Brew Hub Magazine 2.02 by Find Your Hub

02.02 • June/July 2018 • BrewHubMagazine.com

Brew Hub Team

From the tap Summer is almost here!! Time to take advantage of all those long sunny days for family trips and fun with good friends. Beaches, barbecues, bonfires, and ball games! There’s nothing like enjoying a cold craft beer while cheering on your favorite team from the stands! There is just so much to look forward to! Fireworks on the Fourth of July! Road trips, parties, and festivals everywhere! We just can’t tell you how excited we are here at Brew Hub about all the summer-day fun coming our way! But when it comes to those balmy summer evenings, nothing beats sitting outside with good company, fantastic food, great music, and delicious cold craft beers! Brew Hub would like to remind everyone of all the area craft brewery beer gardens and patios just waiting for you to sit back, relax, and enjoy under the stars! By Vickie Holt

- Publisher - Publisher - Designer - Content Creator, Sensory Analyst Stephanie Ferguson - Public Relations Manager Chip Ducott - Photographer Ronny Steele Lori Steele John Brill Chaz Blevins

Contributing writers Chaz Blevins

Content Creator, Sensory Analyst

Vickie Holt

www.VBBontheweb.com

Cover photo by Chip Ducott www.ducottphotography.com

02.02 • June/July 01.06 • Feb/Mar 2018 • BrewHubMagazine.com 2018 • VaBrewHub.com

Issue 2.02 • June/July 2018 Apocalypse Ale Works.............................................................. 2 Olde Salem Brewing Company................................................ 3 From the tap............................................................................. 4 The End of Bad Beer..............................................................6-7 Southern Hills Brewing Supply................................................ 8 Pints O’Plenty........................................................................... 8 Grandin Chillage...................................................................... 8 Family Business Beer Co - Texas style, Y’all! ......................... 9 Seph Custer Live Album......................................................... 10 It’s a talent explosion!............................................................. 10 Bacova Beer Company! Hot Springs’ first craft brewery!...... 11 Seven Sisters, Wytheville’s First Craft Brewery, Coming SoonTo Historic Downtown..................................... 11 P.A. Short Distributing Co..................................................... 12 Bushels & Barrels................................................................... 13 Star City Growlers.................................................................. 14 Lynchburg Hillcats.................................................................. 15 Jack Mason’s Tavern & Brewery............................................ 16 Hammer & Forge Brewing Co............................................... 16 Press Press Merch................................................................... 17 Salerno Woodfired Pizza........................................................ 17 Breweries map...................................................................18-19 Spotlight on Musicians & Bands......................................20-22 Barkfest................................................................................... 23 Kingscreen............................................................................... 24 Parkway Brewing Co. ............................................................ 24 Great Valley Farm Brewery................................................... 25 Chaos Mountain Brewing...................................................... 25 Starr Hill................................................................................. 26 Ballad Brewing....................................................................... 26 Big Lick Brewing Company.................................................... 27 Mountain Valley Brewing...................................................... 27 Chestnut Farms...................................................................... 28 Star Tag & Label..................................................................... 28 Soaring Ridge Craft Brewers ................................................. 29 Microfestivus.......................................................................... 30 Bristol Station Brews & Taproom.......................................... 31 Gentry Locke.......................................................................... 32 Glen Haven Farm................................................................... 32 Big Lick Brewing Company - Local Craft Breweries are the primary engine in the Craft Beer Boom! .................. 33 Twin Creeks Brewery.............................................................. 34 Salem Sox............................................................................... 35 Greenbrier Valley Brewing..................................................... 36

For publication information, email info@vabrewhub.com 02.02 01.06 02.02 • Feb/Mar June/July • June/July 2018 2018 2018 ••VaBrewHub.com BrewHubMagazine.com • BrewHubMagazine.com

On the cover:

Top Row: Doug John - Co-Founder & Brew Master , Lee John - Co-Founder & CEO, Tony Grachan - General Manager, and Austin John - VP Sales & Manufacturing. Middle: John Stokes - Brand Ambassador. Bottom Row: Mike Jacobs Social Media Expert & Bartender, Miles Tranks - Lead Cellar man, and Wes Cesafsky - Head Bartender

Pages 6 & 7

Page 20

Page 33 © 2018 VIRGINIA BREW HUB. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part, without written permission from VIRGINIA BREW HUB is prohibited. Every attempt has been made to verify the information contained in this publication. We assume no responsibility for incorrect, omitted or outdated information contained herein. We publish ads and stories without any implied endorsement of organizations, the views they express or the products/services they offer.

The End of Bad Beer by Vickie Holt

Before 1995, Doug John hated beer. In the years before craft brewing became popular, the only beers available were the mass-produced, commercial brands that Doug describes as weak and flavorless. Even during his college years, he refused to drink them. But all that changed when a friend returned from Belgium with a fateful gift. It was a Belgian Abbey Ale called Chimay. Doug recalls the brown, Champaign-style bottle with its rustic cork. The brew inside was ruby red in color, and full of different fruit flavors. It had hints of caramel, and the aroma of a fig tree. Unlike the American commercial beers he’d tried, this Abbey Ale was rich in flavor, full bodied, and rich in alcohol. More like a rich port wine than the beer he was used to. Doug immediately fell in love, but was left at a loss when the last drop was gone. Short of paying massive shipping charges, there was nowhere he could possibly get more of this intoxicating ale. Literally thirsty for more, Doug began teaching himself to brew. In 1995, he opened a home brewing supply store called Pints o’ Plenty, located in the Peddler Antiques Mall in Forest, Virginia. It allowed him not only to support his growing passion, but also to keep himself supplied. He found it difficult, however, to keep the store going while also working a full-time job with Lees Carpet Manufacturing. The stress eventually led to the closing of Pints o’ Plenty in 2001. But that doesn’t mean Doug gave up on craft brewing. For the next eight years, he 6

continued to experiment, learn, and hone is craft as a brewer. He also put his skill to the test. Doug had entered his first brewing competition as early as 1996, with his unfiltered Belgian Dubbel recipe called Lustful Maiden. Named for the sentiment often used by celibate Belgian monks to refer to the ales they brewed, Lustful Maiden not only became Doug’s most popular beer, but also his most award-winning. Still popular with Apocalypse visitors today, Lustful Maiden won a blue ribbon for Best Belgian in the 1996 Dominion Cup; the state’s largest amateur home brewing competition. Later that same year, it won the Silver Medal in the Canadian Amateur Brewers Association. In 1999, it won Gold Medal for best Scottish ale in the US. All in all, this brew has won eleven Silver and Gold medals for state, national, and international competitions. Brew after brew…competition after competition over the years…through it all, Doug’s craftsmanship just got better and better. It became obvious that Doug was a talented craft brewer, and in 2009, it also became obvious he couldn’t deny his calling much longer. It had been eight years since he’d closed Pints o’ Plenty, but in 2009, he liquidated assets to put everything into re-opening the supply store at its current location; 1219 Burnbridge Road in Forest, Virginia. Of this leap of faith, Doug says he never

