Virginia Craft Beer Tastings for May18th – 24th

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Edmond

Friday May 18th:
Vintage Cellar will host a weekly beer tasting including from 2-6pm.
Total Wine & More locations all over Virginia are having tastings today from 4-7pm, in celebration of American Craft Beer Week.
Oakton Wine Shop will be pour some Devils Backbone and Starr Hill from 4-7pm.
Grape Gourmet will have Troegs Brewing in house from 4:30 – 7pm.
Once Upon a Vine North will have Chris with Loveland Dist. sampling some Sierra Nevada and Sam Adams brews from 5pm to 8pm.
Once Upon a Vine South will host many different pourers today in celebration of American Craft Beer Week from 5-8pm
Wine Gourmet is having a mystery tasting from 5-8pm
Corks and Kegs will sample some fine beer from 5:30 – 7:30pm
Grapes of Taste and Wine Gourmet will have their weekly tasting from 5:30 – 7:30pm
Cork and Fork will have their weekly tasting from 6:30 – 8pm.

Sat May 19th:
Rick’s Wine & Gourmet: will be pouring their beers from noon until 5pm.
Arrowine will have their weekly tasting from 1 – 4pm.

Tue May 22nd:
Mad Fox Brewing is doing their Tuesday Tapping with (unknown at this time) at 3p.

Wed May 23rd:
Beer Run in Charlottesville will have their weekly tasting start at 6pm. Check the site on Tuesday for the line up.

Thur May 24th:
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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American Craft Beer in Virginia Week May 14- 20th

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Edmond

So American Craft Beer Week begins today.  Through out the country there are many events set up to celebrate America’s Craft Brew industry.  Virginia is no different.  I’ve tried to list those events on each day.  However, here they are all listed in one spot.

Monday May 14th:

  • American Craft Beer Week Brew Ridge Trail ‘Keep the Glass”
    Brew Ridge Trail ‘Keep the Glass”
    Members of the Brew Ridge Trail in Nelson County, VA collaborate on a Honey-Pear Wit beer to be released for American Craft Beer Week. The Brew Ridge Trail collaboration beer was brewed at Wild Wolf Brewing Company, Nellysford, VA, with members of all of the Nelson County brewers. Mitch Hamilton (Blue Mountain Brewery), Jason Oliver (Devils Backbone Brewing Co.), Danny Wolf (Wild Wolf Brewing Co.) The beer will be available at all of the breweries during American Craft Beer Week. Customers will also receive a very limited edition Brew Ridge Trail pint glass with their purchase while supplies last.
  • American Craft BeerWeek Firkin Crawl
    American Craft BeerWeek Firkin Crawl: Weezie’s 5:30pm, Commercial Taphouse 6:45pm, Selba 8pm. Featuring Legend Goledn/Brown Ale blend w/ Sorachi Ace hops, Mad Fox, and Victory Ranch R DIPA.
    American Craft BeerWeek Firkin Crawl

Tuesday May 15th

  • The Birch’s American Craft Beer Week Celebration

    The Birch will be putting 10 American Craft Beers on tap in celebration of American Craft Beer Week!Also to kick off The Birch’s American Craft Beer Week Celebration on Tuesday we are teaming up with Hubcap Grill Norfolk! They will be here starting at 6pm serving up some delicious grub to accompany your craft beer!All American drafts served in 16 oz pints for $5.
    All American growler fills $15.Tap List :

    1.Stone Vertical Epic 11.11.11
    2. Left Hand Smoke Jumper
    3. Ommegang Witte
    4. Firestone Walker Double Jack
    5. Brooklyn Brewmaster Reserve Dry Irish Stout
    6. The Bruery Mischief
    7. Ballast Point Sculpin
    8. Stillwater Existent
    9. Terrapin 10th Anniversary
    10. Allagash Blonde
  • American Craft Beer Week Brew Ridge Trail ‘Keep the Glass”
    Members of the Brew Ridge Trail in Nelson County, VA collaborate on a Honey-Pear Wit beer to be released for American Craft Beer Week. The Brew Ridge Trail collaboration beer was brewed at Wild Wolf Brewing Company, Nellysford, VA, with members of all of the Nelson County brewers. Mitch Hamilton (Blue Mountain Brewery), Jason Oliver (Devils Backbone Brewing Co.), Danny Wolf (Wild Wolf Brewing Co.) The beer will be available at all of the breweries during American Craft Beer Week. Customers will also receive a very limited edition Brew Ridge Trail pint glass with their purchase while supplies last.
  • Pales…in comparison- A celebration of the American Pale Ale @ Joe’s Inn
    Pales…in comparison- A celebration of the American Pale Ale @ Joe’s Inn. 10 pales to choose from. Legend Pale Ale, Devils Backbone 4 Point w/ single experimental hop, Heavy Seas Pale, Dale’s Pale, Southern Tier Pale, Victory Headwaters, Southern Tier HopSun, O’Connor Norfolk Canyon, Sierra Nevada Pale.
  • Hardywood Park Beer Dinner at The Blue Goat
    Hardywood Park Dinner at Blue Goat. 7:30pm. Reservations required. $50 + tax/gratuity.

