fruit.
- FALLING ASTRONAUTS W/ TOASTED COCONUT — Vietnamese Coffee Stout blended with Rye and Wheat Whiskey Barrel-Aged Stout, with toasted coconut, chocolate, coffee, and barrel character.
- KURISUPIBOI — 4.45% ABV Toasted Rice Lager. This light beer was created to pair well with any type of food, and it’s available as part of their anniversary week releases.
- TACTICAL LAGER — Just returned in 16oz cans! This old favorite is 480 grams of crushable lager housed inside of space-age aluminum. The Answer says, “Defend yourself from shadow governments with the world’s first ever tactical beverage.”
- SHIFT BEER — 8.5% Wilmington Coast DIPA. The first in The Answer’s “Shift Beer” series of Double IPAs. This one was triple dry-hopped with Falconer’s Flight, Rakau, and Mosaic hops. Smooth and dangerous like its namesake.
- NO WAY DOWN — 100% Citra DIPA. This triple dry-hopped beer was made with plenty of Citra hops for no burn, just a smooth, citrus flavor.
- SLICE OF BEER — Mexican-Style Lager. Crisp and refreshing, this brew is designed to be as classically-comforting as grabbing a slice of pizza. And what better comfort food combination is there than beer and pizza?
- JENNY — This is the first brew from The Answer’s Assistant Brewer, Lacy, and the team is very excited to enjoy it with the world. This cream ale is described as smooth around the edges, with a “sessionable crush-ability.”
- HAUPIRI — New Zealand-style pilsner. This one was brewed with Wakatu hops, and blends in smooth tropical fruit and citrus flavors.
- HOPTONE SERIES — Returns this week with a triple dry-hopped treatment of New Zealand Hops, with a batch showcasing guava, passionfruit, and grapefruit flavors.
- THE VIBES — Apricots, peaches, and meyer lemon come together for this salty and sweet beer.
- BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL — 10% ABV Imperial Stout. This glittering brew came as a collaboration for the Black Is Beautiful equality and inclusion campaign, and all proceeds go to the Sister Fund RVA and Campaign Zero. With maple syrup, New Guinea vanilla beans, a touch of cinnamon, Roanoke Coffee, and shimmering edible gold glitter, this recipe was inspired to end injustices against POC and promote equality in our community.
Updates: Facebook | Instagram | Website
Curbside pickup and delivery are available at Ardent Craft Ales, along with beer shipping across Virginia and D.C. Ardent partially reopened their beer garden, and they’ll be serving food every day as well. Don’t forget to check out their full menu! Be sure to read their new policies during Covid-19.
Pickup and Delivery: Order Here
THE LATEST BEERS
- DOUBLE DRY-HOPPED IPA — 6.8% ABV IPA. West Coast-style IPA dry-hopped with twice the standard citrus hops for a citrusy, tropical hop flavor with grapefruit and melon.
- SWEET POTATO & SAGE SAISON — 6.4% ABV Farmhouse Saison. Earthy notes from sweet potatoes are balanced by the fragrant aroma of fresh, local sage. This one’s here in cans for the first time ever!
- HONEY GINGER — Just returned! 7.8% ABV. This spiced ale was brewed with locally sourced honey and fresh, hand-peeled ginger. Medium-bodied, it pours a deep copper color to balance mild honey sweetness and a spicy ginger bite in a refreshing summer seasonal.
- LITTLE X — 4.6% ABV. The latest Session IPA of the IPA X line. Little X is a juicy IPA brewed with a blend of Citra, Mosaic, Amarillo, Loral and Chinook hops. Little X features tropical fruit flavors and aroma.
- SCHWARZBIER — 5% ABV. This dark, German-style lager is brand-new at Ardent, and it’s packed with a chocolatey, roasty aroma. Brewed with 100% German malt and hops, Schwarzbier is crisp and clean with subtle malt flavors and a roasted finish.
- ARDENT SAISON — 6.7% ABV. This classic farmhouse ale was brewed with premium malt and Czech Saaz hops, and as one of Ardent’s favorites over the last six years, it’s one you’ll want to try if you haven’t already. The traditional yeast strain balances fruity esters, mild spiciness, and a dry finish in this refreshing beer.
- IMPERIAL STOUT WITH VANILLA & CACAO NIBS — 11% ABV Imperial Stout. Bold, full-bodied beer that pours deep black with a tan head. Rich, chocolatey sweetness complements the roasted malt character for a balanced stout with a smooth finish.
- BOHEMIAN PILSNER — 4.8% ABV Czech-Style Pilsner. Brewed with a simple recipe of Czech floor malt, Saaz hops, and a Czech lager yeast. Clear golden color with soft mouthfeel, spicy hop notes, and clean finish.
Updates: Facebook | Instagram | Website
Center of the Universe is offering pickup and delivery services, and their Beer Garden is open for business! Be sure to check here before you head out to Ashland, and ensure you’re up-to-date on their new policies to keep everyone safe.
Pickup: Order Here
THE LATEST BEERS
- REDRUM IIIPA — Blood red brew just in time for fall. Aromas of kiwi, mango, pineapple, and other tropical fruit are offset by graham cracker and toasted bread notes.
- OKTOBERFEST — Traditional German Märzen with a clean, light-malty sweetness. Balanced with a light breadiness and cracker aroma.
- THERE GOSE SUMMER TANGERINE GOSE — German-Style Sour. Brewed with heaps of tangerine and a dash of salt, this slightly tart brew will make the “agony of a diminishing summer” a little less dreadful, and much more flavorful. Available in 4-packs and at the brewery.
