Virginia Craft Brews - Issue #17 by Virginia Craft Brews : A Publication for a Cause

Chaos Mountain Brewing A Bit of Chaos

Intermission Beer Co. Getting Rave Reviews

Oozlefinch

Brewing on Fort Monroe

Amber Ox Public House

Creative draughts in Williamsburg

Edition #17 2018

TAP ROOM OPEN DAILY 2 HOURS FROM

NORTHERN VIRGINIA (66 W TO 81 S)

RICHMOND 217 S. Liberty St. #105 Harrisonburg, VA 22801 Monday - Saturday: 1pm - 11pm Sunday: 1pm - 9pm FaceBook: palefirebeer Instagram: palefirebrewing

(540) 217-5452

(64 W TO 81 N)

ROANOKE (81 N)

LOCATED IN THE

HEART OF THE

CHANGE NEVER TASTED SO GOOD

Features

Intermission Beer Company

Getting Rave Reviews on Richmond’s Northside

By: Terri L. Jones

Oozlefinch

Brewing Something Funky on Fort Monroe By: Alex Hannagan

Chaos Mountain Brewing

There’s a Bit of Chaos in Them Thar Mountains By: Steve Cook

Amber Ox Public House

Creative draughts and Southerninspired eats in Williamsburg By: Tiffany Coe Virginia Craft Brews is a quarterly, grassroots publication celebrating Central Virginia’s craft beer innovators, small business and non-profit organizations. We support a specific non-profit each issue with ad space, cover logo and 10% of all revenues. We even organize an event to benefit that group. Help us support our mission by donating $10.00 on our website to get the next 4 issues mailed to your door! matt@virginiacraftbrews.com

www.virginiacraftbrews.com

Issue #17 Summer/Fall 2018

This Issue 4 Healing Strides of Virginia Changing Lives One Stride at a Time. 12 Capital Ale House Virginia’s Beer Authority By: Emily Ashcraft 26 Hop On Cville Offering a unique experience to the Charlottesville area. By: Huey Maidup 30 Bottleworks Buying From the Heart By: Steve CookBy: Huey Maidup

Our Team

Creative Director: Matt Goodwyn Writers: Terri L. Jones Alex Hannagan Steve Cook Tiffany Coe Emily Ashcraft Huey Maidup Cover art Inspired by Chaos Mountain Brewing’s Squatch Ale and the Roanoke region of Virginia. - Layout & Design: Tactics Branding

virginiacraftbrews.com

Gets Rave Reviews on Richmond’s Northside

By: Terri L. Jones

Justin and Courtney White have always had great admiration and respect for the RVA brewery community. When the couple opened their new brewery in the fall of 2017, they “weren’t necessarily looking to create anything outrageously different.” The couple was just trying to fill what they saw as a hole in the craft brewery market in Richmond’s Northside. Simply by expressing themselves, the Whites have managed to create something really out-of-the-box on the RVA brewery landscape: Intermission Beer Company. Center stage Intermission’s most obvious differentiator is its entertainment theme. Justin and Courtney both are local theater veterans, meeting at TheatreVCU, and then working for a while in professional theater. That passion takes center stage at Intermission—from the theater memorabilia-topped tables (everything from old playbills to patent drawings for theater seats,) to the movie and TV inspired artwork on the walls to the marquee menu board. The place feels more like a cozy, kitschy coffee shop than a brewery. The entertainment theme also shows up in many of the brewery’s events, including movie nights and TV show trivia events. “I am an admitted theater,

6 VACB Edition 16

movie and TV junkie,” says frequent patron Renee Lamoureux, “and it [Intermission] feels like home.” The brewery’s location also sets it apart from the typical Richmond brewery. Instead of being in an industrial area close to other breweries, Intermission, which is conveniently situated in Virginia Center Commons, is the only brewery in the immediate vicinity (closest ones are in Lakeside and Ashland). That means that not only is it a destination brew spot for those living on the Northside and in Hanover, but it also benefits from mall traffic, including people having their car serviced at neighboring Goodyear, or parents taking their kids to nearby Jumpology (and taking turns having a brew while the other parent watches the kids).

GRAB A COLD ONE & ENJOY THE VIEW ENJOY OUR OUTDOOR ATMOSPHERE ON YOUR NEXT VISIT, AND TAKE A SIX PACK WITH YOU BLUEMOUNTAINBREWERY.COM · 9519 CRITZERS SHOP RD. AFTON, VA · (540) 456-8020

CHARLOTTESVILLE’S ORIGINAL BREWPUB NOW SERVING

6 CLASSIC & EXPERIMENTAL STYLES OR BUILD YOUR OWN SOUTHSTREETBREWERY.COM · 106 W SOUTH ST, CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA · (434) 293-6550

Your Neighborhood Beer and Wine Store . . . Intermission Beer Co. Continued

A Selection of Over 600 Beers and 300 Wines Monday - Thursday .... 11 - 8 Friday & Saturday ..... 11 - 9 Sunday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 - 5

804-320-HOPS (4677)

LOCATED IN THE STONY POINT SHOPPING CENTER (Not the Fashion Park)

16 Craft Beer Taps for Growler Fills • Special Order Kegs • Weekly Tastings. Bottleworks Beer & Wine 3078 Stony Point Rd., Richmond, VA 23235 bottleworksrva@gmail.com

The Main Attraction While Intermission’s ambiance and location definitely set it apart, the real showstopper is the beer. On the regular menu, there is everything from a pale ale to a milk stout, augmented by limited release beers like Juicy IPA with mango and passionfruit, and a black IPA, which was a special request from an Intermission regular. “I want to make sure that there’s at least something that everyone is going to enjoy,” says Justin White, Intermission’s brew master. if you find a favorite and want to take it home, Intermission will fill your growler or even a single can or two. Justin and Courtney even get to know their regular customers’ tastes. Admits Lamoureux, “A lot of times I will go in and tell Justin or Courtney what kind of day I have had or what food I brought with me (Intermission only serves snack food but allows you to bring in your own food) and tell them to choose for me, they never go wrong.” Lamoureux says that she used to favor Intermission’s Milk Stout until they released their Abbey Ale, which she has found pairs well with all kinds of food.

