West Virginia Beer Roads
West Virginia Beer Roads
Charles Bockway & Erin McCoy
All about WV beer culture and other craft beverages too.
Bennett makes big impact in craft market
When it comes to recent moves in West Virginia’s craft cider and beer markets, no one is making a larger business impact than is a man from Greenbrier County named Josh Bennett. Bennett, who started up the Hawk Knob cidery a decade ago, last summer purchased the assets of Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company (GVBC), the state’s second largest selling brewery, and has restarted its brewing program. When the former owner shut down the brewery last spring, something tugged at Bennett’s heart. “The thing that weighed on me was the jobs,” he said. He knew many of the brewery’s employees and didn’t want to see all those folks unemployed. Initially, he didn’t think about actually buying the brewery. He thought its building might be a good place for his cidery to expand in. But then, some sessions with those laid-off employees opened his eyes to the possibility. Greenbrier Valley Brewing’s owner, Josh Bennett (at right) with some of his brewery crew. L to R are Jeff Frizsell, Evan Metz, Travis Canterbury, and Bennett. (GVBC photo) While Bennett is a man with a big heart, he’s also a guy with proven good business sense. He doesn’t plan on operating the brewery as a charity. He plans to run a profitable business. After taking charge of the brewery property last summer and bringing back the brewery staff, he is now well on his way to making the changes necessary to turn Greenbrier Valley Brewing into the first-class business venture it always had the potential to be, but in the past, could never quite achieve. Hear Josh on WV Beer Roads Podcast On Episode 78 of the West Virginia Beer Roads podcast, Charles and Erin talk with Josh Bennett about how he got started in the cider business and, eventually, the beer business. Listen in as Bennett reveals the twists and turns of his life that have taken him to cidery and brewery ownership. Episode 078 • WV Beer Roads • 43 minutes Caring about tradition A very important thing that people who don’t know him don’t recognize, is Bennett’s passion for tradition. A big factor that drove him to open a cidery was his remembrances of traditional Appalachian cider from back in the days of his youth in the Virginia mountains. Then come forward to around a dozen years ago, as he began seeing and sampling the new brands of American hard cider appearing on West Virginia retailers’ shelves. A realization hit him:. “It didn’t taste anything like what I had grown up making,” he says. He found the big American ciders brands to be a lot sweeter and less complex than the ciders he learned to make growing up. His homemade ciders were barrel fermented and barrel aged, with wild yeast fermentation. They were much more complex and much drier than the contemporary, mass-marketed commercial brands. Room for Appalachian-style cider “I figured there must be quite a hole in the market,” he said, and he thought there had to be a lot of folks who would also enjoy traditional Appalachian-style cider. But it wasn’t available for them to try. And that’s when he got Hawk Knob Hard Cidery going. Josh Bennett pouring a glass of Hawk Knob cider at his tasting room in 2015. In 2014, Hawk Knob cidery began producing traditional Appalachian-style ciders and slowly introduced them to the market. As people tried his ciders, they learned to like them. Yes, they’re quite different from your Angry Orchard and Bold Roc...
