ISSUE #10
RICHMOND ANIMAL LEAGUE
Best Pizza & Pasta. 30 Craft Brew Taps. Super Friends. Friends, family and fun. • Happy Hour 3pm - 7pm (dine in only): • 1/2 price Appetizers - $2 off all Craft Beer and Wine by the glass • 2 for $20. Tuesdays! (dine in only) • Grab a Growler Tuesdays $5 off 64oz. Growler Premium Craft Beers HOURS: • Monday - Thursday 11am - 10pm Friday - Saturday 11am - 11pm • Sunday 11:30am - 9:30pm 4824 Market Square Lane, Midlothian, VA 23112 804-744-0111 - sergiosva.com
Go to our website - If you see a particular pet you are interested in, submit the application and either email, fax, or hand it back in to us at the shelter. This allows us to hold the pet for you while we complete the adoption process - it does not obligate you to take the pet. We MUST receive a completed application before we are able to put a pet on hold for someone, or arrange a meeting with any pet in foster care. We are only able to hold one pet at a time, unless you are interested in taking home more than one. We do not adopt
The Richmond Animal League (RAL) is Richmond’s oldest non-profit, no kill animal shelter. Since 1979, RAL has been committed to reducing euthanasia rates in Central Virginia through adoption, community education, and spay/neuter initiatives. As a privately funded animal rescue, RAL receives no monetary government support and relies on private donations to continue its mission of saving Lives—providing hope, help, and homes for animals in need. Founded by a small band of concerned volunteers, RAL remains a largely volunteer-driven organization. A small team of 8 full-time shelter staff members coordinate with approximately 300 active volunteers to care for the more than 2,000 homeless animals that enter RAL each year. The animals in RAL’s care have all been transferred from municipal shelters where they may have faced euthanasia due to overcrowding, lack of resources, or medical problems. At RAL, these animals are microchipped, given age appropriate vaccinations, and provided any medical care needed, until each cat or dog finds
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out two puppies at once. Once an application has been received and the pet is ready to go home, we can hold for a maximum of 24 hours to give the applicant time to get supplies, etc. We cannot guarantee we will be able to complete a same-day adoption.
Richmond Animal League 11401 International Drive, Richmond, VA 23236 www.RAL.org
a permanent, loving home. Additionally, every pet is spayed/neutered at RAL’s Loving Spay+Neuter Clinic, a low-cost spay/neuter clinic open to both publicly owned animals and those awaiting adoption in government shelters. Rhubarb and Raindrop are patiently awaiting their forever homes. As soon as these pets are adopted, the RAL transport van will be out on the road and another dog and cat in need will fill the space made available by the adoptions. For more information about adoptions, volunteering, or donating to Richmond Animal League, visit www.ral.org. The shelter is located at 11401 International Drive in North Chesterfield and is open Tuesday-Friday, 4pm-8pm and Saturday and Sunday noon-4pm. I’m Rhubarb and I am one smart girl. I know how to sit and shake. I can also sing! I might not always be in tune, but I sure am happy. I am currently undergoing heartworm treatment but can go home soon. I can’t wait to have a family of my own that will cuddle and sing sweet lullabies with me. - Please adopt me.
adopt@ral.org
804-379-0046
Next door to Capital Ale House
Features
6
Hardywood Park
Brewing Relationships
by: Steve Cook
12
The Belgian Tripel
A Beer for Snow, Sleet, or Sun By: David Wren
18
Beer Hound Brewery
Teamwork Making the Dream Work By: Matt Goodwyn
27
Capital Ale House
Updates & News
By: Audrey Finney and Linzy Browne
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 5% of all ad sales. matt@virginiacraftbrews.com www.virginiacraftbrews.com Issue #10 Spring 2016
This Issue 4 The Richmond Animal League (RAL) 14 Fermenting Fun at Chaos Mountain by: Steve Cook 21 Hop House Distribution Flourishing by: Harold Crevice 29 Huguenot Flatwater & Extra Billy’s Brewery by: Nolan Shigley
Our Team
Creative Director: Matt Goodwyn Writers: Steve Cook Matt Goodwyn David Wren Linzy Browne Audrey Finney Harold Crevice Tarun Sinha Layout & Design: Tactics Branding Cover Photo: Tarun Sinha
All Your Homebrewing Supplies in the Village of Midlothian
We Supply Equipment & Ingredients to: Homebrewers Breweries Wineries Restaurants and other companies
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Beer, Wine, and Cheesemaking Kits Big and Small Scale Equipment, Ingredients by Bulk, Pound, or Ounce, Ongoing Classes AHA Member Discounts Plus More . . .
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13829 Village Place Drive, Midlothian, VA 23114
Craft Brewery And Virginia Agriculture A Growing Relationship By: Steve Cook
When the folks at Hardywood Park Craft Brewery picked their first Virginia-grown pumpkins for use in their Farmhouse Pumpkin Ale, who could have foreseen what a beautiful relationship was being forged? “The Farmhouse Pumpkin was the first in Hardywood’s Reserve series, which is a concept,” said the brewery’s marketing manager, Matt Shoffner, “that plays into the Reserve series concept of offering seasonal brews when the locally sourced ingredients are available.” Head brewer, Brian Nelson, elaborated, “We’ve hung our hat on (the Reserve concept), staying consistent in finding local fruits and vegetables, as well as locally grown malts and hops. Even the wood that we age the beer on is often grown in Virginia.” Come late April, Hardywood will be releasing the latest in their Reserve series, a smoked doppelbock. “It’s a very rich, medium to full-bodied beer,” said lead brewer, Ken Rayher, “with the smoky character being very prominent.” The local agricultural angle with this beer is that it features Applewood and Cherrywood malts from Copper Fox Distillery in Sperryville, located just south of Front
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Royal. The malts themselves are grown in the Northern Neck. “It’s a great beer for pairing,” Nelson told me. I asked for some pairing suggestions. “Grilled game,” Shoffner said, while Nelson said that he felt it would go well with Asian or Mexican fare. Rayher, quoting Garrett Oliver, brew master at Brooklyn Brewery in New York quipped, “After a few sips, smoked beer starts to go good with everything.” I can attest to the fact that it doesn’t really need a thing to be fully enjoyed. Since I had all three of these gentlemen together in one room, along with a great beer, I asked them to tell me more about the creative process that will culminate on April 23rd, when this beer is released at the brewery. “Because this is the first smoked beer in the Reserve series, and the first lager, Hardywood is being somewhat reserved in its production,” said Nelson. “This is a unique beer. We expect it will be well received, but it is an educational process.” He said that with some reserves, “We’ve done 300 barrels right out of the gate. With this, we’ll be producing 140 barrels.” Since I still had a few sips of beer to go and
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was not anxious to leave it behind, I took the time to ask about what we could expect when Hardywood opens its Goochland campus in about a year from now. “More, more, more,” Rayher replied. “More beer,” said Shoffner, “and more entertainment. We’ll have an amphitheater at the new brewery.” “And more parking,” Nelson added, completing the trifecta. Continuing, he said, “The Westcreek facility (in Goochland) will be more of a showpiece for education. We’ll have the taproom and the live music.