- PINEAPPLE WHIP — 6.5% ABV Oat-based beer. Brewed in collaboration with Origin Beer Lab, this beer was made with whole Madagascar vanilla beans and pineapple juice. The result is a creamy, full bodied-brew that “takes your taste buds on a tropical escape.”
- MONKEY’S UNCLE LEMONGRASS TRIPEL — 9% ABV Belgian Tripel. Brewed with local lemongrass, with a light, crisp body and straw color. Fresh lemongrass grown by Village Garden added to the boil for a refreshing treat.
- BLACKBERRY CRYSTAL COTU — Low calorie, gluten-reduced, fruity and fizzy hard seltzer. Available in 4-packs and at the brewery.
Updates: Facebook | Instagram | Website
Dragon Run Brewing is a charming space located to our east. If you’re looking for a new day trip out of the city, this is your spot — and they’ve got plenty of unique recipes to make it worth your while. With a blend of history behind each brew, Dragon Run brings something fresh to the table with every glass.
Pickup: Order Here
THE LATEST BEERS
- OKTOBERFEST LAGER — This crisp, malty lager was brewed in the traditional German style and is fresh to the taps at Dragon Run to celebrate the season.
- MATTPO-NEIPA — Fresh New England IPA available again now at Dragon Run.
- BURGESSES TAVERN ALE — 3.6% ABV English Mild Ale. Big taste, easy drinking: this one was brewed with a Colonial history. According to Dragon Run, George Washington used to travel through their area every time he attended House of Burgesses meetings in Williamsburg — and with spicy malts and a hint of black licorice tastes, this brew honors the beer travelers sought out at local taverns.
- COURTHOUSE HOP SMASH — This new brew at Dragon Run is a Fresh Hop IPA. The single-grain and single-hop beer was brewed with hops from Courthouse Hops.
- BORN HERE BLUEBERRY LEMONADE SHANDY — This Blueberry Lemonade Shandy is the latest in Dragon Run’s shandy series, and if you’re a fan of this type of brew, these guys are doing it right. Head out this week for a taste while they last!
- BRAXTON’S BITTER — 5.2% ABV English IPA. Named after the local founding father, Carter Braxton, who signed the Declaration of Independence among other things, this English Bitter has a slightly sweet malty taste and then an English Hop bite that is reminiscent of that old English Pub taste.
- MARY OF ORANGE — 4.5% ABV Cream Ale. You know William of Orange, but do you know his wife, Mary Of Orange? This beer is brewed for Mary of William and Mary (Or the Queen in King and Queen County). This is a light cream ale that has a subtle taste of both orange and vanilla to remind you of that favorite ice cream treat, perfect for a warm summer day.
- TOM’S “COFFEY” STOUT — 6.6% ABV Coffee Stout. This coffee stout is a coffee lover’s dream. Big, bold coffee taste, combined with the malty fullness, and finished with a creamy top provided by the nitro tap. Just like drinking a cold-brew coffee. Named after the brewers’ maternal grandfather, Tom Coffey, who was a legend in his own time, made this beer to be worthy of his namesake.
- BLACK CHERRY HARD SELTZER — 4% ABV Hard Seltzer. A hard seltzer for those that want a gluten free option. Touched off with with fresh fruit juices for a refreshing taste.
Updates: Facebook | Instagram | Website
Final Gravity Brewing Co. is open for pickup and delivery. To-go pours are available for every brew you could dream of: all you need to do is grab a Crowler! The brewery will be hosting food trucks and some new events as well, so be sure to stay safe and wear your mask.
Pickup and Delivery: Order Here
THE LATEST BEERS
- SPACE INVADERS HAZY DIPA — All Mosaic hops! This one releases for the first time in 2020 on Friday. Mango, lemon, tropical fruit, and stone fruit come together in this hop-forward beer with a soft, pillowy body.
- OBELISK STOUT — 7.5% ABV Stout available now at Final Gravity. Smoky, roasted malt flavors complement coffee notes.
- BRITTLE STAR HAZY DIPA — This Hazy Double IPA was brewed with El Dorado, Galaxy, and Mosaic hops.
- 12 PARSECS HAZY DIPA — Brewed with all Falconer’s Flight hops, this Double IPA is available for a limited time on the online store. This fan favorite is bursting with citrus and pine flavors, and drinks very smooth according to its brewers.
- RUBY FALLS RED IPA — This Red IPA was brewed with Citra hops. It’s “refreshingly clean,” hop-forward, and brings a malty backbone with a dry finish to your glass.
- SOLAR FLARES HAZY DOUBLE IPA — Brewed with Mosaic, Amarillo, and Citra hops, this DIPA is packed with tropical fruit, lemon zest, and pink grapefruit flavors.
- DOPPELGANGER IPA — Fresh IPA brewed with all Citra hops.
- ITALIAN STYLE DRY-HOPPED PILSNER — Dry-hopped with Mandarina Bavaria and Hallertau Blanc hops.
- CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’ — West Coast IPA. With citrus and tropical fruit flavors, this one packs a subdued bitterness on the end and just came freshly back to the brewery.
- JAMES BROWN ALE — 6% ABV American Brown Ale.
- DOPPLER EFFECT IPA — 7% ABV Flagship IPA. Back on tap, brewed with all Mosaic hops! Juicy New England-style IPA, crisp and clear like West Coast style.
- STEPPING STONE BLONDE ALE — 5% ABV Blonde Ale.
Updates: Facebook | Instagram | Website
Beer delivery and pickup is available at Fine Creek Brewing Company! Check out their website for a full list of beers available, and below for new brews on tap. Outdoor seating is open again, so check their website for updates on hours! With brand-new recipes and old favorites back in stock, there’s something for everyone at the Powhatan farmhouse.