thought he’d have a wife or family that would have more faith in him than he did in himself. They supported his dreams immediately and with complete confidence when he gave up everything to devote himself full time to Pints o’ Plenty. As it turned out, that faith was well vindicated. When asked if the supply store had become the hub for any groups or organizations, Doug proudly told us about The Hill City Home Brew Club. Since his original opening date back in 1996, Doug has been teaching home brewing to group members. Though he’s mostly self-taught, the wisdom he passes on is also grounded in undergraduate degrees in Biology and Chemistry, as well as time spent in Europe, learning as much as he could from breweries in Germany and Belgium. He also completed a course on brewing, taught by Dr. Michael Lewis, Professor Emeritus at the University of California. Doug takes great pride in the many students that have moved on from Pints o’ Plenty to careers in the industry. Among them are Head Brewer James Frasier of Beales in Bedford and Trapezium in Petersburg, as well as Derin Foorin at Loose Shoe in Amherst. There is also Austin John who became brewer and co-owner of Apocalypse Ale Works because he was “so damn good”! With all this passion, knowledge, momentum, and love of beer, the next natural step, of course, was to start thinking of opening a brewery and tap house of his own. With any new business venture, however, there were obstacles. The first of these, surprisingly, was a matter of law and politics! When Doug and his wife, Lee, first approached the Bedford County government, they found out there was nothing on the books that addressed the operation of microbreweries! There was nothing forbidding them, but there were no ordinances for having them, either. Doug and Lee attended multiple town meetings over many months in order to get legislation passed. Among other precedents, they cited how breweries in other communities had invigorated the local economy. In the end, their requests were granted, with only one person voting against the proposed ordinances. With brand new laws on the books, a lot of help from the community, and a whole lot of faith, Apocalypse Ale Works broke ground next door to Pints o’ Plenty in 2012. Lots of community volunteers helped to get them started. They even helped to build the facility, which is located in the old volunteer fire department at 1257 Burnbridge Rd. The fifty-capacity tap room is tasteful, artistic, and understated, with local artwork adorning the walls. It’s absolutely designed to make you feel like you’re spending a quality evening in with friends. But there’s no need to worry about overcrowding. There’s room for fifty more on the big covered deck outside, and even more can enjoy their delicious beers in the huge beer garden! In the summer, Apocalypse even opens an outdoor bar on

02.02 • June/July 2018 • BrewHubMagazine.com

Friday and Saturday nights to better serve those enjoying under the stars. As for the brew house, the current capacity is 3000 barrels a year. In addition to all the delicious beers served in the tap room, fans can also find their favorite Apocalypse brews on tap in restaurants across Virginia, as well as in cans at many retailers. Doug says it’s challenging, but fun. When asked about the future, Doug the dreamer became very much Doug the pragmatist. Knowing how the industry is growing, with more and more breweries popping up all over, Doug’s plans are to first become debt free, which he hopes to accomplish within the next five years. Once that happens, he says, he’ll see what the market looks like and re-evaluate. A savvy business sense is essential when you live for what you do and want to keep it going. Inspired by how the brewing of beer was so connected to religious orders of monks in Europe, Doug and Lee adopted profound and meaningful themes from that tradition. In the names of their beers, the beer labels, and even their logo, nothing is without deliberate denotation. Even the seal, which is the logo for the brewery, is filled with symbolism. From the Apocalypse website: The giant A on top represents the ‘Alpha,’ to us, the new beginning of a better world resting on top of the darkness that was left behind. The darkness is symbolized in the ‘Omega’ depicted in our logo three times in the shape of the horns. This denotes the three chains that needed to be broken in order to proceed with a life for us. Letting go of a bad job, a bad boss, and a bad life, all at once. The pyramid represents that by following spiritual and physical guiding lights we could build a foundation and reach the pinnacle of success for US and not for corporate USA. Our physical guiding lights are our family: Lee, born X IV, our daughter Ashlyn born IX IV, and our son Austin born XII XII. The pyramid is placed on top of the darkness and earthly worries which were left behind to burn and fuel our new begging! Also, in our artwork we like to represent our guiding lights with the Orion’s Belt constellation, a trinity that has served with some significance throughout human history. The number 72 is also represented in the logo. Da Vinci had this in the Mona Lisa. Some denoted this was a number for perfection. For us it is a number for perfection and that’s why we have 72 barley corns on each side of the logo. It is also important because the ‘72 Miami Dolphins were and still are the only team in the NFL to be perfect 17-0! As every end brings a new beginning, we’ve chosen the ultimate ending through Apocalypse Ale Works, to raise with it a newer, brighter future. Many fans have commented on the seal, as well as all the artwork for the different beer labels. Doug tells us that Washington Statebased artist, Adam One (http://symprez.com) is the talent behind the memorable images. Doug does rough sketches to convey the visual and intended sentiment, then Adam fleshes

them out and brings them to vivid life. Just as with the main seal, the beer names, as well as the labels, are carefully considered for personal meaning. When asked why he puts so much energy into the pictures, Doug told us, “when you’re the brewer and the owner, you have a passion for all aspects of the business. It’s what we live, breathe, and drink for.” And if you’re impressed by how much thought Doug devotes to artwork, you can just imagine how carefully and passionately he brews the beers behind those labels! That first Lustful Maiden from 1995 still finds a place at Apocalypse as a long-standing favorite. Along with her are many other brews that found a permanent home based on customer response. Doug likes keeping a menu of standards because they provide a quality and consistency that visitors can count on. However, as a brewing artist, he also loves to continue inventing. In an Apocalypse tradition called Temptation Thursday, a new beer is introduced each week. When the response is overwhelming, that beer will join the ranks of the main brewery menu. Among the beers that have gone from temptation to tradition are the Grapefruit Hoppocalypse, which has hops, maltiness, and a summerfavorite grapefruit flavor! There is also the Raspberry Cenful Blonde, which is a Belgian Blonde Ale with aromas of honey, banana, and citrus. Dry hopped with American Citra Hops for a unique blend of Cenful proportions. In addition to all the great beer and great culture, Apocalypse Ale Works also has offers lots of fun and entertainment! There is live music every Friday and Saturday. Tuesday nights are open mic, with food from the Sourdough Pizza food truck. On Wednesday night, you can pit your wits against your fellow craft beer enthusiasts in spirited rounds of Trivia! Though Tuesday belongs to sourdough pizza, Rodney’s Sweet Pig Barbecue and Ribs provides the delicious food from their truck Wednesday through Sunday. In addition to all this weekly fun,

02.02 • June/July 2018 • BrewHubMagazine.com

Apocalypse Ale Works is also home to the Barbeque and Brews Firefest. Each spring, this event is held in the Apocalypse back yard; supporting the local volunteer fire department and Relay for Life. In addition to live music, barbecue competitions and beer tasting, multiple microbrews featuring two different styles are judged and awarded prizes. This year, the event was held on May 5th and raised $1000 for each cause! But that’s not where the love ends. Throughout the year, the Apocalypse crew stages fundraisers for many community members in need. Because the community helped them to get started and continues to support them, they feel strongly about giving back. They also recently raised $3500 recently for the people affected by the Lynchburg tornadoes. At the end of the day, life for Doug, Lee, and the rest of the Apocalypse crew comes down to loving what they do. It’s a lot of hard work, a lot of responsibility, and a lot of community dedication. But according to Lee, it’s all worth it to see people trying a new beer for the first time. She loves seeing the reactions on the faces as folks take that first sip. It’s immensely satisfying, and a lot more rewarding than her job as a dental hygienist. At the dentist office, no one was happy about coming in to see her. “Now,” she says, “everybody loves to come here!”. Doug says it’s like getting paid for a party. He loves sitting on the deck, listening to music with his family and friends. It makes him proud to see the place packed with people drinking his creations. “It’s unreal. I have to pinch myself sometimes.” For more information about Apocalypse Ale Works, the beers, the events, and the crew, visit their website at www.endofbadbeer.com. You can also find them on Facebook. “Our mission is to brew quality beer for all palates. The end of bad beer is here!” 7

Lynchburg and Forest Va destination for all your HOMEBREWING AND WINE MAKING SUPPLIES

(434) 851-5646 1219 Burnbridge Road Forest, VA

www.pintsoplenty.com Thinking About Homebrewing?

Check out your local home brew association.

