RVA Beer Explorer
RVA Beer Explorer Weekly Picks
So much beer and beer related information. We do our best to help keep you in the beer know.
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Craft Beer Week Bowl Off – River City Roll, Wednesday
If you have a favorite brewery chances are you spend a good amount at the said brewery. If you’re a decent human you get to know the hardworking staff. This Wednesday you can cheer that staff on bowling victory at the brand new River City Roll, which combines bar, restaurant, and bowling alley.
In honor of Craft Beer Week, we’ll be hosting a brewery bowling tournament featuring local breweries. Each brewery featured will have a beer on a tap! Come in with your friends, share a local brew and cheer on your favorite local brewery.
The current lineup: Triple Crossing, Ardent, Hardywood, Center of the Universe, Stone, Three Notch’d and Väsen.
Tournament starts at 7:30pm; beers start flowing at 5:00pm.
Juicy Brews Summer Invitational – Triple Crossing Fulton, June 10th
This event isn’t until next month but tickets are on sale now. If you want to try unlimited pours from 32 of the best breweries you’ll need to get your tickets soon. This will sell out.
For our Juicy Brews Summer Craft Beer Invitational, we’ve pulled out all the stops. It’s our seventh festival, and our biggest one yet. On June 10th, 2018, come meet the brewers and try unlimited pours from 32 of the best breweries in the country. We’ll have food, beer, music, and exclusive merch and glassware from designer Sam Taylor.
Beers & Hymns – Strangeways, Friday
I’m by no means a religious man but I can certainly get behind a good hymn. Haven’t seen an event like this one.
Join local Lutherans for a celebration of traditional hymns. This is meant to be a celebration to bring people who enjoy uplifting music, community and beer together.
Open to the public, no tickets necessary. Come early to enjoy some of our strange brews!
May Faire & Market – Champion Brewing, Saturday
It’s time to go medieval on your beer or rather with your beer. It’s a mini-renaissance fair in downtown RVA. Hit the link above to get the full list of music and vendors.
Join us Saturday, May 19th at Champion Brewing Company – RVA from 1 PM- 7PM for this indoor Renaissance Fair to celebrate the beauty of Spring. $5 Entry. Dress in your finest fae, elf, or historic garb and come out to see dancing, music, medieval style bards, amazing local vendors, fortune tellers, delicious food and more.
Get involved with the Spring Flower Communion: Bring flowers to celebrate Spring and give and share with others.
Jonny Z Fest – Hardywood Ownby Lane, Sunday
Jonny Z died in 2007 and a festival bringing the city together has been going every year since. This year is no different and there is something for everyone.
Join us and celebrate the creative spirit of Richmond during this fun, FREE, kid-friendly event benefitting ART 180! Hardywood and Chop Suey Books present a variety of children’s activities including a moon bounce, face painting, and various artworks. Vendors from Bizarre Market showcase local arts and crafts.
Drafts are flowing from 12-6PM with FREE live music all day!
Check back for lineup details!Raffle drawings for great prizes from local businesses throughout the day, food trucks including Mean Bird, Go Go Vegan Go and more!
AND, Studio Two Three will have their mobile printing studio parked near the bounce house and will be selling t-shirts for the event. If you have never screen printed but always want to learn how, this is your place to be!
Jon Zanin, known to countless adoring friends as Jonny Z, died in 2007 at the age of 26. Zanin is remembered as a creative and compassionate soul who loved to make art and music, and who was a friend to all and enemy to none, a champion for the underdog. The festival honors his legacy, celebrates his spirit, and promotes art, music, community and friendship.
Come add your own sparkle to the art- and merry-making…it won’t be the same without you!
BEER NEWS
Dominion Energy Riverrock, Sierra Nevada Partner on ‘Let’s Go RVA IPA’
I think I’d rather see a local brewer being partnered with but not going to get too worked up about it. I’m sure it’ll be a great beer and it’s a great festival.
