While conducting my usual review of all things craft beer on the world wide web, I ran across an article by Chris Lang of “The Burg” which peaked my interest. Chris proposed I (and anyone else who was listening) celebrate Virginia Beer Month with a different Virginia beer each of the 31 glorious days. My immediate thought… challenge accepted and it will be the 2nd return of Draft Notes to feed the 4 or 5 parched individuals frequenting my mighty blog each day. So here we are.

I was inspired by Chris’ list, but unfortunately our state beer availability is slightly different. Here is my consumption list which I will continue to update through the month. Also keep up on Twitter.

Saturday August 1, 2015

Brewery: South Street Brewery

Brewery Location: Charlottesville, VA

Beer: Virginia Lager

Style: American Light Lager

Notes: Crisp lager to get the month started. Slightly malty and sweet, works well on the patio during a hot day. Not exactly an exciting beer, but would take it over the big macro options.

Sunday August 2, 2015

Brewery: Young Veterans Brewing Company

Brewery Location: Virginia Beach, VA

Beer: Jet Noise

Style: Double IPA

Notes: Balanced DIPA which allows you to forget the 8% ABV quickly. Smooth, Nice hop aromas, sweet piney notes. Paired well with Jamaican Jerk Chicken off the grill.

Monday August 3, 2015

Brewery: Old Ox (Not to be confused with Red Bull)

Brewery Location: Ashburn, VA

Beer: Year of the OX (2015)

Style: Double IPA

Notes: Beer created to celebrate the Old Ox’s 1st anniversary. Orange and grapefruit aromas. Grass and grapefruit notes. Bitter, boozy finish.

Tuesday August 4, 2015

Brewery: Heritage Brewing Company

Brewery Location: Manassas, VA

Beer: American Expedition

Style: Wheat Ale

Notes: This is a Honey Ginger Wheat which is extremely smooth and easy drinking. Really crisp and slightly sweet finish. Had this from the can, but in the past I had it on draft which was even better. Maybe I was just thirstier!

Wednesday August 5, 2015

Brewery: Legend Brewing Company

Brewery Location: Richmond, VA

Beer: Z Dam

Style: Golden Ale

Notes: Limited aromas. Grass, ginger, and citrus notes. All very subtle. Dry mouthfeel. Interesting beer, but a little light for me.

Thursday August 6, 2015

Brewery: Champion Brewing Company

Brewery Location: Charlottesville, VA

Beer: Killer Kolsch

Style: Kolsch Style Ale

Notes: Crisp, bready, light hops. Another great summer beer. Champion took an ale and fermented it at cooler lager temperatures, hence the style is listed as kolsch “style”.

Friday August 7, 2015

Brewery: Port City Brewing Company

Brewery Location: Alexandria, VA

Beer: Ways & Means

Style: Rye Session Ale

Notes: My hometown brewery and I dipped into one of my favorites. Spicy, full flavored work of art at 4.5% ABV. Holds up in all weather and I just had to throw it in the VA Beer Month mix.

Saturday August 8, 2015

Brewery: Blue Mountain Brewery

Brewery Location: Afton, VA

Beer: 13.Five Ofest

Style: Marzen

Notes: A delicious Oktoberfest beer which quenches the thirst. Could drink it by the liter. As for the name, found this on the Blue Mountain website: What’s in a name? Only beer conforming to the “Stammwürze” law, which states a beer must have an Original Gravity of 13.5° Plato, can be served at Oktoberfest in Munich.

Sunday August 9, 2015

Brewery: Chaos Mountain Brewing

Brewery Location: Callaway, VA

Beer: Mad Hopper

Style: IPA

Notes: Big citrus aromas, all hops, no mercy. An in your face IPA.

Monday August 10, 2015

Brewery: Old Bust Head Brewery

Brewery Location: Warrenton, VA

Beer: Wildcat IPA

Style: IPA

Notes: Almost the opposite of last nights Mad Hopper. Still has the citrus, but a lot more balanced with sweet malts making their way through the hops. Great beer, but I definitely prefer the Bust Head English Pale Ale.