RVA Beer Explorer
RVA Beer Explorer: Weekly Picks
What to do, drink, and know about the local beer scene this week.

GO DO THIS
Brews & Battle Stories – Center of the Universe, Wednesday
No snarky commentary on this one. Just a whole bunch of gratitude for all the veterans out there.
Our veteran community has a wealth of experience and wisdom to share. They’ve served and sacrificed in places civilians can only understand through books and movies. But Concerned Veterans for America is tapping into that knowledge through storytelling, conversation and civic engagement. Join CVA โ Virginia for our Brews & Battle Stories series at Center of the Universe Brewing Company in Ashland, VA. Each new installment of Brews and Battle Stories will feature local veterans sharing their stories of service, their experiences in coming home and their life after taking off the uniform. Local veteran groups will also speak on behalf of their organizations and what they are doing to help.
Although this is an entirely free event to attend, an RSVP is required! Please follow the link to secure your spot-
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cva-va-brews-and-battle-stories-ii-richmond-tickets-47223471675
Maymont Turtle Races – Hardywood (Ownby Lane), Friday
The glitz and glamour of turtle racing is coming to Richmond. Hopefully, it won’t bring with it the seedy underbelly of turtle doping and high stakes gambling that often accompanies international turtle racing.
Drafts are flowing at 4PM and its off to the races at 5PM! Get in onย #freshcanfridayย withย But Does It Make Sense? Can Releaseย and place your bet on the fastest turtle!ย NYStyleFood Richmondย is here serving their mobile menu!
Maymont and Theย Dooley Noted Societyย are partnering withย Hardywood Park Craft Breweryย to present exhilarating races between four of the turtles that call Maymont home, with heats at 6:45pm, 7:00pm and 7:15pm. This unique event is open to the public in conjunction with Hardywoodโs canned beer release of โBut Does It Make Sense?โ and features live music by the local band,ย Night Ideaย kicking off at 6PM. Come out to support your favorite turtle team! All proceeds to benefit Maymontโs Adopt-an-Animal program.
Riverfront Beer Garden – Triple Crossing/Tredegar, Saturday
This is a great idea that I hope takes off. Basically, a legally sanctioned pop-up beer garden down by the river.
Weโre excited to announce Richmondโs first outdoor pop-up beer garden at Historic Tredegar on the James. Weโll be pouring beer on the patio at Tredegar overlooking the James River and Brownโs Island from 12-8pm on Saturday, June 30th. Triple Crossing favorites like Falcon Smash IPA will be available alongside several other Triple Crossing beers and a brand new release just for the event. Food trucks will be set up on site for lunch or dinner and weโll have a DJ spinning tunes all day. Come out and celebrate the beautiful RVA outdoors and welcome summer in style. A portion of all proceeds from the event will go to benefit the American Civil War Museum at Historic Tredegar. This is a free event to attend and everything will be sold by the pour.
BEER NEWS
The Answer Brewpub and The Veil Brewing Co. have made glassware releases almost as sought after as the beers themselves – RTD
After years of glassware abuse, we finally had to have an intervention.ย I’m proud to say that I’m two years clean on bringing new glassware into the house. That being said, every time I see a cool glass I have to fight the urge to throw my money and grab one. I’m not alone it appears.
Members on social media sites devote entire groups to what they have coined โproperโ glassware (or the lesser used term โglass whalesโ); many will trade rare, highly prized beer for the chance to snag a favorite. Unlike seasonal beers, unique glasses are released only once โ so the secondary market value for anyone who misses the release can be high.
https://richmondbizsense.com/2018/06/22/mystery-buyer-found-shuttered-southside-brewery/
DRINK THIS
Smoked Blood Peach Sour Release – Vรคsen Brewing Company, Wednesday
The name sounds a little scary but I’m sure the beer is quite tasty.
Back by popular demand, we’re pumped to be dropping the second batch of our Smoked Blood Peach Sour….this time with DOUBLE the peaches!
This crisp, fruity, sour begins with a bold hit of peaches and citrus, followed by subtle smokiness and a hint of toffee.
Vapour Trail Double IPA Returns – Final Gravity, Friday
Yay to IPA.