Dominion Energy Riverrock, Sports Backers, and Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. have partnered to create ‘Let’s Go RVA IPA,’ a session IPA brewed exclusively for the three-day sports and music festival set for May 18-20 at Brown’s Island and Historic Tredegar. The perfect complement to outdoor sports and fun, Let’s Go RVA IPA is light and refreshing, yet packed with hop flavor. Expect a burst of bright citrus and tropical fruit aromas, followed by a crisp finish that keeps you coming back for more. The name is based on the Sports Backers slogan ‘Let’s Go RVA!’ which is meant to inspire and motivate active living and celebrate the region’s outdoor recreation opportunities.Let’s Go RVA IPA Facts and Figures4.8% ABV 34 IBUGrist: Pale, pilsner, oats, wheatHops: Magnum, Citra, El Dorado, Loral, Nelson Sauvin, Mandarina Bavaria, Huell Melon“Part of what we love about Dominion Energy Riverrock is the balance of extreme and extremely accessible,” said Pat Hazlett, Event Team Manager for Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. “That’s what we wanted to capture in the Let’s Go RVA IPA we brewed exclusively for this year’s festival—a balanced, approachable IPA highlighting a few exceptional hop flavors and aromas. It’s a beer and a festival that anyone from an amateur to a pro can enjoy.”Let’s Go RVA IPA will be available during Dominion Energy Riverrock as well as at the 5PT Adventure Film Festival presented by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. on May 17 at The Broadberry. The film festival will feature an evening of inspirational adventure films followed by live music from the Larry Keel Experience. Sierra Nevada is donating a portion of beer sales during the 5PT Adventure Film Festival to rvaMORE, a local nonprofit whose mission is to enhance trail experiences through people, tools, and advocacy. Advance film festival tickets are on sale now for $10 and can be purchased online at https://ticketf.ly/2H6D3sC.“Richmond has a vibrant arts, culture, dining, and craft beer scene, and we’re excited to work with Sierra Nevada to bring Let’s Go RVA IPA to this mix,” said Megan Schultz, event director for Dominion Energy Riverrock. “It will be a great addition to everything we’ve got to offer at Dominion Energy Riverrock and we look forward to kicking off the festival and celebrating with participants and spectators.”In addition to the 5PT Adventure Film Festival, Let’s Go RVA IPA can also be found at various locations around Richmond, including Boulevard Burger and Brew, Capital Ale House (Main St. location), Colonial Kitchen & Market (New Kent), Dash In Dash Out, Fat Dragon, Heritage, Independence Golf Course, Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint, Kroger (14101 Midlothian Turnpike), Salisbury Country Club, Southern Railway Deli, Strawberry Street Café, The Caboose (Ashland), The Hop Craft Pizza & Beer, Toast, Whole Foods Market (11173 W. Broad Street), Wong Gonzalez, and Zzaam Fresh Korean Grill.
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Weekly Four Can Release – Veil Brewing Co., Thursday
Rather than show off the four beers, I’m going to show this pretty cool shirt that they’ll have a limited quantity of at the release. Truer words have rarely been spoken.
~If You’re Drinking This It’s Too Late-9%-*revised recipe with a slight increase to the Citra portion* DIPA hopped with 65% Citra and 35% Vic Secret(approx 180-200x cases; $17+tax/4-pack; 2x cases/12x 4-packs pp)
~PRBLMS PRBLMS-11%-DDH TIPA with Mosaic, Citra, and Enigma(approx 170-190x cases; $19.50+tax/4-pack; 2x cases/12x 4-packs pp)
~Boss Man-8.7%-Sour DIPA with Citra, Simcoe, and Amarillo(approx 100-110x cases; $17+tax/4-pack; 2x cases/12x 4-packs pp)
~Never Again-4.9%-Raspberry Gose(approx 180-200x cases; $17+tax/4-pack; 2x cases/12x 4-packs pp; **PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF FRUIT IN THIS BEER AND THAT IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT THESE CANS REMAIN COLD AT ALL TIMES.**)
*WE MOST LIKELY WILL HAVE SOME CANS LEFT OF PLUM BERRY TASTEE, JACKSON FLAVOR, AND A VERY LIMITED AMOUNT OF NEVER NEVER SATISFIED SATISFIED, AND STILL STRIVING: VOL.2 FROM LAST WEEK’S RELEASE AVAILABLE ON TUESDAY ALSO. ANYTHING LEFT WILL BE AVAILABLE AT NO LIMIT.*
We hope to see y’all this Tuesday May 15th when doors open at 4pm!
Vanilla Bean Brown Ale Release – Legend, Thursday
Legend still has one of the best brown ales in town. This week you try it with a hint of vanilla.
