Tag Archives: center of the universe

Hardywood, Ardent, & Center of the Universe Invite You To Live Free, Live Proud With “Tropic Like It’s Hot”

TROPIC LIKE IT'S HOT-01.jpg

Credit: Hardywood

Following on the heels of 2016’s Virginia Pride collaboration beers, Georgie and Porgie, Ardent Craft Ales and Center of the Universe have been joined by Hardywood to create this year’s beer. “Tropic Like It’s Hot” is a German-style wheat beer brewed with passion fruit, pineapple, and lime.

In conjunction with Virginia Pride, Hardywood, Ardent Craft Ales, and Center of the Universe will feature “Tropic Like It’s Hot” at events hosted at each brewery leading up to September’s Pride Festival and invite you to “Live Free. Live Proud.”

Tropic Like It's Hot Events

Credit: Hardywood

Learn more about Hardywood, COTU, and Ardent’s respective events: here, here, and here.

Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend The Richmond Beer Way

Richmond, another Memorial Day weekend is upon us! Whether you’re just looking for a beer to take a cookout or if you’d rather leave the cooking to the professionals, I have your look at the days ahead.

Steal the Vessel at Strangeways — ALL WEEKEND

This actually started yesterday but I missed it earlier:

It’s the Thursday before a long holiday weekend. If you’re headed out of town or headed to a backyard barbeque, you need to stock up on the juice that keeps the party going. Lucky for you Steal the Vessel day has arrived. Purchase To-Go beer for a Growler, Grunt, Blue Ball mason jar, or CAN-ABLE Crowler, and receive the vessel for free every Thursday. Already have plenty? Bring back in your Strangeways glass for discounts on refills. For all you holiday travelers coming through RVA, stop by… we’ve extended Steal the Vessel for the entire holiday weekend. Take a little strange on vacation or home with you.

18620281_1385605428161065_7552701521501876144_n

Credit: Strangeways Brewing

Friday May 26th

Double Dry Hopped Clever Girl IPA Release at Triple Crossing Fulton — Noon

18698460_698339570351880_1004868191337294769_n

Credit: Triple Crossing

She’s more lethal than ever. Double citra and double mosaic for an even heavier hop punch. Available for the first time ever in cans, this Friday in Fulton, 5/26. 4x 4packs per person limit.

Saturday May 27th

Summer Moon Music Festival at Center of the Universe — Noon

Summer-Moon-music-Banner (1).jpg

Credit: Center of the Universe Brewing

COTU has prepped the soundtrack for your weekend with their 5th annual Summer Moon Music Festival featuring two days of 13 local bands battling to support the charity of their choice. New to the festival this year is the addition of an acoustic stage to up the live music factor.

In addition to the regular lineup of beers, COTU will be pouring their Summer Moon Raspberry Lemonade Wheat Ale, a summer ale brewed with 600 pounds of fresh raspberries and the zest of 700 lemons.

Here are the bands playing for day one:

Main Stage

Acoustic Stage

ZZQ at Ardent Craft Ales — Noon

An extra long weekend deserves monstrous beef ribs from ZZQ.

Cuvée Peach Release at Hardywood — 1PM

I have been waiting very patiently for this beer to come out. Cuvee Peach is the newest addition to Hardywood’s barrel series line. Rather than beer from barrels aged the same amount of time, Hardywood has taken a blended barrel approach where their Peach Tripel was aged in chardonnay barrels anywhere from 10 weeks up to two years. Ethen Adams, Hardywood’s Wood Cellar Manager, explains more on that here.

Sunday May 28th

Summer Moon Music Festival at Center of the Universe — Noon

Summer-Moon-music-Banner (1)

Credit: Center of the Universe Brewing

The music continues for day two of COTU’s Summer Moon Festival.

Main Stage

Acoustic Stage

Lucy’s Burger Pop-up at Ardent Craft Ales — 1PM

Have a Sunday Funday and let Lucy’s and Ardent take care of the burgers and beer!

Do The Georgie Porgie With Ardent Craft Ales & Center Of The Universe OnThe Quirk Hotel’s Rooftop To Celebrate Start Of Virginia Pride Month

Pride-Kickoff-eventGeorgie Porgie, Puddin’ and Pie,
Kissed the girls and made them cry,
When the boys came out to play,
Georgie Porgie ran away.