But we’ll also offer self-guided tours. Visitors will be able to see the whole process. I envision a yard where we’ll be growing local fruits, hops and barley to help educate visitors as to what’s going into our beer.” Nelson said that based on the customer/ visitor experience, which he anticipates Hardywood will be offering at their new facility, “I’m hoping to have one of the best breweries in the country.” As for the current facility, he told me that it will remain open, and in addition to providing special events, it will become an
incubator for new, and perhaps off-the-wall things. “Hopefully,” Rayher said, “it (existing facility) will continue to be a draw in the neighborhood.” “It will continue to be the playground that it has been,” Nelson said. One thing seems evident. As Hardywood continues to grow and expand, its relationship with Virginia agriculture will continue to grow. “The coolest thing,” Shoffner said, “is that this is a true collaboration between the craft beer industry and Virginia agriculture. The more we use their product, the more product they grow.” Earlier, Nelson and Rayher had explained how the passion of the local growers has inspired them to create more beers incorporating locally grown products. Indeed, there are ideas in the pipeline that will continue to make use of Virginia’s agricultural wares, but the brewers are holding those ideas close to the vest right now. Considering the ongoing success enjoyed by the folks at Hardywood as well as the creativity and passion of the local farmers, it appears evident that this beautiful relationship between the brewery and Virginia agriculture is one that will continue to grow, to the benefit and enjoyment of all..
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Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery Virginia’s Farm Brewery
Nature’s Best • Home Grown Brewery • Hops, Barley, Herbs & Spices grown on property • Deep well water used in the brewing process • Located in beautiful Goochland County on 290 acres
Introducing
2
NEW RELEASES
Supreme Leader Great Commander The Party for the Glorious People! Saturday April 2nd from 12:00 - 8:00 p.m. Enjoy favorite brews, live music and multiple food trucks
April 2nd The Party for the Glorious People! Supreme Leader and Great Commander Release April 23rd Pineapple Nuclear Nugget Release May 7th Fearnought (Bourbon Barrel Brown Ale) Release May 14th Maple + Bourbon Barrel Brown Ale Release May 21st Grapefruit Nuclear Nugget Release
4100 Knolls Point Dr. Goochland, VA 23063
(804) 314-4380 sean@lickingholecreek.com
www.lickingholecreek.com
Now ble a Availn i d! n o m Rich
201 WATERS PLACE, STE 102 CULPEPER, VIRGINIA 22701 540.317.5327
FOLLOW THE “HOUND TRACKER” LINK ON OUR WEBSITE TO FIND THE BEER HOUND BREW CLOSEST TO YOU
WWW.BEERHOUNDBREWERY.COM
Hickory Smoked Barbecue and Hand Crafted Beers. • Pork BBQ and Ribs, Prime Rib • Smoked Chicken •Smoked Sausage • Prime Rib & Steaks • Private Parties • Off Site Catering
Tuesday: Discounted Mug Night* Wednesday: “All You Can Eat” Spare Ribs Night* Thursday.: $2. Burger Night* Saturday: Car Show-April - Oct.* *Midlothian location only
On-Site Brewery at our Midlothian Location 5-Taps featuring our own beers, plus seven guest taps
Midlothian • 1110 Alverser Drive • (804) 379-8727
Broad Street • 5205 W. Broad St • (804) 282-3949
NAVY BEAN SOUP WITH APPLE BOLD ROCK CIDER Ingredients: At the Shoppes at Bellgrade and in Short Pump
Give the gift of
Health and Flavor
Taste and Pair
1 full package of Dry Navy Beans 4 cups of homemade turkey or veggie broth, or one low sodium Swanson’s broth box 1 cup of India Pressed Apple Bold Rock Hard Cider-4.7% abv 1 onion chopped fine ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (Optional) 3 celery stalks, using leaves & chopped fine 3 garlic cloves smashed and chopped Approximately 2 cups of diced ham or pork shoulder 1 oz. Garlic olive oil to caramelize onions & celery Dash of dried basil 2 bay leaves Sea salt & pepper to taste
Directions:
Extra Virgin Olive Oils and Aged Balsamic Vinegars
Boil the beans on high for 30 min. in salted water. This is a quick way to remove the gases, instead of soaking the beans overnight. Set the beans aside to drain in a colander. Sauté the celery, onions, spices, herbs and ham until the onions are translucent. Deglaze the sauté pan with the cup of cider and put all ingredients into a slow cooker. Let simmer for 4 hrs. While cooking, make some wonderful homemade corn bread or muffins (you can add cheddar cheese and jalapenos into your batter for some fun) Enjoy!!!!
SAVE 20%
ON TOTAL PURCHASE OF $30.00 OR MORE - OR ONE FREE 60 ml SAMPLER WITH ANY PURCHASE !
W W W. T H E O L I V E O I L T A P R O O M . C O M
In Short Pump at Ste. 607 200 Towne Center W. Blvd. (Behind Ethan Allen near Rt.288)
804-360-7929
At the Shoppes at Bellgrade 11400 W. Huguenot Rd. Ste. 116 Midlothian, VA 23113
804-897-6464
Special Thanks to the Wells at the “Olive Oil Taproom” for another delicious Recipe.
A Beer for Snow, Sleet, or Sun: The Belgian Tripel By: David Wren
fermentable sugars, achieved by using more and more barley in the production of the wort. They named their different strengths Singel, Dubbel, Tripel, and Quadrupel in the native Dutch tongue.