The Whites have discovered that their customers’ tastes run the gamut. “The first question we get asked is either: ‘What do you have that’s close to Budweiser, Miller Lite or Coors?’ or ‘How many IPAs do you have?’ But there’s a lot of stuff in between,” explains Justin. That in-between space is where Justin likes to spend most of his time, and he has been happy to find that the brewery’s customer base supports his curiosity and eagerness to experiment with many different styles of beer. The Back Story Justin’s curiosity about beer started when he was in college and home brewing with roommates. Buying a house with wife, Courtney, in 2007, and finally having space for his home brewing supplies, reignited that spark. By that point, the couple had gotten out of theater and both worked in IT to pay the bills. “When I went to college, I wanted to do something where I wasn’t stuck behind a desk, and I ended up stuck behind a desk,” recalls Justin. So, shortly after Virginia Senate Bill 604 was passed in 2012, Justin and Courtney started tossing around the idea of cutting loose from their desk jobs and opening a brewery. When asked about the process that followed, they both simply say “long!” However, after about four years of hard work, their dream came to fruition in 2017. Cast of characters Justin and Courtney agree that one of their favorite aspects of owning a brewery are the folks who walk through the door. “We have met some incredible people we would’ve never met before,” says business manager, Courtney White, who also (wo)mans the bar. (They both wear a lot of hats … all the hats, in fact.) It seems the feeling is mutual. Reports regular Brian Pikral, “Justin and Courtney go out of their way to

Medal Winners: 2018 Bronze Winner

Zoeie

(Schwarzbier or Black Lager 5.5%) Double Gold Winner

Olde Yella

(American Pale Wheat 6.1%) & Bronze Winner Teddy

(American Cream Ale 5.5% 17.5 IBU’s)

Beer Hound Brewery was Voted 2nd place in Virginia Living as “Best Bar” for the Central Region in 2018 Also Look For

KUJO

Another Medal Winner AVAILABLE ON TAP

info@beerhoundbrewery.com

540.317.5327

BEERHOUNDBREWERY.COM

THE DOPPLER EFFECT GOLD MEDAL - IPA

RETROGRADE SILVER MEDAL - SESSION IPA

2018 Virginia Craft Beer Cup

The Doppler Effect was also ranked 12th out of 324 in a nationwide blind taste test by “Paste Magazine”.

FINAL GRAVITY BREWING CO.

6118

Lakeside

Ave.

Richmond

LIFE CHANGES. And when it does, we can help your financial life change with it.

be approachable, whether explaining about the beers on tap or just hanging out in general.” Pikral’s most frequent pick is Intermission’s Milk Stout, which he describes as “not overpowering, boozy or adjunct-filled.” But it’s not just the customers the Whites enjoy getting to know. It’s also the staff of other local breweries. “With beer, there’s a camaraderie,” Courtney explains. “You don’t really get that with other industries.” When they were first opening the brewery, Justin purposely didn’t ask advice from other brewers because he didn’t want to be “that guy.” But much to his and Courtney’s surprise, many of his fellow brewers stopped by on opening weekend to show their support. The Whites were also invited to join the Richmond Brewers United, which is a partnership between Richmond Regional Tourism, breweries and beer writers to share experiences and grow beer tourism in RVA. Playing a supporting role Because Courtney and Justin have found this support to be so important in their first year, they try to pay it forward by lending a hand to other local businesses,

particularly those owned by women. This past summer, they hosted an outdoor event where female artisans of handmade goods could sell their creations. Plus, they’ve used their outdoor space, a large, grassy field behind the brewery, for a fitness boot camp, and they sell Lush alcohol-infused cupcakes at special events (both businesses are women-owned). Currently, Justin is also taking the bold step to begin sourcing all of the brewery’s malt in Virginia: “We’re making a small sacrifice on our bottom dollar to support a local business, and I think that’s worth more than the few cents per pound [we could’ve saved].” In launching their new business, the Whites have always stayed true to who they are and what they believe in. “It’s personal for us,” says Courtney. In so doing, Justin and Courtney have created something that not only breaks the RVA brewery mold but also is drawing an enthusiastic (and thirsty) audience.