Pickup and Delivery: Order Here
THE LATEST BEERS
- BARREL AGED SOUR ALE W. PEAR AND PERSIMMON — 5.8% ABV. Barrel aged in fermentation, then conditioned on Asian Pears from Owl Orchard and Persimmons from Powhatan. You’ll taste a bright, fruity complexity with balanced tartness.
- HOLTZMAN EFFECT IPA — 6.8% ABV. Brewed for all the Dune fans out there with New Zealand Nelson Sauvin and Australian Vic Secret hops. Together they deliver striking and pronounced elements of passionfruit, pineapple, key lime, white peach, and red berries.
- TURF & TWIG BROWN ALE — 6% ABV Brown Ale. This long-time favorite is a quick seller, so if you’ve been waiting for its return, you’ll want to grab it soon! Dark, semi-sweet and nutty Brown Ale with notes of coffee, baker’s cocoa, and pumpernickel bread.
- SAISON — 5.2% ABV Saison with coriander, orange peel, and pink peppercorn. This Belgian-style beer was brewed in its tradition to highlight elements from their original house saison yeast. You’ll catch cracked pepper, late summer flower, and citrus notes in this one.
- AMERICAN WHEAT — 4.4% ABV Wheat Ale. Medium-bodied with a slightly creamy mouthfeel, and a dry and refreshing finish. This one comes from the Weissbiers of Germany, but as Fine Creek says, the American versions allow clean fermenting yeast for a neutral background and more significant hop presence.
- RKATSITELI SOUR — 6.6% ABV Golden Sour collab with Blenheim Vineyards. Rkatsiteli is a grape often used to produce white wine, and is one of the oldest cultivated grape varieties. The beer has a funky, floral aroma with notes of gooseberry, peach skin, and subdued oak. The flavor leads with a predominant combination of white grape and tart lemon, which gives way to layers of spice and mixed berry. Despite an initial juicy and round mouthfeel the beer finishes with a refreshing, drying tartness.
- GERMAN PILSNER — 4.8% ABV Pilsner. Light Bodied, malt-forward. Floral, grassy, & herbal hop notes.
- PROTOSCIENCE IPA — 7.3% ABV IPA. Orange, papaya, and mild grapefruit flavors with a rich, fruity character.
- RAYGUN GOTHIC IPA — 7.5% ABV IPA. Pineapple and tropical fruit flavors with a full mouthfeel.
- CITRUS HONEY SAISON — Back on tap! The last keg of this beloved brew is coming back this Friday, and it’s only available for a limited time. It goes fast, according to Fine Creek, and it’ll also be available on the next canning run.
- VITALISM IPA — Hazy IPA. This new release was dry-hopped with Kohatu and Mosaic hops, combining for a sweet aroma of bright tropical fruit, with notes of freshly cut papaya and pineapple. Earlier additions of Idaho 7 and German Amarillo hops contribute more to the flavor, which features fruity tones alongside black tea, citrus zest, and a mild floral note. Vitalism has a medium body and a round mouthfeel that is paired with enough bitterness to avoid feeling too rich.
Updates: Facebook | Instagram | Website
Garden Grove Brewing & Urban Winery
Garden Grove is offering curbside pickup, carry-out orders, and same-day delivery! Masks are required to visit their taproom, and they’ve been offering some great new brews to get us through the insanity that is 2020. We don’t know where we’d be without local beer through all of this! Check below for fresh releases and more updates.
Pickup and Delivery: Order Here
THE LATEST BEERS
- GERMAN PILSNER — 5.8% ABV Pilsner. Aromas of fresh spring breeze and flowers with Novel hops, balanced by bitter and sweet flavors from its malts.
- WENDIGO — 9% ABV West Coast Double IPA. Misty aromas of deep stone fruit, pine, and grapefruit, with flavors of dark caramel and sweet resin.
- PESTILENCE — 19% ABV Wild Belgian Quadrupel. A wild version of their two-time award-winning Belgian Quadrupel, DEATH. Oak and tart cherry aromas collide with deep sugary raisin notes. Flavors of Brett side up with Port wine notes and abyssal malty sweetness.
- PETIT MANSENG — 13.5% ABV. Single varietal Petit Manseng, utilizing native fermentation with grapes from their vineyard in Delaplane, VA. You’ll catch notes of peach along with tropical, sweet fruits.
- FINAL ANSWER NEIPA — 7.5% ABV. This “super clean” New England IPA is light and soft, with notes of mango and citrus.
- TSUNAMI — 7% ABV. Gluten free! Flavors of kiwi and lychee swim beautifully together in a tropical limeade. Just like these last remaining weeks of summer, this honeywine is here for a good time, not a long time.
- MUNICH KOLSCH — 4.8% ABV Kolsch. The latest recipe is a traditional, crisp golden brew with slight floral aromas (and it’s a sneak peek at their upcoming Oktoberfest lineup)!
- MADELINE SAISON — 6.5% ABV Saison. Notes of classic banana and spice. Soft bodied, with flavors of tropical fruit, white pepper and rye.
Updates: Facebook | Instagram | Website
Hardywood Richmond and West Creek locations are open! And just look at that awesome setup above at West Creek. The outdoor spaces have been rearranged to allow for proper social distancing, and all us Hardywood fans can now visit them again safely. If you’d rather drink from home, online ordering is still available with all of Hardywood’s best.
Pickup and Delivery: Order Here
THE LATEST BEERS
- RUM BARREL PUMPKIN — 12.3% ABV. Rum Barrel Pumpkin has made its seasonal return for the cooler Autumn evenings. Pumpkin is taken to great new heights with this delicious barrel-aged beer. Warm pumpkin pie spices are met with a blackstrap molasses finish that can only be achieved from months of aging in Caribbean rum barrels.
