Virginia Craft Beer Events for Jan 27th – Feb 2nd

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Edmond

Last week I announced Great Lakes Brewing will begin distribution into Northern Virginia (those lucky so and so).
Well this week it was announced that Specialty Beverage will begin distribution of Peak Organic Brewing out of Portland, ME. Now this is a great win as I’ve had their Amber Ale and loved how much of an easy drinker this beer really is. Plus if you are very much into the organic food scene then this is will fit right into your niche.
The other bit of good news is Maui Brewing will start to expand to the entire state in about a month. Yep, Specialty Beverage did it again and man am I excited. I love their Coconut Porter but who doesn’t? Anyway, like I said you can expect to see it in the rest of the state in about a month. If you live in Northern VA well you’ve already been enjoying their beers (grumble grumble).

So with that let’s get in to our events:
Fri Jan 27th:
Capital Ale House Innsbrook is having their third Friday of Single Hopped Randall.  This week will  feature Dogfish Head 60 Minute run through Nugget hops starting at 5pm.
Wine and Beer Westpark is hosting their final Beer Theater and boy is it a good one.  They will have Mitch Steele with Stone Brewing doing a vertical tasting with the Stone Epic Vertical Ales.  This may be full already so give Matt a call to see if there are spots available.

Sat Jan 28th:
Rustico Restaurant in Ballston is having The Beer Academy classes.  It’s a new program started this year.  Here is your chance to learn some thing new about beer, but this is sold out. The other classes are filling up quickly.

Mon Jan 30th:
Jack Brown’s Burger Joint is having a Firestone Walker Mini-Event.  Come on in to enjoy Firestone Walker XV, Union Jack and Double Jack.  They start 5pm.

Tue Jan 31st:
It’s Devils Backbone Kick Off Week!  To start it off all Capital Ale House Locations will have a Devils Backbone Steal the Glass night.  They will have kegs of Eightpoint IPA, Vienna Lager and limited quantities Kilt Lifter, Ale of Fergus, and Black Rock Stout.

Wed Feb 1st:
It’s Devils Backbone – The Devil’s Crawl is happening in Richmond.  Starting at Commercial Taphouse then heading to Secco Wine Bar and finally ending at Caliente different kegs of some special brews will be on hand.  The crawl starts at 6pm.
Billy Jacks Wing and Draft Shack is having a Drink Away the Cold Beer Event.  Bridget with 12 Percent Import  will be on hand to pour select Belgian beers starting at 6pm.
Canal Bistro is having a Five Course Beer Dinner.  Tickets are only $25 but by reservation only.  So I’d follow the link for menu and contact details and get your ticket now!

….And this ends this week’s event updates.  Be sure to follow me on Twitter for the latest and greatest event updates.

Cheers!

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Virginia Craft Beer Tasting for Jan 27th – Feb 2nd

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Edmond

Friday Jan 27th:
Vintage Cellar will host John from Crispin Cider for an in house tasting from 2-6pm.
Once Upon a Vine North will have Brandon from Roanoke sampling selections from Unibroue from 5 -8pm.
Once Upon a Vine South will host Hatcher from Specialty Beverage pouring new beers from Mission Street brewery from 5-8pm
Arrowine  will have nice selection pouring from 5-7:30pm
Wine Gourmet has a selection of four beers selected by Aaron from 5-8pm.
Corks and Kegs Weekly Beer Tasting will have a nice selection of beers to be sampled from 5:30 – 7:30pm
Grapes of Taste and Wine Gourmet has a great selection of 6 beers ready to be poured 5;30 – 7:30pm, including three from Blue & Gray Brewing
The Hoppy Dog will have a Green Flash tasting with Joseph with Specialty Beverage from 6:30 – 8:30.  They will start with  6:30-7:30  Double Stout and West Coast IPA and 6:30-7:30  Double Stout and West Coast IPA.

Sat Jan 28th:
Rick’s Wine & Gourmet: will have their weekly tasting starting at noon until 5pm, featuring winter seasonal.

Wed Feb 1st:
Beer Run in Charlottesville will have their weekly tasting start at 6pm. Check the site on Tuesday for the line up.

Thur Feb 2nd:
The Virginia Wine Experience will have their weekly tasting starting at 5;30. Follow them on Facebook and vote for what they will sample.

Remember to follow me on Twitter for the latest updates. If you have any beer tastings in Virgina send me a note, I’ll be happy to get it in the events

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Video: Virginia Craft Beer Review featuring Starr Hill Brewing and Blue Mountain Brewing

Posted on January 21, 2012 by Edmond

In this episode I review Starr Hill‘s Wee Heavy and Blue Mountain Brewing’s Lights Out. Both are great beers and easily could be Top 10 beers on anybody’s list.
Now with that being said, I got a confession. After this was shot I realized I was reviewing the BJCP guidelines for a 80 Schilling. Now the styles are similiar (Wee Heavy and 80 Schilling) the major difference is the Wee Heavy tends to be a bigger beer.