Selling the supplies, ingredients and equipment you need to make world class beers and wines in your own home. Bringing you the best stuff from the best names in the business with the best selection in Roanoke.

(540) 400-0091 5342 Franklin Rd SW • Roanoke, VA

02.02 • June/July 2018 • BrewHubMagazine.com

Family Business Beer Co - Texas style, Y’al ! By Vickie Holt

Interesting tales abound in the world of craft brewing. Each brewery owner has a story about life transition. Each brew master has a story reflected in the beers. Heck, even the buildings occupied by breweries often have meaningful histories. The stories can come from anywhere, through any chance conversation or fateful discovery. This story came from the chance viewing of a YouTube video. Craft brewing is indeed one of the most exciting new industries in the nation. Despite how fast it’s growing, however, it seems to have remained low key. Grass roots. Mom and pop. That is, until January 10, 2018. In a little place called Dripping Springs, Texas, Gino Graul – a twelve-year veteran of brewing – opened his own craft brewery. As is the story behind many others, he did it with the help of friends and family. But this is where the story gets really exciting. Among the co-owners of Family Business Beer Co. are Gino’s parents, Ed and Debby Graul, his sister Danneel, and her husband, Jensen Ackles! That’s right. Jensen Ackles, the actor who has played Dean Winchester for the past thirteen years on the popular CW series, “Supernatural”! Not a fan of sci-fi? Jensen was also on “Days of our Lives” from 1998 – 2000, and “Dawson’s Creek” from 2002 – 2003. Wife, Danneel, also has an impressive acting filmography, from “One Life to Live”, to “One Tree Hill”, to “Friends with Benefits”. But it was Jensen who tipped us off about the brewery. Fans found out about it last year, and they’ve been asking him about it at every Supernatural convention around the world. Happily, every panel discussion at every convention is recorded and posted on YouTube for other fans to enjoy. But there is more to this story than just a popular actor being part owner. After speaking with Taproom Manager, Andrew “Woj” Wojcicki, we learned just how much of a game changer it could be. One of the biggest challenges faced by many new breweries is promotion. It can make or break any new business. Much of the time, new brewery owners have come from other walks of life; transitioning into this fairly new industry with limited experience. The struggle is further compounded by the fact that the industry as a whole is still trying to achieve public awareness. As Aden Short of P.A. Short Distributing told us, craft beer claims only 12% of national beer sales.

With high profile names entering the business, however, that could change. Woj tells us that opening day for Family Business Beer Co. was on a Wednesday, and that despite bad January weather, they were overwhelmed. They opened at 3:00pm, and by 3:05 their computer system and registers had crashed. There was a line out the door and down the driveway for seven solid hours. This was due in no small part to Jensen having talked publicly about the opening for months prior to the big day. But it’s not just the Family Business that benefits from the celebrity of their owners. Everyone benefits. The more Jensen talks about craft brewing

02.02 • June/July 2018 • BrewHubMagazine.com

in cities all over America, the more curious the people in those cities may become. They may check out their own local breweries and make the lifetime transition from national to craft just out of a desire to emulate their hero. Fans who travel hundreds of miles to visit Family Business for the sake of their fandom will, by coincidence, be introduced to craft beers. Then they’ll take that experience back home where they may tell others. No matter how you slice it, the Family Business Beer Co. has lifted the industry and created new

See Family Business Page 10 9

It’s a talent explosion!

Join Seph Custer for his Live Album Recording! On June 30 at The Spot on Kirk, Seph Custer will be giving a special, originals-only live performance for his upcoming album! Doors will open at 7:30, with the show starting at 8:00. After a down-home warm-up performance from Brackish Water Jamboree, Seph will take the stage to harness the energy of live performance for a heart-felt, full length album that will be available not only through his website (http://www.sephcustermusic.com), but also through Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora! Tickets are $8.00 in advance or $10.00 at the door. The Spot on Kirk has limited seating, so you’ll want to get to brownpapertickets.com or www.thespotonkirk.org to get your tickets before the show sells out! You don’t want to miss being part of this very special show and recording.

Calling all musical artists! There are exciting new things on the horizon for Brew Hub Magazine, and if you’re a musical artist struggling with booking or promotion, we have great news for you! We’ve been overwhelmed by the gratitude and feedback from artists we’ve spotlighted in the past. And it looks like word has gotten out about how being featured in Brew Hub Magazine has opened more doors for them and created more prospects! Because of that, we’ve also been overwhelmed with inquiries from artists we have yet to celebrate. With all this love and success, we’ve decided to make promotional opportunities for musical artists an even bigger part of Brew Hub Magazine! More pages, and more ways to grow your prospects as a singer, song-writer, musician, or band! For details on how you can be part of this exciting new wave of music promotion, email info@BrewHubMagazine. com

Family Business From page 9 opportunities for all craft brewers across America. With a quick online check, anyone can see that Family Business Beer Co. is just as humble, just as community friendly, and just as family oriented as any of the breweries here in the Blue Ridge. Dripping Springs is about thirty minutes from Austin, out in the rolling hills and beautiful countryside. But they were not the brewing pioneers of that area. Woj says they are at the tailend of a ‘brewer’s row’; the latest in about a dozen breweries occupying the immediate area. He also says the place has a brewing history that goes even farther back, with the German and Czech immigrants that settled there. “It’s a great place to go if you’re a beer drinker!” True to the old saying, “everything’s bigger in Texas”, Family Business is built on fifteen acres of beautiful countryside. Aside from the part taken up by the building, the outside features a lovely, winding beer garden, a playground for the kids, and an area to play games. “In this part of the country,” says Woj, “it’s critical to have comfortable outdoor seating. It’s a big thing to feel like you’re relaxing in someone’s back yard.” Right now, they’re using only a couple acres, leaving themselves room to grow. To perhaps someday add walking trails, a dog run, or perhaps 10

more parking. Also located on the grounds is the Jep’s Southern Roots food truck, run by none other than Jep and Jessica Robertson, stars of “Duck Dynasty”! Though Jep’s business is completely separate, he opened the same day as Family Business, and has been growing right along with them. It’s a brotherly, symbiotic partnership, and a new approach that has been embraced by crew and customers alike. When you step inside, the theme of “room to grow” continues. The spacious brew house currently holds a 15-barrel system, from which they hope to produce 2000 barrels this year. Woj jokes about the friendly envy of other breweries when they see all the space just waiting for new equipment. The tap room atmosphere is nouveau minimal, with clean white walls and wood accents. The indoor stage features live music every couple of weeks, and it is hoped that larger musical events can eventually be held on the grounds outside. On tap year-round are Hamilton Pale, The Fox Rye Lager, Cosmic Cowboy IPA (7.0% abv), Ghost White IPA, King Biscuit ESB, Haulin’ Oats Brown Ale, The Grackle Hill Country Imperial Stout. However, Family Business will also offer rotating and seasonal special beers. Fans of

Supernatural may nod and chuckle at some of the names selected for these brews, and Woj admits some of the choices do spare a nod in homage to the show. The name of the brewery, however, was a happy accident. It seemed an obvious choice for the Graul family, but a happy accident that it also pays homage to the series. Woj says that everyone involved worked a lot of hard ours and put in a lot of sweat to build Family Business from the ground, up. Though they are a fun-loving, silly bunch, they are serious about craft beer and their mission to be good stewards of the craft brewing community. They are dedicated to providing quality, exciting beer in a family-at-home atmosphere. They want to be a destination brewery. In closing, Woj tells us he’s a huge beer nerd and loves being part of this industry. He didn’t know anything at all about Supernatural and had no idea who Jensen Ackles was, but he knew Gino Graul and was excited to be part of the brewery. He says they haven’t been overrun by Supernatural fans, but they are a significant presence. “It’s been a unique and welcome component. We got a lot of great press and it helped us get off to a great start. The fans present a new set of challenges, but also a great opportunity to introduce these folks

