1. Ray Ray’s Pale Ale, Center of the Universe Brewing Company
11293 Air Park Rd, Ashland, VA 23005
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The namesake beer of COTU’s founders, Ray Ray’s Pale Ale starts with imported English 2-row barley that provides a full rich flavor. Near continuous additions of Cascade hops contribute both a balanced bitterness and classic spicy and citrusy aromas and flavors.
2. Woodbogger Belgian-Style Brown Ale, Strangeways Brewing
2277 Dabney Rd, Richmond, VA 23230
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It’s no hoax. You’ve spotted the elusive Woodbooger. However, your adventure is only now beginning. Examine its habits and you’ll uncover footprints of caramel, chocolate and roasted malts with subtle traces of dark chocolate and fruit esters. It will show you a sweet side, tempting you to let down your guard. But you must keep your wits about you, because as quickly as it reveals itself, it will vanish.
3. Hardywood Gingerbread Stout, Hardywood Park Craft Brewery
2408 Ownby Ln, Richmond, VA 23220
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Brewed with baby ginger from Casselmonte Farm and wildflower honey from Bearer Farms, Hardywood Gingerbread Stout captures the terroir of central Virginia in a rich, creamy libation with a velvety mouthfeel and an intriguing evolution of flavors from milk chocolate and vanilla to honeycomb and cinnamon to a snap of ginger in the finish. Deep, dark chocolate in color with a mahogany tint and a frothy, caramel colored head, Hardywood Gingerbread Stout offers aromatics of holiday spice originating from the ginger, and balanced with a generous dose of whole Madagascar bourbon vanilla beans and Vietnamese cinnamon. Milk sugar (lactose) contributes to the full body of this stout and tames its roasty character, while oats lend a silky quality. Enjoy fresh, or cellar for a special occasion.
4. Chocolate Porter, Legend Brewing Co.
321 W 7th St, Richmond, VA 23224
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Porter by standard description is a rich, sweet ale that is not easily seen through. Porter by Legend standards exceeds these parameters slightly. Legend Chocolate Porter takes on a new level of Porterness. They were generous in their additions of dark malts for this brew. These include Caramel and Chocolate malts, as well as the standard “Porter malts”. The addition of natural cocoa extract at filtering time gives this brew a strong choco-nose and a deep lingering Wonkaesque finish. German Tettenang hops are used for a clean balancing bitterness. Expect a dark black beer with a rich and sweet aromatic presence. The flavor is of dark chocolate, coffee, caramel, and more dark chocolate.
5. Drake Tail Ale IPA, Alewerks Brewing Company
189B Ewell Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23188
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Golden in color with an intense citrusy, floral aroma due to a lengthy dry hop process. Expect flavors of citrus, fruit, light malt, hints of powdered sugar, and American hops. Finishes clean & dry with a smack of hoppy goodness.
6. Pocahoptas IPA, Center of the Universe Brewing Company
11293 Air Park Rd, Ashland, VA 23005
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This hop forward India Pale Ale features four different hops from the Pacific Northwest combined with a base of imported English 2-row barley and Crystal malts. Dry-hopped for additional hop flavor and aroma.
7. Wallonian Dawn Honey Saison Ale, Strangeways Brewing
2277 Dabney Rd, Richmond, VA 23230
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Strap in for a brisk experience—for it is a profoundly refreshing journey on which you have embarked. Propelled by pale malt and honey, Wallonian Dawn extends a cordial invitation to elegant amusement with a touch of the tart. Allow yourself to marvel in an exhibition of subtlety and entertain your will to unhinge the status quo. And should you find yourself carried away in the spectacle, Wallonian Dawn will remind you to keep things light and refreshing.
8. Red Marker Ale, Alewerks Brewing Company
189B Ewell Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23188
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Ruby red in color with aromas of dark fruit, honey and and caramel malt. Hints of caramel, fruit, plums, and a touch of roast, come through in the flavor ending with a dry, lightly hopped finish.
If you liked this post, you might also enjoy 6 RVA Breweries You Must Try and 7 Charlottesville Wheat Beers You Should Try.
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