Right Around the River Blog
Rocketts Landing Hosts BEER-istoric Richmond Tour
Post Date: 11-12-2012
Take one good look at the beers on tap at many Richmond bars, and there's no denying that our city has a (growing) craft-beer lovers scene. And based on the enthusiastic beer drinkers who visited Rocketts Landing for the 3rd annual BEER-istoric Richmond Tour, Richmond's forging a renewed place in beer history.
Last Sunday, dozens of beer fanatics descended on Rocketts Landing drinking in all the local beer history they could in one afternoon -- (and if you know anything about Richmond's centuries-long beer culture, that's a lot of beer!). Sporting all manner of beer-themed clothing -- from brewery caps and t-shirts to jackets covered in beer patches -- this motley crew of brew lovers landed at Rocketts Landing for the second stop on this To the Bottom and Back fundraiser.
Thrilled to play a part in the festivities for a second year in the row, not only did we send a Rocketts Landing representative to cover the seven-hour tour (what a bum job, right?!) — we also opened our historic beer caves to introduce two up-and-coming Richmond breweries to the crowd: Haxall Brewing Company and Ardent Craft Ales. We love blending the old with the new here at Rocketts Landing and definitely enjoyed watching tour-goers peer into the 19th century beer caves on our property while enjoying our city’s exciting new brews.
Infused with ginger, lemongrass, Thai basil, mint and more, Haxall’s ThaiPA perfectly captured the essence of Thailand in an IPA-style beer. We’re proud Haxall chose Rocketts Landing for their first beer-pouring event — and we can’t wait to enjoy more tasty drinks in early 2013 when the brewery opens within walking distance at 21st and East Main Street in Shockoe Bottom!
Ardent Craft Ales, which is hoping to open a new Scott’s Addition–brewery in 2013, poured an equally intriguing option: The Keeper, a Colonial-style brown ale that definitely lives up to its name. Using hops grown by Tricycle Gardens — a local nonprofit that turns unused urban spaces into community gardens — these brewers prove that super-local sourcing can result in super-delicious beer.
With the day’s weather unseasonably warm and sunny, we could have spent all afternoon exploring Richmond’s brewing past and future. But the tour had to go on. After boarding two To the Bottom and Back buses, the beer lovers continued their afternoon with trips to popular RVA beer sites including Legend Brewery, TJ’s at the Jefferson and Hardywood Park Craft Brewery. And from all accounts, everyone enjoyed a brew-liciously fantastic time.
If you missed this year’s tour, you’ll definitely want to mark your calendar for next year. When you get to enjoy a history lesson that includes stops — and tasty beverages —at eight beer sites along the way, you see history and Richmond come alive in more ways than one!