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Bacova Beer Company! Hot Springs’ first craft brewery! Husband and wife team, Seth and Emily Ellis, plan to open their brew house and tap room at 2814 Main Street in Hot Springs, just a stone’s throw away from the popular Homestead Resort. Just what the area needed, as the next nearest brewery is over and hour away! These ‘Purveyors of Liquid Hope’ have just gotten all their I’s dotted and T’s crossed, and the hard work has begun. Bacova will be a five-barrel brewhouse focusing on the creation of small-batch, wonderfully flavorful beers. They plan to open with six beers, which will include a Kolsch, a pale

ale, an amber ale, a porter, and a special brew they like to call Furious George! The target is to be brewing by September and have the tap room open in November. It’s still too early for details about what is sure to be a legendary grand opening, so keep

checking the website at www.bacovabeer. com for the final date and details about all the exciting events! You can also find them on Facebook and Instagram. For more information, email goodvibes@bacovabeer.com Coming Fall of 2018

Seven Sisters, Wytheville’s First Craft Brewery, Coming SoonTo Historic Downtown Seven Sisters, Wythe County’s first authentic craft brewery, will soon be opening in downtown Wytheville. The brewery, which will be located in the historic R.P. Johnson building on Main Street, is set to open its doors in early autumn. Seven Sisters owner David Clark, a native of Wytheville, graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a B.S. in business and a specialty in finance. For the past four years he has worked with investment firm Dorsey, Wright & Associates (a Nasdaq company) in Richmond, but always knew he would return home one day to open his own business. “My dream has always been to come back to Wytheville and start my own business,” said Clark. “I have always enjoyed exploring the local breweries in the areas where I’ve lived and traveled. Plus, I have always aspired to have my own place. When you combine that with my love of craft beer and the love I have for my hometown, you get Seven Sisters.” Why call it Seven Sisters? “It’s a tribute to the Wytheville area,’’ Clark explained. “Seven Sisters is the name of some mountain peaks and a hiking trail located in the county. I just wanted to pay homage to my one of the many natural attractions our area has to offer.”

The brewery will offer a number of high quality craft beers with the names of each playing off the Seven Sisters theme. It will utilize as many ingredients and products as possible from local growers and vendors and will be open Tuesday through Sunday with special events and activities occurring Thursday through Sunday. One aspect of Seven Sisters that will differentiate it from many breweries is that it will provide a relaxed, family-oriented atmosphere, where patrons can even bring their children for food, fun and games. Pets will also be welcomed. The brewery will serve gourmet snacks, have food trucks on site and utilize outside food vendors as well. Seven Sisters will serve up a variety of live local and regional music, as well as feature large television screens so customers can watch sporting events. The brewery’s game hall will include Tic-tac-toe, Connect Four, and corn hole.

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“I want Seven Sisters to be a place where everybody can come and have a great time, or just relax if that’s what they want,” said Clark. “Yes, we’re going to have some amazing craft beer, but it’s very important to me the brewery be family friendly where kids, and even pets, are welcome too.” Joe Hayes, who has more than two decades of brewing experience in New York and Texas, will serve as brewer for Seven Sisters. Hayes holds a B.S. in Food Science Microbiology from the University of California at Davis. He recently relocated to Wytheville. Seven Sisters Brewery was one of four businesses in Wytheville that received grants ($20,000) from the Evolution Wytheville business idea competition. For more information, contact David Clark at sevensistersbrewery@ gmail.com or 276.920.1796.

P.A. Short Distributing Co. By Vickie Holt

When talking about craft brewing, we most often think of the brew houses, tap rooms, and the culture that surrounds the craft brewing community. However, there is another part of the picture folks rarely think of. When craft brewers are ready to send their beers beyond the tap room, it is the distributors that make it all happen. Distributors meet with convenience stores, grocery stores, restaurants, hotels, bars, and department stores. They find out what the customers want, and when they want craft beer, the distributors then resource local and regional craft breweries so retailers can provide it. They are in a very unique position to see the big picture. Because it is the nature of the business, they also keep a finger on the pulse of what’s really happening in the craft brewing industry. Bova Distributing had been building the beer distribution business in the Roanoke Valley since the end of Prohibition. In those early days, it was called C.C. Bova, and was responsible for not only the distribution of beer, but also fruits and vegetables. In 1951, however, those services became separated. The newly-formed Bova Distributing Company became solely responsible for beer distribution, and within a few years, Frank Bova became the sole owner. In 1983, Frank employed the services of Phillip A. Short to be Attorney and Comptroller. Phillip had a private law practice, but because he’d worked with Bova previously, he agreed to the temporary assignment that would computerize the company and create a five-year plan. Though Phillip had intended to return to his law practice, issues within the Bova structure prompted Frank to make Phillip an incredible offer. The agreement was for a partnership in the company, with a buy-out agreement that upon Frank’s death, the estate would sell the rest of the corporation to Phillip. Frank Bova passed away in 1994. In 1996, the sale was complete. Phillip Short had immense respect and a genuine fondness for Frank, and so the company remained Bova Distributing until 2001. It was then that the former Bova Distributing Company became P.A. Short Distributing Company. Though a couple of craft beers had surfaced by that time – Sam Adams and Sierra Nevada – commercial beers were still enjoying a near monopoly. The story of craft brewing, however, goes even farther back, to the late 1970’s. P.A. Short’s Craft Strategy Manager, Aden Short (son of Phillip) tells us that it all began with Charlie Papazian petitioning President Jimmy Carter to make home brewing legal in America. The law was passed in 1978, and so began the genesis of American craft beer. But there were three long decades between that genesis and those years when the winds began to change. After having graduated college in 2000, Aden moved to Richmond to work in finance. With

beer in his veins, however, it wasn’t long till he decided the work just wasn’t for him. He turned to Richmond’s burgeoning craft brewery scene, frequently visiting the Capital Ale House, with its 125-tap tap room. “Being the son of a Budweiser wholesaler”, jokes Aden, “there wasn’t much else to rebel against.” He tried every craft beer he could get his hands on. Through this sampling, however, Aden was also teaching himself about craft beers. During a fateful phone call and

lots of questions about craft beer, Phillip hired his knowledgeable son. But it was still too early to put all that craft beer knowledge to good use. Though the West Coast was booming, it had not yet cascaded East. It hadn’t caught on yet here in Roanoke, so there wasn’t much to sell. After spinning his wheels a while in the job, Aden was accepted to a Business Management and Entrepreneurship program in Glasgow, Scotland. From 2008 till 2011, Aden continued learning about craft beer. He traveled all over Europe, trying everything he could. In 2011, however, he was called back home to be part of transitions at the company. The timing was perfect. By then, P.A. Short had picked up RedHook and Widmer Bothers breweries to go along with Sam Adams and Sierra Nevada, but in 2012, the flood gates really opened. For this, Phillip really wanted a more specialized salesman. Somebody more familiar with the brands, brewing, and everything craft there is about craft beer. Aden had been training for the position before he even knew it. In addition to all his duties with P.A. Short, Aden was also elected to join the Management Committee of the Virginia Beer Retailers Association, which looks at what’s going on state-wide to make sure operations are adhering to regulations. More recently, he was selected by his fellow peers in the state to represent Virginia at the National Beer Retailers Association, where they approach Congress regarding beer distribution issues. When asked about craft brewing being the hottest new industry, Aden tells us that in 2011, there were only 1700 craft breweries in the United States.