10089 Brook Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23059

Contact me today at 804-727-2575 to arrange your no-obligation consultation. This discussion can help you capture a clear understanding of your current financial life, and reveal strategies for a strong future. Mona Jain Financial Advisor, Prudential Advisors® The Prudential Insurance Company of America Phone 804-727-2575 Mobile 804-678-8761 Mona.Jain@Prudential.com www.prudential.com/financial-advisors/va/ glenallen/mona-jain

“Prudential Advisors®” is a brand name of The Prudential Insurance Company of America, Newark, NJ and its subsidiaries.Offering investment advisory services through Pruco Securities, LLC (Pruco), doing business as Prudential Financial Planning Services (PFPS), pursuant to separate client agreement. Offering insurance and securities products and services as a registered representative of Pruco, and an agent of issuing insurance companies. 1-800-201-6690. Prudential, the Prudential logo, the Rock symbol and Bring Your Challenges are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc., and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. 0299734-00001-00

Edition 16 VACB 11

703.582.0856 www.blackheathmeadery.com

Virginia’s Beer Authority By: Emily Ashcraft

veteran brews on tap. The staff also receives extensive training and continuous coaching so customers of all ages are always receiving a full and exceptional dining experience. Capital Ale House is also proud to serve only local, pastureraised, antibiotic and hormone free beef.

1313 ALTAMONT AVENUE • RICHMOND, VA

Join us at the bar for glasses and flights. Over a dozen options, including Red Razz, 12a beautiful VACB Editionway 16 to wrap up Summer and move into Fall.

Last November, Capital Ale House celebrated its 15th Anniversary. Enter any of Capital Ale House’s locations, and you will find friendly and knowledgeable staff, a delicious food menu and an extensive beer list. Capital Ale House is proud to have over 60% of its taps pouring Virginia craft beer. With over 450 beers on draught, across five locations (Downtown Richmond, Innsbrook, Midlothian, Fredericksburg, and Harrisonburg), there is a beer for every palate. If you still can’t find what you’re looking for on tap, you can choose from the nearly 200 bottles and cans also available. Capital Ale House also has a brewery of the month and monthly beer events featuring local Virginia breweries, so customers are learning more about the frothy brews they are sipping. The small touches set Capital Ale House apart from others in its industry. It was the first dining facility to welcome so many local Virginia ciders, beers and meads under one roof. Beer buyers work with local distributors to serve new and

While maintaining the status as your local friendly spot to grab an excellent craft beer, it is worth mentioning Capital Ale House’s dedication to making a difference in its community. Through two initiatives, ProjectVA and Beer Corps, Capital Ale House supports numerous local organizations and nonprofits throughout Virginia. Through ProjectVA, Capital Ale House contributes thousands of dollars in charitable donations every year to local nonprofits and fundraisers. Our volunteer program, Beer Corps, allows our staff to get out of the daily routines of the alehouse walls and bond together while serving their local community. We are so humble for the last 15 years of growth and will continue to be dedicated to supporting local Virginia craft beer, local businesses and agriculture. We have watched the craft beer industry flourish and have expanded our taps to match it, have been well received from the business community and beer enthusiasts, have provided local, healthier and betterquality products, have welcomed new friends and celebrated old ones and have grown from a group of individuals to an alehouse family. We look forward to continuing to serve Virginia’s craft beer industry and welcoming all to have a drink with us.

We Support Local

DEDICATED TO SUPPORTING LOCAL VIRGINIA CRAFT BEER , BUSINESSES, AND AGRICULTURE!

450 TAPS • ONLY VIRGINIA PASTURE-RAISED BEEF • KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF • OUTDOOR DINING

Richmond 623 East Main St. Richmond, VA 23219

Innsbrook 4024-A Cox Rd. Glen Allen, VA 23060

FIVE LOCATIONS ACROSS VIRGINIA Midlothian 13831 Village Place Dr. Midlothian, VA 23114

Fredericksburg 917 Caroline St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Harrisonburg 41-A Court Sq. Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801

804-780-ALES | CapitalAleHouse.com | Facebook.com/CapitalAleHouse | Twitter: @CapitalAleHouse

knowledge he had gained at 3 Stars as a recipe developer and their sour program steward. “It was really about getting to build a sour program from scratch,” he recalled, and that happened to be the beer style which had recently captivated Russ. Eventually, when Mike stood firm on his desire to migrate to the other coast, Russ offered him a one-year contract. That would allow them both to achieve their goals, and give Mike enough time to establish a process and train his eventual replacement. Thirteen months later, Mike is now in his second one-year contract. While it took a year to stand up the program, according to Mike’s original plan, they both agreed they needed one more year to transition and train up the staff.

Oozlefinch is Brewing Something Funky on Fort Monroe A conversation with Founder Russel Tinsley and Brewmaster Mike Donovan. After Oozlefinch opened in September 2016, founder Russ Tinsley was quickly forced to make a change. It wasn’t the clever name, with its origins surrounding the mythical bird sighted by a lubricated officer on Fort Monroe a century ago. Instead, what should have been a shining moment as their Lady in White Hefeweizen picked up a Silver Medal at the Virginia Craft Brewers Cup in May 2017 – just 8 months after the brewery opened – came right after Oozlefinch’s original head brewer handed in a 30-day resignation notice. The brewery needed a different kind of momentum. “In 2016 my focus was just getting the doors open…the vision was just to get beers to market,” he remarked. Lady in White won the big award, and others such as their Ox Cart Imperial Porter and Creekside Lager gained notoriety at local competitions. Russ cast a wide net when searching for his new brewer.

14 VACB Edition 16

by: Alex Hannagan

Mike Donovan was nearing the end of his time at 3 Stars Brewing Company in Washington, DC, when he saw the announcement for a new head brewer at Oozlefinch. Life in Tidewater wasn’t on his radar, though, as other parts of the country called out to his wife and him. “Mike was looking to go out to the Pacific Northwest, but just for [poops] and giggles, he threw his résumé over to me. I immediately knew this was the guy,” Russ said. It would not prove easy to lure the West bound brewer to Fort Monroe, though.

