Respect. A Mead For Change

Credit: Black Heath Meadery

Respect.

noun.

  1. a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.
  2. due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of others.

verb

  • to admire someone or something deeply, as a result of their abilities, qualities, and/or achievements

By definition, respect should be a simple concept to grasp and yet look at the world around us. More and more, we the evidence that this is not the case. Some would have you believe fighting for social justice is a sign of weakness when the truth is that it takes great strength to take up this fight.

The pandemic has shown a light on the injustices in our society. Some would love nothing more than a return to normalcy and the status quo; to pretend the injustices of our world don’t exist. Others have chosen the difficult path to a better future for all.

The Black is Beautiful initiative started by Weathered Souls was the most notable contribution from the industry towards social justice from the past year.

Black Heath Meadery has found their own way to contribute to healing the divide in our world. Friday, March 12th at 4pm, they will release Respect, a mead using Zambian wildflower honey blended with black currants, blackberries, and black raspberries. The bottles will go on sale for $30 each with a 2 per person limit.

$5 of each bottle sold will benefit the Ankraha Yoga Garden (AYG). AYG is a new project designed by Dr Ram Bhagat and Duron Chavis to be a restorative urban garden space with a herbal labyrinth, seasonal vegetable plots, and mini orchards and food forests. Added rain gardens are meant to provide a healing environment for youth and families impacted by gun violence.

Watch the video below to learn more about Dr Bhagat’s work.

Once again bottles will go on sale today Friday, March 12th at 4pm. $30/bottle. Limit 2 bottles/person.

Black Heath Meadery
1313 Altamont Ave
Richmond, VA 23230

Celebrate Ten Years of Screens ‘N’ Suds Saturday

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Credit: Screens ‘n’ Suds

Screens ‘N’ Suds will celebrate their tenth anniversary with a beer and art festival this Saturday November 9th at Studio Two Three starting at 11am. If you love beer and/or art, you should check this event out. Yes, I could point to the beer list (Spoiler Alert: the beers will be awesome) and tell you which beers I would try but I thought I would show you a few of my favorite pieces of art that I have purchased at SNS over the years.

These first two prints were created by Andrew Stronge for SnS’s fourth and fifth anniversaries. I love the robot theme. Year 4 reminds me of H.E.R.B.I.E. from the Fantastic Four comic books. Year 5 has us submitting to our robot overlord.

Stronge SnS years 4 & 5

This “Experiment with Beer” print resides in my kitchen. Ironically, it took me a few SnS visits to decide to grab this. I’m so glad I did. I couldn’t imagine being without it.

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I know what you are thinking, why would I have two versions of the same print? The simple answer is Douglas and I couldn’t agree on which one was best. I loved how the print on the left was made on a map. He loved the foil and bold color of the other. So they both came home with us.

Frying Pan Tower Prints

This Tropical Galaxy print came around the time I was going crazy over how awesome the movie Guardians of the Galaxy was. Of course, I had to have this movie poster styled beer label.

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And then there is the hop drip….I don’t think I realized until this very moment the MC Escher-ness of this print. See how the drop falling from the hop is being met with liquid rising from the surface?

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Now the only question is what will I end up with this year? Head over to the Facebook event for more details and updates including how to get VIP tickets. Remember proceeds from this event will benefit National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU, Studio Two Three, and Gallery 5.

Special Tappings at WestRock Craft Beer Tent During Richmond Folk Festival This Weekend

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Credit: Richmond Folk Festival

While you enjoy everything their is to offer at the Richmond Folk Festival this weekend, make sure you stop by the WestRock Craft Beer Tent for some special tappings. Take a look at the schedule below to plan your stop.

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And don’t forget Alewerks Hazy Folk IPA will be on tap all three days of the festival.

Unleash Your Inner Stone Guardian During Nights Of The Gargoyle With Stone Brewing And Win!

Stone NOTG logo banner

Credit: Stone Brewing Co

Stone Brewing has turned October into Nights of the Gargoyle season and is inviting you to transform yourself into a their iconic gargoyle and win the ultimate World of Stone VIP experience.

Stone Brewing Richmond will host two such events on October 9th and 23rd featuring Ghost Hammer IPA.

