What can I say that has not already been said by all the great people that were there, everyone from Virginia Beer Trail to Virginia Craft Beer Magazine have mentioned the winners, published pictures, and other such stuff. I went to enjoy the festival, drink good beer, and see some friends. I didn't take a whole lot of pictures, and I didn't even really take any notes. So I will just give you my opinion of what beers that I thought really stood out to me, from what I remember.
The event was held at Devil's Backbone Basecamp. This was my first time being there and it was amazing and beautiful. There isn't a whole lot I can say or need to say about Devil's Backbone, pretty much every Virginia craft beer fan has heard of Devil's Backbone or at least had a Vienna Lager at a local restaurant. I will say though they put on one heck of an event, from the food, to the bands, to the venue. This is how all events should be, so take note.
Now to the beer. My favorite beer that I had was a Red Kolsch, from Crooked Run Brewing out of Leesburg. They described it as a kolsch style ale. All I know is it was great and easy to drink. It was only around 4.3% ABV and in the low 20's for IBU's, so it went quickly. The next beer I really enjoyed was none other than Star Hill's Whiter Shade of Pale, White IPA. I am not a huge IPA person, but the smooth and fruitiness flavor made me a big fan of this beer. I will be getting more of this as soon as I can. It comes in at 7.5% ABV and 45 IBU's so nothing to blow your taste buds out of the water. The next stand out for me was Blue Mountain's Spooky. Which is an "Un-spiced Imperial Pumpkin Ale with Cocoa Nibs aged in charred American White Oak Rye (Claremont Springs) and Heaven Hill bourbon barrels. Dominant barrel flavors of vanilla and oak/coconut" which I think only they can do. I will admit, I am one of those people who like pumpkin beers(if it's done right), and I love bourbon barrel beers. So how could I go wrong by drinking this. It also has a nice 8.2% ABV, so there is that. The last beer that I kept going back to was from my great friends at Tin Cannon Brewing Co, it was their Virginia Blonde. I'm not sure what it is about that beer, the smoothness, the body, the low IBU's(19 to be exact), or just the flavor. I am always glad to have one of these when I am up in Gainesville, and it's also only 5% ABV so you can have a couple of them. Obviously I had to eat while I was there, so we went to the South Fork Food Truck out of Charlottesville. I had one of the most amazing pork sandwiches that I have ever had. It was not pulled pork, it was just big chunks of tender meaty pork with a dijon mustard. I also had their sweet potato with brown sugar fritters, so good.
As the night dwindled down and the event was ending we made our way over to the actual basecamp venue. There was live music and great beers being poured from around the state. We hung out there for a little while and decided to call it a night. This was one of the best events that I have been to so far. I will be returning year after year. There is one shout out I will like to give and that would be to my friends at VABrewpass. You need to check them out for great discounts at all of your favorite breweries.
Next up on my list of things to do will be Savor and Sip which is a wine and food event in Culpeper on September 5. I know its not beer, but a lot of my winery friends will be there. Then there is the great event at Old Busthead called Bleu and Brew on September 19, which is a beer and cheese pairing event. There will be several local breweries on hand for this one. Then finally NOVA Brewfest October 17th and 18th. I suggest you check out these events and all your local breweries/wineries/restaurants, find something you like. There is a world of deliciousness out there, you just have to find your spot. I am sure I will be venturing to other breweries and restaurants in the next few months, so keep an eye on my twitter for updates.
As always drink up and eat well!!