Or at least that’s how the nursery rhyme used to go but today Georgie Porgie has decided to stay. You can taste why as Ardent Craft Ales, Center of the Universe, Virginia Pride, and OutRVA celebrate the release of two collaborations beers, Georgie & Porgie, on the rooftop of the Quirk Hotel on Thursday September 1st from 6 – 9PM.

“Georgie” from Ardent is a mixed berry “pie” pale ale (4.7% ABV). “Porgie” from COTU is a chocolate “pudding” porter (5.7% ABV). Both beers will be released in limited edition 750ml bottles with inscriptions from each brewery that capture the sentiment:

Georgie and Porgie are two beers that represent the love we have for craft beer and for everyone who drinks it, no matter who they are and who they love.

GeorgiePorgieRelease_SQ.jpg

Ardent and COTU will have taproom releases of their respective beers on Saturday September 3rd. Visitors to the taprooms and Quirk’s rooftop will be able to enjoy the beers in special limited edition glassware created just for this collaboration.

Head over to the Facebook event for more information on the kickoff event. Richmond, let’s pack this rooftop!

Take a look at the official press release below for more information on the beers and other tasting events.

VIRGINIA PRIDE MONTH KICKS OFF WITH RELEASE PARTY AT QUIRK HOTEL AND RELEASE OF LOCAL LIMITED EDITION “GEORGIE” & “PORGIE” BEERS

VIRGINIA PRIDE, OUTRVA, ARDENT CRAFT ALES, AND CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE BREWING COLLABORATING TO HOST TASTING EVENTS IN SUPPORT OF PRIDE 2016

August 23, 2016 – RICHMOND, Virginia – Virginia Pride, OutRVA, Ardent Craft Ales, and Center of the Universe Brewing Company are excited to announce the upcoming release of their limited edition Pride 2016 beers “Georgie” and “Porgie” on Thursday, September 1 as well as a full line-up of tasting events throughout September in the Richmond area. This collaborative project was months in the making, with all four organizations and breweries coming together to make a playful, yet meaningful contribution to Pride Month. The resulting beers refer to the traditional nursery rhyme “Georgie Porgie” and not only lent ideas for the beers themselves but also was slightly adjusted from “ran away” to “decided to stay.” The statement on both bottles aptly captures the sentiment behind this project: “Georgie and Porgie are two beers that represent the love we have for craft beer and for everyone who drinks it, no matter who they are and who they love.”

Ardent’s “Georgie” beer is a Mixed Berry Pale Ale (4.7% abv) which represents the “pie” in the rhyme, and COTU’s “Porgie” beer is a Chocolate Pudding Porter (5.7% abv) which plays on the “pudding” line. Both beers will be available on draft throughout Richmond and in limited-edition 750 mL bottles. Please see the following list and descriptions of release events and supporting tastings throughout Pride 2016:

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 1

PRIDE KICKOFF & RELEASE PARTY AT QUIRK HOTEL

This will be the official Pride Month kick-off party and the first opportunity to try “Georgie” and “Porgie” beers. Event begins at 6 p.m. at the Quirk Hotel rooftop with music from DJ Amy Alderman and food available from Quirk. Limited supply of Georgie Porgie glassware will be available with a donation to Virginia Pride. In addition, Quirk will donate $1 of every beer sold during the event to Virginia Pride and OutRVA. No cost for admission. After-party will be hosted at Barcode Restaurant & Bar located at 6 East Grace Street.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 3

ARDENT & COTU TAPROOM RELEASE DAY

Both Ardent and COTU will simultaneously release the “Georgie” and “Porgie” beers on September 3 in their respective taprooms. Both taprooms will have the two beers on tap and bottle sales of both brews. Guests who visit Ardent and COTU on this day will be given limited edition “Georgie Porgie” glassware in support of Pride Month. Ardent’s event begins when they open at 12 p.m. and COTU will start at 1 p.m.

ADDITIONAL SEPTEMBER GEORGIE & PORGIE TASTING EVENTS

  • FR September 2 // The Caboose Tasting in Ashland. 4:30 p.m.
  • TH September 8 // Citizen Burger Bar Party. 5 p.m.
  • FRI September 9 // The Wink Sampling Event. 4 p.m.
  • TH September 15 // Station 2 Party, 5 p.m.; Pre-Pride Party at Babes, 8 p.m.
  • MO September 19 // Capital Alehouse Midlothian Party 4 p.m.
  • FR September 23 // District 5 Event, 5 p.m.
  • SA September 24 // Pridefest! 12-8 p.m.