If you’re like me, you’ve probably seen a beer or two labeled as a “Tripel” and thought to yourself, “Triple the what? Alcohol? Hops? Fun? And why is it spelled so strangely?” Being the curious person I am, when I first saw this, I immediately purchased one, and got straight on the internet to find out what this “Tripel” style was all about. Since that day, I have come to love this style for its well-rounded malt flavor, exciting spice additions, yeast character, and most of all, its versatility. The Tripel is a Belgian style developed by monks and popularized by the Trappist monastery at Westmalle, Belgium in the 1930s. The name references the strength of the “wort”, or malted barley, used to make the beer. The Belgian monks devised a system of beer production based on different strengths of wort with gradually increasing
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The Tripel style, therefore, is among the strongest of the Belgian monastic brews. Usually ranging between 7.5%-9.5% ABV and 20-40 IBUs (International Bitterness Units), the Tripel is a golden and effervescent drink that embraces exotic spices and white sugar additions, as well as aromatic and flavorful Belgian yeast fermentation by-products. Tripels often display a well-rounded and soft pale malt body, with subdued hop bitterness, highlighted by spice and yeast flavors like crushed black pepper and clove, citrus fruits like oranges, lemons or bananas and floral or perfume-like hop aromas. Because of white sugar additions to the wort, the ABV is always surprisingly high for the medium body and easy drinkability. Most Tripels have a satisfyingly dry finish, especially among the Trappist versions, and are bottle-conditioned for added flavor, freshness and durability. Overall, the Tripel style is a happy marriage of spicy, fruity and alcoholic flavors, supported by a soft pale malt character. With winter still fully in swing, but spring on its way, I find that the Belgian Tripel is an ideal beer for the season. With its 7.5%9.5% ABV and medium to full body, it is heavy enough to warm anyone up during the random snow storms we tend to get in February and March in Central Virginia; in addition, the fruity, spicy, and floral flavors embrace the oncoming spring weather. Central Virginia has some terrific Tripels from which to try.
Tripels To Try:
Beer and Food Pairing:
Blue Mountain Mandolin Slightly darker than many Tripels, this seasonal from Blue Mountain is spicy on the nose, thick on the mouth feel and showcases both French and American hop character. Pick it up before the end of February though, as it goes out of seasonal production!
The Tripel style is tremendously versatile with food because it balances vastly different flavors. Because it exhibits citrus fruit, spice, pepper, and biscuit notes, the Tripel harmonizes with many different meats, grains and pre-meal nibbles.
Lickinghole Creek Three Chopt Tripel One of the more hop-forward Tripels available, Lickinghole Creek “non-stopped hopped” this beast with American and New Zealand grown hops for a very spring-like lemon and lime tropical flavor. Legend Tripel A more classic example of the Belgian style, the Legend Tripel imparts traditional banana, clove, apple, pear and bubblegum flavors. After being aged six months, this Tripel drinks smooth and easy. Hardywood Peach Tripel Very fruit forward, and very refreshing, Hardywood re-fermented this beer on peaches, apricots and nectarines to embrace the flavors of spring. Definitely worth a try, but sadly, you’ll have to wait until the late spring before it is released. Keep your eyes peeled for this one. Extra Billy’s Tripel Overtime A strong 9.3% ABV ale that drinks like a session beer. Sweeter than most Tripels, this beer brings out strong apple, orange and honey notes, supported by an almost chewy, fresh bread, malt backbone.
If you are a seafood fan, try a Tripel with grilled or broiled swordfish, octopus or with a hot bowl of bouillabaisse. Tripels also pair well with land creatures, such as quail, duck, goose and rabbit, especially if dressed in a Tripel-infused sauce and served with lightly spiced risotto. If you think that wine is the only thing that can pair with pasta, you’re wrong! Tripels make delicious companions to cream based pasta dishes like Fettucini Alfredo or Pasta Carbonara, as well as pesto sauces. Continuing with the Italian themed meal, olives make terrific pre-meal nibbles when served with a Tripel. So the next time you are hosting seafood, poultry or pasta night, consider giving the tired white wines a break and try a Tripel!
David Wren is a Certified Cicerone in Richmond, VA with a serious passion for great beer. When he is not drinking beer, he works in the financial industry to support the Central Virginia craft beer community. David can be reached at dhwren@ gmail.com or at 804-477-5481.
CHAOS IS BREWING ! TAKE HOME OUR VARIETY PACK OTTLES te , CANS OR B r to re fr ig e ra te s fa , le c y s ie r to re c oxygen C a n s a re e a le to li g h t & venues. im p e n e tr a b e fo r p u b li c ic o h C d e rr e P re fe a s w e ll a s th USE WHAT YOU R O F Y A P UMS a n n in g LOW MINIM s tm e n t in c e v in l a it p a t. No c g e q u ip m e n a n d p a c k in EE ir e d . HASSLE FR z a ti o n re q u li ri te s r o , ep b re w e ry. ance, upke p t to fi t a n y a N o m a in te n d a s n o ti n fi g u ra F le x ib le c o NDLY BRAND FRIE and our n k S le e v e s ri h S d e li p io n o f am ap k e th e a d d it a m W e o ff e r s te ts c ta n d u s tr y c o re e . e x te n s iv e in fo li o p a in -f rt o p r u o y c a n s to NCE D EXPERIE n e tw o rk UNMATCHE m s a ff il ia te te s y S g in n Can n cans. T h e M o b il e e r 2 5 m il li o v o d e ll fi s ha
BOX OF CHAOS
RO OFFER NIT - WE ALSO Service id Nitrogen u iq L w e N The
info@olddominionmobilecanning.com
804-517-1640
WWW.OLDDOMINIONMOBILECANNING.COM
Thursdays: Frid ays: Sa tu rd ay s: Sundays: TAPROOM HOURS 12-6 pm 4-9 pm 1-9 pm 4-9 pm (540) 334-1600 - 3135 Dillons Mill Road, Callaway, Virginia 24067 Š 2016 Chaos Mountain Brewing Company
By: Steve Cook
Fermenting Fun at Chaos Mountain Here’s a bit of advice. If your husband is the entrepreneurial type, don’t you dare give him a home brewing kit as a gift, unless, that is, you want to wind up running one of the state’s most unique and successful breweries. I get the impression that Wendy Hallock is glad that she didn’t get advice like that back in 1996, when her Christmas gift to husband, Joe, introduced him to the art of brewing beer. Joe says he did a lot of brewing for his friends over the next few years. But, it wasn’t until 2012 that brewing beer became much more than a hobby. By then the Hallocks were living in Franklin County, which as the locals there are quick to tell you, is the moonshine capital of the world. What the moonshiners and other residents of this rural Southwestern Virginia county didn’t realize, was that the Hallocks, transplants from upstate New York, would soon be putting Franklin County on the map as the producers of a different type of adult beverage. Of course, they were going to be making theirs all legal like. Joe Hallock explains that he and his wife moved from New York to Virginia in 2005, because the Old Dominion offered a much more favorable economic climate in which to operate their business, which manufactured beds for people with special needs. “Franklin County helped with the cost of moving the business, but the area really sold itself,” he says.