Today, there are about 6400 with another 1300 to 1800 currently in the licensing stage. Thanks to that seven-year boom, P.A. Short Distributing has added more craft salesmen, a craft brand manager, and specialized craft brand salesmen. Twelve of their people have become Certified Cicerones, including the General Manager, the Sales Manager, the Craft Brand Manager, and all the supervisors. Riding the wave of the craft beer revolution, P.A. Short wants to make sure his company is prepared to, in Aden’s words, “service the hell out of ” their customers. About the craft beer industry, Aden tells us, “as the industry has exploded, our craft sales department has had to explode to keep up. We’ve grown with it. Grown the company. We keep our eyes on what’s happening out west to better trend what will be happening next. We’ve gotten smarter. Especially our craft salesmen.” As they still wholesale commercial beers, however, Aden assures us they all keep a beer-positive attitude – not putting down any beer, craft or commercial. This also seems to be a very smart attitude. Aden tells us that independent craft beers represent only about 7% of local sales. This is lower than the 12% represented in national sales. These figures to not include AB craft brands: those large-label craft brands that have been acquired by Anheuser-Busch. There is still a lot of room for growth, but most folks at P.A. Short Distributing agree that it’s not going to be easy. According to industry analytics, the sales for beers of any kind are down, nationally. It’s not commercial or AB beers losing out to craft, but beer in general losing out to wine and spirits. “With craft beer,” says Aden, “we’ve already seen supply overshoot demand.” A few issues ago, we here at Brew Hub reported the exciting news about Deschutes coming to Roanoke. In just a few months of watching the trends, however, even they have scaled back their plans. Population growth projections have changed, and craft beer still has a long way to go with the general public. Aden believes Roanoke has a lot of growth potential for craft brewing, but it’s going to be on a different business model. Small and local will be the key. There are only so many taps at area restaurants, and so much shelf space dedicated to craft beers at area retailers. With so many breweries making so many different kinds of beer, opportunities to grow beyond the tap room are limited in the current market. The outlet space just isn’t there because public demand isn’t great enough to encourage stores to make room for it. Phillip A. Short agrees. “It’s a different taste from commercial beer. With wine and spirits, they are all competing for the market. Availability is a factor, since consumers would have to actually go to the breweries, and space at retailers is limited.” Craft Brand Manager, Buck Ellis, tells us the slow growth is a generational thing. “It’s hard to get the

02.02 • June/July 2018 • BrewHubMagazine.com

older folks to change. It took a couple years to get my father to try it. The younger generation is where the trend started out of a desire for something new. That created a beast with everybody creating something new every week. There’s just not enough shelf space to keep everything stocked in retail or on tap.” But, “craft is continuing to grow,” he assures us. “Roanoke has room to grow. It just has yet to catch the local roots scene, like it has in cities like Portland, where local beers are more popular than national.” To make the best of the market until it grows, Aden suggests that local breweries differentiate themselves and become unique. “Do one thing and do it better than everyone else, or do everything and do it right.” It’ll be tough going, as national brands like Ballast Point move into areas to take advantage of the craft beer trend. It looks and sells like craft, but it’s national, with national resources behind it. Aden predicts, “if someone who has been working nationally with Ballast Point decides to move into Roanoke and open a brewery, that’s going to be a different experience. It’s something we haven’t really seen, as the rest of the breweries here have been opened by locals. They set up the market, then the big boys move in and monopolize it.” Phillip, however, assures us that craft beers are here to stay. “It’ll be more difficult for the smaller guys,” he says, “but working with the local breweries is very enjoyable. We work with a lot of good people. Good folks who are very energetic. I wish we could sell more of all their beers, every day.” Buck Ellis handles brewery distributor relations. He gets out there, talks to the area breweries, does his research, and stays on top of trends. He agrees, “the beer business is about making friends. I really enjoy that. 90% is hard work and making friends. A lot of what we do is making relationships.” As the craft beer industry grows, and as the younger generations make the tectonic market shift toward craft brands, it’s good to know that distributors like P.A. Short are enthusiastic and knowledgeable supporters.

02.02 • June/July 2018 • BrewHubMagazine.com

Come check out the new Salerno! Authentic, wood-fired oven shipped all the way from Italy!

New Beer Wall! With thirty self serving taps – the most you’ll find in one spot anywhere in Rockbridge County!

Walk right up and pour your own beer! Even better…most taps feature Virginia craft-brewed beers!

Wood-fired pizza 02.02 • June/July 2018 • BrewHubMagazine.com

Wed. Special Wood-fired cheese pizza

3.99

115 S. Jefferson St, Lexington ( 540-463-5757 www.salernolex.com Wed. 11AM--9PM, Thurs. 11AM--11PM, Fri. and Sat. 11AM--midnight 17

Breweries

FEATURED

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Apocalypse Ale Work - page 2 Ballad Brewing - page 26 Big Lick Brewing Company - page 27 Bristol Station Brewery & Pub - page 31 Chaos Mountain Brewing - page 25 Great Valley Farm Brewery - page 25 Greenbrier Valley Brewing Co - page 36 Hammer & Forge Brewing Company - page 16 Jack Mason’s Tavern & Brewery - page 16 Mountain Vally Brewing - page 27 Olde Salem Brewing - page 3 Parkway Brewing Company - page 24 Soaring Ridge Craft Brewers - page 29 Starr Hill Brewery Pilot Brewery & Tasting Room - page 26 Starr Hill Brewery - page 26 Twin Creeks Brewing Co - page 34

Q: What goes Hotdogs, & A: Great C

17 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Company 18 A Few Old Goats Brewing

(Coming Soon)

19 20 21 22 23 24

Ballast Point Barrell Chest Wine & Beer Basic City Beer Beale’s Brewery & BBQ Bedlam Brewing Blazing Barrel Brewing Co

25 26 27 28

Blue Mountain Brewery Bold Rock Hard Cider Brothers Craft Brewing Bocova Beer Co

(Coming Soon)

38 Elderbrew 39 Flying Mouse Brewery 40 Halcyon Days Cider Co

(Coming Soon)

41 42 43 44 45 46

Hardywood Pilot Brewing & Tap Room Headspace Brewing Co. James River Brewery Krikelkay Brewing Loose Shoe Brewing Company Long Way Brewing

(Coming Soon)

30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

Buggs Island Brewing Company Bull & Bones Brewhaus & Grill Champion Brewing Company Creek Bottom Brewing Company Damascus Brewery Deschutes Brewery Tasting Room Devils Backbone Tazewell Brewing Co. basecamp County Devils Backbone Brewing Co. outpost

(Coming Soon)

48 49 50 51 52 53 54

Ober Brewing Company Painted Peak Brewing Pale Fire Brewing Pro Re Nata Farm Brewery Queen City Brewery Random Row Brewing Co. Reason Beer

Smyth County Washington County 77

Alleghany County Monroe County, WV

Craig County Roano City Salem

Bland County

Pulaski County

71 46

31 57

Montgomery County 62

Wythe County

Grayson County 34

12 7 46 11 48

Radford

Greenbrier County, WV

Giles County

Russell County

67 65 4 38

47 Moon Hollow Brewery

29 Buffalo Mountain Brewery

Bristol

Brew

(Coming Soon)

Carroll County

Galax

Floyd County

Patrick County

02.02 • June/July 2018 • BrewHubMagazine.com

Roanoke County

with Baseball, & Apple Pie? Craft Beer!

ap of

weries

56 50 27 74 70

Harrisonburg

23 61

59 21

Waynesboro

54 7353 41 32 63

Charlottesville

36 7626

Amherst County

Buckingham County 45

Appomattox County

Lynchburg

1 79

Bedford County

Prince Edward County

Campbell County

Pittsylvania County

10 38

Danville Martinsville

(Coming Soon)

