Author Archives: admin

About admin

I am a writer. And a musician/songwriter. And a husband/father. I love good beer, the outdoors, the embrace of family, the company of true friends, the telling of a good story and the inner peace derived from quiet reflection in solitude. Recently I have specialized in beer writing. In October 2014, "Richmond Beer: A History of Brewing in the River City" was published by History Press. "Charlottesville Beer: Brewing in Jefferson's Shadow," followed in January 2017. A third book, this one a statewide Virginia beer book combining history and profiles of current craft breweries, is with University of Virginia Press and slated for publication in 2018. Send me an email at rvabeerguy@gmail.com. As you can see from this site, however, my interests are broader than beer. Spend time, leave a comment or just enjoy. Lee

Talking about beer cup awards, SAVOR and more

Posted on June 15, 2018 by admin

Which region in the state scored the most awards at the recent Virginia Craft Beer Cup awards? What’s the story behind the Best in Show Lil’ Hellion Lager by Brothers Craft Brewing in Harrisonburg? Find out by listening to Jay … Continue reading →

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Black Heath making its mark with elegant meads

Posted on May 18, 2018 by admin

Mead can lay claim to being one of the oldest fermented beverages, but it’s the cutting-edge creative approach of owner Bill Cavender and fellow mead-makers Mike Palese and Zack Napier that sets apart Black Heath Meadery in Scott’s Addition. Join … Continue reading →

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The Starfly Chronicles, Part 1

Posted on May 16, 2018 by admin

Two nights ago, fireflies appeared in my meadow for the first time this season. A blink here, a flash there, tentative sparks floating above the meadow. In coming weeks they will increase by the score until at season’s height they … Continue reading →

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Beer news you can use from Nashville to RVA

Posted on May 4, 2018 by admin

Thousands of brewers from around the world gathered for the Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America in Nashville this week. We bring you some insights from that event, plus a look at stubby lager bottles, some fun aspects of Cinco … Continue reading →

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Fastest-growing breweries, anniversaries and Bière de Garde

Posted on April 20, 2018 by admin

So much good stuff for Jay Burnham and me to talk about this week on the RVA BEER Show, WRIR-FM 97.3. Three Virginia breweries made the list of 50 Fastest Growing Breweries in the U.S. The Veil is celebrating another … Continue reading →

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All the beer news that’s fit to print–and share

Posted on April 6, 2018 by admin

Jeff Maisey, founder, publisher and editor of Virginia Craft Beer magazine, joins Jay Burnham and me on the RVA Beer Show this week. Tune in at 11:30 a.m. today (Friday) to hear the broadcast on WRIR 97.3 FM. If you can’t … Continue reading →

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What’s new? Hazy beer guidelines and Stone’s plans

Posted on March 23, 2018 by admin

You might know it as New England IPA. The Brewers Association calls it “juicy or hazy” in new style categories announced this week. Jay Burnham and I also discuss Stone’s change in plans for its bistro and beer gardens at … Continue reading →

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Women play prominent roles in craft beer growth

Posted on March 9, 2018 by admin

Women make up about 12 percent of weekly craft beer drinkers but about 50 percent of the adult population. What’s with that? Join Ashley Ray of Center of the Universe, Cheyenne Burnham of Final Gravity, beer writers Robey Martin and … Continue reading →

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Talking about diversity, black history in the beer world

Posted on February 23, 2018 by admin

With the craft beer industry eager to attract more African Americans into the brewing business, Jay and I talk with Leon Harris, former head brewer at Heroic Aleworks and currently assistant brewer at Caboose Brewing Co. in Vienna, on the RVA … Continue reading →

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Time to raise a toast to brewer Peter Hemings

Posted on February 17, 2018 by admin

The intersection of black history and beer is a narrow one. Most folks, I believe, would be hard pressed to name two African-Americans who have made a mark on the chalkboard of beer history. I say two because Garrett Oliver … Continue reading →

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