KEEP THE BEER SLEEVE – NIGHTS OF THE GARGOYLE — 10/9 4PM

Throughout the month of October, Stone celebrates Nights of the Gargoyle with the best kind of fall treats – delicious craft beer. Come snag an awesome keeper beer sleeve & Stone Ghost Hammer IPA 12oz can for a special price. Beer sleeves will be available on a first come, first served basis.

KEEP THE PINT NIGHT – NIGHTS OF THE GARGOYLE — 10/23 4PM

Throughout the month of October, Stone celebrates Nights of the Gargoyle with the best kind of fall treats – delicious craft beer. Come enjoy a 16oz pour of Stone beer like Stone Buenaveza Salt & Lime Lager or Stone Ghost Hammer IPA and take home an awesome pint glass for a special price. Pint glasses will be available on a first come, first served basis.

Learn how to win below

ENTER TO WIN AN EXCLUSIVE STONE EXPERIENCE
Take a photo of yourself at a Nights of the Gargoyle event, posing by a cut-out standee in store, or in your own gargoyle costume at home, post it to Twitter or Instagram, and use #StoneGargoyleSweepstakes to be entered to win an exclusive World of Stone Brewing Experience!

  • Round-trip airfare for two people to four Stone Brewing locations
  • Six nights accomodations in San Diego, Napa, and Richmond, VA
  • VIP tours at each brewery
  • Special dining experiences in each location
  • Two backstage pass tickets to Stone’s Throw Down in Richmond, VA September 2020

Stone NOTG entry

Credit: Stone Brewing Co

Prost! Oktoberfest at Hardywood West Creek Today!

Shaking the cobwebs off the blog just a today.

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Credit: Hardywood Park Craft Brewery

Hardywood is hosting their first ever Oktoberfest at their West Creek location today Saturday October 5th starting at 1pm.  And judging from this video it looks like they are going all out. I mean look at that tent and that shirt!

I joked with Brian about cooking bratwursts at the festival but as it turns out my schedule will have me arriving late to the festivities. There would have been VIPA mustard.

So maybe don’t be like me and instead get there early.  The schedule above is jam packed with fun. Maybe save me a bit of the oak barrel beers?

So go out and hoist these steins.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3AJZhGFu2Y/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

For a safe way home, use the code HARDYWOODFEST19 for 50% off a Lyft ride. Maybe next year Hardywood will offer this code for to and from the festival.

Check out the Facebook event for more details and updates.

Hardywood Park Craft Brewery (Hardywood West Creek)
820 Sanctuary Trail Dr
Richmond, VA 23238

Navigate My Birthday Schedule This Saturday

Embed from Getty Images

This coming Saturday April 27th, I will be turning the grand old age of 42 otherwise known as the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything. As is typical in Richmond, there is no shortage (read: too many!) of things I would like to celebrate my birthday. There are so many things I’ve been forced to do something I really hate, write a schedule but I figured if I was going to write a schedule, I might as well share it.

8AM
Herbs Galore & More at Maymont

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Credit: Maymont

No sleeping in like normal for me because Maymont scheduled their yearly herb sale gathering on my birthday. Yes, it goes til 4pm but I have plans. Every year we get shishito peppers and other herbs and vegetable plants from Amy’s Organic Garden. I can’t imagine missing this but it will have to be a quick stop because the next stop is huge.

$5 for Marketplace / free for Maymont members and children 16 & under

Put on your gardening shoes, grab your little red wagon and come out to the Marketplace on the Lawn for everyone’s favorite gardening extravaganza!

Marketplace on the Lawn

Dozens of vendors from the mid-Atlantic fill Maymont’s Carriage House Lawn with every imaginable herb as well as annuals, perennials, trees, vegetables, and herbal products and crafts for this one-of-a-kind event. View the Herbs Galore Vendor Map.

