Richmond Beer Week, presented by GreatBrewers.com, kicks off November 5 and goes until Friday, Nov. 12.
Between now and then there will be dozens of events in Richmond to promote beer knowledge and appreciation. A whole host of your favorite beer spots in town will feature specials, beer dinners, tastings, walking tours, brewmaster sessions, giveaways and more in order to celebrate the growing craft beer scene in the city.
This is the first beer week of any kind in Richmond, and I think it's fantastic that there are so many events I can't possibly make all of them. Established beer geeks and newcomers alike can unite at one of the many participating Richmond restaurants and shops. More information and a full schedule of events can be found at www.richmondbeerweek.com.
That being said, there are still a few events that I'm especially excited for. Now, I love craft beer, but beer alone rarely interests me. I only get really psyched when I'm offered two things: an incredible atmosphere, and a chance to try something new. All of the following events offer at least one of those options.
Brewery Tour/Brew Class at Legend Brewing (Saturday, Nov. 6, 1-4 p.m.) I love the flavors, experiences, and rituals of beer, but I'm a total novice when it comes to brewing. Hopefully, I'll learn more about the details of beer while supporting Richmond's own.
Belgian Beer Night at Can Can (Saturday, Nov. 6, 9 p.m.) This is actually part of a walking tour through The Fan and Carytown, but the reason I'm super excited about this event is because Can Can will feature their late night "Catacombs," where they turn off all their lights and only use candlelight. Excellent Belgian beers from Vanberg & DeWulf paired with candlelight ambience ... talk about atmosphere!
Historic Beer Tour of Richmond (Sunday, Nov. 7, noon) Not an official beer week event, but an awesome one nonetheless. This tour traverses historic Richmond with rare tastings from Virginia breweries at eight different locations, all coupled with the history of beer and brewing in Richmond via Civil War Richmond historian, Mike Gorman. Space is very limited.
Crispin Cider Dinner at Comfort (Monday, Nov. 8, 6 p.m.) I drank a whole lot of cider in Ireland, but I haven't had it much since. The chance to pair it with delicious food sounds like a treat!
Beer Theater at Wine & Beer Westpark (Tuesday, Nov. 9, 6 - 7p.m.) Beer enthusiast Matt Lake features Phil Leinhart from Brewery Ommegang, a fantastic Belgian-style brewery based in New York. They'll be tasting 6 different Ommegang beers while Phil provides details and notes about the beer he helped make! Sweet.
"Beer Wars" Screening at the Byrd Theatre (Wednesday Nov. 10, Reception at 5:30 p.m., Movie at 7 p.m.) This film delves into the underbelly of the beer business a la "Food Inc.," and shows an honest account of the world of craft beer in a market dominated by corporate brewers. There is a $10 suggested donation and all of the proceeds will be donated to the "Save the Byrd" Foundation.
12% Imports and Stillwater Artisanal Ales Virginia Debut at Mekong (Thursday, Nov. 11, 4:20 p.m.-midnight) Rumor has it that An Bui, Beer Meister at Mekong, has selected over 15 kegs of amazing Belgian and Danish beer from 12% Imports and from Stillwater, based in Maryland. I believe in quality over quantity, but I can't wait to try as many of these as possible. As An says, "It's time to rally the troops with this opportunity to support the Richmond beer community and lift people's spirits in tough times." I wouldn't miss this if I were you.
Beer Week Finale with Vintage, Aged, and Limited Release Beers at the Downtown Capital Ale House (Friday, Nov. 12, 4 p.m.) Capital Ale House intends to send the beer geeks off in style with several kegs that have never been to the East Coast before. Full disclosure- I have to work that night so if all the good stuff is gone by the time I get there at 10pm, then Richmond and I are going to have problems. I'm just kidding! Capital Ale House tells me that they won't only have rare beers that night, but are also honored to have many of the brewery owners and brewmasters in attendance. It should be a great party with a chance to learn a thing or two!
Of course, there are many other events that I'm just as excited for that I'll be attending next week, but I only have so much room to spread the beer gospel. If you want to hear more, visit www.richmondbeerweek.com or follow me on Twitter at @corbincraft to hear updates throughout the week. Cheers!
Corbin Craft is a freelance writer and relative newcomer to Richmond. Look for him at many of the beer week events, and don't hesitate to offer him $20...these beer dinners are going to wipe him out!
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