    Hardywood Park Beer Dinner at The Blue Goat

Wednesday May 16th:

  • The Birch’s American Craft Beer Week Celebration

    The Birch will be putting 10 American Craft Beers on tap in celebration of American Craft Beer Week!Also to kick off The Birch’s American Craft Beer Week Celebration on Tuesday we are teaming up with Hubcap Grill Norfolk! They will be here starting at 6pm serving up some delicious grub to accompany your craft beer!All American drafts served in 16 oz pints for $5.
    All American growler fills $15.Tap List :

    1.Stone Vertical Epic 11.11.11
    2. Left Hand Smoke Jumper
    3. Ommegang Witte
    4. Firestone Walker Double Jack
    5. Brooklyn Brewmaster Reserve Dry Irish Stout
    6. The Bruery Mischief
    7. Ballast Point Sculpin
    8. Stillwater Existent
    9. Terrapin 10th Anniversary
    10. Allagash Blonde
  • Beer Theater: Goose Island at Capital Ale House Downtown
    Beer Theater: Goose Island @ Cap Ale Downtown
    Skype tasting w/ Brewmaster Brett Porter. Featuring Sofie, Matilda, Pere Jacques, 312, Honkers, & IPA.
    The event hall will be open from 5:30-7:30 and the show will be 6-7, as per usual. There will be a $10 cover for this event, but I believe we are working on a drink or dinner special to coincide.There is no reservations. If you have any questions feel free to call Capital Ale House directly 780-2537.
  • Goose Island Beer Dinner at Acacia Midtown
    Goose Island Beer Dinner
    Acacia Midtown
    Wednesday May 16
    $30 (exclusive of tax & gratuity)
    804-562-0138 for reservations1st CourseSofie
    Local Raw Oyster with Radish, Mandarinquat & Chive
    … Fluke Crudo with Foie Gras and Meyer Lemon Emulsion
    Sea Bass Ceviche Peruvian Style with Red Pepper Gelee2nd CourseIPA
    Hop Spiced Pork Pate
    Roasted Barley Crust
    Edible Flowers3rd CourseMatilda
    Almond Crusted Grouper
    “Moules Frites”orPepe Nero
    Corned Beef Brisket
    Pumpernickel Gnocchi
    Coriander Veal Jus
  • American Craft Beer Week Kill the Keg at Mad Fox Brewing
    Mad Fox has invited local brewers back for another Kill the Keg event. First keg to be finished wins the honors! We’ll have brewers from all five guest breweries to join us.

  • Devils Backbone American Craft Beer Week Pork & Craft Beer Dinner
     ***THIS HAS BEEN CANCELLED***
    Devils Backbone Invites You to Celebrate American Craft Beer Week By Joining Us for aPork & Craft Beer DinnerThree delightful courses all accompanied by DB beers that have never been served at any beer dinner beforeWedneday, May 16th, 2012 At
    6 p.m. here at our BasecampMenu
    Opening beer – low hanging fruit
    Cheddar and local applesFirst course – striped bass ale
    Spicy melon salad with pineapple mint and smoked haloumi cheeseSecond course- Maibock
    Low hanging fruit braised pork bellyCongo,pork,and bacon sausage on bed of Vienna braised kale
    Shrimp and Vienna sausageThird course – Belgian congo
    Meyer lemon semifreddo with marcona almonds and manchego cheese

    Finishing beer – Kilt Flasher
    Medjool date stuffed with Spanish almond and wrapped with house cured bacon

    $45 per person
    [taxes & gratuity not included]

    To reserve your special seat, please e-mail manager@dbbrewingcompany.com
    or call 434-361-1001

Thursday May 17th:

  • The Birch’s American Craft Beer Week Celebration

    The Birch will be putting 10 American Craft Beers on tap in celebration of American Craft Beer Week!Also to kick off The Birch’s American Craft Beer Week Celebration on Tuesday we are teaming up with Hubcap Grill Norfolk! They will be here starting at 6pm serving up some delicious grub to accompany your craft beer!All American drafts served in 16 oz pints for $5.
    All American growler fills $15.Tap List :

    1.Stone Vertical Epic 11.11.11
    2. Left Hand Smoke Jumper
    3. Ommegang Witte
    4. Firestone Walker Double Jack
    5. Brooklyn Brewmaster Reserve Dry Irish Stout
    6. The Bruery Mischief
    7. Ballast Point Sculpin
    8. Stillwater Existent
    9. Terrapin 10th Anniversary
    10. Allagash Blonde
  • Thomas Jefferson Favorites at Devils Backbone Brewing
    Thomas Jefferson’s Favorites
    We continue celebrating American Craft Beer Week with Thomas Jefferson who brewed himself. Paired with some of Jefferson’s favorite foods. A unique evening of offerings on our menu for this special week!
  • American Craft Beer Week Cask Night at Mad Fox Brewing
    Mad Fox’s brewing team sets all six beer engines to work with APA, Stout, Wee Heavy, Porter, Mild and Yards IPA. This is the first tast of our new Mild and the first cask of Porter this year!
  • Firkin Night at Station 2
    Firkin night @ Station 2 featuring a firkin and pin from O’Connor Brewing, and more.

Friday May 18th:

  • The Birch’s American Craft Beer Week Celebration

    The Birch will be putting 10 American Craft Beers on tap in celebration of American Craft Beer Week!Also to kick off The Birch’s American Craft Beer Week Celebration on Tuesday we are teaming up with Hubcap Grill Norfolk! They will be here starting at 6pm serving up some delicious grub to accompany your craft beer!All American drafts served in 16 oz pints for $5.
    All American growler fills $15.Tap List :

    1.Stone Vertical Epic 11.11.11
    2. Left Hand Smoke Jumper
    3. Ommegang Witte
    4. Firestone Walker Double Jack
    5. Brooklyn Brewmaster Reserve Dry Irish Stout
    6. The Bruery Mischief
    7. Ballast Point Sculpin
    8. Stillwater Existent
    9. Terrapin 10th Anniversary
    10. Allagash Blonde
  • More Fun than a Barrel of Virginians at Mekong
    More fun than a barrel of Virginians @ Mekong. Wood and barrel aged beer bonanza. Featuring Legend, Hardywood Park, Heavy Seas, Mad Fox, and more tba.
  • Total Wine & More all over Virginia are having special tastings.  See the list here

Saturday May 19th:

  • The Birch’s American Craft Beer Week Celebration

    The Birch will be putting 10 American Craft Beers on tap in celebration of American Craft Beer Week!Also to kick off The Birch’s American Craft Beer Week Celebration on Tuesday we are teaming up with Hubcap Grill Norfolk! They will be here starting at 6pm serving up some delicious grub to accompany your craft beer!All American drafts served in 16 oz pints for $5.
    All American growler fills $15.Tap List :

    1.Stone Vertical Epic 11.11.11
    2. Left Hand Smoke Jumper
    3. Ommegang Witte
    4. Firestone Walker Double Jack
    5. Brooklyn Brewmaster Reserve Dry Irish Stout
    6. The Bruery Mischief
    7. Ballast Point Sculpin
    8. Stillwater Existent
    9. Terrapin 10th Anniversary
    10. Allagash Blonde
  • 11th Annual Virginia Beer Festival at Town Point Park 
    Saturday, May 19, 2012
    2pm-6pm
    Town Point Park, Downtown Norfolk, VA Waterfront    Please Click Here to Purchase TicketsJoin us in Town Point Park for the 11th Annual Virginia Beer Festival. This is one of the most popular Beer Festivals in the mid-Atlantic Region and promises to be a day full of good beer, good friends, and good fun. Spend the afternoon sampling great beer from all over the world. International premium beers, hand crafted domestics and local brews comprise a selection of over 125 tap handles. The event features live music, great food and, of course, great beer. Advance prices and Reserved Tables available until sold out or until 5 pm on Wednesday, May 9th by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, calling 757-282-2822 or by visiting the Virginia Arts Festival Box Office at 440 Bank Street in Downtown Norfolk.· Tasting Tickets (includes sampling privileges and souvenir glass)o $25 in advance

    o $30 at the gate (cash sales only)