Amy’s Garden
Bright Body
Bungalow Decor
Byrd Farm
Capsaicin Solutions
Charlotte LaRoy Basketry
Colesville Nursery
Cross Creek Nursery and Landscaping
Cymron Cottage
Dominion Energy Green Power
Down the Garden Path
Forest Lane Botanicals
Forrest Green Farm
Garden Gate Landscape & Design
Garner’s Produce
Gathered Threads
Greg’s Antiques & Garden Iron
Hanover Master Gardeners
Harvey Gardens
Herb Angel
Herb Society of America/Virginia Commonwealth Unit
J&B Herb and Plant Farm
Kathleen’s Gardens
KEBaubles Jewelry & Accessories
Living Art
Maymont’s From One Garden to Another
Maymont’s Herb Sale
Medina Mercantile
Morningside Farm and Nursery
People Via Plants
Perrin Cottage Perfumery
Pine Knot Farms
Plant By Design Native Nursery
Plant RVA Natives Campaign
Poplar Ridge Nursery
Prime Cut Crafts
Putnam Hill Nursery
Rabbit and Wren
Red Root & Co.
Roots & Blooms
Shade Metals
Southern Exposure Seed Exchange
Tricycle Urban Ag
A Thyme to Plant at Lavender Fields Herb Farm
Vera’s Vittles Seasonings
Virginia Vistas Greenhouses
Zapantis Designs

FOOD VENDORS

Check back for vendor updates.

Espresso-A-Go-Go
Gaucho
Gourmeltz
Jadean’s Smokin’ Six O
King of Pops
Monique’s Crepes
Old Dominion Herb Society
Rivah Southern
Scoop’s
Simply Street Food
Woodhead’s Grill

11AM

Avengers: Endgame

I have tickets to see this 3hr followup to Infinity War in IMAX 3D. Fair warning. If you spoil this movie for me, don’t bother trying to eat or drink in town. I mean I always use my powers for good but this is serious business.

Noon

Swine & Brine at Ardent Craft Ales

So I’ll still be in the movie when this starts but I’ll definitely want some pork and oysters once it is all said and done.

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Swine & Brine is returning for a fifth annual celebration of pork, seafood, and of course, beer! Join us this Saturday for a local food feast, with a focus on oysters, pork dishes, and homemade sides, along with beer, cider, and prosecco.

Local restaurant lineup:
– ZZQ: Housemade pork sausage over Boracho Beans
– Saison: Pastrami pork ribs, pickled red cabbage & spicy Russian dressing
– Rappahannock River Oysters, LLC: Oysters + crab cakes
– Perch RVA: Filipino pork bbq skewers w/ soy, sugar cane vinegar & garlic
– Southbound & Autumn Olive Farms: Ham salad w/ pork rinds + smoked pork w/ slaw & Duke’s mayo brioche
– Oak & Apple brought to you by Postbellum: Red Fresno spare ribs, apple coleslaw w/ Alabama white sauce
– Nightingale Ice Cream Sandwiches

We’ll have our full lineup of Ardent beers on tap, as well as Blue Bee Cider and Zardetto Prosecco.
– Highpoint DIPA
– Pilsner
– Defenestrator
– IPA X
– DDH IPA X
– Saison
– Earl Grey Brown Ale
– Honey Ginger
– IPA 14
– Dark Rye
– Dunkel
– Pithy in Pink
– Pink Boots IPA
– Kōyō
– Blue Bee cider – Mill Race Bramble
– Blue Bee cider – Rocky Ridge Reserve
– Zardetoo prosecco

Soda, water, juice, and iced coffee will also be available.

Because of the special event license required to serve outside alcohol, no to-go sales will be available during Swine & Brine, to include bottles, cans, growler or crowler fills. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but we hope you’re able to visit us on Friday or Sunday to stock your fridge!

Swine & Brine is open to the public, free to enter, family friendly, rain or shine! Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome on the patio, but pets are not permitted inside the taproom.

Food and drink tickets will be available for purchase by cash or card for $6 each. One ticket can be exchanged for one beverage or food item. (Some larger dishes may cost two tickets.)

Interested in volunteering? Sign up now and you’ll get an exclusive custom T-shirt, free food, and extra tickets to use how you’d like: http://signup.com/go/ebwLKca

All oyster shells are being recycled through the VCU Rice Rivers Center Virginia Oyster Shell Recycling Program in support of Chesapeake Bay restoration, building oyster sanctuaries.

Parking may be limited throughout Scott’s Addition, so consider planning alternate transportation, and please don’t drink and drive!

3rd Anniversary Releases at the Veil Brewing Co.

Yes, the Veil started celebrating their anniversary on Tuesday. Yes, there are desirable releases each day. Let’s concentrate on Saturday though. I mean this is mostly about me.

2PM

RVA [All Day] Block Party at the Broadberry

Live music on two stages by some of the best bands in Richmond. What’s not to love? I for one am excited to see No BS! Brass and to snag the release of their live album that was recorded during their 10th anniversary show at the Broadberry.

