Front Street Brewery

I returned last night from a weekend trip to the Blue Gray Show in Fredericksburg, VA.  My assistant brewer, Brian and my friend Aaron departed friday afternoon and made the 5 hour trip north to attend the best brewery collectible show in the country.  Spirits were high and excitement was in the air as we munched on some road food and listened to Common’s track “The Corner” on the Ipod.     After 5 hours of making fun of each other, dozing off and listening to good tunes we arrived in Fredericksburg.

The Blue Gray show is a brewery collectible show that is under the radar for most beer enthusiasts. I never heard of it until 4 years ago when a gentleman named Ray contacted me at my brewery asking for me to donate a keg for his event.  Now, if anyone ever becomes a brewer the first lesson they learn is that everyone wants a keg donation.  I was busy, sweaty, grumpy……..and busy.  Ray mentioned that he wanted a keg for the Blue Gray show. “Never heard of it” I replied.  He then explained what it was all about while my mind wandered on to the other 9 things I had to take care of before going home from the brewery.  I told him to call me back in a week and I would let him know.  I then proceeded to call my other brewing friends to ask if a crazy guy called about donating a keg.  They all laughed and explained what the show was about.  I then agreed to Ray’s request the next time he called.  I was sure in for a surprise.

When I arrived at the hotel I walked in and was shocked to see an entire hotel lobby full of breweriana collectors.  Beer cans lined the walls, beer trays and glassware lined the tables.  Old patches, old ashtrays, old anything brewery related could be found at this show.  I then found Ray at the hospitality room.  Much to my surprise 4 kegs were pouring……..2 from brewery’s I have never heard of.  So not only is this show a great place to buy old brewery collectibles, but it’s also a great place to taste beer from across the country.  I met up with some brewery friends and had a blast that weekend. I bought too much glassware and too many brewery patches.  I’ve only missed one year since.

This year was no different.  I got to hang out with some brewers that I don’t get to see too often.  I got to meet some new brewers and I got to meet some great people from around the country that just love everything beer!!!  At the Banquet I met a nice older couple that mentioned they’re retired and enjoy traveling around to different breweries.  After talking about Front St. Brewery they looked at each other and told me that they would be by to see myself and the Brewery on Monday evening.

A huge thanks goes out to all the organizers, especially Ray.  Ray had to battle Cancer last year, but it did not stop him from working hard to organize the best beer collectible show in the country.  Thanks again Ray and I’m looking forward to seeing you next year.  Once again I left with too much glassware.

After Fredericksburg we made a stop in Blacksburg, VA to have lunch with my good friend John Bryce.  He just opened up Blacksburg Brewing Company and we were itching to have a pint of his Blacksburger Pils.  Fish Taco’s and Pilsner go together like peanut butter and jelly.   The beer was outstanding and apparently John is selling more beer than they thought they would.   Not a bad place to be in at all for a new brewery.  Good luck with everything John.

As for news in the brewery, we’re still staying busy brewing.  We just released an Irish Red Ale last week, as well as the Chocolate Porter.  53 gallons of Scottish Ale will be entering its oak tomb tomorrow.  I’ll be busy brewing this week and possibly this weekend to do a bit of catching up.  January and February are typically a bit slower in the brewery, but you guys are obviously drinking a lot of beer!!!  Keep at it!!!  I’ll be brewing a Lumina Lager tomorrow and another Irish Red later this week.  The big Chocolate Stout is waiting on some ingredients that will hopefully show up this week so I may be brewing that one this weekend.  I’ll keep you updated on the progress.  As for me I’m going to get back to work.  I have the Chocolate Themed Beer Dinner tonight that sold out about two weeks ago.  Our beer dinners are always a great time.  I’ll let you all know what theme we decide on for the next one and be sure to post details.  I hope everyone has a great week.   Keep on drinkin’ my beer!!

Cheers,

Kev The Brewer