The second installment of our Brown Ale variation features flavors of molasses, caramel, and vanilla. 6% abv
Crasseux & Pint Of No Return Can Release – Hardywood both locations, Friday
CRASSEUX // 6% // Hardywood Crasseux is a Grisette displaying a golden straw-like color and a light, pillowy head. Notes of cantaloupe and honey dew come alive with classic spice notes from the saison yeast. Crisp lemon peel and tropical fruits take over in the finish. Available in Richmond, West Creek & Charlottesville. Draft + 4×16 oz. to go ($15).
PINT OF NO RETURN // 5.5% // Pursue your deepest urge in this new American Lager by Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, The Happy Hour Guys and The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. A paradox for the senses, Pint of No Return is a clean and crisp lager that pours as black as night with notes of toasted pecan, a mild hint of black currant and smooth roasted undertones. A portion of the sales from Pint of No Return will benefit Musicians On Call, supporting their vision of a world filled with the healing power of music. Proudly brewed in Richmond, Virginia for The Broadway Brews Project. Available in Richmond, West Creek & Charlottesville. Draft + 4×16 oz. to go ($16).
Looks Like Another Love TKO Citra DIPA Release – Final Gravity, Friday
A popular beer returns.
We couldn’t let it go and neither should you. Love TKO returns to drip those beautiful flavors of Citra hops right from the glass onto your tongue. Savor those strong citrus and tropical flavors as you lose all thoughts and sense of time. Take control of the Love. Crowlers available.
As You Wish Release – Castleburg, Saturday
In their description, they discuss the royal wedding while totally ignoring where the name comes from. So I’ll give you my favorite Princess Bride quote that has nothing to do with love at all, “Bow to the Queen of Slime, the Queen of Filth, the Queen of Putrescence. Boo. Boo. Rubbish. Filth. Slime. Muck. Boo. Boo. Boo.” Also how did Castleburg not mention the second best quote of “Have fun stormin’ da castle”?
In honor of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Royal Wedding, (May 19, 2018), we present to you “As You Wish” an English Mild Ale.
The term mild originally meant young beer or ale, as opposed to stale, aged beer or ale. Perfect for our young couple on their wedding day! ABV 4.1%, IBU 15
Queen Elizabeth approved!
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RVA Beer Explorer
RVA Beer Explorer’s Last Call
The RVA Beer Explorer is sailing off into the sunset but hopefully, you’ll like its fuzzy replacement.
The RVA Beer Explorer is throwing in his beer-soaked towel. The number of breweries and the beer scene of Richmond is awesome. Over the years for health reasons (nothing dramatic just self-realization about my intake) I’ve become less and less part of that awesome beer scene. As a result, I don’t have the passion needed to keep writing about beer every week so it’s time to say goodbye. RVAHub will continue to cover the big beer events and they’ll show up in their respective neighborhood areas or on the main site. We wouldn’t want you to miss out on some of the more unique events that pop-up.
Later today I’ll launch my new weekly post Critters of the Week. It will feature a picture and information about a wild animal spotted in the RVA area and an animal up for adoption by SPCA or RACC.
To my loyal readers out there I thank you for spending time with me each week and putting up with my many, many typos.
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RVA Beer Explorer
RVA Beer Explorer 5/21
We’ve got the big Memorial Day weekend coming up which means for many an extra day to do stuff. Here is some of the stuff we think you should do.
GO DO THIS
Richmond Kickers Red Army Watch Party – Wednesday, Tabol Brewing
The Richmond Kickers are our local professional soccer team and the Red Army is the group of passionate fans that are at every home game and even a few of the away ones. The team is playing in Florida against Orlando City but the Red Army has a seat at the Tabol for a viewing.
Come out and hang out with Red Army for mid week game. Also The Rivercity 93 podcast will being fan interviews after the game so be ready to have some fun! You can check out the podcast on Twitter @rivercity93
Meet the Candidates (Richmond Area) – Thursday, Three Notch’d RVA Collab House
I would probably like more of the politicians if I met them over a beer or two. This week there is a chance to do exactly that. Even if you can’t make this event be sure to read up on your candidates and VOTE.
This November, Virginia will vote on all 100 House of Delegates seats and all 40 Senate seats. On June 11, many districts will hold primary elections to choose the party candidates.
