Author
Corey Hoffman
Founder of Neon Culture Brewing
“California Common” Steam Beer
Rockfish Brewing Company
Often referred to as “Steam Beer,” this beer right here is an underappreciated classic. Originally made famous by America’s oldest craft brewery, Anchor Brewing Company in San Francisco, Rockfish’s take is brewed with lager yeast but fermented at ale temperatures…
The result is a nice malt character giving you tastes of caramel and toasted bread without being overly bitter.
With the recent news of the closing of Anchor Brewing Company, the fact that we can get this hard-to-find style right here in Cville on a regular basis becomes even more important.
“Snowball’s Chance” Helles Lager
Decipher Brewing
I’ll be honest, picking one beer from my good friends at Decipher was almost impossible. However, given it’s summer, I’ll advocate for this one: the Helles Lager. This is yellow beer done right.
It’s got a subtle sweetness that is balanced by the German hop flavor. This is the perfect beer for the hot and humid summers we have here in Charlottesville. Go ahead and quench your thirst as Decipher offers it in 20oz pours!
“Ramble On” New England Style IPA (NEIPA or Hazy IPA)
Starr Hill Brewery
Starr Hill is a bit of an OG in the Charlottesville Beer scene but that doesn’t mean they’re not innovating new ways to wow Cville’s beer drinkers.
Ramble On is their answer to the “Haze Craze” that’s taken the IPA world by storm over the last few years.
This beer explodes forward with tropical fruit flavors and juicy citrus aromas. With low bitterness and full flavor, this is the pour for those that aren’t sold on the more bitter taste of West Coast IPAs.
“HOUNDSTOOTH” English Style Pub Ale
Selvedge Brewing
I’m convinced this English Style Pub Ale is the ultimate Lunch Beer. Clocking in at a svelte 3.4% ABV, this beer can be enjoyed without worry of overindulgence.
Light, subtle, and refreshing, this beer just tastes like more. In fact, the British have a word for that: “Moreish.” I’ll take more of this ish any day of the week!
“Drop the Base” Imperial Stout
Three Notch’d Brewing Company
The Imperial stout forms the base of one of Three Notch’d’s most notorious releases (pun intended). The Biggie Smore’s Imperial Stout is infused with graham cracker and marshmallow for a pastry stout-inspired treat.
However, sometimes less is more when it comes to stouts, and that brings us to Drop the Base.
This version gets rid of the adjuncts and lets you enjoy the stout in its purest form. Decadent chocolate and roasty goodness await you. This is one I always try when it comes out.
“POG” Wheat Beer
Random Row Brewing Co.
Got friends that aren’t quite into craft beer? Do they like tropical fruit? Drag them over to Random Row and have them try this beer ASAP. In my mind, this beer is a great “gateway” to craft beer.
Made with Passionfruit, Orange, and Guava, this wheat beer explodes with tropical flavors. However, the fruit never overpowers -- another sign that this is a fruit beer made the right way. Now go convert your holdout friends into craft beer drinkers!
Bonus: If sour beers are your thing, Random Row’s Sour WAP (White Apricot and Peach) sour is another solid option!
“Satan’s Pony” Amber Ale
South Street Brewery
“I’ve been coming to South Street since before Blue Mountain Brewery bought it!” -Your Friend from Cville, probably. South Street has been serving craft beer in Charlottesville since ’98.
Since then their Amber Ale, Satan’s Pony has become just as important to the Charlottesville and Albemarle County craft beer scene.
This a true Amber Ale, meaning it’s got a balanced malt profile, a bit of sweetness, and is cold and refreshing. Not to mention – it has one of the baddest beer names in town. So, go grab your Cville native friend and some Satan’s Pony while they reminisce on the good ol’ days. Kudos to Blue Mountain Brewery for keeping this Charlottesville staple alive and well!
“Summer at the Dreamhouse” Fruited Wheat Ale
Neon Culture Brewing
While I’ve still got your attention, I think its time for a shameless plug! Riding in on the wave of 90’s nostalgia that is carrying us through the heatwave of summer comes this Wheat beer.
Taking this wheat beer to another level is the fruit: Grilled pineapples and mangoes deliver the flavors of the tropics, while Habanero peppers add some heat to round out the beer and bring out the citrus flavors of the fruit and Citra Hops.
As of this writing this beer is currently fermenting away. I know you’re probably thinking: When can I try it?!
Well, you’re in luck because we’ll be pouring this at Decipher Brewing at the “From the Jump Volume 3” Block Party event, August 19th from 3-9PM! Come join us for pours of this beer (as well as 2 others!), plus live music from DJ Double U and crew and food from El Gallo, Sliceversa, and Vegan Comforts Soul Food. I’ll see you there!