Hardywood and VMFA pair up for ‘Forbidden Ale’ release

The Belgian white ale is being brewed in celebration of a forthcoming exhibit featuring works from Beijing, China.

September 10, 2014; 3:05 PM • by Trevor Dickerson

Hardywood Park Craft Brewery and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts are pairing up for a new brew, Forbidden Ale, in celebration of the forthcoming exhibit, Forbidden City: Imperial Treasures from the Palace Museum, Beijing, which begins October 18th.

The Belgian white ale is infused with Asian dragon fruit, a first for the brewery, and will be available on October 4th at a special launch event at at Hardywood. The festivities kick off at 2:00 PM with the local band Arizal, who created an original jazz score for the release event.

A week later, the beer will be available on-site at the brewery, and at VMFA’s Best Café and Amuse Restaurant, plus outside distributors including Whole Foods, Shields Market, and other local markets.

“We wanted to focus on creating a beer that would bring elements from the realm of the Forbidden City,” Hardywood Head Brewer Brian Nelson said. “Although peculiar looking, dragon fruit lends a pleasant sweet flavor and subtle aroma. In a Belgian white ale, dragon fruit complements the wheat overtones in the ale and changes the color to a bright pink.”

Visit the VMFA website for more information on the event and collaboration.