- PERFECT PERCEPTION — 7% ABV. Bright and tropical using Sabro and Idaho 7 hops, this juicy IPA delivers aromatics of honey dew, refreshing citrus, and coconut.
- PAPPY’S PUMPKIN PIE — Pappy’s is filled to the brim with the perfect amount of warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, clove, and allspice, with a hint of vanilla bean and coconut for a well balanced, sweet treat.
- FARMHOUSE PUMPKIN — This one comes straight from Virginia-grown sugar pumpkins from Grandma’s Pumpkins in Midlothian. With whole nutmeg, clove, allspice, and a classic saison yeast, this farmhouse ale has a soft mouthfeel with balanced, rustic fall flavors.
- GRAPEFRUIT SINGEL — Hardywood’s classic flagship, Singel, gets a zesty makeover to help beat the summertime heat with the addition of refreshing grapefruit.
- HOAX — Imperial milk stout aged for 18 months in freshly-emptied brandy barrels. Bold oak, dried fruit, and dark chocolate roasty maltiness all come together here for a complex drinking experience.
- DREAMLIKE — Malted Wheat and Flaked Oats round out this dreamy New England Style IPA using Galaxy, Azzaca, Falconers Flight and Cascade hops in both Whirlpool and Dry Hopping on this iteration.
- CUVEE PEACH — Peach Tripel matured in freshly-dumped white wine barrels to allow for a true depth of flavor to develop. The result is a beautifully complex beer with stone fruit esters and juicy peach undertones, complemented by a pleasantly dry finish.
- STRAIGHT TALK VOL. I & VOL. II — The Straight Talk Series are a “single barrel & single beer experience.” Vol. I is an Imperial Milk Stout, perfectly balanced with notes of silky chocolate and toffee, plus vanilla and smooth dark caramel from its bourbon barrel. Vol. II is a Saison aged in Red Wine Barrels for 11 months.
- SUNCRUSH — Summer’s favorite hard seltzer. Check Hardywood’s ordering site for available flavors!
Updates: Facebook | Instagram | Website
Intermission is open! These brewers have taken it to the next level this year with beer slushies (and yes, it’s as good as it sounds). Masks are required to enter. Taproom and patio seating are available, and dogs are allowed on the patio. It’s first-come, first-serve, and it’ll be closed for seating once they reach capacity. Always remember to wear your mask and keep folks safe!
Pickup and Delivery: Order Here
THE LATEST BEERS
- EGOT BELGIAN QUAD — 10% ABV Belgian Quad. Mahogany-colored with caramel-forward malts, and a touch of banana and clove.
- TAKE THIS YEAR AND SHOVE IT — 4.0% ABV Gluten-reduced Mixed Berry Berliner Weisse. This one was so popular that it sold out in cans in *an hour* — but you can still get it on tap at the taproom! Loaded with raspberries, boysenberries, strawberries, and blueberries, it tingles the palate with tartness and very-berry flavor.
- BEER SLUSHIES! — Check Facebook every Friday to see the weekend’s flavor.
- ABBEY ALE — The favorite is back! 5.5% ABV Belgian Blonde. A gluten-reduced classic Belgian Singel with a subtle sweetness and light fruity notes.
- BRANNIGAN’S LAW — 6.4% ABV Honey Beer. Braggot (honey beer) brewed in the style of an Irish Red Ale. Deep red hue, full bodied, and as smooth as a velour fog. Gluten Reduced.
- CONJURED DARKNESS — 6.4% ABV Milk Stout. Dark roasted malts give a chocolatey foundation sweetened with milk sugar and lightly hopped. Dark, decadent, and creamy. Gluten Reduced.
- HONEY HIBISCUS SAISON — 5.9% ABV Saison Farmhouse Ale. Light bodied with a slightly tart, dry finish. Notes of fresh honey along with a pink hue.
- TROPICAL THUNDER IPA — 7% ABV American IPA. Malt base with tropical fruit hop notes, doubled down with passion fruit, mango, and pineapple.
Updates: Facebook | Instagram | Website
To-go brews are available at Isley Brewing Company! Indoor and outdoor seating is available, and dogs are welcome if they’re leashed. Be sure to ask about the latest Ice-sley slushie flavors, because these brewers have something fresh every week. No reservations required, and be sure to wear your mask!
Pickup and Delivery: Order Here
THE LATEST BEERS
- PUCKERED DISASTER SOUR DIPA — Sour DIPA. Late kettle additions and a massive dry-hop process bring a big hop flavor and aroma to this one. Hazy yellow pour with a mildly-tart flavor, and a strong, unique finish.
- PUNKED — 6.3% ABV Pumpkin Cream Ale. Brand-new at Isley for the fall season!
- ICE-SLEY SLUSHIES — Check in every week for fresh new slushie flavors!
- JAMWICH — 5.4% Sour Ale. Light bodied, golden colored blonde, with heaps of fresh blackberry puree, hopped to perfection with only the finest German noble varieties.
- I’LL BEE BOCK — 8% ABV. Single / Traditional Bock. Hopped exclusively with Czech Saaz hops, and finished with a clean German lager yeast, the beer pours a light copper, with a thick, creamy head.
- SUNBURNT COUNTRY IPA — 8.5% IPA. A Hazy DIPA, brewed exclusively with varietals grown only in the Southern Hemisphere. The beer pours a cloudy yellow, with a soft, pillowy foam.
- TEA-RIFFIC — 6% ABV Amber Ale. Growing up, summer in the South meant… Sweet Tea! They’ve brewed a malty Amber Ale, infused it with heaps of Black Tea, and sweetened it right up with approximately 100 percent of pure cane sugar.