We like that play of ‘here’s something you’ve never really had before.’ That’s definitely the fun of blending. Just as Russ was looking to reinvent his brand behind the success of Lady in White, Mike was ready to apply the

In addition to the challenges of building out the space, acquiring the inventory, installing meticulous sanitation, and handling controls into every facet of Oozlefinch’s operations, Mike took the train to work. As in, the Amtrak from Washington, DC, down to Newport News on Mondays, and then back up home on Thursdays. Since that didn’t afford him time at the brewery on the weekends, he now has a home nearby. He swears this second year will be it, even as his wife will be joining him

een For the w o ll a H is Th s U in ome Jo

4th Annual:

Treat epartment r o k c u r T Fire D d Forest Volunteer

Apocalypse Ale Wor

ks, Located in the ol

Proceeds Benefit:

1257 Burnbridge Rd. Forest, VA

NEW Releases THIS FALL Bro Head Fred Quad, Revival Pale Ale with Rye, Pecan Barrmageddon, and Winter Snack Imperial Stout will be coming out the end of October.

ENDOFBADBEER.COM

M – 5 PM P 2 1 t a 7 2 r O c tob e S at u r day, ting - Foster Dogs in a P ce Fa s le p ine Food truck sam Candy - Rain or Sh e Society t ea Tr r o k ic Tr d Live Ban Lynchburg Human go directly to the t ea Tr or k uc Tr under 10 free Proceeds from - Adults $5 - kids . ty cie So e an m and the Bedford Hu nt for this Event. se re P e b l il w S UCK Multiple FOOD TR wristband purchase! Full menus too! Come hungry! ch truck with 1 sample from ea

nday

Tuesday - Su

Ale Works, llc.

JOIN THE KNIGHTS OF MALTA MUG CLUB • Low yearly fee • 20 oz mug with logo & membership number • Membership keychain with logo & membership number • Quarterly Gatherings

WEEKLY EVENTS

• Wednesday: Yoga 6pm • Thursday: Trivia 7pm • Thursday & Friday: Happy Hour 4-6pm • Friday, Saturday & Sunday: Live Music at various times

MONTHLY EVENTS

• 1st Wednesday of the month: Bits & Brews Video Game Tournament 7 PM • 1st Friday of the month: Jazz or Blues 7 PM • 1st Saturday of the month: Game of Jokes Open Mic Comedy 8:30 PM • Last Sunday of the month: Books and Brews, Book Club 3 PM

NEW

• Castle Cafe, serving a limited menu of delicious Panini Sandwiches, and various snacks. • Visit our newly designed website at www.castleburgbrewery.com

1626 Ownby Lane, Richmond, VA 23220

At the Corner of Hermitage Road and Ownby Lane

. . . Oozlefinch Continued soon down in Hampton Roads. “We’re just starting to see the benefits,” Mike reasoned. “The barrel room wasn’t ready for four and a half months. If the first week we’d brewed the beer I wanted, then maybe I would have been comfortable leaving after the first year.”

“where we’re just trying to suggest some sourness. The sour program is varied, and we also have several beers in the low 3’s that will pucker you up.” He also recently added pulverized cacao nibs to a new recipe for a Strawberry Chocolate Gose (?!) and mused over a few sips, “We like that play of ‘here’s something you’ve never really had before.’ That’s definitely the fun of blending for me.” That same blending, by the way, is the reason he can’t leave just yet. “I feel a responsibility to see it through,” Mike repeats often if you talk to him long enough. Medals, accolades and pride don’t define success for him, because success is ensuring that Russ and Oozlefinch can survive – and thrive – without him. That includes a good blending stock, successful barrels that impart desired qualities, an educated staff that can easily identify appropriate and creative blends and house yeast and bacteria cultures that are both established and “banked” with the various boutique labs throughout Virginia. So far, Mike has helped Oozlefinch release more than 80 beers – nearly two per week since arriving. As the program matures, Mike will eventually turn things over to Rachel Edwards, his current Assistant Brewer and Quality Assurance Analyst.

Delays or not, something appears to be working as the very first sour beer Mike brewed for Russ, Dr. Rendezvous, just won a Gold Medal at the 2018 version of the Virginia Craft Brewers Cup. Mike sees more success on the horizon, and that success was part of both his entrance and his exit strategies. “Dr. Rendezvous was my first chance to get fresh barrels,” he noted with a bit of a smile, “and the recipe was all mine. It’s reassuring to know the way we’ve set up the program is successful.” Apart from some favorite wine barre, Mike seems especially to enjoy Chardonnay from Central Virginia. He also wants to play with ingredients and acidity in unconventional ways. “All of our beers are not 3.6 pH,” he said,

In the meantime, Russ reports that thanks to Mike’s efforts, Oozlefinch’s month-over-month sales are up 30% from this time last year. Additionally, they’ve locked down several distributors, including one that is statewide, a remarkable feat that most of Virginia’s more than 200 breweries

have yet to accomplish. Perhaps not coincidentally, Dr. Rendezvous was their first beer to get into the Richmond and Northern Virginia markets, and Mike and Russ both agreed they wouldn’t have had it any other way. Russ recently was in Northern Virginia, where their Sour Kolsch collaboration with Old Ox Brewery is starting to make the rounds. Even if sour beers aren’t your thing, but especially if they really aren’t your thing, the subtlety and innovation that Oozlefinch brings to the table could very well cause you to say, “well, maybe just one more sip…” Nothing would make Mike or Russ happier. Visit http://www.vabrewreview.com for more on Oozlefinch’s and Old Ox’s New@Life special release! The Oozlefinch Craft Brewery 81 Patch Road, Fort Monroe, Va 23651 757.224.7042 www.oozlefinchbeers.com