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However, in 2012 the couple sold their interest in that business. Hallock has had considerable experience in starting other businesses in his lifetime. When he sold his interest in the bed business, he says he found himself in somewhat of a dilemma. “I was too young to retire and terrible at golf,” he recalls. “I knew I had to start another business.” As a result of the sale of the business, Joe and Wendy Hallock found themselves with enough capital to facilitate the launch of a new business. They had also maintained ownership of a 20,000 square foot building in Franklin County. Now, you take sufficient capital, add a 20,000 square-foot building and throw in a shared passion for craft beers, as well as for making those beers, and there’s really only one logical thing to do…start your own brewery. That left one more dilemma. What should they name that brewery? Hallock explains that their building is located at the base of Cahas Mountain. So the logical thing you might do is name the brewery Cahas Mountain Brewing. It’s good that Joe and Wendy Hallock do not let logic dictate everything they do. Apparently, they also like to have a little fun. Since no one outside of Franklin County had ever heard of Cahas Mountain, and brewing can at times be chaos, the couple concluded that a name like Chaos Mountain would lend itself more to fun names for the beers that they would be producing. You have to admit that names, such as Agents of Chaos, Cheeky Monkey and Squatch, are just a tad out of the ordinary. The next item on their checklist was obtaining the proper equipment. The Hallocks purchased a 30bbl brew house and, in a move that had to be as much fun as it was logical, they flew to Europe to spend a couple of weeks in Germany and Belgium doing more research.
Since 2013, DaddyG has been rockin‘ the tortilla chip world with fresh and unique handcrafted salsas. “ The Official Salsa of Craft Beer Lovers”, his four spicy flavors of salsa and creamy queso pair nicely with all styles of delicious craft brews and are ideal to share with friends while hanging in the tap room. Look for DaddyG's at a brewery or specialty craft beer store near you OR follow us on Facebook Events to find out how you can purchase at our live brewery Mechanicsville, VA 804.357.2670 appearances and festival events. daddygsalsa@gmail.com
W W W . O G G R A V I T Y . C O M
Chaos Mountain ~ Continued
NOW SERVING ON RICHMOND’S NORTHSIDE FINAL GRAVITY BREWING CO. 6118 Lakeside Ave. Richmond VA
804-264-4808
In August of 2012, Hallock says construction on the brewery started. Seven months later, Chaos Mountain Brewing was ready to do what brewing companies do best. While Joe Hallock realizes that operating a successful brewery, especially in what is becoming an increasingly competitive industry, is serious business, he, his wife, as well as the rest of the crew, including son, Ben, are also very much in to having fun. “Other than our beer, we don’t take anything too seriously,” he admits. One thing that enhances the fun factor at Chaos Mountain Brewing is their 7bbl pilot system. “This allows us to offer seasonal beers and the opportunity to make unique one off beers for our tasting room and the restaurants that carry our products,” Hallock says. Of course, on the strictly business side of things, Hallock tells me that his bottling line, which was part of the first phase of the business, allowed Chaos Mountain to get their beers onto the shelves of retailers with their first shipment. That’s a luxury many start up brewers don’t have. But, enough business talk, let’s get back to the fun, much of which comes from the creation of some truly unique beers, with equally unique names. Again, the pilot system is what makes it possible to quickly create small batches of beers that their team dreams up. I guess you could call them the dream team. Two key members of that team, Will Landry, head brewer, and his assistant, Iain Watson, have a real talent, Hallock tells me, for generally getting the recipe right the first time. “Every brewery will eventually brew a beer that just doesn’t turn out right. It’s rare for us to decide a beer just isn’t up to par but we have poured a couple down the drain. We rarely have to pour anything out, but it’s always a better decision than serving sub par
beer.” he says. While giving much of the credit to the brewers, it seems obvious that the Hallocks themselves have a real feel for creating great brews. In fact, two of their original flagship beers, 4 Mad Chefs (a Belgian style quadruple) and Agents of Chaos (a Belgian style dark ale), were among Joe Hallock’s original recipes that he used to brew in his garage just for him and his friends’ enjoyment. He says he’s still having fun. The only difference is that there are a lot more folks who are in on the fun. The tasting room in Callaway, the small Franklin County town where the brewery is located, has become a popular gathering place. “We’re putting up a sign in front of the tasting room that says, ‘Callaway Community Center,’ Joe says, “because that’s what our customers call it.” Virtually every weekend, you’ll find live bands and food trucks on site to add to the festivities. You can keep up with their schedule of special events on the brewery’s website (ChaosMountainBrewing.com) and on their Facebook page. Meanwhile, the Hallocks, when not back at the brewery having fun, are frequently on the road, travelling throughout the state, working tirelessly to introduce retail outlets and restaurants to their many and varied beers. You’ll also want to check the website for a description of beers currently on tap, as well as Chaos Mountain’s year-round, seasonal and reserve beers. Regardless of your personal tastes, if you appreciate a well-made craft beer, you’re sure to find something you’ll love. “With twelve to fourteen beers on tap from a Czech Pils to a Belgian style strong ale, there is something for everyone.” You’ll probably also love the fun names, because as Joe Hallock says, “It really is about having fun.”
Edition 10 VACB 15
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Teamwork Makes the Dream Work at Beer Hound Brewery By: Matt Goodwyn
A great orchestra is the perfect model of teamwork and can showcase the fact that three specific qualities are necessary to form a successful team. Good musicians are boundless communicators, and when they have the knowledge, culture and resources that they need, can attain uncommon results. Using the same model in business, the team at Beer Hound Brewery in Culpeper, VA has the faculties in place to take their brewery and brews to the next level. When Kenny Thacker, 44, speaks about brewing, people tend to listen, because his talent in the area is well known. After losing his construction job in 2008, he purchased a full service home brew supply shop in Barboursville called The Fermentation Trap, and immediately gained a reputation and local following for his knowledge in home-brew.