66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75

Staunton River Brewing Company Studio Brew Sugar Hill Brewing Co. Sunken City Brewing Company The Friendly Fermenter The River Company Restaurant & Brewery Third Street Brewery Co Three Notch’d Brewing Three Notch’d Brewing Harrisonburg Taproom Three Notch’d Brewing Roanoke

76 77 78

Wild Wolf Brewing Company Wolf Hills Brewing Co. Wood Ridge Farm Brewery

(Coming Soon)

Featured Home Brewing Stores

79 Pints O’ Plenty 80 Southern Hills Homebrew Supply

Charlotte County

Franklin County

Henry County

65 State Street Brewing

19 39

Nelson County

Botetourt County

2 9 75 3 16 13 18 35 10 16 20 14 e 80

(Coming Soon)

61 Shenandoah Valley Brewing 62 Sinkland Farms Brewing 63 South Street Brewing 64 Stable Craft Brewing

Albemarle County

Staunton

4 6

55 Redbeard Brewing Company 56 Restless Moons Brewing Co 57 Right Mind Brewing 58 Rising Silo Farm Brewery 59 Seven Arrows Brewing Company 60 Seven Sisters Brewery

Rockbridge County

6 9

oke

Rockingham County

Augusta County

Bath County

Click on QR code for virtual map!

Featured Attractions Halifax County

Mecklenburg County

Salem Red Sox Lynchburg Hillcats

02.02 • June/July 2018 • BrewHubMagazine.com

Spotlight on Musicians & Bands

By Vickie Holt

She very much likes playing at the area breweries. “You never know who’s going to be there.” At a brewery show, Charissa reads the room and adjusts her covers to please the crowd. She likes that families come together. She’s also very proud and gratified when young girls come up to her, seeing her as a role model. “There’s just a lot of good energy, with people there having fun and drinking beer beer.” To learn more about Charissa, listen to her original music, or contact her for booking, visit her website at www.charissamorrisonproject.com. You can also find her on Facebook by searching Charissa Morrison Project. If you’d like to see her perform live, here’s where she’ll be next!

Charissa Morrison Project Charissa Morrison is the daughter of a pastor. She grew up in the church, and has always been heavily involved in the music surrounding church activities. She jokes that she was singing before she was talking, and it was clear to all that this little girl had music in her soul. When she was older, she joined the choirs of both her church and school. “It was how I expressed myself,” says Charissa. “It was my creative outlet.” But as they must, her school days came to an end. It was time to decide what she wanted to do with her life. All she knew, however, was that singing was her passion. Literally with a song in her heart, Charissa went to Ohio to study music at university where she received an undergraduate degree in 2007. After three years back home in Roanoke, she decided it was time to reach for the stars. In 2010, she took herself to Los Angeles, where she hoped to turn her passions and learning into a musical career. She wanted to get away to a new world with a new culture that would inspire her. Charissa says her experiences there shaped her sound and style, but after four years of singing on the West Coast, it was time to return home. Though her schooling had ended years earlier, Los Angeles had one more lesson for her. It taught her that the career she’d envisioned when she set out was no longer her path. It was time to pack it up, go back home, and figure it out from there In 2014, she returned to Roanoke. With

no solid musical plans, she found work at Sweet Donkey Coffee. Charissa says she met a lot of really great people there, and once they knew about her voice, they encouraged her to sing. One of these people was Kris Piemonte of the Fabulous Dramatics. He invited her to begin opening some of his shows, and it wasn’t long before she was learning more and more new songs. With this new outlet, she began to find her own style and learn about herself. Eventually, she built a repertoire big enough that she was able to start booking shows on her own. She also started writing her own material. With an inner focus, Charissa Morrison set foot on a new musical path…that of being a solo singer/ song writer. Booked as the Charissa Morrison Project, her shows are filled with vocally driven, soul filled numbers, with an acoustic twist! With her powerhouse voice and rhythmic acoustic guitar, Charissa delivers a mix of pop, soul, folk, and R&B original compositions, as well as her own interpretations of modern songs. Much of her original music is built on her experiences and her personal journey. It’s all about finding yourself. Social justice, and social struggles. Charissa likes to empower people; focusing on love and positive change. She tells us she is working on her first solo album, which will be available through her website in August. Charissa is very excited about where her journey has taken her. “The momentum is great”, she says. “The music scene in Roanoke has more opportunities because there’s more camaraderie among musicians. You don’t get lost in the crowd. Musicians help each other. It’s pushed me outside my comfort zone.”

June 15, 6:00pm – 10:00pm Sweet Donkey Coffee, Roanoke June 24, 4:30pm – 6:30pm Starr Hill Roanoke Pilot Brewery & Side Stage July 26, 6:30pm – 8:30pm Starr Hill Roanoke Pilot Brewery & Side Stage July 29, 1:00pm – 4:00pm Parkway Brewing Company, Salem August 03, 6:00pm – 10:00pm Sweet Donkey Coffee, Roanoke – Album Release Show!

Red Leg Huskey Six years ago, a red husky dog really needed to go for a walk. The dog belonged to the roommate of Tim McWilliams, but it was a fella named Son that the vacationing roommate called upon to make sure the dog got the chance to get outside and take care of business. When Son came to walk the dog, he also got the chance to chat with Tim. Not only were they both musicians, but they also discovered a mutual a love for country and bluegrass. One thing led to another pretty swiftly. Based in North Carolina, Redleg Husky is Tim McWilliams on rhythm and lead guitar, banjo, and vocals, Son the Bassman on bass and vocals, and Nick Marino on drums. It wasn’t long until they were playing 250 shows a year, all across the southeast! Popularity struck like lightening for these guys, allowing both Son and Tim to leave their day-jobs behind four years ago! Sons says that it has been a blessing to be able to do what they love, full time. But it’s not just touring that keeps them busy. Redleg Husky has released three recordings

02.02 • June/July 2018 • BrewHubMagazine.com

of original music, so far, and they’re not planning to stop, anytime soon! Available on their website at www.redleghusky. com, fans can listen to music from their 2013 self-titled EP, their 2014 full-length debut album, “Carolina”, and their most recent album, “My Old Heart”, from 2016. All this great music is also available on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Play. Son says the musical direction of the band has evolved a little over the past couple years, but don’t be worried about not being able to check it out. Though their next album is yet to come, fans can still discover the new stuff on their YouTube channel! These guys have really gone the extra mile in creating fun and interesting videos from tour footage, as well as live performances. Though they are based in North Carolina, touring brings them into Virginia a few times each year. When on the road here, the trio is a duo, with Son and Tim representing the band. No matter where you see them, however, you are in for a treat. In addition to all the downhome-sounding original music, Son and Tim also deliver country and bluegrass favorites from across the decades! When asked about the future, Son tells us Redleg Husky think of themselves as a live band. More than any possibilities for future fame, that’s what they focus on. They also like to keep the production of their recordings low key. Son says it feels more comfortable doing things at home. Right now, they want to continue touring and playing live shows at bigger and bigger venues. They are also very happy take the wheel of their own destinies. When asked what they liked about playing breweries, Son told us “it’s a great fit for the kind of music we do.” When the show is sometimes during the day, or even for a laidback event, the people drawn to craft breweries are often the same as those attracted to the kind of music they do. And even when they’re not, they still have a good time. Son says people have often approached them to say that even though bluegrass might not be their thing, they really enjoyed the show. “We love coming to Virginia and have been grateful for the response we’ve gotten all across

the Commonwealth.” To learn more about Redleg Husky, their music, and their tour dates across the southeast, you can visit their website at www.redleghusky. com, or look them up on Facebook. However, here is where you can see them next in Virginia! 7/12 - Starr Hill Side Stage, Roanoke, VA 6:30pm 7/13 - World of Beer, Charlottesville, VA 8pm 7/14 - Floyd Country Store, Floyd, VA 12pm 7/14 - Chaos Mountain Brewing, Callaway, VA 6pm 7/15 - Parkway Brewing, Salem, VA 1pm

Sean Bera The story of Sean Bera is that of an inner journey. Having moved around while growing up, he landed in Baltimore after high school. Full of youth, anger, and musical creativity, he joined a hard-rock band called Purple Jimmy. From 1993 – 1999, Purple Jimmy was very successful across the mid-Atlantic region, playing shows from New York down to Georgia; opening for bands like Quiet Riot, Coal Chamber, Great White, Kix, L.A. Guns, and more hair metal greats. Though Sean admits these years were a complete blast, he also admits that he began to change. No longer feeling the rage that often goes into the musical creation and performance of hard rock, he transitioned to pop-rock band The Ripple Effect in 2000. A new millennium, a new direction.