- SET SAIL — 6% ABV Hopped Lemon Pale Ale. Brewed with late additions of Mandarina Bavaria and Citra hop varietals, and lemon and orange zest, the wheat and barley blended base is a perfect vessel to let the fresh, citrus flavors really shine.
- OFF THE BOULEVARD — 5% Irish Red Ale. Balanced, easy-drinking traditional Irish Red Ale.
- RASPBERRY RAZZLE — 5.4% ABV Sour Gose. Return of the Raspberry-Infused Gose, this one is light, refreshing, and adds in a low hop bitterness with sour, sweet, tart, and salty flavors.
Updates: Facebook | Instagram | Website
Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery
Multi-state shipping and drive through pickup available! The taproom is also open, and with plenty of awesome outdoor seating, the farm at Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery is one you don’t want to miss.
If you’re looking for something fun this Halloween, LCCB is hosting a Pirate Costume Party! Check here for more information on the event, and of course, wear your mask and practice social distancing.
Pickup and Delivery: Order Here
THE LATEST BEERS
- CARROT CAKE IMPERIAL AMBER ALE — Amber Ale. Made with hundreds of pounds of freshly grated carrots. Spice notes of cinnamon, allspice, cardamom, clove, and vanilla complement the fresh carrot flavor.
- JUICY #23 — Juicy IPA. The Lickinghole Creek brewers explore the boundaries of the juicy, hazy IPA style with each batch. Each card has a new animal face and tagline to complement and inspire unique creativity. Love this Deck of Cards? There is one new hazy, juicy IPA a month flowing from the creativity and boundary-breaking brewers of Lickinghole Creek.
- NASTY WOMEN — 11.3% ABV Barrel-Aged Tripel Ale. Dedicated to the Nasty Woman in all of us. American-grown Sterling and New Zealand from Motueka hops come together for a lemon and lime flavor, and a hint of tropical fruit. Aged for months in Mexican Tequila Barrels with notes of vanilla and oak.
- FORAGER SESSION HAZY IPA — 5.0% ABV. IPA brewed with Paw Paw fruit! This awesome fruit is a Richmond treasure, and it comes out in this beer with sabro hops. This IPA bursts with tropical goodness starting with juicy mango, overripe banana, and freshly cut citrus. Those bold flavors are layered over a dry, yet creamy full body.
- ONE LION IMPERIAL STOUT — 7.0% ABV. Gold Medal winner at the Virginia Craft Beer Cup!
- GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE LAGER — 8.0% ABV. Brewed with cocoa nibs, toasted coconut, pecans, and vanilla beans as a German-style Doppelbock.
- BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL — 10% ABV Imperial Dessert Stout. This one is for the true stout lovers out there. Lickinghole Creek took the Black Is Beautiful recipe from Weathered Souls Brewing, and tried to keep it as true to the original as possible. “We wanted this beer to showcase the masterfully roasted and caramel malt graciously donated from Murphy and Rude Malting out of Charlottesville, VA. We get huge notes of deeply roasted coffee, rich cacao, creamy vanilla, and caramel toffee.” All proceeds will go to organizations in pursuit of ending racial and social injustice everywhere.
- NUCLEAR NUGGET IMPERIAL HONEY IPA — 10.5% ABV. While it’s not brand-new, it’s worth noting as a fan favorite. This hop bomb is a lot of things. One thing it is not, is subtle. Nuclear Nugget explodes the nose with notes of citrus, flowers, and Centennial hops, then the nuclear fallout is accompanied by local clover honey, to bring everybody back to safety.
- GOOCHLAND QUADRUPEL ALE — 11.2% ABV. Tasting notes of raisin, plum, prune, and currants. Easily drinkable, complex, and refreshing.
Updates: Facebook | Instagram | Website
Starr Hill Richmond Beer Hall & Rooftop
Starr Hill RVA is also keeping things safe, with to-go beer sales taking place during abbreviated business hours. All of their year-round beers will be available, in addition to some special favorites from the brewery.
Pickup: Order Here
THE LATEST BEERS
- LAST LEAF MAPLE BROWN ALE — 6.1% ABV Brown Ale. Your beer column writer’s favorite fall beer (trust me, you’ve got to try this one). This English Brown Ale is made with Virginia maple syrup, and has subtle vanilla notes. If you’re searching for the perfect beer to pair with a flannel and a campfire this fall, this is the one.
- FESTIE — 4.8% ABV Oktoberfest Lager. This recipe is rich, malty, and perfectly refreshing for the season.
- GRATEFUL PALE ALE — 4.7% ABV American Pale Ale. A strong, citrusy aroma starts this brew off before leading to its subtle malt flavor and light body.
- REVIVER RED IPA — 6.2& ABV IPA. This Red IPA has a nice red color to complement its name, and you’ll catch pine hop, caramel malt, fruity, and floral notes in this one.
- PARTY MONSTER CITRUS SOUR — 4.7% ABV. Berliner Weisse with pineapple, mango, and blood orange.
- BINGO BANGO PINEAPPLE BRETT IPA — 6.3% ABV. Tart, funky, and refreshing.
- CINNAMON ROLLS NOT GENDER ROLES PASTRY STOUT — This dessert stout is sure to sweeten up your world in its awesome tribute to gender equality.
- BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL — 7.5% ABV. Starr Hill’s recipe of the Weathered Souls Brewing initiative. This hopped-up stout was brewed with Chinook, Citra, Centennial and Falconer’s Flight. 100 percent of the proceeds go to the Equal Justice Initiative!