Another smooth and hazy Double IPA returns to the taps at Final Gravity this week. Vapour Trail is brewed with Falconer’s Flight and Citra hops which bring the essence of grapefruit, floral, and tropical tones. It’ll soon fade away like voices in a hurricane so act quickly.
You Killed My Father, Prepare to DIePA – Castleburg, Friday
Yay to references to the greatest movie character seeking vengeance ever.
Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die… is what we’d say if we were a badass Spaniard who dedicated his whole life to the study of the sword. But, since we’re simple beer people we’ll say this: You Killed My Father, Prepare To DIePA.
This 7.7% DIPA explodes with citrusy hop flavors. Packed with citra, comet, mandarina bavaria, and a bit of nugget this beer begged for some fruit so we added blood orange puree to the fermenter to kick the citrus up a notch. With huge citrus on the nose and big hoppy flavor, we know you’ll love this revenge.. we mean beer.
Monkey’s Uncle Lemongrass Tripel Release – Center of the Universe, Saturday
Put “monkey” in a beer name and I’m there, end of story.
Come celebrate the return of Monkeyโs Uncle Lemongrass Tripel! Monkey’s Uncle is COTUโs take on a classic beer style from Belgium โ the Tripel. Pilsner malt is the primary building block, providing a light crisp body and straw color. Small amounts of German Munich and Vienna malts add further color and sweetness. Belgian Candi Sugar and fresh lemongrass, added during the boil, contributes more fermentables and aromatics, while at the same time lightening the body further. Lightly hopped, this beer was fermented with a yeast strain originating from one of Belgiumโs celebrated breweries.
BEERSTAGRAM

RVA Beer Explorer
RVA Beer Explorer: Burlesque, JamPacked Beer Festival, Three Notch’d Kitchen Grand Opening
Once again the weather is cooling off for the weekend. Get out there and do stuff, this stuff right here.

GO DO THIS
Pours and Pasties Burlesque & Variety Show at Strangeways (Dabney Road)
August 12th
Always a fan of burlesque and beer and I haven’t plugged this event in a while so here you go and you should go.
Burlesque Right Meow is back at Strangeways Brewing and ready to heat things up for this summer time show! This cast full of fabulous entertainers will excite and delight you all night long! Join us for a unforgettable evening of burlesque and variety while enjoying the unique and delicious craft brews of Strangeways!
This month’s spectacular performers:
Briiyana Jay
Darshe Dazzles
Francesca Lyn
Murphy Lawless
Poppy la Fae
Sally Stardust
Scarlet Starlet
With feature performer Jacqueline Boxxe from MD!
Hosted by Ego Von Hubris
***We ask that all patrons wear a mask regardless of vaccination status while not actively drinking. Disposable masks will be available***
Doors at 8:30pm, show at 9pm
Tickets are just $12 in advance, $15 at the door for general admission
**WE ARE NOW OFFERING VIP TICKETS FOR THIS SHOW!!! Do you want a guaranteed front row seat reserved for you at Pours and Pasties? VIP tickets are now available for $20! You can only get these in advance and just 10 are available so get them before they’re gone for the best seats in the house!**
Get your tickets at: https://BRMaug2022.bpt.me
JamPacked Craft Beer and Music Festival on Brown’s Island
August 13th
The website has more information when you scroll down.ย I have not heard of the bands Lettuce, Spafford, Big Something, Magic Beans, and FeelFree but perhaps you have. They have an impressive list of 39 breweries. General Admission is $25 (day of price $35, no cash at the gate) and gives you access to music all day with food & beverage for purchase. Not a lot of food options only Shakedown Eats, Goatocado, 1115 Mobile Kitchen and JiJi Frozen Custard.
The JamPacked Craft Beer and Music Festival is committed to creating a waste-free event utilizing only recyclable materials and helping to create a great local experience in the Richmond market.
Three Notch’d Brewing RVA GRAND OPENING
August 12-14th
I stopped by the new restauranty side of Three Notch’d last week. It was solid. Nothing blew me away but definitely worth checking out and I’ll be back. The Pretzel Bites which I didn’t order, looked tasty are on special so it’s probably worth it just for that.
It’s finally here… our kitchen and FULL SERVICE BAR is finally open and ready for you! Come join us for our Grand Opening weekend!
WEEKEND SPECIALS:
$5 Pretzel Bites
$8 Bowmanโs Whiskey Smash
$5 Beer Specials
FREE goodie bags for kids ft. coloring pages and more!