RVA All Day Block Party at The Broadberry Saturday April 27!

An indoor/outdoor block party extravaganza! We will be closing down the ENTIRE parking lot and setting up the BIG stage yet again!

Early Bird: $10 — SOLD OUT
GA Tier 1: $17 — SOLD OUT
GA Tier 2: $25 – on sale now http://bit.ly/RVAallday
VIP: $75

The OFFICIAL AFTER PARTY for Party for the Planet!!

2:00 – Doors
3:00 – 3:30 – Calvin Presents
3:50 – 4:20 – Piranha Rama
4:40 – 5:20 – Camp Howard
5:40 – 6:20 – Kenneka Cook
6:40 – 7:45 – The Congress
8:15 – 9:45 – NO BS! Brass Band
INDOOR AFTER-PARTY:
10:30 – 12:30 – The Trongone Band
**Schedule subject to change without notice***

Featuring DJ Ghozt on the 1s and 2s all day long!

Honestly, I have no idea how I’m going to make it through all of this but I will damn sure try!!!!

Scott’s Addition To Get A Little Strangeways

Credit: Strangeways Brewing

Strangeways Brewing announced to today that they will be be opening their third location at 3110 W Leigh St in Scott’s Addition. This location is a block down from Ardent Craft Ales and directly across from Circuit Arcade Bar. This marks the ninth libation provider to call Scott’s Addition home.

You can keep up with Strangeways Scott’s Addition on Facebook here. Read more in the press release below.

PRESS RELEASE

Strangeways Brewing is Expanding with 3rd Location in Richmond’s Scott’s Addition Neighborhood

RICHMOND, VA (November 26, 2018) – Strangeways Brewing has signed a lease in the heart of Scott’s Addition at 3110 West Leigh Street, marking its third brewery and tasting room facility in Virginia.

Strangeways will continue to operate its tasting room and private event facility at 2277A Dabney Road, and just last year opened a new facility in owner Neil Burton’s hometown of Fredericksburg, Virginia, at 350 Lansdowne Road.

Making it easier for tourists and locals alike to visit its facility while spending time in the densely packed local craft beverage and restaurant scene that Scott’s Addition is famous for was just one of the reasons owner Neil Burton gave for opening Strangeways’ new location.  “We are excited to help play a part in Virginia’s local tourism economy, utilize as many local ingredients in beers and in snacks as we can, and employ more people,” said Burton.

The new location, situated in Scott’s Addition directly across from Circuit Arcade Bar and in the same building housing SMoHK Real Southern Food, will have more than 4,000 square feet and a sizable outdoor patio.  As with its other two facilities, Strangeways will showcase a large assortment of different beer styles including lagers, IPA’s, Belgian styles, sours, and dark beers.  Strangeways also is in the process of producing cider to bring a gluten reduced option to their patrons.

Stay tuned for more information regarding when Strangeways Brewing RVA-Scott’s Addition plans to open their doors.

This is the third location for Strangeways Brewing, which opened in Henrico County in 2013.  The original Richmond and Fredericksburg breweries will continue to produce beers on their 20-barrel and 10-barrel systems respectively, and operate its award winning tasting rooms.

For special announcements and up-to-date news, like us on Facebook at Strangeways Brewing RVA-Scott’s Addition, follow us on Instagram at strangewayssa, and tweet us @StrangewaysSA.

For additional information from Strangeways Brewing contact:  Cassandra Bard, Event & Social Media Manager 434.960.3617 or cassandra@StrangewaysBrewing.com

  • Fredericksburg Tasting Room and Brewery located at 350 Lansdowne Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
  • Richmond Tasting Room and Brewery located at 2277A Dabney Road, Richmond, VA 23230

Both Tasting Rooms Open Daily: Monday–Thursday noon-9pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-11pm, and Sunday 11am-8pm

strangewaysbrewing.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

brb, Beer Bloggers Conference 2018: Loudoun County, VA

Credit: Beer Bloggers & Writers Conference 

It is 8am and I am on a train to Baltimore and I couldn’t be any more excited! Way back when I started this blog, I learned of the existence of the Beer Bloggers & Writers Conference. I have always wanted to attend but for various reasons I never could.