    · General Admission (does not include tasting privileges nor souvenir glass)

    o $15 in advance or at the gate

    · VIP Tickets (includes exclusive beer tasting selections, souvenir glass, covered area, private restroom, special entrance, complimentary snacks)

    o $75 in advance only until sold out or until 5 pm on Wednesday, May 9th

    · Reserved Table (includes Admission Tickets and reserved seating for 8 guests)

    o $320 in advance only until sold out or until 5 pm on Wednesday, May 9th

    · Boater’s Package (includes 4 Admission Tickets and Parkside docking during Festival hours, reservations strongly recommended). Contact Shane Vernon at 757.441.2345 or email vernons@festevents.org for more information and to reserve your Boater’s Package.

    o $250 for up to a 35′ vessel, pricing and ticket quantity increases for larger vessels

    Virginia Beer Festival is produced in partnership with Virginia Arts Festival

Sunday May 20th:

  • 2nd Annual Beer & BBQ Block Party 
    Join us for our 2nd Annual Beer & BBQ Block Party at Sweetwater Tavern in Centreville. Indulge in great FOOD, BEER, and LIVE MUSIC by Road Soda from Noon to 4:00pm. Bring your kids along, as there there will face painting and other activities for them to enjoy! Admission is free.
  • Richmond Food Cart Derby 
    Presented by Taste the Local, Style Weekly Magazine, Monkey Dish Media, 2BNB, Richmond 17th Street Farmers Market, Clear Channel, Radio Rubber Room, and Brown Distributing!RICHMOND FOOD CART DERBY!For the first time ever in Richmond! A combination of the best local street vendors and local brews. Join us at the 17th street May 20th 2012 for a celebration of RVA food and beer culture. 20+ Food trucks and 20+ Virginia brews to be enjoyed. Have your Sunday Lunch/Brunch/Dinner with us! Listing of food vendors and beers to be released by MAY 1st!

    List of local breweries that will be participating with very special selections!

    Starr Hill Brewery- Crozet, VA
    Devils Backbone- Roseland, VA
    Hardywood Park- Richmond, VA
    Legend Brewery- Richmond, VA
    Midnight – Goochland, VA
    Lost Rhino- Ashburn, VA
    O’Connor- Norfolk, VA
    Roanoke Railhouse- Roanoke, VA
    Madd Fox- Falls Annette Church, VA
    Wolf Hills Brewing- Abingdon, VA
    Bull and Bones- Blacksburg, VA
    Big Daddy- Roanoke, VA
    Blue Lab- Lexington, VA

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Virginia Craft Beer Events for May 11th – 17th

Posted on May 11, 2012 by Edmond

So last weekend the Craft Brewers Conference was held in San Diego, CA.  As part of the conference the World Beer Cup Awards were also held.  This is held one every two years.  They presented well over 250 awards to breweries all over the world.  Virginia wasn’t left off the award list.  Here are our winners:

Devils Backbone – Gold Medal, Vienna-Style Lager Category, Vienna Lager
Great American Restaurants (Sweetwater Tavern)– Silver Medal, Extra Special Bitter Category, GAR Pale AleCa
Hardywood Park – Bronze Medal, Herb and Spice Beer Category, Gingerbread Stout
Rock Bottom Arlington – Bronze Medal, Coffee Beer Category, Coffee Stout
Blue Mountain – Bronze Medal, American-Belgo-Style Ale Category, Blue Reserve

American Craft Beer Week starts on May 14 thru 20th. I have the events listed in each day.

So with that let’s get into our updates:
Fri May 11th:
One of Virginia’s newest brewery, Midnight Brewing, is opening their doors for the first time to the public.  They are having an open house today at 5pm. Come by to try their beer as well as their collaboration beer with Hardywood Park Brewing.
Capital Ale House is hosting this months 10th Anniversay Ale Taping.  This month is a two fer…Lancaster Brewing Black Boar IPA & Blue and Gray Kollaboration Kolsch.

Sat May 12th:
It’s Sat that means Festivals!!
In Gloucester, they are having the Main Street Brew Jam Fest.  It’s a day full of music, food and beer.  Starts at 11am thru 7pm.  Tickets are available at the door for $20.
If you are closer to Richmond then head over to the 2nd Annual Virginia Hop and Barley Festival.  VIP tickets are sold out but you can get general admission tickets at the gate for $20.  Starts at 1pm until 9pm.