02.02 • June/July 2018 • BrewHubMagazine.com

Still based in Baltimore, The Ripple Effect also enjoyed a lot of success, opening for the big names. Except the big names were pop bands like Bowling for Soup and Cinder Road. Eventually, Sean landed in Roanoke. Even with the realities of regular employment, Sean never stopped being a musician. In 2009, he joined Perry Mabry and Mark Lynch to form celebrated local band, PolyChrome. Of this new adventure, Sean says, “The band performed its first event at All Sports on August 22, 2009. I remember it was almost a ‘one and done’ band, as we started the first song with the wrong tempo and I had a moment of fear that it was not going to go well. We settled in, and managed to play hundreds of times together, making thousands more mistakes along the way.” Despite all those mistakes, PolyChrome was voted Silver Award winner in 2012 by Roanoker Magazine. They were also voted “Best Local Band” by both Roanoke’s City Magazine and The Roanoke Times Music Poll. With yet another celebrated and successful band experience on his list of life’s journeys, Sean once again began to evolve. In 2015, he found himself in a position to represent PolyChrome on his own at Blues BBQ. When asked how he wanted to promote the event, he told them “listing the event as Sean Bera is fine”. His next thought was “what have I done?” For good or bad, there was no turning back. This was something very new and scary to a man who had always embraced the anonymity of being part of a group with a collective name. In that moment, however, Sean set a shaky foot on a brand new path. As a solo artist for the first time in his musical career, Sean really enjoys just being the guy in the corner with a guitar and a microphone…looking for the next song. Whereas band-life means a lot of things to those who do it, for Sean, it’s all about the music. It’s all about the song. Among the bottomless bag of pop cover tunes that span the decades, Sean’s original pop material celebrates positive energy and happiness. He jokes that he just can’t do the angry stuff anymore when he feels so good. Because he has a

See Spotlight Page 22

Spotlight

From page 21

genuine talent for humor and connecting with the audience, Sean’s shows are a feel-good experience for everyone. He says, “I perform cover songs in my set from every mainstream genre and era that helps create familiarity while adding a bit of humor. And I maintain a ‘close enough for rock-n-roll’ approach that injects my own personality to the songs without straying too far from the original.” In the end, Sean loves the intimacy of being a solo artist for smaller crowds; setting up in front of a roomful of strangers, who become friends by the end of the night. For now, Sean’s original music is available at iTunes and other online retailers under PolyChrome. You can also check out his positiveenergy solo tune, “Ride” under Sean Bera on ReverbNation. To learn more about Sean and his music, his upcoming play dates, or to book a show, check out Sean Bera Music on Facebook. If you’re anxious to see him play, here’s where he’ll be next! June 16 6:30pm Ober Brewing Company Salem June 21 6:30pm Starr Hill Pilot Brewery Roanoke June 23 6:00pm Olde Salem Brewing Salem July 15 2:00pm Mango’s Bar & Grill Moneta

Longfin Grill is a thirty-foot, Commercial Kitchen Concession Trailer specializing in fresh seafood and Caribbean BBQ. They run upwards of ten specials each night, utilizing the abundance of fresh produce grown in the area. Their seafood is brought weekly from Morehead City, North Carolina by Indigo Farm Seafood Company (from Riner, VA and Charleston, SC). They set up at music festivals, private functions, breweries and other events in the area. Both the food truck and catering companies are predominantly Farm to Table. Longfin also manages a small farm in Floyd, and they work with five additional farms in the area who grow 70% or more of the produce and meats they serve. Longfin Grill is run by chefs Richard Perry and Raymond Jax, both of whom have extensive histories and educations in the culinary arts. Richard holds several degrees, and has furthered his education through apprenticeships and Chef positions throughout the Amercian southeast, including the Virgin Islands and the French Antilles. At one point, Richard turned his talents to manufacturing. He opened Olde Charleston Pasta and Smoked Seafood, 22

and his products were sold in Piggly Wiggly, Harris Teeter, and more than two hundred restaurants throughout the low country of South Carolina and Georgia. Ray Jax after was raised in Floyd, Virginia, but moved to California to study Culinary Arts. While in Santa Rosa, Ray had the opportunity to cook for some great musicians, like BB King, Ray Charles, and Bonnie Raitt at his father’s music hall, the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts. Later, Ray moved to Napa and apprenticed in restaurants under some of the great chefs. Richard and Ray met while both working at Chateau Morrissette, in Floyd. After their time as chefs there, they built several food trucks, but when they found a thirty-foot commercial, full-kitchen trailer for sale, they sold their smaller units and created the food concept of Longfin Grill. Since most of their business was in Roanoke and Salem, they moved the whole company to Salem, having gotten tired of hauling the big trailer up and down Bent Mountain. Longfin Grill serves fresh local (NC, VA & SC) seafood done right. Whether it’s grilled or fried it’s obvious these guys know what they are doing. Pork, beef, and chicken smoked with Caribbean flavors like Mojo, or Jerk marinades, as well as local ciders, hard ciders, and local beer mixed into the flavor profiles. Longfin offers nightly Specials like Oyster Rockefeller, stuffed Red Snapper, Grouper Fingers, Grilled Wahoo with dill butter, Local Beef Tenderloin Carpetbagger (stuffed with fried Oysters and béarnaise sauce) Cobia Francaise of lemon-thyme butter sauce over wilted arugula, Grilled Asparagus and Fried Green Tomatoes with smoked tomatoes and black turtle beans, Braised Rabbit wrapped in double smoked bacon and fresh sage, Bahn Mi sandwiches and special tacos. Chef Richard says, “From the earthy roots and wild game of winter to the tender green shoots of spring and the lush abundance of summer to the final ripening of autumn. Seasonal cooking has inspired me by the richness of flavors found only at the peak of growth and freshness only found in your backyard. Straight from the orchard, field, and free-range farms, I have been blessed with local farmers and foragers who have befriended me,

educating me to the native fauna and wealth of produce found in Floyd and surrounding Counties.” For more information and for the full, mouth-watering menu, visit the Longfin Grill website at http://longfingrill.com. To book them for your brewery, venue, festival, or private event, you can either contact them through the website, or visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Longfin.Grill.

