VMFA, Starr Hill Brewery team up on limited edition beer to celebrate upcoming ‘Storied Strings’ guitar exhibition

Starr Hill Brewery and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) recently announced the launch of a limited-edition beer, Storied Strings Lager, developed to celebrate the museum’s upcoming exhibition, Storied Strings: The Guitar in American Art.

The exclusive brew will debut at an evening launch party being held from 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 1, 2022, at Starr Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop in Richmond. Storied Strings Lager will be available for purchase by guests ages 21 and older with IDs. For more information about the Storied Strings Lager release party, visit www.VMFA.museum.

“To expand the awareness of our institution and to reach new audiences, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts thoughtfully engages local community businesses in smart and unique collaborations,” said Jan Hatchette, VMFA’s Deputy Director for Communications and Marketing. “Working with Starr Hill’s talented brewers to develop Storied Strings Lager has been an exciting creative experience. This carefully crafted beer in its distinctive can will help to introduce VMFA and our upcoming exhibition, Storied Strings: The Guitar in American Art, to a new generation of visitors.”

Storied Strings Lager, available starting October 1, 2022, is a harmonious fusion of Starr Hill and VMFA’s shared passion for music and art. The special brew is a light-bodied beer prominently featuring German malts, which provide its pale amber color and notes of biscuit and toffee on the palate. This subtle malt sweetness is balanced by German Hallertau hops and a crisp, clean finish. It is perfect for a concert or backyard jam.

Available in 4-packs of 16-ounce cans and draft, Storied Strings Lager will be sold across Virginia at Starr Hill’s six breweries and at VMFA’s Best Café and Amuse Restaurant for a limited time — until March 19, 2023, or supplies sell out.

Storied Strings Lager’s eye-catching can features Jessie with Guitar (1957), a work by eminent American artist Thomas Hart Benton (1889–1975). The iconic painting is one of more than 150 works of art and instruments that will be included in the exhibition Storied Strings: The Guitar in American Art on view at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts from October 8, 2022 to March 19, 2023.

“Since its inception, Starr Hill has strived to create a connection between high-quality beer and great music. The brewery has supported and will continue to support local artists and musicians across the Commonwealth,” said Allie Hochman, General Manager at Starr Hill Richmond. “Starr Hill is thrilled to partner with VMFA on this collaboration, and we look forward to sharing Storied Strings Lager with art and beer fans everywhere!”