Richmond, it’s that time of year that we count our blessings for everything good in our lives.  There are so many things we have to be thankful for this year in Richmond beer.  Here’s just a few.

Local Beer on the Rise

When Richbrau closed, the future of local craft beer was very uncertain.  Hardywood increased number of Richmond based micro breweries back to two with rousing success.  A lot of people, myself included, were skeptical when the brewery was first announced.  Richmond showed up in droves to support hardywood at their launch party. 

Hardywood is not the only new thing happening in Richmond.  There has been an influx of Virginia beer to the city.  We have the craft section of Brown distriuting to thank for the unique beers from Bull & Bones in Blackburg, Wolf Hills in Abingdon, and Roanoke Railhouse in Roanoke. 

We also have breweries in planning. While they are still just homebrewing, Ardent Craft Ales has some exciting beers planned.  Their tasting during beer week probably holds the record for number of people packed in a gargage to watch beer being made.  Haxall Brewing Company has received a 7.5 barrel system for their future pub.  They even have pictures to prove it.  Oh, there’s even a nanobrewery in Goochland. Trae Cairns’ Midnight Brewery is expected to start producing batches from his 41 gallon system in 2012.

Richmond Beer Week 

The variety of events for this year’s beer week had something for everyone.  Probably the standout event was the Autumn Bottom Brews Festival at the 17th St Farmer’s market.  I have never seen the market that packed. I’ll be first to admit that more work needs to be done.  Some people I talked to had no idea it was beer week.  I hope to contribute in some way to get more of the word out.  I am not sure what form that will take but I look forward to figuring it out.

YOU

None of the things above mean anything without you supporting them.  You are the reason for Richmond’s current craft beer boom.  So, keep it up and ask for it whereever you go.  Thanks for reading.  Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.  Cheers!