ABOUT VIRGINIA PRIDE

Virginia Pride is a 501(c)(3) coalition-building organization that  strives to improve the lives of LGBT Virginians by creating visibility and promoting full human and civil rights through education, networking, and celebrations that advocate equality. PRIDEFEST 2016 presented by Virginia Pride will be held on September 24, 2016 from 12-8 p.m. on Browns Island in Richmond, VA. For more information, visit www.vapride.org

ABOUT OUTRVA

OutRVA is Richmond Region Tourism’s award-winning campaign that highlights the Richmond Region as a welcoming destination for LGBT travelers. At the center of the campaign are the OutRVA Insiders who share with potential visitors their favorite places in the region and represent the area’s vibrant LGBT community. Out stickers on store windows and doors throughout the region provide a visual way for travelers to connect with LGBT friendly businesses. OutRVA launched in 2014 and since then has garnered national media coverage—including The New York Times, Passport magazine, Out.com, Curve magazine. For more information, visit www.richmondisout.com.

Reconnect With Richmond Beer This Fall At Ardent, Center of the Universe, Lickinghole Creek, Hardywood, and Strangeways Today

Hello Richmond.

Sorry for the empty pages over the last month. It has been a busy one here as we completed our second and final move of the year. Sadly, I ended up missing most of Virginia Craft Beer Month but I’m sure you had a great time. I’ve seen the pictures. Now that I am a full fledged city resident, I am excited to reconnect with our breweries to see what they will be up to these coming fall months.

Let’s see what is in store this weekend.

Ardent Craft Ales

Sweet Potato & Sage Saison is back.

Hanover Oktoberfest & Das Bier Run at Center of the Universe 

COTU makes one of my favorite Oktoberfest beers. You are missing out if you haven’t tried simmering bratwurst in it before grilling.

Also, I hope there are some of these smoked beers left because I missed out.

Maiden’s Adventure Release & Pumpkin Picking Party at Lickinghole Creek

Show LCCB some love this weekend as they go from summer into fall in one weekend.

Farmhouse Pumpkin & RVA IPA Release at Hardywood

Hardywood Farmhouse Pumpkin

Brewed in the style of the farmhouse ales of Belgium’s southern countryside, Hardywood Farmhouse Pumpkin utilizes a blend of rye, wheat and barley in the grain bill, earthy flavoring hops and a classic saison yeast. Ripe, flame roasted Virginia sugar pumpkins and brown sugar provide a hearty backbone to this 8.5% ABV beer. Freshly ground Ceylon cinnamon, whole Grenada nutmeg, whole Madagascar clove and whole allspice harmonize with pounds of freshly sliced organic ginger root.Farmhouse Pumpkin Ale incorporates local ingredients from Grandma’s Pumpkin’s of North Chesterfield, Ellwood Thompson’s, Sauer’s Spices and Penzeys Spice Company.

Hardywood RVA IPA

Our “community hopped IPA” is brewed exclusively with freshly harvested local hops, from the first bittering hop addition to the flavoring/aroma additions to a final wet hop addition, more than 300 pounds of local Cascade, Columbus, Chinook, Glacier, Magnum, Nugget and Centennial hops were used in this 60-barrel batch of beer. Brewed just once a year when hops are at their peak freshness, RVA IPA is sure to go quickly!

Hardywood Farmhouse Pumpkin and RVA IPA will be available in 750mL bottles, 4 packs and for growler fills at 2pm. Roundabound Pretzels,BoDillaz and Slideways Mobile Bistro on site through the day!

Join us for a special performance of the seminal Paul Simon album, Graceland, presented as RVA production company Spin, Spit & Swear‘s Cover To Cover at 7pm:

https://www.facebook.com/events/774432892702918/

Gourd of Thunder Release at Strangeways

Strangeways Gourd of Thunder

Your favorite pumpkin brew is back- with one twist- it’s now available on draft and in 750 ml bottles.

Gourd of Thunder is a dark and gnarly Imperial Pumpkin Porter brewed with freshly picked local pumpkins that were ripened on the vine while continuously listening to heavy metal. The malty pumpkin backbone fuses robustly with a milky sugar creaminess. Bourbon vanilla beans lay down a rock-steady foundation that drives the cinnamon, ginger and clove spices through your skull. This brew does not merely mimic the flavor of a mortal pumpkin pie. Gourd of Thunder will cataclysmically blow your mind with its face-melting, high-voltage attitude. Headbangers Unite!