🍻Join Virginia NORML at Three Notch’d RVA Collab House and hear the candidates’ positions on marijuana policies and criminal justice, and how they would work towards achieving common-sense law reforms for a safer Commonwealth. Refreshments will be provided.
CANDIDATES 👩🏽💼👨🏻💼👩🏼💼👨🏾💼
All candidates are welcome to participate in this Virginia NORML event and share their marijuana policy positions. Kindly RSVP to [email protected] with your candidate or surrogate’s information.SUPPORT OUR WORK💚💚
This event is free and open to the public. Virginia NORML relies on the generosity of grassroots support. Help make this a successful event with a donation via the “tickets” link.VOTER REGISTRATION📝
Deadline to register to vote, or update an existing registration, is Monday, May 20, 2019.Deadline to request an absentee ballot to be mailed to you is Tuesday, June 4, 2019. Your request must be received by your Registrar by 5:00 p.m.
Deadline to vote in-person absentee is Saturday, June 8, 2019
Capsoul Hop Crawl: Brewery Tour & Tasting – Friday, Väsen
After doing these weekly post for several years it’s pretty cool to see a new take on the traditional brewery tour. Bravo Capsoul Collective. The picture is from Veil but this week the Collective is at Vasen.
If you’ve ever wanted to visit a brewery with a group of people that share in not only your love of craft beer, but dope music, vibes and conversation, then this is the Hop Crawl for you.
Join us at the intersection of craft & culture as we tour some of Richmond’s best and highly sought out breweries.Your ticket will include:
– 4 Sample Beers
– Private Tours
– Guided tastings
– Curated Musical Playlists by the Capsoul Collective
– Knowledgable Crawl GuideAnd just because we like to level up your experience, all beer will be available for purchase at a special discounted price. You’ll also receive a complimentary Capsoul glass during the tasting and a band signifying you’re with the crew.
Follow us on @wearecapsoul to stay up to date.
Artisan & Craft Market + Beer Release – Saturday, Isley
I’m always a fan of shopping and drinking. One tends to increase the other.
Saturday, May 25th, we’ll be joined by local vendors for Isley’s Artisan & Craft Market!
Craft Beer – Craft Vendors – Local Food – and More!
Whether your treating yourself, getting something for the house, or picking up a gift for someone else, Isley Brewing Company is the place to be on May 25th! See you there!
Jonny Z Fest 2019 – Sunday, Hardywood (Ownby Lane)
The yearly event to celebrate the life of Jonny Z is back.
JONNY Z FEST is in its 11th year, and we couldn’t be prouder to be part of this beautiful day celebrating the life of Jonny Zanin, a much-loved community activist who we lost far too early. In keeping with Jonny’s boundless energy for connection and mobilization of the creative spirit, the festival features local musicians, interactive art booths, play areas and kids’ projects, an amazing raffle, and the Bizarre Market, of course. Jonny was a champion of the market and organized market events for several years. Free to attend!
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Open Mic – Wednesday, Castleburg
Got a song in your heart and you want to let it out? Now’s your chance.
Take the spotlight & show everyone how talented you are!
Bring your guitars, keyboards, voices, ideas and crew! This is a supportive community of artists, and nothing is unwelcome here.
Hosted by Chuck Parker
Signups start at 6:00 PM, and we will start promptly at 6:30 PM
Every artist will get up to 20 minutes to show their stuff.
AUDIENCE: It’s your job to clap loudly, and reward these artists with praise, to include tips! They are not being paid to be here, so please bring cash to show your support.
Castleburg’s Taproom has a stage, speakers, sound board, and two mics. If you need additional equipment, please bring it, but we’d like for the turnaround to be quick, so please try and use what we have.
Stone Brewing Richmond 3rd Anniversary – Saturday, Stone Brewing
The plans for the Stone Bistro seem to have vanished into the ether but the brewing facility and tasting room are going strong. Celebrate their third year in our fair city.
The Stone Brewing Tap Room – Richmond is turning three, and what better way to celebrate than pouring unique variations, vintage releases, barrel-aged brews and other amazing Stone-crafted beers? Saucy’s BBQ will provide the grub to pair with our epic beer list, and we’ll have live music from 12-6pm.
~~BREWHOUSE EXPERIENCE – 1pm – 6pm~~
Join our team for a behind-the-scenes look inside our brewing facility. This is a unique opportunity to hang out in the brewhouse and talk shop with our crew.
