MY FAVORITE PLACE TO TAKE MY GROWLER

I’ve known the proprietor, Vanessa Moore, for years. Her former wine buyer, Brett Chappell, is a close friend of mine. I’ve always enjoyed visiting Vanessa’s store. It’s continuously well stocked with great beers and wines. Wine is their actual wheelhouse. Wine buyer and store manager Jessica Outer keeps a great selection on hand. General Manager Sparlin Witt does a great job of making sure that service stays at a superb level. They also have a great store in the Bradlee Shopping Center. But they run a larger selection of craft beer at the Belle Haven store.

I recently discovered that Vanessa had hired another old friend of mine as the store’s beer buyer, Gary Pemberton. Gary’s actual title is Beer Boss, which I love. Gary is an Old Town OG, just like I am. His beer knowledge is way beyond mine. If the comparison were likened to golf, his handicap would be very low, close to that of a golf pro. Mine would be what it currently is, the equivalent of a respectable bowling score.

I meet Gary at the store’s craft beer bar when I arrive. Gary’s philosophy is to create a fun, creative beer list with an assortment of “fun and different brews” that are not readily available elsewhere. To quote Gary, “I like to hit all the food groups.” He shares my point of view that most restaurant draft beer lists do not have enough variety. He tries to keep the taps as local as possible. Six of the twelve taps during my visit are local beers.

His taps turn over once about every week and a half to two weeks. Therefore, the beers we tasted have probably since been changed out. He tries to not repeat beers but does admit that some circle back due to popularity. His vendors are very eclectic. They basically walk in and hand him a list and say, “Here’s what I have today.” This differs greatly from most places. Usually, vendors walk in and just ask you what your order is for today. Gary always finds new and exciting beers. Ones that you rarely to never see in restaurants or bars.

Here are some of the beers we tried during my two visits:

Marke – a German Pilsner from Tabol Brewing in Richmand, VA.

Bald Irishman - a Red Irish Ale from Center of the Universe Brewing Company, Ashland, VA.

Tripel – a Belgian Tripel from Une Annee Brewery in Niles, IL.

Reigh in Helles – A Helles Lager from Precarious Beer Project, Williamsburg, VA.

Last Supper – an English Porter from Magnanimous Brewing, Tampa, FL.

Querido and Perdido – a Double Imperial Stout from Casita Brewing Company, Wilson, NC.

I could write my next two articles reviewing the beers from our tasting. Let’s suffice it to say that they were all fantastic. There is something on Gary’s list for everyone.

We finish our tasting and head over to the canned and bottled beer section. The beers are fun and diverse, just like the draft line up. A lot of thought obviously goes into each category.

We discuss current craft beer trends