9.2% ABV | 18 IBU

RVA Memorial Day Weekend 2015: Strangeways, Triple Crossing, Center of the Universe, & Hardywood

Happy Memorial Day Weekend Richmond! Here are a few things to start your long weekend off today Saturday May 23rd.

Guarded by Monkeys Release at Strangeways — Noon

To obtain this beer, you will need to creep quietly through the lab as to avoid waking the monkeys who stand guard. Plus you can pick up a free Grunt, Growler, Blue Ball Mason Jar, or CANABLE now through Memorial Day with the purchase of a fill.

RVA BrewCraft: Coco for Coconuts Imperial Porter Release at Triple Crossing — Noon

Head over and try local homebrewer Steve Beasley’s winning entry into Triple Crossing’s RVA BrewCraft Competition. Coco for Coconuts is an imperial porter with 50 pounds of coconut, Blanchard’s Dark as Dark coffee, and vanilla beans.

Homefront IPA Day at Center of the Universe — 1PM
Homefront IPA Day at COTU 052315

Hops for Heroes and Center of the Universe Brewing are proud to introduce the 4th annual Homefront IPA celebration on May 23rd from 1pm until 9pm! Homefront IPA is a collaborative effort between 10 American craft breweries including:

-21st Amendment Brewery
-Cigar City Brewing Co.
-Fremont Brewing Co.
-Maui Brewing Co.
-Stone Brewing Co.
-Palmetto Brewing Co.
-Left Hand Brewing Co.
-Revolution Brewing Co.
-Perennial Artisan

Homefront IPA clocks in at 7% ABV and is brewed using fresh orange zest. The beer is then aged on unfinished Louisville Slugger Maple bats. 100% of all proceeds from the sale of the beer are being donated to Soldiers’ Angels (Official). Soldiers’ Angels provides aid and comfort to the men and women of the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, their families and the growing veteran population.

There will be live music by Vexine, food trucks, and a raffle for the beer soaked Louisville Slugger bats. Head out to the brewery to celebrate the service men and women and give back to this great cause!

Peach Tripel Release at Hardywood — 2PM

Hardywood Peach TripelHardywood is expanding their foray into fruit beers with the release of their Peach Tripel.

The celebrated tradition of monastic brewing is perhaps best known for the dubbel, and stronger, brighter tripel styles, which are characterized by abbey yeast strains that create a delightful harmony of fruity esters and spicy phenols. Hardywood Peach Tripel displays a voluminous head, a sunshine golden hue, notes of white pepper and honeysuckle, and is refermented on over 50 pounds per barrel of peaches, apricots and nectarines, lending a subtle but luscious stone fruit character, and a pleasantly dry finish.

Peach Tripel will be available for draft, 750ml bottles, and growler fills starting at 2pm. Enjoy live music from Samantha Pearl, Gull, Josh Small & Andrew Alli, and Manatree starting at 5pm.

Center of the Universe Turns Two This Weekend

COTU 2yr party 111414Center of the Universe will celebrate their two year anniversary all weekend long starting today Friday November 14th at 4pm. They will have something special in store each day of their weekend long party.

Maybe Mike will wear the yellow suit?

Friday, November 14th  4 – 9PM

Day one marks the return of “The Richard” aka the happy accident of a double IPA during COTU’s first brew.

This aggressive Imperial IPA keeps getting bigger as our brewers keep pumping more and more grain and hops into this monster.  This year, the brew will be clocking in at a whopping 9.0%  As is always the case with this delicious libation, we will be filling growlers!  So, grab a friend, a relative, or your dancing shoes and come out to see what all the fuss is about.  LONG LIVE THE RICHARD!

Saturday, November 15th  1 – 9PM

They are still revealing beers but day two will feature guest taps from their Homefront IPA partner breweries.

Sunday, November 16th  1 – 9PM

Day three sounds like so much fun I’ll just let COTU tell you about their Stout Fest and beer, chocolate, and cheese pairings.

It’s always Sunday Funday at COTU, but today, you know because we are 2, we are going to be doing something amazing. We will be doing our first event STOUT FEST and BEER CHOCOLATE, and CHEESE PAIRINGS!  Enjoy these two events along with our amazing beer lineup, live music from Something Shiny, and food trucks!