Edition 16 VACB 17

There’s a Bit of Chaos in Them Thar Mountains By: Steve Cook

not be exactly chaotic, it is certainly not humdrum either. There always seems to be a flurry of activity at the brewery. On the Friday morning that we spoke, he tells me, “This is the first weekend that I don’t have anything going on and no beer festival to travel to.”

like contest. The competition is fierce. There is live music virtually every Friday and Saturday nights. That is not exactly what I would call nothing going on. Joe and Wendy have just ordered two new

You can’t have a polka dot shirt store just because you like polka dot shirts Nothing going on, except for the fact that every weekend at Chaos Mountain, throngs of happy beer drinkers and their families gather to enjoy the beers, the food trucks and the live entertainment. Last fall Chaos hired Alex Harless as their new tasting room manager and he has renovated the tasting room, adding some comfy sofas, as well as a couple of pool tables. Now, every Wednesday night, there is a pool tournament going on. Thursday night is Trivia Night, and based on my observations on a recent Thursday evening, this is no mild-mannered, sedate Jeopardy-

It has been nearly five years now since New York transplants, Joe Hallock and his wife Wendy, began brewing a variety of flavorful craft beers in the mountains of Franklin County in southwestern Virginia. Time was, when you heard anyone speak of Franklin County, you would likely think of moonshine whiskey. They still make plenty of that in the county, some of it legally. Thanks to the success of the Hallocks, nowadays, when you hear someone mention

18 VACB Edition 16

Franklin County, you just might think craft beer and Chaos Mountain Brewing. They chose the name Chaos Mountain as a tongue-in-cheek nod to Cahas Mountain, where the brewery is located. I caught up with Joe Hallock recently. That is not an easy thing to do. He stays on the go, traveling around the state acquainting retailers, restaurants and others with his beers and taking part in various craft beer events. Although Hallock’s lifestyle may

60-barrel fermentation tanks, which will allow him to do double batches on some of his beers, including the brewery’s number one selling beer, “Squatch,” a Scotch ale, which he describes as, “a perfect food beer. It’s malty, with a little sweetness up front and finishes dry.” It’s a beer,” he adds, “that pairs well with roasted, grilled, smoked and even spicy foods.” The two new tanks, which should be operational by November, will free up some of his 30-barrel tanks for the production of other beers. The brewery also utilizes a 7-barrel pilot system, which is useful in experimenting with new brews. Joe says that Chaos Mountain uses different malts in all of their beers and propagate

New Releases

Proud Supporter of

Healing Strides of Virginia

For which we will be hosting a charity event this September 16th

9/22 Chaos Octoberfest Marzen 6%ABV 10/5 Cocoborealis Triple Chocolate Stout 6%ABV 10/19 Instigator Doppelbock 8.5%ABV

Chaos Mountain Brewing, LLC 3135 Dillons Mill Rd. Callaway, Va. 24067 ch ao s m o u nt ai nb r e w i ng . c o m - 5 4 0 - 3 3 4 - 1 6 0 0

ÂŠ 2018 Chaos Mountain Brewing

The Octoberfest release is also our International TALK LIKE A PIRATE celebration and we will have our Four Mad Pirates Belgian style quadrupel aged in rum barrels.

. . . Chaos Continued their own yeasts, which he says facilitates their being able to use specific yeasts to try new tastes. “When we propagate a yeast, we don’t brew a base beer and dump the beer, we also brew something new and unique of the same style of beer the yeast is for. This gives us a constant supply of new releases in our tasting room,” he says. One such unique new brew is a delicious Mexican amber lager. As for his personal tastes in beer, Hallock admits that he is not a big fan of IPAs. “Everyone has different tastes, I like beers that are more malty and flavorful,” he says, “such as a good brown or amber ale. I love the depth of Belgian ales.” However,

as far as his philosophy regarding what he offers his guests and his customer base, he acknowledges, “You can’t have a polka dot shirt store just because you like polka dot shirts. Well, you can but it probably won’t last.” With that in mind, he offers 16 beers on tap and plans to increase the number of taps to 18-20, including at least four or more IPAs.

range, Hallock says, “If out of 16 different beers you can’t find one you like, you probably don’t like beer.”

The range of beers in Chaos Mountain’s portfolio is vast. From “Marg ‘n Rita’s Lime Tequila Gose,” at 4.3 %, and “Shine Runner Pils,” at 4.7%, which Hallock describes as a great transitional beer to the other end of the spectrum with “Theory of Chaos,” an intense dark Belgian, which is being brewed now for release at the end of this year. “It will probably come in at 18.5% ABV this year,” he says. With such a

Nowadays, when you hear someone mention Franklin County, you just might think craft beer and Chaos Mountain Brewing.

Thom Bradley adding Two Roosters Craft Coffee to the Shoot the Rooster Coffee Stout!

20 VACB Edition 16

With so much going on, how do the Hallocks keep the chaos out of Chaos Mountain? Much of the success is due to their readiness to empower their staff. Of his head brewer, Thom Bradley and the two assistant brewers, both of whom have just completed or are in the process of completing their certification with the American Brewers Guild, Hallock says, “We give them a lot of leeway. Thom is very good at training and that allows them to take as much responsibility as possible. We give our assistant brewers, Logan Fewster and Nik Krause, the opportunity to experiment and brew on their own.”