BEER NEWS
You might say trouble is bubbling up.
Carbon dioxide shortage brewing up trouble for breweries in central Virginia – NBC12
Gott said his bill for CO2 was more than he usually pays due to a shortage in carbon dioxide.
โGasoline Fees, of course, fuel fees and the surcharges for the disruption of the CO2 supply was $743,โ Gott said.
He said the disruption was due to one of the larger CO2 providers in the country running into a contamination issue last month.
Gott said now his supplier has to drive hundreds of miles for an ingredient that goes into what you drink and helps push your beer through the production process.
BEERSTAGRAM
View this post on Instagram
RVA Beer Explorer
RVA Beer Explorer: 804 Day, Alex Fest, Forever Summer Fest, Hop Harvest Fest
The end of summer is on the horizon take advantage of every beer minute.

GO DO THIS
804 DAY – Celebrate RVA @ Buskey Cider!
August 4th
Happy 804 Day I hope Fixie Claus brings you a PBR and a knit cap. Yes, a cider event but there will be beer as well.
Celebrate RVA on #804Day! On Thursday, August 4th, aka 8/04 Day, Buskey Cider will be throwing the 6th Annual event, celebrating all that is Richmond!
๐ซ๐๐ซLIMITED RELEASE CIDER: We’ll be releasing a special batch of 804 Day Buskey Triple Berry Cider in collaboration with Agriberry! Made with blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries. Available on draft only for a limited time.
๐ FOOD: Snag some delicious local barbecue from our friends at 191 Smokery. 5pm-8:30.
๐บ LOCAL BEERS: Enjoy 804 Day with pints of cider and select beers from around the 804 in the cidery to celebrate. Available from 5pm on.
>> Steam Bell Beerworks (Midlothian) – Extra Plenty Cucumber Gose
>> Vรคsen Brewing Company (Scott’s Addition, RVA) – Hefeweizen
>> Center of the Universe (Ashland) – Brewski Lager
๐จ ART: Create and take home your own 804 Day design! Materials provided.
Forever Summer Fest by Veil Brewing at ChildSavers 200 North 22nd Street
August 6th
Veil beers are great but if you go to the festival you might want to concentrate on non-RVA beers of which there are a ton.
We are beyond excited to welcome back Forever Summer Festival 2022!
After a long three-year break, we welcome you back to join us and our friends at ChildSavers, our annual local beneficiary for this annual charitable event.
All proceeds for this event will go to ChildSavers. For the kids. Visit www.childsavers.org for more information on this wonderful organization.
Forever Summer is an intimate festival that we bring to you where you can relax and enjoy great beer in one of the best overlooks our city has to offer. This event will be broken up into two sessions, A + B&C. There will be 175 tickets sold per each session. Everyone attendee will have the ability to taste each beer if desired.
Forever Summer Fest tickets are live! ๐๐บ๐บ๐ธ๐ธ
https://www.eventbrite.com/…/forever-summer-festival…
What is included in ticket price:
๐ธ1x Forever Summer event tasting glass
๐บ1x 3 oz. taste of each beer
๐ธA festival map/menu card
๐บSpecial bottle of Starve: Exhibit E for take home only. The only way to receive this bottle is by attending Forever Summer.
LINE ๐
Angry Chair, Cloudwater, Evil Twin, Other Half, Three Floyds, 3 Sons, Two Tides, Fidens, Root and Branch, American Solera, Bellwoods, Bissell Brothers, Bottle Logic, Cantillon, Cycle, de Garde, Fonta Flora, Half Acre, Hudson Valley, Jester King, J. Wakefield, Monkish, Ocelot, Oxbow, Pen Druid, Sante Adairius, Side Project, Drie Fonteinen, Suarez Family, The Answer, Trillium + MORE!
**Designated driver tickets are available at the door for $10. DDโs will receive a different color wrist band and any sampling from the festival while wearing this wrist band is grounds for removal from the festival.**
Alex Fest at Center of the Universe Brewing
August 6th
Cool cars, motorcycles, music and beer. Sounds like a pretty nice Saturday.