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Virginia Craft Beer Events from Jan 20th – 26th

Posted on January 20, 2012 by Edmond

 Great Lakes Brewing Company To Enter Northern Virginia

January 18, 2012—CLEVELAND, OHIO—Great Lakes Brewing Company (GLBC), Ohio’s most celebrated craft brewer of award-winning lagers and ales, announces its plan to enter Northern Virginia with Hop & Wine Beverage on February 27, 2012. On the heels of rolling out Central Pennsylvania (February 1st) and Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill (February 20th), Northern Virginia is the latest distribution area in the company’s strategic growth plans. Hop & Wine Beverage currently distributes GLBC products throughout Washington DC; Virginia will become the 13th state to receive GLBC’s craft beers.

Customers can expect to see GLBC’s year-round family of beers in package and draft, as well as the new “Taster’s Pack” (a sampler 12-pack). The new market rollout will involve multiple customer appreciation events, meet-and-greets, tastings and giveaways throughout the area.

GLBC currently serves 13 states and Washington DC. Founded in 1988 by brothers Patrick and Daniel Conway as the first craft brewery in the state of Ohio, GLBC is nationally known for its exceptional family of beers including Dortmunder Gold Lager, Eliot Ness Amber Lager, Burning River Pale Ale, Commodore Perry India Pale Ale and Edmund Fitzgerald Porter. Visit greatlakesbrewing.com/washingtondc-nova and follow @GLBCinDC on Twitter for exclusive updates and event announcements.

OK first I am excited that Great Lakes Brewing is entering the state but really?  I never understood this concept but it is what it is.  Hopefully, we’ll see them move to the entire soon enough.
Folks, if you don’t already you should be checking out VABeerTrails.net.  The site is growing and things are happening.  Tell Kory I sent you.  He might actually let you know join the site.
Also if you don’t already check out the event calendar you should do so as there are many beer dinners this week.  In fact we are starting up with festival season too.  Check out the Barleywine Festival at Mad Fox Brewing on  Feb 11th.

So with that let’s get in to our events:
Fri Jan 20th:
Capital Ale House Innsbrook is having it’s Single Hopped Randall Event.   Tonight’s special brew is Stone IPA run through Fuggle hops.  Starts pouring at 5pm.
Gadsby Historic Tavern in Alexandria is having a Four Course Beer Dinner.  The menu and cost are at the link.  I am not sure availability but follow the link for details.

Sat Jan 21st:
Rustico Restaurant in Ballston is having The Beer Academy classes.  It’s a new program started this year.  Here is your chance to learn some thing new about beer, but this is based on space so reservations needed.  Check the link for details.
Not to be left out Total Wine & More Robious will have a Learn about Beer: Belgian Classics.  Here is your chance to learn more about Belgian beers.  You need to call to reserve spot.
Clarke’s Grill and Sports Bar is having a Starr Hill Beer Dinner starting at 6:30pm.  The cost is $50 for individual and $90.  The menu looks great so follow the link for menu and reservation details.

Sun Jan 22nd:
It’s the 2012 RVANews Beer Dinner at The Roosevelt.  The dinner start at 6pm and is $45 per person.  They have created a great menu paired with some great beer.  Check out the link for more details.
Cock and Bowl will have their annual Winterfest Beer Dinner.  How about a 6 course dinner pair with 6 spectacular beers?  Well space is filling up quick so reserve your spot now.  Check the link for details.

Mon Jan 23rd:
It’s the beginning of the Vietnamese New Year and of course, Mekong has found another reason to celebrate.  They are having a Year of the Drag-An at Mekong event.  Come by between 5 – 11:30 for special kegs on taps.

Tue Jan 24th:
TJ Stones is having a Port City Brewing Beer Dinner starting at 6:30pm.  The cost is $35 per person.  You got it link has menu and reservation details.
Devils Backbone Brewing is host a Rare Beer Dinner starting at 6:30pm.  The menu is great and the paired beers are truly some thing else.  Cost is $40 per person.

Wed Jan 25th:
Mad Fox Brewing is having their annual Robbie Burns Beer Dinner.  The dinner starts at 6pm and is $65 per person.

Thur Jan 26th:
Brixx Pizza is hosting a Heavy Seas Beer Dinner starting at 6:30.  Tickets are $35 each including tax and gratuity. Call us at (703) 878-3152 to reserve your place at the table.

Fri Jan 27th:
Capital Ale House Innsbrook is having their third Friday of Single Hopped Randall.  This week will  feature Dogfish Head 60 Minute run through Nugget hops starting at 5pm.

….And this ends this week’s event updates.  Be sure to follow me on Twitter for the latest and greatest event updates.

Cheers!

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