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. My most recent adventure is "Virginia Beer: A Guide from Colonial Days to Craft's Golden Age" published fall 2018 by University of Virginia Press. 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. 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

Roll out the red carpet for top Virginia beers

Posted on June 20, 2019 by admin

Old-timers in the Virginia beer community can remember pitching tents in the woods and meadows of Nelson County as part of the annual ritual to taste and toast the best of craft beers in the Old Dominion. The 2019 Virginia … Continue reading →

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The Great New York ‘Bier’ Trials; Or, How Lager Changed America

Posted on March 19, 2019 by admin

Jacob Haas got out of bed on Tuesday morning, May 18, 1858, and began the day his usual way—with a glass of beer. As he dressed, his routine continued with another glass. And another. And another. By late morning, he … Continue reading →

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Peter and James: The Tale of Two Hemingses

Posted on February 11, 2019 by admin

Note: I have long been fascinated by the tale of Peter and James Hemings, brothers and slaves of Thomas Jefferson. This was written as a precursor—a rough rough draft—of a possible screenplay, one I doubt will ever be fully fleshed. … Continue reading →

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Beeristoric Tour spotlights RVA beer, past and present

Posted on November 1, 2018 by admin

Why are these people grinning? They’re on the Richmond Beeristoric Tour, standing in the courtyard of the former Home Brewing Company, one of the iconic spots in the city’s colorful brewing history. And they’ve just tasted one (maybe two) samples … Continue reading →

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O’Connor, GABF medals and more on RVA BEER Show

Posted on September 28, 2018 by admin

What’s up with agave in beer? Kevin O’Connor explains the evolution of El Guapo IPA, O’Connor Brewing Company‘s best-selling beer, and Ashley Simard takes a look at the retail beer scene around Virginia on the RVA BEER Show on WRIR 97.3 … Continue reading →

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Historic recipes getting new life among craft brewers

Posted on September 14, 2018 by admin

John Marshall, fourth chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court and a Richmond resident, was known to favor other drinks over beer, but he would certainly smile on the historic molasses beer brewed at Ardent Craft Ales in collaboration with the … Continue reading →

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Precarious Beer Project balances edgy, traditional styles

Posted on August 31, 2018 by admin

Precarious Beer Project is adding one more feather in the cap of Williamsburg’s beer scene with a mixture of styles ranging from traditional Bohemian pilsner to a watermelon gose using 600 pounds of locally grown melons. Greg Fleehart, head brewer at Precarious, … Continue reading →

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From Waynesboro to Manchester–Basic City comes to RVA

Posted on July 27, 2018 by admin

The vacant Twisted Ales brewery site in Richmond’s Manchester area didn’t last long, as Waynesboro’s Basic City Beer Co. quickly moved to stake out its second location in Virginia. Basic City co-founder Bart Lanman and brewmaster Jacque Landry join Jay Burnham and me for the … Continue reading →

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New brewer, new brews and the latest in RVA beer

Posted on July 13, 2018 by admin

  Aaron Thackery and Willey Broaddus of Three Notch’d RVA Collab House join Jay and me on the RVA Beer Show as we discuss Willey’s new duties as head brewer at the Broad Street location and Aaron’s perspective on Three … Continue reading →

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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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