STOUT FEST

For the first time ever, we will be pouring 5 different stouts here at the brewery. These are extremely limited edition stouts and include the elusive, provocative, dream making, Shut Up.  To go along with Shut Up, we will be featuring El Duderino, The Dude, Unseasonable Stout, and a Coffee Imperial Stout. Don’t miss this chance to try the full line up of the darkness!

BEER, CHOCOLATE, and CHEESE PAIRING

Picture this: 6 4 oz. pours of COTU brews, 3 different artisan cheeses, and 3 different hand made chocolate truffles all mixing in your mouth and creating some of the most unique, smooth, and delectable flavors you have ever experienced. Oh yeah, its only $20 per person and includes an expert in each field to lead you on this culinary journey. This portion of the party is ticketed and advanced tickets can be purchased at the brewery for the following time slots: 3pm & 5pm. 20-25 person max per session.  Tickets can be purchased the day of, if slots are still available.

Chocolates: Chocolates by Kelly: Chocolate is not a luxury, it’s a way of life, at least for Kelly Walker and her ardent followers it is. Her family tree is chocolate dipped and she continues and grows the tradition by crafting each of her lovelies by hand. Salted caramels, cranberry vodka cordials and many many more confections are awaiting you. Check her out here.

Cheeses: The Caboose Wine and Cheese: The Caboose Wine & Cheese has been providing the Hanover and greater Richmond area the finest selection of wine, beer and specialty foods since 1997. Located on the railroad tracks of historic Ashland, Virginia, we offer the friendly service you’d expect from a small town, and a selection that is sure to surprise and delight. Check them out here.

Make It A Richmond Beer Memorial Day Weekend With Strangeways, Lickinghole Creek, Center of the Universe, & Hardywood

Happy Memorial Day Weekend Richmond! If you are looking for beer, and I know you are, there is a bounty to choose from all over town today Saturday May 24th.

Steal the Vessel at Strangeways — ALL WEEKEND

Here is a note to help with your weekend festivities:

Hellloooo, 3 day weekend! Because we know you have grill outs that require tasty beverages, we’re doing Steal the Vessel and Strangeways Growler refill specials now through Monday! Our special holiday hours are Sunday 12-10 and Monday 12-9 so there’s plenty of time to get your Strange. 

 

Bourbon Barrel Three Chopt Tripel Release at Lickinghole Creek — 1PM

 

Spend some time down on the farm sipping LCCB’s Bourbon Barrel Tripel.  Only 2000 bottles available for sale at the farm.

 

Homefront IPA Day at Center of the Universe — 3PM

While Center of the Universe celebrates Homefront IPA Day at the brewery, the beer will make appearances at Brew’s beer school, The Bucket Trade, and a tap takeover at Station 2.

 

 

COTU_Operation Homefront

Want to take one of the bats used in Homefront IPA home? COTU will be raffling them off.

Hardywood Gingerbread Stout Bottle Sale — 3PM

Yes, Hardywood is releasing Saison Rustica today at 2pm but they are also selling 200 bottles of Gingerbread Stout to celebrate being named top Richmond brewery in Style Weekly.

 

Step Up To The Plate With Flying Squirrels & Center of the Universe Chin Music

Center of the Universe will debut the official Flying Squirrels beer, Chin Music Amber Lager, today Saturday March 1st.  Here are three ways you can join in on the fun starting as early as 11am from COTU’s blog:

1. Head to the tasting room for a pint. Enjoy food from Popping Mealies and live music from Tin Can Fish Band. The taproom opens at 3pm.

2. Head to The Diamond for Fan Fest from 9am-12pm. The official unveiling of Chin Music will be at 11am. There will be live music and fun activities. For more on Fan Fest, click here.

3. Catch us if you can! Chris, Phil and the Squirrels staff will be headed by bus to visit six local accounts  debuting Chin Music. Come meet us out at these great places in RVA:

  • Glory Days Ridgefield Parkway 1:00-1:45pm
  • The Halligan (Short Pump) 2:00-2:40pm
  • Hurley’s 2:55-3:40pm
  • Big Al’s 3:45-4:25pm
  • Poes Pub 4:50-5:30pm
  • Home Team (The Fan) 5:40-6:15
Blog at WordPress.com.