Mon May 14th:
American Craft Beer Week Brew Ridge Trail ‘Keep the Glass” happening at  Devils Backbone Brewing, Wild Wolf Brewing and Blue Mountain Brewing Co.  They will be tapping their collaboration beer at 5pm.
If you are in Richmond they will have their American Craft BeerWeek Firkin Crawl.  Starting at Weezie’s Dinner and going three different bars.  They will have different cask and special kegs on tap.  The crawl starts at 5pm.
Clyde’s at Mark Center Beer Dinner featuring Starr Hill Brewing starts at 7pm.  Tickets are available for $55 per person.  Details and menu are in the link.

Tue May 15th:
The Birch Bar is celebrating American Craft Beer Week with a selection of kegs on tap through out the week.
American Craft Beer Week Brew Ridge Trail ‘Keep the Glass” continues at Devils Backbone Brewing, Wild Wolf Brewing and Blue Mountain Brewing.
Pales…in comparison- A celebration of the American Pale Ale @ Joe’s Inn It’s night of Pale Ale and there are 10 to choose.  Starts at 5pm
Dogfish Ale House Fairfax is having a He Said, She Said Beer Dinner starting at 7pm.  Follow the link for menu and details.
The Blue Goat is having their first beer dinner of year featuring Hardywood Park Brewing. Cost is $50 per person.  Contact them to reserve your spot.

Wed May 16th:
Beer Theater back and it’s moved to a bigger location.  Come to Capital Ale House Downtown and see what the folks over at Goose Island Brewing have been up to  There is a cost of $10 but no reservations are needed.  Starts at 5:30pm.
Acacia Midtown is also having their Goose Island Brewing event.  It’s a beer dinner and it starts at 5:30pm.  Link has the details.
American Craft Beer Week Kill the Keg at Mad Fox Brewing.  They will have kegs from several Northern Virginia and DC breweries all ready to be consumed.  Starts at 6pm.
Whole Food Short Pump is host a Crispin Cider Beer Dinner to benefit Humanity Helping Sudan Project.  As I understand it, tickets are going fast.  Reserve yours now!
Devils Backbone American Craft Beer Week Pork & Craft Beer Dinner.   The menu looks great and beer even better.  Link has menu, cost and reservation details.  Start at 6pm

Thur May 17th:
Thomas Jefferson Favorites at Devils Backbone Brewing. We continue celebrating American Craft Beer Week with Thomas Jefferson who brewed himself. Paired with some of Jefferson’s favorite foods. A unique evening of offerings on our menu for this special week!
American Craft Beer Week Cask Night at Mad Fox Brewing.  Yep, they continue to offer some great beer.  Now it’s in cask.  Starting at 6pm, stop by to try some of your favorites on cask.
Total Wine & More is having their Monthly Beer Classes.  This month is Horray for IPA.  Classes are small and fill up fast.  Check the link for the location nearest to you and times.
Chantilly
McLean
Richmond (South)
Magnolia at the Mills hosts their Lighter Side of Belgium Beer Dinner starting at 7pm.  Link has menu and reservation details.

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

 

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Virginia Craft Beer Tasting from May 11th – 17th

Posted on May 11, 2012 by Edmond

Friday May 11th:
Vintage Cellar will host a weekly beer tasting including from 2-6pm.
Wine Warehouse is hosting a Goose Island Beer Tasting from 5-7PM.
Once Upon a Vine North will have Brandon with Roanoke Dist. in house from 5pm to 8pm to do the beer tasting.
Once Upon a Vine South hosts Ben with Brown Dist. sampling Twisted Pine Brewing from 5-8pm
Wine Gourmet is having a mystery tasting from 5-8pm
Corks and Kegs will sample some fine beer from 5:30 – 7:30pm
Grapes of Taste and Wine Gourmet will be pouring some Legend Brewing from 5:30 – 7:30pm
Cork and Fork will have some Evolution Brewing on hand to be sampled from 6:30 – 8pm.

Sat May 12th:
Rick’s Wine & Gourmet: will be pouring their beers from noon until 5pm.
Arrowine will have their weekly tasting from 1 – 4pm.

Tue May 15th:
Mad Fox Brewing is doing their Tuesday Tapping with Broadstreet IPA at 3p.

Wed May 16th:
Beer Run in Charlottesville will have their weekly tasting start at 6pm. Check the site on Tuesday for the line up.

Thur May 17th:
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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