After leaving the army, Rick Neifert found work in several restaurants. Eventually, however, he settled into working as a cable television supervisor. The restaurant atmosphere, however, was where he wanted to be. Not as a worker, but as an owner. Though it was his dream to open a restaurant one day, Rick was also very aware of the fact that most restaurants fail. The answer was clear. Rick’s Wrap It Up food truck was launched in May of 2015. Not only did it provide Rick with a less risky option, but it has since become so successful that Rick has become his own boss. Not only a favorite on the craft brewery circuit, Rick’s truck also services businesses, as well as private and special events. You can also find Rick at many of the area’s Food Truck Rodeos. “Instead of people coming to me,” says Rick, “I can go where the people are.” And so he does. With everything cut and cooked fresh, and with produce purchased daily, Rick found a quick following with his mouthwatering menu and cooked-to-order selections. When you stride up to the truck and peruse the menu, you’ll find steak, chicken, and vegan wraps. You’ll also find quesadillas, nachos, fries and wings. If you can’t decide, Rick tells us his hottest selling items are the smoked wings, with homemade sauces and dry rubs. If wings aren’t your thing, the public also can’t seem to get enough of Rick’s Philly cheese steaks, or his angus smokehouse burgers! Looking forward, Rick still realizes the diceroll opening a restaurant can be. Instead, he hopes to add more trucks to his fleet, bringing in family to grow his business. He hopes to have a second truck on the road by 2020. To check out Rick’s full menu, or to book Rick for your brewery, business, or event, visit his Facebook page at Rick’s Wrap It Up. Click the call Now button. Also follow Rick’s page for weekly appearance dates, so you’ll always know where to find his fantastic food!

02.02 • June/July 2018 • BrewHubMagazine.com

Chaos Mountain Brewing edge of the Sun!

Events on The Mountain! June 8th - Jody Ensor June 9th - Barefoot West June 15th - Ryan Greer June 16th - Sean K. Preston and the Loaded Pistols First Annual Crafted Horsepower Car show! June 22nd - To be announced June 23rd - Rocky Top Karaoke June 29th - Electric Road June 30th - Glam’r Kiti July 6th - Jody Ensor July 7th - A Place Called Home July 13th - Canned Biskits July 14th - Red Leg Husky Taproom Hours Wednesdays: 4 - 9 PM July 20th - Marie Anderson Thursdays: 4 - 9 PM July 21st - Back Creek Fridays: 4 - 9 PM July 27th - The Willies Saturdays: 1 - 9 PM July 28th - The New Habit Sundays: 1 - 7 PM

02.02 • June/July 2018 • BrewHubMagazine.com

k Party July 7th West Station Bloc Garaje,

Taqueria Big Lick Brewing Co. Tuco’s for a street-wide g in at or ab ll co e ar , 25 ’s Beamer gels of Assisi! celebration to support An

h Floyd Fandago June 22th-24t Floyd Fest July 25th-29th

540-562-8383

409 Salem Ave SW Roanoke, VA

www.BigLickBrewingCo.com Wed - Thur 4 -9PM • Fri 4 - 10 PM • Sat 1 - 10 PM • Sun 12 - 6 PM

02.02 • June/July 2018 • BrewHubMagazine.com

Now distributing to bars & restaurants through Roanoke Mountain Distribution Co.

02.02 • June/July 2018 • BrewHubMagazine.com

Berry White Coming Soon!

Thank you for helping us celebrate 4 years! Cheers!

Hours: Wed-Thurs-Fri 4-9pm Sat 2-9pm • Sun 1-7pm

540-339-9776 www.soaringridge.com

523 Shenandoah Ave Roanoke, VA

June 10 • July 15 • August 5

02.02 • June/July 2018 • BrewHubMagazine.com

Celebrating our 3rd Anniversary on the weekend of July 13, 14 and 15

Music all day on the 14th and food trucks! • Live trivia every Thursday! • Live “Singo!” (musical bingo) every Friday! • Rotating food trucks on Friday and Thursday!

Hours Monday 5 PM to 9 PM Tuesday CLOSED Wednesday 5 PM to 10 PM Thursday 5 PM to 11 PM Friday 5 PM to 12 AM Saturday 12 PM to 12 AM Sunday 3 PM to 9 PM

(276) 608-1220 www.bristolbrew.com Facebook.com/BrisolBrew 41 Piedmont Ave Bristol, VA 24201 02.02 • June/July 2018 • BrewHubMagazine.com

Steeped in over 185 years of Alleghany County history, The Farm at Glen Haven, is a unique event venue located along the Cowpasture River, in southwest Virginia. From Weddings, to Live Music, our guests revel in our natural farm beauty, stunning mountain views, pristine river, elegant hop yard, and acres of wildflowers. www.thefarmatglenhaven.com

02.02 â&#x20AC;˘ June/July 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ BrewHubMagazine.com

Big Lick Brewing Company - Local Craft Breweries are the primary engine in the Craft Beer Boom! by Vickie Holt About fifteen years ago, a couple of ladies who were friends and co-workers began bringing their husbands together for social occasions. Through their wives, Bryan Summerson and Chuck Garst also became friends; quickly bonding over a mutual interest in home brewing. Their enthusiasm grew quickly as the two of them tested brew after brew. Even in those early years, Bryan and Chuck loved experimenting with recipes; rarely brewing the same beer twice. They began attending brewers club meetings and were soon entering their classic varieties in competitions across the Valley. Like many others who have walked this path, Bryan and Chuck started thinking about making their passion official. In September of 2014, with just two barrels and space for about thirty-five customers, Big Lick Brewing Company became Roanoke’s first nano-brewery at 135 Salem Avenue, Downtown Roanoke. But that didn’t last long. The public responded to eagerly that the brewing duo and their wives started looking for a larger facility. It was then that developer Bill Chapman approached them about his 409 Salem Avenue building, just a few blocks away. Bryan tells us they loved the architecture of the place, as well as the design drawings that were presented. Everything was settled, work was begun, and on October 14, 2017, the brewery celebrated

the grand opening of its new location. In April of 2018, Big Lick Brewing Company was named 45th of the 50 fastest-growing small, independent craft breweries in the United States! The Brewers Association is a nonprofit trade group representing craft brewers across the nation. In this inaugural list, they considered over 6,200 member breweries from twenty-five states. The only criterion was number of barrels brewed. Big Lick Brewing was selected because they went from having brewed 112 barrels at the old location in 2016 to 963 barrels at the new location in 2017! This dramatic increase was due directly to the expansion move. The larger facility allowed them to go immediately from a two-barrel brewing system to a fifteen-barrel system! The spacious tap room, as well as Roanoke’s only outdoor beer garden, also allowed for more enthusiasts to gather at one time to drain those barrels and demand more. Taproom Manager, Adam McDearmon, tells us that local news coverage of the opening, as well as a strong media presence and vigorous word-of-mouth, have all helped them to grow swiftly into their new facilities. So swiftly, in fact, that they will be expanding operations again by adding two more fermenters very soon. This summer, they also hope to begin distribution in the local market with Big Lick

02.02 • June/July 2018 • BrewHubMagazine.com

beers being offered on tap in area restaurants. They also hope to begin canning this summer to begin retail distribution, as well. Though Big Lick is riding the wave of a dizzying growth spurt, Bryan Summerson tells us that the goal is to keep it all close to home. Even with distribution, the idea will be to encourage restaurant goers to visit the brewery’s home location. Wide spread distribution would make it more difficult for Big Lick brew fans to visit in person. Whether you sample it during a meal in your favorite restaurant, or enjoy it in the beer garden on Salem Avenue, the name of the game for the Big Lick crew has always been variety. Even after nearly a decade and a half, Bryan and Chuck are still experimenting and trying new things. This inventive spirit has resulted in a steady and growing demand for some of the best beer in Roanoke. McDearmon says, however, that they try and maintain a balance between creating new brews and following national trends. They also consider the frequent requests from customers for old favorites. To check out all the current brews and stay up-to-date on all the new brews, visit the Big Lick Brewing website at biglickbrewingco.com. You don’t want to miss any of them! 33

02.02 • June/July 2018 • BrewHubMagazine.com