- AIR DRUMMER HAZY IPA — The latest brew from Starr Hill, available now after its debut in April! This Hazy IPA is out on tap and in 4-pack cans for pickup.
- RAMBLE ON HAZY IPA — This is a personal favorite of mine, and if you’re into DIPAs and Hazy IPAs, trust me — it’s right up your alley. This is a summertime favorite, but it’s great through any season.
- DOUBLE PLATINUM IMPERIAL IPA — 8.6% ABV Imperial IPA. Brand-new Imperial IPA from Starr Hill, limited edition!
- KING KUNU PINEAPPLE IPA — Pineapple IPA. 4-packs available from the brewery.
- SAY IT AIN’T SOUR — 12-pack that brings together all the best Starr Hill Gose brews. Pixie Pineapple Gose, Carly Cucumber Gose, Carole Cran-Raspberry Gose and Lola Guava Gose.
Updates: Facebook | Instagram | Website
Stone Brewing Richmond is open for pick-up, plus both inside and on the patio! This awesome East End brewery has had some delicious releases lately, and they’ve got brews ready at the door if you plan to take them home. Stone also has a great new “Odd Beers for Odd Years” series going on, so stay tuned for updates as special releases come out!
Pickup: Order Here
THE LATEST BEERS
- STONE XOCOVEZA — 8.1% ABV Imperial Mocha Stout inspired by Oaxacan Hot Chocolate. With cinnamon, cocoa, coffee, and nutmeg aromas, this new release is followed up by a full-bodied palate that’s smooth with a light bitterness.
- BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL — 10% ABV. Stone’s take on the Weathered Souls Brewing initiative. Imperial stout with a rich, dark chocolate character. Oak and bourbon barrel character adds sweetness, caramel and oak complexity. Take one home to save for later if you’d like, because Stone says this beer will age beautifully!
- MODERN TIMES / STONE WIZARDS & GARGOYLES HAZY COFFEE IPA — Stone joined up with Modern Times Beer to create this fresh IPA. It uses two new hops that are still in development, along with Centennial, Cashmere, Citra, and Azacca. This hazy coffee IPA is now available nationwide, and with light chocolate notes, coffee, citrus pith, tangerine, tart peach, caramel, mild oak, hay, and cognac tastes, it’s one that’s unlike any you’ve had before.
- STONE LIBERTY STATION MARBLE RYE BOCK — 7.3% ABV. Maibock style lager brewed with rye and bitter chocolate.
- STONE BUENAVEZA SALT & LIME LAGER — 4.7% ABV Lager. This one has been a favorite this summer, so grab one while you can!
- ENTER NIGHT PILSNER — 5.7% ABV Pilsner. German-style pilsner with low bitterness and bright tastes.
- STONE TIKI ESCAPE — 7.7% ABV IPA. Tropical, fruit-forward IPA brewed with Sabro and Mosaic hops.
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All three Strangeways Brewing tasting rooms are open for delivery, curbside pick-up, and to-go orders! They’re also open for draft brews, and wear your mask when visiting in-person. Be sure to check their website for updates.
Barktoberfest is going down October 3 at Strangeways! This dog-friendly celebration will bring out food, beer, music and the best canine vendors for your pups. Stay tuned for more information next week!
Pickup and Delivery: Order Here
THE LATEST BEERS
- OKTOBERFEST LAGER — 5.1% ABV Lager. This amber-pouring brew has a slight spice in its hop notes from German Noble hops, and a dark malt character.
- MURDER HORNET — 7.5% ABV New England IPA. This double dry-hopped brew is pillowy soft, made with Cashmere and Vic Secret hops for flavors like melon and stone fruit. Available in 4-packs of 16oz cans and on tap.
- CAPTIVE UNICORN — 10% ABV New England Triple IPA. Hazy, juicy, dank, bitter, sweet, and booze.
- PUNCH DRUNK — 4.75% ABV Fruit Punch Berliner Weisse. Deep red color with an over-the-top fruity taste to give you a nostalgic tropical fruit punch.
- THE LAST VAQUERO — 4.9% ABV Mexican Lager. Light and crushable, this lager is made in the tradition of Viennese brewers who brought lager to Mexico in the 1800’s. Brewed with 6-row and Vienna malts, and flaked maize.
- STARK RAVING MAD — 6.7% ABV Sour Hazy IPA. Hazy sour ale moderately bittered with Citra for balance and double dry hopped with Citra, Mosaic, and Idaho7 for a truly unique IPA experience. Remarkably drinkable, Strangeways says “Get weird with this one.”
- SINEWY — 8% ABV Strong Saison. A fan favorite for years, Sinewy is basically an imperial farmhouse ale, made with Vienna, White Wheat, and Belgian Aromatic Malts then generously hopped Sorachi Ace. Fermented very dry producing a crushable farmhouse ale with notes of honey, green peppercorn, earth, and freshly cut hay.
- BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL — Imperial Stout. Highlights intense roast character with moderate sweetness and subtle booze on the nose. 100 percent of proceeds benefit Girls for a Change.
- SHIMMER & SHAKE — Spiked Sparkling Seltzer. Lemon-lime flavors, with a light, crisp, and effervescent taste for summertime.
- AFM WILD ALE — Farmhouse Saison. 2-row, Vienna, and Wheat Malts. Heavily hopped with Columbus in the brewhouse, then aged 22 months in French Oak barrels. Strong, but drinkable, with a balance between hops and funk.
- LUCKY CHARMS BERLINER WEISSE — Cloudy, sour wheat beer. Dry, fruity funk with a sharp tartness.
