Charity Raffle Beer Update!
Strap in, this is about to get wordy, TL;DR at end.
I have a reputation to uphold, for myself and for the RVA. In keeping with tradition (ie I did this once before), I will be bringing a selection of Richmond (and Richmond adjacent) beer for the raffle. This time around we have not one, but two! selections to chose from.
The first selection we are calling “VibePA” – a group of fine, fine IPAs.
Without further ado, our players…
Hazey Days IPA (IPA), Legend Brewing, Richmond, VA
ABV 6.5% / 30 IBU / 4 pack 16 oz. / Retail $11.49
Featuring the vibiest label of the group and hailing from the OG Richmond craft brewery, Hazey Days is a smooth drinking unfiltered IPA with medium bitterness.
IPA X (IPA), Ardent Craft Ales, Richmond, VA
ABV 7.1% / 10 IBU / 4 pack 16 oz. / Retail $13.99
One of the best beers from one of my favorite brewers in VA. Sneaky smooth at only 10 IBU, it still hits 7.1% ABV, so tread carefully. These go down easier than a matchplay opponent with a vanity handicap.
Nuclear Nugget (IPA), Lickinghole Creek, Craft Brewery, Goochland, VA
ABV 10.5% / 105 IBU / 4 pack 16 oz. / Retail $12.99
Welcome to the other end of the IPA spectrum from the prior two. Nuclear Nugget will kick you in your face. 10.5% APV and 105 IBU!. This is about as subtle as @JohnP‘s takes on Mid Pines. This is the perfect beer to offer to an opponent mid round if you need a little edge.
The next selection heads in a different direction altogether. We call this group “What can brown do for you?”.
Tavern Brown Ale (Brown Ale), Alewerks Brewing Company, Williamsburg, VA
ABV 5.6% / ? IBUs / 6 pack 12 oz. / Retail $10.99
Smooth and easy drinking. When this shows up on tap at my club, post round orders get real simple “give us 4 Browns”.
Festbier (Marzen/German Lager), Ardent Craft Ales, Richmond, VA
ABV 5.6% / 22 IBUs / 4 pack 16 oz. / Retail $11.99
I’m sticking with tried and true Ardent here. I love Marzens, they are everything beer should be. I haven’t tried this one yet, but I am confident that Ardent knows what they are doing.
Saison (Farmhouse Ale), Ardent Craft Ales, Richmond, VA
ABV 6.7% / 25 IBU / 6 pack 12 oz. / Retail $10.99
I’m gonna come right out and say it, this beer type is some BS. I grew up on a farm, 2000+ acres of corn and soybeans, nearest neighbor 2 miles away, and this type of beer never made an appearance, not once. Sure, we had Stroh’s and the occasional Busch Latte, but this… this is on a whole different level. So much flavor, so nice. (I have a spare sixer of this for myself for Vibestock weekend. Ask real nice, and give me a sliding 4 footer, and I might share.)
TL;DR – Beer good, charity good.