~~LIVE MUSIC~~
12:00pm – Addison Liming
3:15pm – Ol’ Riles Band~~BEER LIST~~
Stone Totalitarian Triple Espresso Imperial Russian Stout
Stone Totalitarian Espresso Imperial Russian Stout w/ Bourbon Oak
Chips
Stone Give Me Stout or Give Me Death
Stone Revengeful Spirit IPA
Beachwood / Stone BeachStone Brut IPA
Stone Barrel-Aged Milk Chocolate Porter
2012 Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine
2013 Double Bastard Ale
2014 Stone Imperial Russian Stout
Stone ///Fear.Movie.Lions Double IPA
Stone Tropic of Thunder Lager
Enter Night Pilsner
Stone Barrel-Aged Imperial Saison w/ Peach
Stone Cali-Belgique IPA aged in Red Wine Barrels
Stone Cali-Belgique IPA aged in White Wine Barrels
Stone Mission Warehouse Sour – Strawberry & Sour Cherry
Stone Water Lily Sour
Stone Wazzle Barrel-Aged Sour
Double Bastard – Bigger, Longer, Uncut
Stone Borreo Gose w/ Boysenberry
Stone Jovian Orbit Double IPA
Stone Millennial Decay
Stone Titanic Tartistry
Stone White Geist Berliner Weisse
Stone IPA
Stone Delicious IPA
Stone Tangerine Express IPA
Stone Scorpion Bowl IPA
Brewing in Richmond: A History Tour – Saturday, Three Notch’d RVA Collab House
Richmond has a long history of beer. Learn about Scott’s Addition’s role in that history on Saturday.
Big News! New Tour!
Join Richmond Historic Haunts for the first run of Brewing in Richmond: Over 300 Years of Fermenting by the Falls of the James.
Richmond’s brewing scene today is just the latest chapter of our city’s history with fermented beverages.
During this afternoon walk through Scott’s Addition we will talk up Richmond’s boozy history over some modern RVA brews with stops at Bingo Beer Co, Buskey Cider & Three Notch’d RVA Collab House.
Tickets include one drink per stop and some light bites as we kick things off at Bingo.
This first run will be limited to only 15 tickets, so don’t wait to get yours or they might be gone!
Tickets for this 21 and over event are $50 (plus a small service fee) and include the previously noted drinks, food, and gratuities. Guests are welcome to purchase extra drinks and food (where available) at their discretion. All guests should partake and enjoy responsibly.
RVA Taco Festival – Sunday, Hardywood (Ownby Lane)
Taco cat is very pleased with this Sunday’s plan to serve up a bunch of tacos, beer and music.
In conjunction with RVA Taco Festival, we’re excited to announce RVA Taco Festival at Hardywood!
A food festival featuring everyone’s favorite food – the delicious and versatile taco.
We’ll have a variety of unique tacos from some of Richmond’s favorite food trucks and restaurants, Hardywood craft beers (including the return of Cream Ale with Salt & Lime!!!) and live music, all to benefit Safe Harbor!
FREE to attend, beer and tacos will be available for purchase.
PARTICIPATING VENDORS
Intergalactic Tacos
La Bête
Taco Club
Wigglestick Barbecue
Jadean’s Smokin’ Six O
RVA New York Style
The Irish Rover
Sammich
Gaucho
Mean Bird
Taqueria Panchito
Right On Time Mobile Diner
Happy_Arepas
The Hungry Turtle Food Truck
Dank Eats
RVA Street FoodiesDESSERT
King Of Pops – Richmond
Shine Farms Market & CSA Pick Up – Sunday, Vasen Brewing Company
Eat your veggies young man or no beer for you.
Shine is offering produce this spring at two market sites and through Community Supported Agriculture, known as CSA, shares. Shine practices regenerative agriculture with a no-till system, allowing the soil’s microbiology to thrive. Shine produces chemical free, no-spray, nutrient dense food.
SIGN UP for a CSA share: http://shine.farm
Shine Farms fresh markets and CSA pick-up sites May 11 through November 23 on:
Saturdays 9:00am – 1:00pm at Goatocado, 1823 West Main street, Richmond
Sundays 12:00pm – 3:00pm at Vasen, 3331 West Moore Street, Richmond
BEER NEWS
Not local but big news as Sam Adams gobbles up Dogfish Head for $300 million.
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