Get your engines ready! We’ve got live music, fast cars, and cold drinks right here at Center of the Universe! Alex Fest is bringing an awesome car and bike show to our lot. That, PLUS live music from some of our favorite bands PLUS food from Legendary Provisions food truck! You don’t want to miss this!
Band lineup…
Eric Tipton: 2-3
Crowded Minds: 3:30-4:30
Satellites and Friends: 5-6:30
Guntown (Alex Tribute band): 7-8
Hop Harvest Festival at Hardywood (Ownby Lane)
August 7th
I’ve always liked the long running tradition of Hardywood using local’s hops in a beer. Sunday is the day to turn your home hopwork in to Hardywood.
Join us for a celebration of the hop!
๐ข Bring in your homegrown hop vines for use in this year’s batch of RVA IPA and get a $5 Hardywood gift card
๐ข Pick fresh hops off the vine
๐ข Listen to tunes from Toad Head, Sincerely Iris, and Justin Trawick and the Common Good
๐ข Enjoy something delicious from the Hardywood Pizza Kitchen
*Original art from Tyler Thomas*
BEER NEWS
Bye-bye Legend Deck View
Plan for 13 and 17-story apartment towers could block iconic view of Richmond skyline – CBS 6
That view could soon change with the building of a new high-rise apartment.
Avery Hall Investors, a development company based in New York, has plans to build River’s Edge II, an apartment complex set to include more than 500 units, at 301 West Sixth Street.
Plans include one 13-story tower and one 17-story tower.
These plans differ from the original building plans that were proposed back in 2019, which were then approved by Richmond City Council in June of 2020. Those plans called for an 11-story tower with up to 350 units.
It’s not a done deal but we’ll see or not see in the future.
BEERSTAGRAM
RVA Beer Explorer
RVA Beer Explorer: Beer Bourbon BBQ, Gingerbread Stout, Summer Can Crush, Comedy
The weather is supposed not be so hot this weekend so you’ll be sweaty when outside instead full drenched with major swamp-ass.

GO DO THIS
Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival – The Meadow Event Park
July 30th,
I’ve never been to this festival but I’m a super big fan of two of these things. Not a big fan of the way I-95 has been on weekends lately so attend at your own risk.
RICHMONDโs BIGGEST, BADDEST, BONE-IN, BBQ Fest is Back For More!!! This 13th Annual affair offers up all those pleasures that true Southerners live by โ Beer, Bourbon, Barbecue, Boots, Bacon, Biscuits, Bluegrass, and Smoked Beasts! Itโs a great day of beer sippinโ, bourbon tastinโ, music listeninโ, cigar smokinโ, and barbecue eatinโ. Your admission buys you a sampling glass so you can enjoy an ALL-YOU-CARE-TO-TASTE sampling of beer and bourbon.
– ALL NEW LOCATION! Farm Bureau Center at The Meadow Event Park โ Same Location as the State Fair of Virginia!
– Each Guest Receives a Souvenir Glass to enjoy All You Care To Taste Beer and Bourbon Tastings as you stroll from table to table.
– BBQ Galore! Enjoy the great barbeque selection from our vendors onsite โ pulled pork from whole hogs, ribs, brisket, chickens, sausages and all the fixinsโ you can imagine. Weโll keep the portions heavy and the prices low.
– The SHRINE OF SWINE is back! Enjoy whole hogs during each session. Pork worship at its finest!
– GAME IT: The Cochon Carnival is loaded with fun activities and games to keep everyone challenged. Connect four, giant jenga, cornhole, and so much more…
– Enjoy Seminars in the Tasting Theater with Master Distillers, Brewmasters, and Pit Masters From the Deep South.
– DANCE: Listen To Live Rock & Blues Music on The Main Stage.
– SHOP: Browse brewerania, hot sauces, and BBQ accessories.
– and a few surprises.
Hardywood Christmas in July both locations
July 26-30th
I’ll be honest, a Gingerbread Stout when it’s 10,000 degrees outside doesn’t sound appealing to me at all. In fact there is a Gingerbread Stout sitting in my fridge right now. Don’t let my negativity prevent you from climbing aboard the gingerbread hype train.
What’s better than Christmas in July with a little GBS?
We will have a full week of select 2021 Gingerbread Stout variants on draft and specials on to-go bottles & cans. Missing some of your favorites from the holidays? Don’t wait to enjoy it!
Specials will be available at both locations while supplies lasts.