This year must have been fate because BBC2018 is in Loudoun County, VA. There was no way I was going turn down this chance (cue: Hamilton not throwing away my shot).

But why am I on a train to Baltimore? Oh yeah, the conference doesn’t really start until Friday but I am checking out a couple of pre-conference excursions.

My first excursion involves touring the new Guinness Open Gate Brewery & Barrel House near Baltimore, MD.

I lucked out and was able to snag my second excursion to Dogfish Head. I suspect my face will be a lot like this time with Sam at Circuit.

Follow along with me on Instagram and Twitter to experience the trip with me.

Then stay tuned as the conference descends on Richmond for a post-conference excursion and my ride home!

Deal Alert: Exclusive Discount To Hop Culture’s Juicy Brews Invitational At Triple Crossing

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Credit: Hop Culture

Good afternoon, Richmond! Have you been on the fence on attending Hop Culture’s Juicy Brews festival at Triple Crossing coming up on June 10th?

Well, I think I have the deal that will put you just over the edge. For a limited time, you can use the code BEERMEISTER to get 20% off tickets to either session(11am – 2:30pm or 4pm – 7:30pm). This code will also discount designated driver tickets as well as the newly added VIP merch option.

Ticket prices before discount are $62.50/person. Designated driver tickets are $20/person. The discount lowers the cost for each of these to $50 and $16, respectively.

This is your first time hearing about the festival? Who will be there? Other than me?

Here is the list of over thirty breweries that will be in attendance.

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Credit: Hop Culture

But you want to know about the beers? Here’s something from brewery number 33.

Or maybe one of these is more your style?

Here is the VIP package I mentioned earlier.

Now hop to it and grab those tickets and don’t forget to use the discount code BEERMEISTER. See you on the 10th!

Check out the Facebook event for updates and more details.

Castleburg Brewery Celebrates Two Years Saturday

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Credit: Castleburg Brewery

For two years, guests have stormed the castle and enjoyed the beers from Castleburg Brewery. Two years might sound like a short time but here is a sampling of Castleburg’s accomplishments over that time:

  • In 2016, Castleburg won a silver medal for the Bishop’s Brown Ale in the Va Craft Brewers Cup competition. They had only been open less than 3 months by this point.
  • Castleburg repeated its medal wins in 2017 with a gold for their Cream Ale and silver for the Court Jester Porter.
  • Their taproom has gone from 50 to 150 seats with a stage, sound and light system for music.
  • Operating on a 2 barrel system, they manage to always 10 beers on tap.
  • Distribution of kegs to restaurants at the beginning of 2018 through VA Craft Distribution.

Castleburg might be small but they sure are mighty and worthy of celebration. Join them on Saturday May 26th as they throw a party full of food, live music and guest taps.

Here is everything they have planned.

We can’t believe that 2 years has passed since we served our first beer in RVA. So much has happened since then, and we are so very thankful to all of you for your support and patronage.

To celebrate, we have a full day of fun planned including:

Beer:
~ Castleburg’s Anniversary Beer – The Queen’s Garde, Bier de’ Garde. Available for purchase on tap, and to go in growlers, & crowlers.
~ Collaboration with King Easy – “His Majesty’s New Groove” a Heady IPA

Guest Taps from Virginia Craft Distribution Company Include:
~ Coelacanth Brewing Company – CBC 2 PM-Passion Fruit Gose
~ The Bold Mariner Brewing Company 3 PM – Frogman Lager
~ James River Brewery 4 PM – Fluvanna Fluss
~ Twisted Ales Brewing 5 PM – Inglorious Skyraider

Happy Hour from 1-2 PM, and again from 6-8 PM

Music:
3-6 PM – Lucas, and Back Seat Drivers
8-11 PM – King Easy

Food:
Papa V’s Backyard Grill Catering & Food Truck will be serving up North Carolina BBQ starting at 2 PM right here in RVA. Menu includes BBQ Sandwich with homemade slaw, Grilled Chicken Sandwiches, Hot Dogs, Chili Dogs, French Fries, & Baked Beans. Yummo!!

Be sure to bring you ID’s, as they will be checked.

Thank you again to everyone who has made our second year so great. Cheers! #stormthecastle

Head over to their Facebook event for more details and updates.

Castleburg Brewery & Taproom
1626 Ownby Ln
Richmond, VA 23220

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