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In 2012, he decided it was time to share his beer and opened the original Beer Hound Brewery behind the shop. Kenny’s famous quote shows how humble he is, “Ever since I started watching the Drew Carey show and they were making Buzz Beer, I thought, I could do that.” He began to amaze the locals with his beer, but knew that if his brewery dream was going to survive long term, he needed to do more than brew exceptional beer. He had the knowledge and experience, but he needed a team. One of his regulars at the brewery knew he had some special talent for brewing and they began discussing the fact that the right team of people could really expand and showcase the beers he was creating in Barboursville on a larger scale. It was not long before Frank Becker introduced Kenny to Rick Cash and the team at Beer
Hound was formed. Becker knew that his friend Rick was in search of a new business venture and began connecting the three of them, while Kenny honed his beers and their plans to expand to a new location in Culpeper. Having worked many years in the food service and beer industry, Frank Becker, 34, has been able to notice little things related to service and operations that can ripple through an organization. He was always taking mental notes, knowing that little things can make big things. These notes have become valuable in helping him develop a culture of flourishing through relationships, quality and the brewery experience at Beer Hound. Frank says, “We want to be fluid. We want distributors that can adapt to us. Quality, and how we represent ourselves in the market are very important, and we have sales boots on the ground to help ensure this happens. We also have really thought through the entire brewery experience in this
space. We want you to enjoy yourself, get your beer fast and enjoy the atmosphere.” It is one thing to connect knowledge, culture and resources to form a team, but when you add good energy to the equation, the sky is the limit. Sometimes when people back business ideas, they just help supply
resources and step back. Rick Cash brings resources, but he also brings experience and a great deal of positive energy. When Rick Cash, 56, retired from Philip Morris, he knew he needed to find something he could get passionate about. When his friend Frank told him about Kenny’s beer and following, he knew the pieces were there for an extraordinary opportunity in Culpeper, and after tasting Kenny’s brews, his decision became much easier. Rick says, “One key thing here is Kenny. Thacker is an exceptional brew master who cares a great deal for
the product. He brews every beer that comes out of here and will always provide quality and consistency.” While always engaged and enthusiastic, Cash knows his role and repeatedly engages Becker and Thacker when asked about plans for the future or ideas. He stresses the fact that they care about providing a great service and environment for the town. “We are really trying to be a staple part of this community. The town of Culpeper is unique, and so are we.” On our recent trip to Beer Hound, we were blown away by all the wonderful hospitality from this team. We have had many craft brewery experiences. For us, it’s all about the experience (and of course the beer!), and we could tell that they really cared about taking care of us. We are grateful to them for proving once again, that in the case of Virginia craft beer, service still matters. After a short drive from Richmond, we tasted twelve beers on a lovely Saturday afternoon. Actually, we learned after arriving, that the Amtrack train
station has a location directly behind the brewery, which adds to the unique setting in this quaint Virginia downtown. The new location is set on the end of a downtown road, with an antique train car that could be a drawing on The Saturday Evening Post.
The entrance is very welcoming and has a nice sized porch with seating. Once inside, you can immediately feel that you are in a creative space. One of the most unique things about our trip was “Fetching”. They brought us the most beautiful looking piece of garnish, an applewood bourbon chip provided by Belmont Farms Distillery, and instructed us to set it in the beer of our choice and let it saturate for about 2 minutes. Rick suggested I put mine in the “Teufelhunde”, a vast Belgian Tripel, very smooth at 9.1% ABV. The result was a nice bite of flavor, just subtle enough to get your attention, and it definitely put a smile on my face. Another favorite of ours was the “Mutt”, which was an IPA Kenny made from leftover ingredients after a long weekend of brewing. I hope he continues to find leftovers, and we continue to see more Mutts! They engaged us in great conversation, and you could tell they are passionate about what they are doing and very excited about getting more product to the market. They told us how Beer
Hound got its name from Kenny always sniffing, continually hunting for that perfect pint. They were pleased when Governor Terry McAuliffe visited Beer Hound last October and really enjoyed their brews. A few weeks later Rick delivered a case of one his favorite brews, “Teddy”, an American Cream ale, to the Mansion in Richmond. Rick said, “He seems like a good businessman who promotes the state and the beer industry well and he clearly likes good beer.”
Frank also talked about the “Feeding of the Hounds (a very creative way of saying they are now serving food),” and the “Hound Tracker”. The tracker is an easy way for a fan of the brewery to find their beer in local
restaurants by checking their Web site. Frank says, “Get ready to meet The “Snoop Dog”, one of our artisan pizzas on the menu. It is ready to be unleashed!” It is made with their signature Applewood Whiskey Baltic Porter. Kenny mentions that they also offer a very nice “Winston”, which is a classic homemade root beer for your children or a designated driver. From the moment we walked in and met this team, we knew the short trip from Richmond was well worth it, and we cannot wait to go back. It is a creative space, but also a wonderful place to bring your family. This was a classic brewery experience and an education on teamwork that we would not forget. As H.E. Luccock famously said, “No one can whistle a symphony, it takes an orchestra to play it.” The three men that make up the core team at Beer Hound Brewery know this to be true and I have a good feeling we will be tasting the wonderful local beer from this dedicated team for a long while.
beerhoundbrewery.com
201 Waters Place #102, Culpeper, VA 22701
Edition 10 VACB 19
BREWS WITH A
VIEW
RESTAURANT HOURS Mon. - Sat. 11am - 10pm Sun. 11am - 9pm
9519 Critzers Shop Rd, Afton, VA 22920 (540) 456-8020 www.bluemountainbrewery.com
20 VACB Edition 10
A P OCA LY P S E A L E WORKS CENFUL BLONDE - LOOK FOR IT ON TAP NOW
ABV: 5% IBUs: 18
April 30th
BBQ & Brews Fire Fest Proceeds: Relay for Life and the Forest Volunteer Fire Department
A smooth Belgian blonde ale with aromas of honey, banana, and citrus. Dry hopped with American Citra hops for a unique blend of Cenful proportions.
Ask your favorite bar for Apocalypse draft selections or come visit our taphouse in scenic Forest, VA. Open Wed. thru Sun.
