Monday, September 25, 2017

Massey on the River was a Blast!


Friday night's 8th Annual Massey on the River was a blast! Many thanks to Eleven Eleven PR and Steam Bell Beer Works for inviting us. Check out the pictures below. It was a great night, for a great cause. We hope to see you there next year! 


The volunteer crew from Apex Systems











Tuesday, September 19, 2017

8th Annual Massey on the River is this Friday!


Join us on Mayo Island this Friday, for Massey on the River! The night's fundraising and silent auction will support critical life-saving research at VCU's Massey Cancer Center. 
Food provided by Deep Run Roadhouse. All you can drink Beer and Cider provided by Steam Bell Beer Works, Hardywood Park Craft Brewing, Buskey Cider, Stone Brewing, and many more! 
Live music by Three Sheets to the Wind.

Tickets can be purchased here






Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Sneak Peak: Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens RVA

The Greg Koch and the folks at Stone Brewing have put together a quick video to explain their vision and show the progress of the upcoming Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens RVA. The neighborhood of Fulton is coming back in a BIG way. 


Monday, May 22, 2017

Bill Signing at Steam Bell Beer Works!


Friday afternoon, we were invited to Steam Bell Beer Works in Chesterfield, to witness Governor McAuliffe signing into law HB2418. The bill will allow craft breweries in Virginia 8 banquet licenses (up from 4) to host larger scale events. This is a great improvement that opens some exciting possibilities when you consider the rapid expansion of craft beer in the Commonwealth. 

right to left: Secretary of Agriculture Basil Gooden, Governor Terry McAuliffe, Brad Cooper (Owner of Steam Bell Beer Works), Delegate Roxann Robinson, and Secretary of Public Safety Brian Moran. 

It was great to see such a bipartisan effort working to get the bill passed in both houses, and the overall festive atmosphere of support from many major local craft brewers meeting for the signing. If you haven't had a chance to check out Steam Bell Beer Works, you're really missing out. 
Two words: Tiramisu Stout
The Cooper family are planning an expansion of the existing brewery, as well as opening a spin off, Cannon & Draw Brewing, that will open later this year in the Fan District of Richmond. 



Monday, March 6, 2017

Midnight Brewing at Wegmans

Thursday night, we had the pleasure of attending an amazing beer dinner collaboration between Wegmans and Midnight Brewing. The event was at Wegmans' newest and most Southern location in Midlothian, Virginia. At our arrival, we were greeted with a house brewed shandy and hors d'oeuvres. I was glad to see both the Chef and Brewer mingling with guests. After introductions, we were seated, and the first course arrived. 

The night's menu
The first course of baked brie and fig jam paired beautifully with the Cairns Wee Heavy. The sweet maltiness of the brew and the sweet jam were balanced wonderfully by the phyllo wrapped brie.
Brie De Normandie phyllo purse with fig jam and Sambuca crostini
Beer Pairing: "Wee Heavy" Scotch Ale
The second course achieved balance with the bitter spinach, salty pancetta, and sweet house honey mustard coming together to be paired with a crisp, refreshing New Beginning Kolsch. 
Baby Spinach greens with crispy pancetta warm honey mustard dressing
Beer Pairing: "New Beginning" Kolsch-style Ale
Course Three came in the form of a perfectly cooked tenderloin medallion in house red wine sauce, seasoned Brussels, creamy garlic potatoes, all paired with Midnight's crowd pleasing Not My Job Southern English Brown Ale.
Tenderloin medallion with red wine sauce and roasted wild mushrooms, brussels sprouts and garlic mashed potatoes
Beer Pairing: "Not my Job" Southern English 
Finally, we arrive at my personal favorite pairing of the night. When I first saw the menu for the final course, I must admit that I thought there would be no way two items as sweet as an espresso chocolate cake and an oatmeal stout would pair. I was sure that the sweetness of one would overpower the other, rendering the second half of the course tasteless. I'm happy to say that I was wrong. The Flourless Espresso Chocolate Cake and Granite Oatmeal Stout were the perfect pairing and the highlight of my night (and that's saying a lot). I want to extend a special thanks to Wegmans for inviting us and providing tickets. Personally, I've been enjoying their products for years, but this was my first visit to one of their locations. I can tell you with confidence, I will be returning very soon. 

Flourless espresso chocolate cake
Beer Pairing: Granite Stout
When you see a pub next to the produce section, you know this is not your average grocery store

Beer for days! Make sure you have plenty of time to take it all in


Monday, February 27, 2017

Wegmans/Midnight Brewing Craft Beer Dinner


Craft beer lovers rejoice! Central Virginia's own Midnight Brewing is collaborating with The Pub at Wegmans (Midlothian), to bring an amazing four course beer dinner to the masses. Join part of the Virginia Beer Blog Crew (Clay and Sam) and other local beer enthusiasts this Thursday, March 2nd at 6pm. You'll find the event page here. Check out that menu!


Monday, January 23, 2017

Champion Brewing's Richmond Location is Now Open


Charlottesville's own Champion Brewing Company opened it's Richmond Brewpub Friday night. The new location, formerly Aurora Night Club, is located at 401 East Grace Street. The location will serve pub fare, as well as beer brewed onsite and from the main brewery in Charlottesville.

If you're in the area, be sure to stop by and show your support!