Besides buying new equipment, brewing a wide variety of beers, planning weekly events and selling their wares across the state, both Joe and Wendy Hallock are involved in giving back to the community. For the past 10 years, they have actively sponsored fund raising efforts to support Healing Strides of Virginia, a horse riding school in Boones Mill (just down the road apiece from the brewery) that specializes in therapeutic riding and hippotherapy programs for persons (from toddlers to seniors) with a wide range of mental, emotional and physical disabilities. Hallock says that in addition to raising money for the school, his wife Wendy volunteers much of her time working with the youngsters. “It’s great to see the kids come in. At first, it can be scary for them, but over time you get to see them develop abilities and skills they never had before. It really does change their lives and it is great to be able to give back to the community that has given so much to us.” Perhaps there is a bit of chaos on Chaos Mountain, but it appears to be controlled chaos, and regardless of how hectic his lifestyle may be, Joe Hallock keeps on smiling. “There are very few things that we take seriously, and our beer is one of them. It really is all about having fun,” he says.

Chaos Mountain Brewing, LLC

3135 Dillons Mill Rd., Callaway, Va. 24067 540-334-1600 • CHAOSMOUNTAINBREWING.COM

Amber Ox Public House: Creative draughts and Southern-inspired eats in Williamsburg

Chris and Andrew first met more than a decade ago in Michigan, where they worked together as General Manager and Head Chef, respectively, for a restaurant in Grand Rapids. Each went on to pursue careers that involved several moves around the country, working with a variety of food service and hospitality brands, but they always stayed in touch and harbored the idea of partnering on a new concept. Amber Ox is that labor-of-love partnership that came into focus a few years back when Chris was operating several quick-serve restaurants in Hampton Roads. Both he and Andrew had taken up home brewing as a hobby and loved

22 VACB Edition 16

Amber Ox calls the in-house brewing operation the “Precarious Beer Project (P.B.P.),” run by Head Brewer Greg Fleehart, who previously worked at several of Seattle’s top breweries, as well as Commonwealth Brewing Company in Virginia Beach. The name is meant to connote momentum and movement—two things the brewery has enjoyed from day one. Greg describes, “Precarious is about creating an incredible beer experience that’s fueled by following inspiration, passion and curiosity. We don’t pursue beers for the sake of being weird, but we are looking to create a unique experience through flavor, aroma, texture, sensation and appearance.” In its first six months of operation, P.B.P has already brewed more than 50 different beers (and only made one twice!) By design, there is always something new on Amber Ox’s 18 tap handles—and regular customers look forward to the weekly releases. Regulars also enjoy the Draught Animals Club, which for an annual fee of $50, gives

by Tiffany Coe

What happens when two old friends join forces and leverage their restaurant-industry experience to launch a brewpub in America’s Colonial Capital? In the case of Chris Cook and Andrew Voss, owners of the recently opened Amber Ox, it’s a beautiful thing.

Williamsburg). It is also a nod to the brewpub’s dedication to supporting local famers in both its brewing and kitchen endeavors.

the vibe of the industry. They also loved the atmosphere of Williamsburg, but felt there was a need for fresh, new, eating-and-drinking establishments that were creative and approachable, so the idea for Amber Ox was born: a brewpub celebrating regional craft beer and Southern eats with a progressive twist. Chris and Andrew note that, “It’s through food and drink that we connect to our roots — and then to each other.” They have found the perfect spot on which to put down Amber Ox’s roots. The 180-seat dining room, bar and patio is situated at the edge of Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area, and is also adjacent to the campus of The College of William & Mary. The name “Amber Ox” is in homage to the history of the area, with oxen having played a huge role in local agriculture in the 1600s (one can still see modern descendants of these beasts of burden in Colonial

Photography by Corey Miller

Plans that are tailored to fit the craft brew industry.

Kim Rice

Nationwide

400A Southlake Blvd. N. Chesterfield, VA 23236 ricek13@nationwide.com

VirginiaCraftBrewInsurance.com

members $1 off pints and $2 off growlers, as well as an Amber Ox glass and tee shirt. As noted by Andrew, it takes only 18 pints “to make your money back!” Even though the brews are always changing, there is reliability to the styles on tap, which tend to include: New England IPAs, double IPAs, pilsners, lagers, stouts (infused by elements of Southern cuisine), Belgian saisons and goses. A recent gose featured Virginia kumquats, and a stout, made in collaboration with Richmond’s Answer Brewpub, featured locally made hickory syrup. With names like “Cheapbeer,” “Math is Hard,” “No Tag Backs,” “Kung Fu Theory” and “Cyborg Assassin Kittens,” there is no shortage of wit and creativity on the draft list. Virginia wines, along with signature cocktails like “The Virginia Workhorse” and “The Water of Leif,” round out the beverage menu. As Greg says, “You’ll always have many choices at Precarious, and many new choices every time you come.”

The creative juices flow just as freely in the Amber Ox kitchen, helmed by Troy Buckley, formerly of the renowned Café Provencal at the Williamsburg Winery. By design, they make everything in-house—from biscuits and brioche to pickles to pudding. Popular dishes include the shrimp & grits, featuring North Carolina shrimp, Tasso ham and beer vinegar; chicken & buttermilk-sage waffles with confit garlic butter; and the “AO” burger featuring pimiento cheese, caramelized onion jam and fried-egg aioli. To finish off the meal, sweet-treat options range from sweet bacon caramel corn to Meyer-lemon bars.