434-258-8761
12 57 B R U N B R I D G E R D , F O R E S T , V A 2 4 5 51
endofbadbeer.com
Hop House Distribution Flourishing By: Harold Crevice
When Matt Verdisco and James Vance started Hop House Distribution, it was an idea without a brewery. The two owners met when Verdisco’s wife, Karen, hired Vance to be the beer buyer for her restaurant, Brew American Gastropub. Vance brought back various beers from a trip to the Northeast and Verdisco asked him how these beers could be sold at Brew. The beers came from such small breweries that distribution of such beers would be impossible. The new distribution company grew out of that idea.. What if distribution of small, brilliant breweries was a reality? Many larger distributors don’t have room in their portfolio for breweries that produce beer below a particular threshold. Three large distributors dominate beer distribution in Richmond—Brown, Loveland and
Specialty. Hop House Distribution was created with the idea that there is significant space in the Richmond market for a distribution company to properly service smaller breweries and grow the distribution company’s business with the breweries. Matt Verdisco’s contribution to the company comes from his experience in shipping and warehousing. He graduated from Penn State, and afterwards went to work for Walmart in their shipping and logistics department. He learned a great deal, and soon went into business for himself with his own shipping and logistics company, located off Bells Road near Philip Morris. He and his partner still operate that business today. It is that experience in warehousing and shipping that allowed Hop House to shorten the learning curve, which can result
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from inexperience in inventory control and proper warehousing. James Vance’s part of the business is more obvious. He is a beer nerd. He began that love more than a decade ago, which crystallized in his job at Taco Mac in Atlanta. Taco Mac is a chain of restaurants headquartered in Atlanta which average at least 100 taps of beer and 300+ bottles of beer per restaurant. Vance soon rose to be a member of the company’s New Store Opening team and traveled around Georgia and North Carolina helping to open new stores, his specialty being staff beer education. He came back to his hometown of Richmond, opening up BlowToad and then working at Popkin Tavern before landing at Brew. His love of beer traveling and knowledge of different popular breweries helped acquire the first breweries. The first two breweries came to be signed by Hop House at roughly the same time. Vance started hunting for breweries
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Owner Matt Verdisco by sending around a hundred introductory emails to breweries he respected and whom he thought might work in the Richmond market. Many email recipients didn’t answer, and the ones that did largely said no. On one of Vance’s trips to a brewery only release, he visited Bullfrog Brewery in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1996, Bullfrog has been a respected brewer in Northern Pennsylvania for nearly 20 years. They brew off the wall beers such as an Oud Bruin with tart cherries, cocoa powder and coffee, as well as a flagship Imperial IPA named Edgar (after Allan Poe), which has obvious Richmond connections. Vance tried a variety of their beer and spoke with the owner, Steve Koch, who took a chance on the fledgling company. Hop House is the first distributor outside of Pennsylvania to carry Bullfrog beer. Because of Bullfrog being a brewpub that only distributes inside PA, many of the beers they make weren’t federally labeled approved, as they weren’t to be distributed outside of the state. As the brewery expands, more different and esoteric beers will be coming to Richmond, outside
of the current core lineup. J. Wakefield Brewing is a different story. Johnathan Wakefield was a national award winning home brewer whose beer got a lot of buzz when poured at Hunahpu’s Day (a brewery only beer release by Cigar City Brewing in Tampa). He’s done collaborations with Cigar City, Stone, New Belgium, Other Half, Evil Twin and others while opening his brewery one year ago. Vance contacted him in 2014, before his brewery was even built out, as he had tasted several of his beers. He and Verdisco traveled down to Miami to meet Wakefield. Wakefield expressed a desire to start off, not just in the Florida market, but to have a few accounts outside of the state to carry his beer, and he liked what Hop House offered. J. Wakefield brews a variety
Owner James Vance of styles of beer, from IPAs, to stouts to hefeweizens, but what really sets them apart are their heavily fruited Berliner Weisse beers, which are colloquially called “Florida Weisse” beers. These are very sour wheat beers with intense fruit flavors and generally
low alcohol percentages. Wakefield’s DFPF and Miami Madness are two world-class examples of this style. What sets Hop House Distribution apart is their ability to take small breweries, such as these two, and put them front and center when they talk to various draft accounts around the city. Vance’s experience as a beer buyer helps him to sell the beer, as he knows who quality restaurants and growler fill shops look for in their beer purchases. As Hop House adds other accounts, they want to keep a relatively low number of different breweries in their portfolio, while growing in volume as the various breweries grow. The company focus is on finding the best quality breweries they can. Mad Fox Brewing (out of Falls Church, Virginia) has just come on in a temporary capacity to test how Hop House could serve their beer in the Richmond market. Time will tell as to whether that will remain long term and other breweries are in various levels of discussion to join the team. Beer is being sold, the company is growing slowly but surely and the owners are learning new things about the business every day. They believe that cream rises to the top and the breweries they represent will continue to sell at a fast rate, while pleasing discerning beer drinkers all over Richmond.
Upcoming events Saturday, April 2nd @ 6pm -
Founders KBS Release and Tap Takeover at Brew Bellgrade - 18+ taps Thursday, April 21st @ 6pm -
Schlafly Tap Takeover at Brew Bellgrade - 20 taps Friday, April 22nd -
Earth Day Tap Takeover with Brothers Craft Brewing at Brew Centralia Rd. - 10 taps (Including Daylight Cravings) Sunday Afternoon, May 22nd -
Terrapin Cornhole Tournament at Brew Centralia Rd.
Weekly Specials Monday - $5 IPA starting at 6pm (beverage purchase required) Tuesday - 2 for 1 Mussels Starting at 6pm (beverage purchase required) Wednesday - 1/2 Price Growler Fills all day. Thursday - $10 Brat and Brew Special - beer braised brat + any $6 pint Saturday - Beer School at 4pm. Sunday - $2 off Small Plates ALL DAY (beverage purchase required) Chesterfield Meadows Shopping Center 6525 Centralia Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832
The Shoppes at Bellgrade
11400 West Huguenot Rd, Midlothian, VA 23113 Check Trinkin.com for the most up to date taplist! 11-10 Sun-Thurs • 11-11 Fri-Sat www.BrewGastropub.com @brewrva
Š 2016 BrewGastropub
804-454-0605
The C’ville-ian Brewing Co. By: Tarun Sinha
Tucked away between UVA and downtown Charlottesville, sitting quietly on West Main Street, resides the C’ville-ian Brewing Company. Established a little over a year ago by army veteran Steve Gibbs, C’ville-ian Brewing Company (CBO) joined the ranks of Charlottesville breweries, most known for their beautiful locations and craft brews. CBO has its own unique location, nestled between brick buildings consisting mostly of family restaurants and locally owned businesses. The street emulates a scene from the movies. Located centrally to Three Notch’d, South Street Brewing and Champion Brewing, CBO is a few minutes walk from each of these. It is an ideal location for students, beer enthusiasts walking the Charlottesville Beer Trail and tourists exploring the area between the UVA campus and downtown. The ambiance is what distinguishes CBO from the other breweries in the city. Upon entering, there are no large stainless steel tanks in direct view, or a large open space with Chipotle style furniture, instead, there is a spacious couch with a coffee table adjacent to an elevated table, both basking in the sunlight shining through the large storefront windows. The space resembles your home, your friend’s home or anything
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that feels familiar, which is a feature far apart from the other breweries in town. The walls are adorned with presidential quotes, an American flag and one unique piece of art. Its lack of self-recognition as a brewery in terms of logo branded items, is refreshing, and the focus of the customer is directed towards the sleek bar, warmly illuminated by exposed light bulbs hanging from the ceiling. The sparsely furnished space does have its limitations for serving large crowds who are wanting to sit, but the friendliness of the staff and the banter of locals at the bar allow the space to be treated informally, so patrons can walk around and mingle or take a seat on the rug and enjoy one of the various game options. Instead of being at a brewery, you would think you were enjoying the afternoon in your own living room with family and friends.
