RICHMOND, Va. — In 2012, it was tapped with a perfect score of 100 by BeerAdvocate magazine, and since then it’s only grown exponentially more popular — maybe even becoming the beer people love to insult as they secretly swig copious amounts of it.
Either way, it’s that time of the year again for Hardywood Gingerbread Stout (GBS).
The beer is a 9.2% ABV Imperial milk stout. Eric McKay, co-owner of Hardywood, told CBS 6 they use freshly harvested ginger from Casselmonte Farm in Powhatan and wildflower honey from Bearer Farms in Louisa.
From left to right in the picture are farmer Bill Cox, Hardywood brewmaster and co-founder Patrick Murtaugh, president and co-founder Eric McKay, head brewer Brian Nelson, and brewer Rachael Cardwell. Several gallons of wildflower honey from Bearer Farms was also used in the batch.
Typically long lines took shape early on Saturday mornings, and extended outward from the brewery. This release, Hardywood is trying somethign a little different. When the brewery closes on Friday, at 9 p.m., lines will form for a pre- release bottle sale.
GBS will be available, to go only, from 9 -10:30 p.m., in 750mL bottles, (with an eight bottle limit per person) along with a selection of other seasonal merchandise. The lines will be cut off at 10:30, and there will be no on-site consumption.
Then on Saturday, the brewery will officially celebrate the release, from 2 – 9 p.m., with draft, bottle (eight per person only) and pre-filled 32 oz. pre-filled growlers ONLY (one per person) sales.
Expect a full on extravaganza with food trucks, beer, music and merriment. See event details here.
You can learn more about the brewery by clicking here.
To read the full Beer Advocate review, click the image below.
Hardywood describes GBS as:
Deep, dark chocolate in color with a mahogany tint and a frothy, caramel colored head, Hardywood Gingerbread Stout offers aromatics of holidayspice originating from the ginger, and balanced with a generous dose of whole Madagascar bourbon vanilla beans and Vietnamese cinnamon. Milk sugar (lactose) contributes to the full body of this stout and tames its roasty character, while oats lend a silky quality.
Hardywood is located at 2408 Ownby Ln, Richmond, Virginia 23220.