VIRGINIA

HANDMADE PEWTER Camelot Pewter is proudly made in Richmond, Virginia, since 1983. We manufacture 100% lead free pewter in a variety of items. Today we service customers across the United States, offering our handcrafted pieces in both bright and satin finishes.

It all sounds good, right? Customers think so too, with Amber Ox already earning Yelp’s 10th-highest rating within a 75-mile radius. Chris and Andrew attribute the endeavor’s success to the quality and “badass” nature of its team—from leadership to hourly staff and everyone in between. As for what’s next, well…they’re just getting started. A new beer dinner series started in June and will continue through the autumn. Quarterly street festivals are also in the works, and distribution of P.B.P. drafts, hopefully, will expand beyond their current footprint that includes Richmond, Norfolk, Virginia Beach and D.C. As Andrew says, “Keep an eye on us, we have big plans.”

camelotpewter.com 12302 Patterson Ave, Richmond, VA 23238

. . . Amber Ox Continued

804-784-3770 #CAMELOTPEWTERRVA

The Amber Ox

525 Prince George St. Williamsburg, Va 23185 757.790.2299 www.theamberox.com

Perfect for the Tasting Room! C A

Edition 16 VACB 25

Hop On Cville: Huey Maidup - Writer, Drinker, Explorer

Offering a unique experience to the Charlottesville area.

Despite the unrest among Americans during the current political environment and the feverish rants on social media, one thing is certain. We all like to drink. Once considered an oasis of culture and community, the small town of Charlottesville, Virginia, has seen unprecedented growth in Agro-beverage Tourism. The Monticello Wine Trail paved the way for history buffs to start mixing up their typical educational experiences at the homes of Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and James Monroe. The new explosion of tourism has been cultivated around the growing University of Virginia Grounds expansion and continued Alumni relations. Charlottesville’s promoter, Coran Capshaw, has backed the local music scene with star packed lineups at the Jefferson Theatre, Charlottesville Pavilion, The Southern Café, and, of course, local festivals. This trifecta was the petri dish that spawned a small local start up by the name of Cville Hop On Tours, or better known now as Hop On Cville. Hop On Cville offers a unique experience to the Charlottesville area and is expanding at an

26 VACB Edition 16

extraordinary rate. In 2016, neither of the cofounders, Jon Craig nor Andre Xavier, could have anticipated how quickly their one bus and good idea would become a fleet of 14. With their sights set on Staunton, Waynesboro, Lynchburg and Richmond next, you are sure to see a Hop On bus pass by soon. “We’d love to connect as many nearby towns/cities to our beloved Crozet/Afton/Route 151 area,” proposed Jon when discussing where they wanted to be in the next 3 years. “We’re in a unique position to have so many breweries right next to these award-winning wineries. I think we focus on what we have here and dream about partnering with someone that wants to recreate what we did here.” “We will definitely focus our attention on retaining our five-star reputation in Cville, but I’m ready to take on the rest of Virginia,” piped in Andre, who operates three other successful Charlottesville based tourism businesses, including Cville Tours, which initially brought the partners together.

Over 50 riders hopped on board the Saturday I observed. The logistics and coordination left me speechless as the swarm of participants were simultaneously loaded on their assigned bus and dispatched without issue. “Each of our drivers spends plenty of time observing before we ask them to participate in the operations,” explained Jon as the buses pulled away. “Right now we have folks interested in driving for us, riding the bus to see exactly how the operations work. We don’t have to explain half as much if they just see it. This also helps weed out those that may not have the patience to handle herding cats all day.” This process, he admits, is one that he picked up from years in the food and beverage industry. “When looking for someone in the kitchen that would hold a good amount of responsibility, we would often ask them to come and stage,” he explained. “The person would be vetted by their resume, but their operational actions would be watched for a night on the line to see if they could hang. Because we’re a unique concept, we thought we’d use something similar to make sure we hired only the best.” Local teachers, graphic designers, musicians, directors, sales representatives, accountants and retirees make

A fun group pregaming with a tour before the Legwarmers concert!

THIRD STREET BREWING COMPANY 312 WEST THIRD STREET FARMVILLE, VA 23901

All roads lead to Third Street! The Finest Craft Beer in Farmville!

More than 8 beers on tap • Outdoor and indoor games • Live music and food trucks on Friday and Saturday night Operating Hours: Wednesday 3:00pm - 10:00pm • Thursday, Friday and Saturday 3:00pm - Midnight • Sunday 1:00pm - 8:00pm

THIRDSTBREWING.COM - 434-315-0471

. . . Hop On Cville Continued up the part- time driver list. “We care most about driving capabilities and personalities,” described Jon. “I want drivers to have their own voice and unique traits to add to the experience of our participants. Some use alter egos to get into the roll, and others are just crazy enough to be that much fun on their own.” Regardless of how they do it, watching the synchronizing movements of the buses as they departed proved one thing; these people are serious and they are not leaving anything to chance. “We always have a backup bus and driver.” illuminated Andre. “When we first started, just a flat tire could mean a ruined day for all of our guests. Now we eat the cost to make sure we always have a Plan B and if it’s a crazy day, Plan C and D.” Even the buses used to transport passengers safely to and from area destinations are proof that Charlottesville is unique. Competing industry brands artfully decorate the exterior of each bus. Mammoths like Devils Backbone sit showcased next to local restaurants Kardinal Beer Hall and Beer Run. The other side displays Keswick Vineyards, Virginia Distillery Company, The Graduate Hotel, Snowing In Space Coffee and Bold Rock Hard Cider. The buses’ interiors depict more breweries and Charlottesville based destinations than I could count. “Our destinations are the lifeblood of what we do,” stated Jon, when asked about the relationship with the advertisers. “We don’t ask for