During our visit, my girlfriend and I were able to try some of the seasonal options available. I had the Pavilion Porter, while she had the Paramount Pale Ale. The Pavilion Porter was refreshing, even on a warm afternoon. This is because the porter isn’t as heavy as you would think. CBO is able to blend the flavors of a porter, an espresso style porter here, with the lightness it needs. The pale ale we tried was the Paramount Pale Ale, which had accented floral and fruit
notes. CBO doesn’t have any food options at present, but does allow customers to order food there; and with the help of the staff, the customer can create the perfect beer and food pairing. After having the beers here, I would recommend pairing the beer with some local BBQ , since the espresso notes of the porter would accent any earthy flavors in a BBQ sauce, and the pale ale would provide the acidity to balance the fat in any smoked local meats. Mark and Melissa, the GM and bartender, can often be seen tending the bar during the week. It is their passion and friendliness that is the driving force behind the success.
The hospitality experienced in CBO sets this brewery apart from other restaurants and bars. They engage with each customer in conversation at a more personal level, as one would do with a friend. CBO offers the best
aspects of a local brewery and bar, brewing seasonal beers with local ingredients, while staying true to the definition of the local watering hole. As a brewery enthusiast, I definitely enjoyed talking to Melissa about my beer, the Pavilion Porter, learning about the history of the bar, business in the past few months and even her experiences going to school and working in Charlottesville. The focus on conversation amongst customers and with the staff is what is lacking in many breweries these days, and I hope this characteristic of CBO doesn’t change.
Toast Spring with .. the Legendary new Utebier. .. Legend Utebier Spring Ale. A mythical blend of honey .. flavors and tropical aromas. Legend Utebier was made to toast Spring. We’ve meticulously entwined Honey Malts and Amarillo Hops in this golden-orange eliter so that you can properly celebrate the changing seasons.
Legend Brewing Co. A Virginia Original www.legendbrewing.com Also join us on Facebook and Twitter
115 S. 15th St., Richmond (15th & Dock Sts.) (804) 716 - 8307 7hillsbrewingco.com Mon. 5pm - 10pm • Tues. - Thurs. 11am - 10pm Friday - Sat. 11am - 12am • Sun. 11am - 10pm
Capital Ale House
Capital Ale House Virginia’s Beer Authority
up to management, and was later promoted to Corporate Beer Buyer. As the Corporate Beer Buyer, Jacob was responsible for building relationships with local breweries, Audrey Finney and Linzy Beer Browne than anyone else. creating event sales such as Steal the Glass Pouring moreby:Virginia Craft nights and growing the Capital Ale Houses beer program. “When Capital Ale was in its early days we had to create craft beer culture with every new location. It was fascinating to watch both our customers’ palettes and our selection evolve over such a short time. Buying beer in the beginning of the craft industry boom required a lot of research and a deep involvement with the local beer community,” said Jacob Brunow. As a beer enthusiast and supporter of Richmond craft beer, Jacob founded Taste Richmond Innsbrook Midlothian Fredericksburg Harrisonburg environment being is turning heads these the Local, an advocacy group promoting 623 E.The Maincity St of Richmond 4024-A Cox Rd 13831 Village Place Dr 917 established Caroline St in Richmond 41 Court Square mond, VA 23219 Glenrecognized Allen, VA 23060 Midlothian, VAwhen 23114theirFredericksburg, VA 22401 VA 22801restaurants’ local beer programs doors first opened, but notHarrisonburg, to days, after being as the “travel breweries, the magnitude that the Ale House provided. destination” with over 2,000 restaurants, 80 and culture. He also co-founded Richmond museums and the perfect climate for outdoor The abundant amount of beer was not the Beer Elite, a Facebook group with about only thing that set Capital Ale House apart adventures. Richmond has become a place 4000 members that receives over 60 posts a from the other restaurants and bars, but to be, but what has been making this city day uniting beer lovers across the state. instead, it was the dedicated, passionate even more attractive? Beer. With 14 active “Capital Ale House has played a major role and welcoming staff that created a beer breweries and more to come, the beer scene in all of Richmond’s breweries providing experience that has made Capital Ale House exposure and furthering growth. I link most is unique and ever growing. You may ask the home of craft beer in Richmond. yourself; where did it start? Who were the of the opportunities and successes I have The training at the Ale House is extensive; original innovators and supporters of the had over the years to my experience and Richmond craft beer scene? educating each team member on styles, partnership with Cap Ale.” – Jacob Brunow brands, ingredients, quality, and most Located in downtown Richmond, Capital The motto for Capital Ale House is Raise importantly, how to share the beer Ale House opened their doors in 2002 and the Bar, chosen by the owners as a reminder experience with guests. These expectations began pouring a unique selection of craft to provide the best beer selection and are gained through classes better known as beer on 30 draught lines and a variety of experience for all. If you like beer or have “Beer 101”. Over the years, hundreds of 150 bottled brews. Now with five separate the slightest interest in beer, you are greeted employees have gathered skills in customer and unique locations across Virginia, there with samples in a variety of styles, learning service and beer knowledge from Capital are a total of 398 draughts and 680 bottled about each one and finding the perfect brew Ale House. Many of these employees used options, pouring more Virginia craft beer for yourself. their experiences and knowledge to move than anyone else in the Commonwealth. “I definitely was not a beer enthusiast prior on to other emerging beer establishments, Owners and operators Chris Holder and to working at Capital Ale House. It was Matt Simmons have a passion for craft furthering the craft beer scene of Virginia. my first service industry job and my first beer. Before joining together to establish the Jacob Brunow, Director of Marketing and real experience with craft beer. I remember Ale House, both were managers at Legend Brand Management for Brown Distributing, telling Amy (DuFour)* in my interview that Brewing, and before that, spent many years worked with Capital Ale House for 8 years Yuengling was my beer of choice. It was the in the restaurant industry and retail. prior to working in beer distribution. Jacob best I could come up with at the time, and Of course, there was a burgeoning beer started as a server/bartender before moving probably not a bad answer considering my
Updates & News
lack of beer knowledge,” said Alex Fuqua, former bartender of Capital Ale House. Alex is now the Taproom Director for Hardywood Park Brewing of Richmond VA. He started as a volunteer with Hardywood in 2011 and was asked to join in their team July 2012. Alex had 5 years prior experience in suggesting, pouring and selling craft beer through his time at Capital Ale House. “I use my training from CAH every single day, whether I’m at work or not. The Beer 101 course provided a great base knowledge of beer ingredients and history of styles. More than anything, I learned how to talk about beer with the first-time craft beer drinker or to the well-versed, traveling beer fan.” – Alex Fuqua
Fourteen years ago, Capital Ale House shared a passion with Richmond, which continues to this day. The staff that graduated from Beer 101 now works for breweries, distributors and other beer initiatives making Raise the Bar a true statement and proud motto for Capital Ale House. The beer industry throughout Virginia has flourished in the last decade and will continue to grow in popularity with the support of its communities and the beer loving patrons that drink here. Cheers. *Amy DuFour is the current Director of Marketing for Capital Ale House and has been with the company for thirteen years.
