I always have a tough time deciding when to take trips out of town.  There is always something awesome going on.  If you haven’t noticed, Virginia craft beer is better than it has ever been and shows no signs of slowing down.  Sometimes you just need to get away so I’ll be off to Washington, DC to check out Bluejacket and their restaurant, The Arsenal.  While I’m doing that, I’m going to need you to fill in for me at some events this weekend.

Center of the Universe First Anniversary

COTU is throwing a three day party to celebrate one year of great beer in Ashland.  This all starts tonight Friday, November 15th at 4pm with the return of  The Richard Imperial IPA.  Originally released at their grand opening, Richard was the happy accident of COTU’s first brew on their system.  A little off here, short some water there, and they were left with a double IPA very similar to Pocahoptas, but much stronger. COTU will also be tapping some “Barrel Aged wonders,”  barrel-aged versions of a selection of COTU beers.  Something Shiny will provide live music for the evening.

Saturday, the celebration resumes at 3pm with guest taps from Homefront IPA collaborating breweries. Left Hand, Cigar City, 21st Amendment, and Stone have provided 2 kegs of limited release beers. Enjoy music from The Hippy House Band and Chuck County.

Sunday, the party continues with music from The Royal We. and growler fills of all remaining guest taps.  Football fans can enjoy the Redskins/Eagles game on COTU’s 22 foot screen in the back.

“There are a lot of people in Virginia, as well as around the country, that have helped us get to where we are today.  This weekend is a celebration for them, and a thank you to our community and industry friends. Lets celebrate beer!” – Chris Ray, co-founder of Center of the Universe Brewing Company

Center of the Universe Brewing Company opened its doors in Ashland, VA on November 16th 2012. Brothers Phil and Chris Ray, who started as homebrewers turned their hobby into an obsession that is now a successful brewery in Virginia.

Hardywood Gingerbread Stout Release

Hardywood is releasing Gingerbread Stout Saturday November 16th at 2pm but the night before Mekong is hosting a pre-release party with some Hardywood beers that haven’t been seen in awhile.

Brian Barrel Blend #3
Heaven Hills Imperial Stout
Four Rose Imperial Stout
Bourbon Sidamo
Bourbon Cru
Hoplar
Raspberry Stout
Mocha Belgique
Virginia Blackberry
Quad
Andall Gingerbread Stout

If you’re looking to skip the lines during the party, Hardywood will be open 9 – 10:30PM Friday night for a pre-sale event for bottles (4 bottle/person limit) and other seasonal merchandise.   The lines will be cut off at 10:30, and there will be no on-site consumption.

The main party runs from 2 – 9PM with Gingerbread Stout available in 6oz and 12oz pours.  Samson Trinh & The Upper East Side Big Band (really hate I’ll miss them; check out their Abbey Road Project) and  Zep Replica will play sets at 4 and 7pm respectively.

Enjoy Boka Tako Truck, Pizza Tonight, Estes Bar.B.’Que, Mosaic, Station 2, Thai cabin, Olio Cart VCU, The Official Gelati Celesti Ice Cream Makers and a cart from Phoenix Garden Vegetarian Restaurant all day!

Lickinghole Creek Pumpkin Ain’t Easy Release & Farm Fest

LCCB is releasing the last pumpkin beer of the season Saturday, November 16th during a farm festival from 11AM to 8PM.  Pumpkin Ain’t Easy features sugar pie pumpkins grown on LCCB’s farm.  LCCB chose to omit the typical pumpkin pie spices in favor of their Belgian house yeast strain and German Tettnang and Hersbrucker hops.

The festival will feature a farmer’s market, artisan crafts (blacksmiths & gunsmiths), and children activities(bounce houses, a petting zoo, pony rides).  Music will be provided by the ReVinyls, Barrelhouse, and Cashmere Jungle Lords.

Advance festival tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite here and include the following:

$5 advance entry ticket only/ $8 day of entry ticket only

Advance Purchase Only Brew Fest Ticket: $20 (Plus Fees) Good for entry to the vent, four 15 oz beer pours, an LCCB pint glass, access to farm and craft vendors, music, and activities. Discounted Brew Fest Tickets are only available online in advance. You must be 21 years of age or older to buy a this ticket. One ticket per person.