Beer News: Mead, a home brew winner, ghost chilies (JK)

We spent actual minutes of our time trying to perfect the right image of “guys working at a place called Black Heath Meadery.” Some of us got a little breathless and starry-eyed. Also, the RVA Brewcraft competition, how to keep your beer from spilling, and new beers from old places!

February 27, 2015; 11:22 AM • by Ross Catrow

From the deep dark depths of reddit comes this news that the Black Heath Meadery in Scott’s Addition will open on Wednesday. One time I made mead with a milk jug, a balloon, and an orange peel–as you would in, say, prison. I expect Black Heath’s final product to be much, much better.

Our very own Richard Hayes, along with 11 other judges, helped crown the first victor of the first RVA Brewcraft home brewing competition. In his own words:

12 judges of varying qualifications, my own being most suspect, met behind closed doors at Triple Crossing on Monday to select Best in Show from 90 submitted home-brewed beers. The mission was difficult due to the wide range of styles (a Double Chocolate Stout and Summer Lemon to name a few) and the sheer quantity of brews. Somehow the judges toughed it out, and the victor was selected by owners and brewers of Triple Crossing. The winner was…well, you’ll have to show up Saturday 1:00 PM at Triple Crossing to find out!

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National news…

“Science explains the secret to keeping your beer from spilling” says Fusion. Always looking out, Science, always looking out.

Takeovers and releases

On Saturday, Lickinghole Creek will release their…Redneck Soap Opera. It’s a Rum Barrel Spice Quad and only 1,000 bottles were produced–which is far fewer than the number of actual redneck soap operas going on right now in the state of Virginia.
Triple Crossing continues to speak directly into my soul with their Pride of Monroe (on tap as of yesterday): “Our first wort hopped with ghost chiles, bourbon barrel aged, clove spiced, lactose sugar based… nah, it’s an ordinary UK style pub ale.” These guys! I love them! I also love anything that’s naturally carbonated with a “firm but gentle, drinkable, bitter finish.”
The art work for Legend’s Strong Arm Ale, the first release of their 2015 Urban Legend series, is amazing. Grab a pint on Sunday at the brewery.
I realize Ardent’s Black Paper Series beers are just beers wrapped in black paper, but for some reason they are instantly more desirable.