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OPENING
SPRING
2016
BREWERY+ TAPROOM+ BEER GARDEN
4 01 S E C O N D S T R E E T , W I L L I A M S B U R G , V A 2 318 5 U S A - W W W . V I R G I N I A B E E R C O . C O M © 2016 The Virginia Beer Co.
Huguenot Flatwater & Extra Billy’s Brewery Part of Our Ongoing Series: Pints, Peaks & Paddles upstream and turns around at the Willey Bridge (Parham Road). On this particular March afternoon, the water was swift, deep and definitely too frigid for any dip. A high school group of canoeists training for an upcoming trip shared the initial push of the strong current, as we foolishly paddled westward. Although it was not ideal kayaking conditions for a round-trip voyage on the river, I was more than eager to brave the rushing water and relentless wind gusts after a lengthy winter in which the James River froze over.
Huguenot Flatwater The James River Park System is the most splendid gem within the city of Richmond. No, I have not delivered a mind-blowing statement here, but I’m simply prompting Virginians on how lucky we are to have a river of Class IV rapids pouring downtown and creating a wild playground. Hiking, trail running, climbing, snorkeling and ample opportunities for paddling await the outdoors enthusiast in this glorious city. Consequently, Outside Magazine named Richmond the Best River Town in 2012.
The aforementioned boulders usually rose several feet out of the water in summer, but were now either completely hidden, like icebergs in the North Sea, or just skimming the surface waiting for my kayak. In some cases, I could steer clear of the danger, as riffles of water made them appear as rushing whales swimming briskly toward me. Paddling west, I was challenged by a cruel current, punishing wind and a blinding sun that accumulated in a re-tally of my chances of making it near the Willey Bridge and Bosher’s Dam. I hugged the forest-lined shore of the northern side and enjoyed a respite from the continuous breeze. The forest is deep and lush on this bank, while eyesore McMansions dot the southern border with vast lawns providing no riparian buffer. Shouldn’t basic ecological knowledge be a prerequisite to owning property along the historic James
Huguenot Flatwater is the tamer section of river encountered within the James River Park System, but no less adventurous, with islands to explore and boulders serving as spots to hop in the cooling water. My chosen route begins at the Huguenot Bridge, heads
The sycamores seemed to be the only tree not pushing new growth on this warm initial spring day. A stringy fresh green hung from the peeling river birches and towering oaks were receiving their first buds of the season. Diminutive Buffleheads dotted the river and
www.jamesriverpark.org visit-the-park/getting-there
By: Nolan Shigley
Mallards quacked loudly overhead, as I accidentally startled them turning the bend. A mother goose sat on her nest and watched me struggle upstream, while Turkey Vultures gracefully sailed the breeze. On any given day, there is much life to experience on any section of the James River.
The Willey Bridge finally came into sight and graciously closer than expected, as the wind returned with my turn of the bend. I paddled hard to the sound of traffic shouting from the bridge and aimed for the scenic island sitting just beyond. Sandwiched between the Parham Road bridge and the dangerous hydraulic dam is an island, perfect for beaching the kayak and enjoying a can of fresh Virginia ale, a treat I have appreciated on several occasions. I was accompanied by a lone heron whom I did not spend much time with because of the noise pollution of rush hour traffic. I departed, leaving one bridge for another, swiftly flowing with the river and dodging boulders along my way, as the late afternoon sun warmed my back.
Extra Billy’s Smokehouse and Brewery Midlothian, VA The year 2013 was a coming-out party for Extra Billy’s and Tuesday evenings haven’t been the same since. Along with their food (hey, they have a black bean burger for me!), Extra Billy’s began racking up awards for their beers; namely their pale ales. The Virginia Craft Brewers Cup awarded them with a gold medal for the cleverly named, “Citra Ass Down,” and a silver for their “Midlo” Pale Ale. Both pints will have you frolicking in an orchard of citrus trees and blooming flowers. Having sampled many of their beers, I can only assume they are freeing up more room in their trophy case. It is only a short while before they collect proper recognition for Double Deke, Hoptrick and Umbra (just to name a few). I’ve been enjoying Extra Billy’s for over ten years now and I can honestly say that they are in the midst of their Renaissance, thanks to former brew master Brandon Tolbert (now with The Answer Brewpub) and his successor, Dylan Brooks. May the Southside continue to reap the benefits of excellent craft beer at an affordable price. Citra Ass Down The flagship beer and cult classic of Extra Billy’s. After a tough day on the river, this one cuts through thirst with its biting citrus and bitter finish. Aromatherapy. Crisp and refreshing, with an initial tropical pineapple sweetness that transitions into a cutting grapefruit. Herbal and floral, lending to complexity.
Edition 10 VACB 29
Beer Brats with Onions Serves: 4
by: Kristel Poole
This recipe is easily adapted to the slow cooker. Simply place the first 6 ingredients in the slow cooker, then cook on low for 4-8 hours, then grill brats right before serving. Or, grill the brats to brown them first, then place in the slow cooker on low for 4 hours or until ready to serve. This is a great way to serve brats at a party or potluck when doubling or tripling the recipe.
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter 1 large onion, sliced 3 cups (2 12-ounce bottles) beer 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar Beer Mustard, plus more for serving 1 tablespoon ketchup 4 uncooked bratwurst links 4 hot dog-style buns, toasted and buttered (optional)
Directions: In a Dutch oven or deep, heavy pan over medium-high heat, melt butter and add onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 3 minutes. Deglaze the pan by adding the beer and scrape any food from the bottom, dissolving it into the beer. Stir in the mustard and ketchup, then add the brats, making sure they are covered by the beer mixture. If not, add more beer. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until brats are saturated with beer, about 15 minutes. They will expand and look “full� when they are ready. Remove brats gently with tongs, careful not to pierce the casings. While the onions and beer continue to simmer, grill the brats, turning occasionally, until golden brown. Transfer to the beer and onion mixture, turn off heat, and cover until ready to serve. With tongs, place the bratwurst in rolls and serve with the cooked onions, Brown Sugar Beer Mustard, dill pickles, sauerkraut, grilled peppers, or other pickled vegetables on toasted and buttered brat buns.
www.CapitalAleHouse.com @CapitalAleHouse Capital Ale House
Virginia’s Beer Authority Pouring more Virginia Craft Beer than anyone else.
Richmond
Innsbrook
623 E. Main St 4024-A Cox Rd Richmond, VA 23219 Glen Allen, VA 23060
Midlothian
13831 Village Place Dr Midlothian, VA 23114
Fredericksburg
917 Caroline St Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Harrisonburg
41 Court Square Harrisonburg, VA 22801
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