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Three Notch’d RVA Collab House
Three Notch’d RVA Collab House is open for business, and they just welcomed a new Head Brewer in August: Bobby Faithful. With a wealth of professional brewing experience (including being the director of the brewing program at University of Richmond), Bobby’s got plenty of new recipes to cook up for the River City. Between pickup and delivery services, in addition to a great patio, Three Notch’d RVA is bringing lots of fresh tastes into this summer.
Pickup and Delivery: Order Here
THE LATEST BEERS
- NEPHOLOGY AZACCA — 8% ABV. Papaya, grapefruit, and tropical notes come together in this one for big citrus aromas.
- WITTY AF BELGIAN WIT — 5.5% ABV Belgian Wit. Brewed to pair with rice and starches, this recipe has the perfect blend of spices and yeast.
- KING OF CLOUDS JUICY IPA — 7.5% ABV IPA. Fresh from the Charlottesville brewery, this juicy IPA has a pillowy profile with mango, orange, and tangerine tastes.
- THROWING BACK BLUEBERRIES — 9% ABV Imperial Gose. This is the first release of an in-house brew since March, so it’s a special one this year! Packed with fresh blueberries and hibiscus, it’ll give you a glass full of fruity, juicy deliciousness.
- BOWSER’S FAVORITE BLONDE STOUT — 6.3% ABV Stout. Looks like a princess, but with a Bowser-like capture of bold roast and chocolate flavors.
- BLOOD ORANGE GOSE — 5.1% ABV. Refreshing German Sour Wheat Ale, enhanced with blood orange puree.
- GOLD STAR ALL-AMERICAN IPA — 7.0% ABV IPA. This third edition to the Gold Star series is made with Bravo and Tomahawk hops, in honor of SSG Kenneth Wade Bennett of the US Army.
- 40 MILE IPA — 6.1% ABV. Flagship IPA combines citrus, peach, and pineapple flavors with mild bitterness and crisp malt body for a refreshing, delicious beer.
- BIG SLICE JUICY IPA — 7.8% ABV IPA. Brewed in the New England style, but with a twist. The banana profile from the hefeweizen yeast pairs with big tropical fruit flavors of Moutere and Mosaic hops.
- BROTHER BARNABAS BELGIAN TRIPEL — 10.4% ABV. This Belgian-style Tripel is crisp, refreshing, and highly carbonated with fruity Belgian esters for a great pear skin, apple, and citrus profile.
- GHOST AMERICAN PALE ALE — 5.1% ABV. Classic American Pale Ale is brewed with an ambush of dry hops, giving this crisp, refreshing beer all the hop flavor without being overly bitter.
- JACK’S JAVA ESPRESSO STOUT — 5.5% ABV. Brewed with a special three-roast coffee blend by Dave Fafara, roastmaster at Charlottesville’s Shenandoah Joe Coffee Roasters.
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Triple Crossing Beer has to-go and delivery options available, and can shipping is another option as well. Visit their patio for some outdoor time in the East End, and wear your mask!
Pickup and Delivery: Order Here
THE LATEST BEERS
- OXEYE — 4.5% ABV Mixed Culture Grisette. You’ll find deep earthy lemon zest, herbal tea, pink bubblegum, and bright floral character in this one.
- NORTH PARK PALE ALE — 5% ABV Pale Ale. Brewed with their base 2 Row, a touch of malted wheat, Chico ale yeast, and a hop blend consisting of Amarillo, Simcoe, and Centennial. Hi-C tangerine taste with lemon-lime, bright pulpy grapefruit, and citrus rinds.
- FALCON SMASH IPA — Flagship IPA. Dank hop character from a dry-hop with Falconer’s Flight hops, and a proprietary blend of rotating hop varietals.
- RADIANT BLUR DIPA — 8% ABV Double IPA. Galaxy and Mosaic hops come together for a candied orange-pulp citrus, sweet pineapple, ripe mango, and apricot-laden taste.
- SWITCHING OFF — 6% ABV. Hoppy with a heavy dose of Cashmere, this one blends varietals to compliment and contrast its profile. We taste notes of tropical candied tangerine lime zest, plush melon, sweet spruce like pine, and gentle stone fruit apricot.
- ORIGINS — Loosely based on an iconic style pioneered in those densely wooded north eastern states, this DIPA features Simcoe, Centennial, Mosaic, and Amarillo. This one was inspired by a West Coast DIPA but with a fruit-forward hop character.
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Väsen is open for pickup and delivery! Outdoor seating is available, so please wear your mask and keep folks safe. They’ve recently released a great array of fresh new brews, and we can’t wait to grab a glass of every one! Kegs are also available to take home.
Pickup and Delivery: Order Here
THE LATEST BEERS
- SMOKED LAGER — 7.8% ABV. Collab with Elation Brewing Company in Norfolk. Slightly smoky with aromas of pine and spice, this malty brew is part of the brewery’s monthlong Oktoberfest celebrations of seasonal releases.
- DRY HOP KIWI SOUR — Collab with Untitled Art. This is Untitled Art’s first beer brewed with kiwi; over 5,000 pounds of the “perfect combination” of Kiwi Puree and Kiwi Concentrate give it just the right amount of sour, while still retaining a noticeable flavor of fruit.
- MANDARIN GALAXY — 8% ABV. Your favorite dank, fruity DIPA is back and ready to take you to that far away galaxy known as Scott’s Addition where German Mandarina Bavaria and Australian Galaxy hops reign supreme. Intense aromas of tangerine and pineapple are balanced by subtle passion fruit and peach, with a hint of pine on the finish.
- FESTBIER — 5.2% ABV. Märzen festbier, a deep amber lager with rich malty character contributed by Munich malts, as well as subtle fruity and spicy notes from noble hops and Bavarian lager yeast.