kickbacks from any of our destinations and we always try to accommodate their operations. When they advertise on the side of the bus, it ends up being about 50 bucks a month and provides great visibility in the specific market they are trying to reach (or could use “target”). I think it’s a win-win.” It’s that intangible asset that Charlottesville has, and so many other cities and towns strive for - a supportive community. Dave Warwick from Three Notch’d Brewing has been known to end his tours with words we should all live by, “Rising tides float all ships,” and “It’s a co-opetition not a competition.” With that spirit, I invite you to check out everything Charlottesville has to offer by Hopping On with Hop On Cville.

Richmond

is Beautiful

Wish You Were BEER

RISING TO MEET THE CHALLENGE OF DISTRIBUTING VIRGINIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CRAFT BEER! Serving Central Virginia Looking for brands and customers. Inquire as to our Monthly Special Promotions

@JENNETTSELLSRVA WWW.JENNETTPULLEY.COM

804-858-9000

15871 City View Dr, St 120, Midlothian VA 23113 All offices are independently owned and operated.

Jennett Pulley 804.920.9009 jennett@jennettpulley.com

Ryan Kirton-Davis 804.356.5322 r yan@jennettpulley.com

www. jrbeverage.com

434-589-2798

info@jrbeverage.com

Buying From the Heart By: Steve Cook

Finding a great beer in Richmond is an easy thing to do. There are plenty of grocery stores, neighborhood markets and other places that cater to Richmonders’ love for craft beers. Despite the abundance of retailers, there is something unique about Bottleworks, a family-run bottle shop, located in the Stony Point Shopping Center at Huguenot and Stony Point Roads in Richmond’s Bon Air neighborhood. First, the selection alone puts Bottleworks heads and shoulders above the pack. You will discover more than 700 beers, along with about 350 wines and an ample selection of ciders. It’s not the amazing selection that makes Bottleworks truly unique. It’s the passion demonstrated by the store’s owners, Geoff Hunt and Barbara White. The two share a passion for good craft beers. “I think our passion is the basis for [opening] the store,” Barbara says. Geoff agrees, adding that their love for craft beers influences the selection of beers offered. “We do a lot of buying from the heart,” he says. Their mutual love for IPAs shows. While you are going to find plenty of IPAs, do not get the impression that that is all you will find.

30 VACB Edition 16

The store is brimming with a wide variety of local and Virginia beers, plus craft beers from across the nation, as well as a wide selection of beers from around the world. “Geoff and I have similar tastes,” Barbara says. “We stock beer that we like, but we also try to appeal to the whole customer base.” Responding to customers’ tastes involves understanding ongoing changes in tastes. As we approach autumn, you will find plenty of seasonal favorites, including an excellent selection of good local and German Oktoberfest beers. The passion that Geoff and Barbara share for craft beers is particularly strong when it comes to local beers and those who create them. When asked how Richmond (and Virginia) brewers stack up in comparison with other brewers, Barbara unhesitatingly replies, “I think better than most places in the country.” Geoff agrees. “I don’t think there’s any question about that. They are tops.” Both have similar opinions as to why local beer makers are “tops.” Geoff explains, “They are good, creative brewers.” Barbara elaborates, “Richmond brewers are not afraid to try new things. They listen to people and they are willing to go outside the box, more so than the big, big breweries. The brewers around Virginia are always looking to step up their game.”

Geoff and Barbara do not just buy from the heart. They sell from the heart, too. Their customers are very important to them. “Most of our customers know what they want when they come in,” Geoff says, “but they are willing to try something new.” For the occasional customer who doesn’t know what he or she likes, Geoff and Barbara, perhaps drawing from their previous careers in education, try to discern the individual’s tastes and make recommendations to match those tastes. Speaking of the folks from throughout Central Virginia who shop there regularly, Barbara says, “We have great customers. They are so supportive. A lot of them have become friends rather than customers. It’s such a great group to work with.” So, what makes Bottleworks so special? Indeed, the selection of beers (and wines) offered is vast. In addition, there are sixteen constantly rotating growler lines. Their weekly beer and wine tastings (Fridays from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.) is fun. It is not primarily about the product. It is the people and their passion. “If you don’t enjoy what you do, you’re not going to do it well,” Barbara says. Conversely, Geoff and Barbara are doing lots of things really well. She sums it up: “It’s a dream job.”

« 13 Beers On Tap « Corn Hole « Sports Bar/#HUGE TV’s

« Farm to Fork Dining « Dog & Family Friendly

es h c ea

Y Z A H d lan g n E IPA New

Sty

just tapped

NEW! Brewed with over 65 pounds of REAL peaches in a 15-barrel batch. The peaches add amazing flavor to the tropical and fruity nose from the NEIPA yeast. Nothing says summer better than peaches and beer! 6.7 ABV | 48 IBU

4 3 4 4 3 6 1 1 0 0 8 8 • 2 4 6 1 RO C K F I S H VA L L E Y H W Y • N E L LYS FO R D, VA • W I L DWO L F B E E R .CO M