RVA | Summer Can Crush at Benchtop Brewing
July 30th
I’m not sure where they’re going to fit everybody because the taproom is small. I assume they’ll be taking over a sidestreet. I’ll let the pros worry about the logistics I’m just excited to see something happening in that part of town that’s not Basic City or Legend. Also, looks to be a good variety of beer to “crush”.
Mark your calendars for an epic summer event that will include only the most crushable cans from some of our favorite breweries, a special pop-up with Hamfish BBQ featuring a delicious menu + local vendors selling their goods!
โ๏ธ ๐ ๐ ๐ผ๐ผ๐ด๐ ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ฝ ๐ฒ๐ ๐ ๐ ๐ทโ๏ธ
๐๏ธ ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐จ๐ฅ๐๐๐ฌ | July 30
โฐ ๐ญ๐ฎ ๐ฝ๐บ – ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ฝ๐บ
๐ 434 Hull St, Richmond, VA๐ป๐ฑ๐ด๐ด๐
Our friends over at Reverie Distribution helped us select the crispiest and most crushable brews from some of our favorite ๐๐ฅ๐๐ช๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ฆ. We’ll have plenty of ๐พ๐ผ๐๐ ๐๐ค๐ง ๐ฎ๐ค๐ช ๐ฉ๐ค ๐พ๐๐๐๐. Snag some DRINK TICKETS ($6.00 per ticket) and explore tasty brews from all over the Commonwealth + a few outsiders!
โ Cans purchased during this event are for ON-SITE consumption only!
๐บ Ardent Craft Ales (Richmond, VA) โ ๐ฅ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ๐ฟ โ American Lager๐บBarrier Brewing Company (Oceanside, NY) โ ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด โ American Lager
๐บ Casa Agria (Oxnard, CA) – ๐๐ฎ ๐๐ผ๐ฐ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ โ Japanese Rice Lager
๐บ Dutchess Ales (Wassaic, NY) – ๐๐ฒ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ๐ฟ โ Helles
๐บ J. Wakefield (Miami, FL) – ๐๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ถ๐ป ๐ข๐ฎ๐ธ โ Dark Lager
๐บ Masthead Brewing Company (Cleveland, OH) – ๐ข๐ป๐ถ ๐๐ถ๐ฟ๐ถ ๐๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ๐ฟ โ Japanese Rice Lager
๐บ Oxbow Brewing Company (Newcastle, ME) โ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ๐ฟ โ Lager
๐บ Threes Brewing (Brooklyn, NY) โ ๐ฉ๐ถ๐น๐ฒ๐ โ German Pilsner
๐บ Torch and Crown (NYC, NY) – ๐ฆ๐๐ผ๐ผ๐ฝ ๐๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฟ โ Citra American Lager
๐ฝ ๐ต๐พ๐พ๐ณ
Hamfish BBQ has crafted an insanely tasty menu he’ll share with our fans all day. This pop-up will run from 12 pm – 6 pm (or sold out).โ๏ธ ๐ ๐ด๐ฝ๐ณ๐พ๐ ๐
Plus, we’ll have a few talented local ๐ฉ๐๐ก๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ฆ selling their goods from 12 pm – 5 pm.
๐ธ Val’s Art Cavern
๐ธ Peaceful Fringe
๐ธ Rutitta
๐ธ Kate Berinhout Art
Hearst Girls & Friends Comedy Show at Strangeways (Dabney Road)
July 30th
Everyone is funnier when you’ve had a couple beers.
Hearst Girls & Friends is back…and at a new venue!
Catch this comedy showcase featuring stand up from Patrice DeVeaux and Leila Youmans, plus Special Guest Heather Joyce.
All followed by a made-up-on-the-spot improvised monoscene with guest improviser Kathryn Michael. NICE.
Hosted by the Hearst Girls (Casey Michelle Neeley, Kiersten Anna, & Amber Hendrix).
See y’all soon! xoxo
Doors at 6:30 PM // Show at 7:00 PM
$10 // tickets online or at the door
********************
Please note: Masks are optional, but full vaccination is mandatory.
BEER NEWS
Looks like the Three Notch’d RVA Collab House expansion is up and running. I haven’t been by yet. I’m looking forward to giving it a try.
BEERSTAGRAM
View this post on Instagram