- TRIPLE PEACH SAISON — 6.2% ABV Saison. This crisp, fruity brew was made with white, yellow, and blood peach to get a deep, natural character which perfectly complements the classic saison flavors of spice and clove.
- NORSE DIPA — Returning alongside Triple Peach Saison in cans, this hazy double dry-hopped IPA was made with Citra, Mosaic, and Amarillo hops.
- COHESION — This collab with Capsoul and Chilalay brought us a brand-new Hazy Double IPA, and it’s focused on community health, cultural awareness, and social change. African Queen, Azacca, and Southern Passion hops lend aromas of pear and white grape, along with flavors of tangerine and vanilla. Support your community simply by having a beer!
- EVERYTHING FLOATS ON GUAVA AND PASSION FRUIT — Bold, dry-hopped sour… and all of it floats on a fruity foundation of real guava and passion fruit. Along with the tropical flavors dominating this tart brew, you’ll also find subtle citrus aromas and pleasant floral character from a light addition of citra hops.
Updates: Facebook | Instagram | Website
The Veil Brewing Co. is hosting outdoor to-go sales from both locations. They’ve also got shipping available to select states, and they’re currently open for curbside pickup only. Patio lovers, stay tuned for openings in the future!
Pickup and Delivery: Order Here
THE LATEST BEERS
- YELLOWFERRARI — 8% ABV. Luxuriously-hopped DIPA brewed with the freshest Galaxy and El Dorado. Mouthwatering impressions of lemon, yellow starbursts, and soft melon.
- CAT NAP3 — 6% ABV. Cat Nap³ is a new triple dry-hopped IPA brewed with Mosaic, Nelson, Galaxy, and Citra. Impressions of sweet pineapple, musky tropical fruit, tangerine, and papaya fruit leather.
- NEW NEW NORMAL — 8% ABV. New New Normal Normal is a brand new Double Oat India Pale Ale brewed with Garage Project. Riwaka hop from Freestyle Hops rounded out with Sabro and Citra Cryo for coconut cocktail and tropical vacation flavors.
- NEVER GONNAGETIT3: XTREME — 7% ABV. Gose with triple boysenberry, triple blackberry, and triple raspberry purée blasted with a new proprietary *Xtreme* treatment. Flavors of melted popsicles, fruit syrup, and a mouthful of fresh berries.
- HOLLOW PLACE ENHANCED COCONUT & OREO — 10.5% ABV. Imperial Stout treated with *Enhanced* treatment with 21-month old barrel-aged Hollow Place, truly crushed with Oreo and coconut.
- SAUVAGE PINK — 4% ABV Belgian Table Beer. Impressions of bubbly champagne and raspberry fruit tape with a soft little finish that isn’t too acidic.
- DEATHLESS — 5.5% ABV. Märzen lager brewed in June. Crisp notes of caramel, biscuit, and honey are well balanced by the earthy noble hops and creamy natural carbonation.
- ORANGEMIATA — 8% ABV. Luxuriously-hopped IPA brewed with their finest Australian Galaxy and Enigma hops. Dripping with juicy tropical papaya, white wine, and fresh berries.
- NEVER NEVER FOREVER FOREVER — 5.1% ABV. Gose with double passion fruit. Impressions of passion fruit, mango, tropical fruit muskiness, tropical sweet tarts, citrus, and guava.
- TRIPLE APRI GUAV TASTEE — 5.5% ABV. Smoothie-Style Sour Ale with triple apricot purée, triple guava purée, and milk sugar. Dripping with impressions of an apricot/mango/guava tropical smoothie.
- NEVER RECOVER3 — 5.3% ABV. Never Recover³ is our Gose with triple boysenberry and triple peach purée. Crushed with flavors of tangy boysenberry and juicy peach slices.
- SAUVAGE — 3.7% ABV. Belgian Table Beer that was naturally cooled overnight in our rooftop koelschip then fermented and aged in red wine barrels with Brettanomyces for 13 months. Sessionable with delicate notes of oaky Chardonnay, berry, and pineapple. Bottle conditioned for 19 months.
- CLOSE FRIEND — 6% ABV. Close Friend is a brand new Saison brewed with a portion of smoked wheat and barley for that lil’ bit of Autumn warmth you’re looking for. Hopped with French Strisselspalt, fermented warm in oak barrels with Saison yeast and Brett, then bottled after eight weeks. Crispy with round impressions of ripe fruit, fall fire pits, and friendship. Art and brew by @catboy_.
- THE WEAPON — 8% ABV. The Weapon is a Sour Double IPA brewed with raw wheat, Nelson, Mosaic, raspberry purée, blueberry purée, and milk sugar. Impressions of firecracker popsicles with just enough balance of hoppiness, tartness, and sweetness. One of our favorite Sour DIPAs.
Updates: Facebook | Instagram | Website
WINE, MEADS, & CIDERS
Black Heath Meadery has the patio open for plenty of great outdoor events now, so keep up with them on Facebook for the latest updates — and be sure to wear your mask!
Pickup and Delivery: Order Here
Updates: Facebook | Instagram | Website
Blue Bee Cider 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
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The new Bryant’s Cider location in Richmond opened this summer, and we’re stoked to keep up with their latest releases. They’re offering shipping and pickup, so if you want to drink from home, they’ve got you covered! Stay tuned for more info on their latest project, River City Seltzer, which is opening up in September.
Pickup and Delivery: Order Here
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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.
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That’s it for this week’s RVA On Tap! As your weekly columnist, I’m here to take all your beer releases, event info, ideas and questions. If you’re a brewer, send me your new brew info at [email protected] Catch y’all next week!