Jan 18
A quick look & review of the year’s WV beer market
In this episode of West Virginia Beer Roads, Charles and Erin take a quick, fun look and review of some interesting points gleaned from crowd-sourced opinions on the WV local beer market in 2023. We took a close look at crowd-sourced data from the Untappd website to uncover: * which West Virginia breweries the Untappd users thought did the best with their new beer releases in 2023; * which West Virginia breweries the Untappd crowd ranks in the overall Top 10. Listen to the Podcast 28 minutes • WVBR’s podcasts are also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and many other sites Looking at crowd sourced data While we may not always agree with the crowd, it’s interesting to see where the big numbers of craft beer drinkers rate different beers and different brewers. Untappd’s strength lies in that, over time, it attracts thousands of different craft beer drinkers to record their opinions on beers available in the West Virginia market. For craft beer industry observers, that aggregation of opinions, over time, does hold some valuable data about brewers, beers, and beer styles. But it’s not the only thing we recommend you consider when thinking about local beer. In reality, nothing tops your own personal taste when it comes to choosing the beer you drink. If you like it, buy it. We have to admit, however, it’s fun to compare our personal opinions on specific beers and breweries with that of the Untappd crowd. Do you agree or disagree? We like that Untappd’s brewery ratings, watched over time, provide some indicators of how breweries may be trending up, down, or remaining steady in comparison to the ratings of other West Virginia brewers. This crowd-sourced data is one indicator of what is moving in the local market and of what the local craft beer market thinks about a beer. Find lots more information on individual beers and breweries on the Untappd website. Untappd shows a tight grouping of WV brewers at the end of 2023
Jan 9
28 min
WV breweries often a family affair
When it comes to owning and operating a small craft brewery in West Virginia, it’s very often a family affair. A marriage not only unites two people, but it also brings two voices together in the operation and management of a family-owned brewery. On this West Virginia Beer Roads episode, host Erin McCoy interviews two brewery partners who both play very important roles in their brewery’s operations along with their brewery manager spouses. While WV Beer Roads podcasts often explore the business of brewing from the brewer’s perspective, this interview jumps into brewery operations from the perspective of the brewer’s business partner and life partner. Aryn Jane Fonda with her business partners, Sam Fonda (left) and Tony Kelly, as they toast this year’s 6th anniversary of Weathered Ground Brewery. (WGB photo) Guests on the podcast are Aryn Fonda of Weathered Ground Brewery and Jana Wolfe of High Ground Brewing. Together, they provide a most insightful and refreshing view of brewery business in West Virginia — a family-affair perspective that you’ll definitely want to hear. Jana Wolfe with her husband and High Ground Brewing business partner, Dallas “DJ” Wolfe Listen to the podcast WV Beer Roads • Episode 76 • 45 minutes [Interview conducted via Zoom on Oct. 24, 2023] LINKS for additional information Weathered Ground Brewery High Ground Brewing
Oct 27, 2023
45 min
WV Beer Roads tumbles into the pumpkin patch
With crisp autumn evenings beginning to envelop us across West Virginia, it’s a sure sign that Pumpkin Beer season has arrived. Listen in to the West Virginia Beer Roads crew as we sample and report on six seasonal pumpkin spice ales, which should be pretty widely available around urban markets in WV. Hosts Erin and Charles are joined on the podcast by pumpkin beer aficionado, Lynette Stewart. For the past decade, Lynette has been a leader in the local Charleston craft beer scene — and she loves her pumpkin beer. The Pumpkin Podcast Join us for half an hour of pumpkin fun on WVBR Episode 75. Episode 75 • WV Beer Roads Podcast • Pumpkin Beer Our Pumpkin Beer Line-up We begin our tasting with Jack-O by Samual Adams, then move to Pumpkin Ale from Saranac, followed by Pumpkin Swirl from Rusty Rail Brewing, then Punkin Ale by Dogfish Head, Pumking by Southern Tier, and Smashed Pumpkin from Shipyard. The beers ABV’s ranged from 4.4% to 9.0% — showing our craft brewers love to put their own interpretation on the style. Colors were various shades of amber, with Pumking being the lightest shade. Pumpkin spice beers are known for their inclusion of spices common in pumpkin pie. Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, vanilla, and clove. We found the spice but did not find pumpkin pie’s sweetness in these beers. Overall, they drank mostly just off-dry, with some having a bit more malty sweetness than others. This dryness level certainly makes them more drinkable and would seem to make them a better contrast to the sweetness/richness of pumpkin pie and pumpkin spice roll desserts. Loving beer can art We loved the modern graphic-style can art on the Pumpkin Swirl from Rusty Rail, with the spirals reminding us of pumpkin spice rolls. We also found this year’s illustration on the Dogfish Head Punkin Ale can to be intriguing and fun. Did we convert Erin from her normal pumpkin-beer-avoidance state to becoming a pumpkin beer fan? Listen in. Look for these pumpkin spiced beers from WV brewers: Abolitionist Autumn Fest: An amber festbier with pie spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and vanilla — sans pumpkin. Weathered Ground Gourdy Pleasure: Pumpkin Pie Spiced Porter, 6.4% ABV.Look for it in the Charleston-Huntington region at The Board Room, Bricks and Barrels, The Tap, Fruth Pharmacy, The Pallet Bar, 1861, Booktenders, and Guyan Country Club Pumpkin Beer recipe for homebrewers
Oct 4, 2023
33 min
Oktoberfest 2023 Beer Tasting
Get ready to preview a whole group of Oktoberfest-style beers available in the West Virginia market. On this West Virginia Beer Roads podcast you’ll hear Erin and Charles, along with special guest Chris Brown, sample and discuss eight different O-fest beers from West Virginia, other states, and Bavaria. This is our 4th year to taste the best of the festbiers. Find out which beers stood out and became our favorites. [HINT: the two WV-made Oktoberfest 2023 beers were right in the mix.] Listen the the Oktoberfest 2023 Podcast WVBR Oktoberfest Show • 46 minutes The WV Beer Roads crew reports on 8 Oktoberfest brews, all available in WV. Erin McCoy with Big Timber ForestFest Chris Brown with AJ’s Festbier by Weathered Ground We compare the German beers with the American brews Oktoberfest beers are a wundervoll tribute to autumn LINKS Official Munich Oktoberfest website Last year’s Oktoberfest podcast
Sep 8, 2023
45 min
Podcast with Parkersburg Brewing
For seven years now, Parkersburg Brewing Company has been navigating the West Virginia beer roads, bringing solid craft brews to our market. The West Virginia Beer Roads podcast crew checked in with Parkersburg Brewing’s owners to get their read on how things are going in Summer 2023 — what they’ve learned and directions for the future. Listen in as hosts Erin McCoy and Charles Bockway talk with PBC’s founder Dan Curtis and brewer John Cox. What we found was a brewery crew full of insights into the West Virginia craft beer market. Listen to the Podcast Dan Curtis (at left) and John Cox leading Parkersburg Brewing to the future with a reverence for the past Topics covered Like most small breweries that navigated the difficult waters of the COVID years, and are now exploring their path forward, it hasn’t all been roses. We learn Parkersburg Brewing owners’ outlook on the path ahead. They’ve had their triumphs, and they’ve had their struggles. But through it all, they’ve gained some interesting insights into our craft beer market. The guys now seem charged up and ready to continue making a positive market move. Hear about: * The new beers they are brewing this summer, including one that skyrocketed to the top of sales. * Using West Virginia beer distributors distributors * Their take on the state of the WV beer market * Operating the restaurant side of the brewpub * Their experience in the alcoholic seltzer market * Thoughts on needed changes to WV alcohol laws See this related Brilliant Stream post on things that stand out at Parkersburg Brewing this summer of 2023. WVBR host Erin McCoy gets a brewery tour from Dan Curtis. LINK Parkersburg Brewing Website
Aug 22, 2023
41 min
Charleston Nano anniversary podcast
We can’t believe it’s already been one year of good beer at Charleston Nano-Brewery. The West Virginia Beer Roads crew sat down with Jennifer and Kenny Graley to get the scoop on their brewery’s first year of operation and to learn about plans for their upcoming 1st Anniversary Weekend. Charleston Nano’s anniversary celebration will run from Friday, August 25 through Sunday, August 27. Listen in to Kenny and Jennifer as they tell Charles and Erin all about their brewery’s experience and plans for the anniversary celebration. WV Beer Roads • Charleston Nano Anniversary • 23 minutes Charleston Nano’s Jennifer and Kenny Graley between WRBR’s Charles and Erin Charleston Nano-Brewery320 Washington Street WestCharleston, WVBrewery Facebook Page Link
Aug 11, 2023
22 min
Catching up on craft beer with Jeff McKay
One can certainly make a case that Jeff McKay is West Virginia’s leading publican. Through his more than decade-long journey leading Summit Beer Station in Huntington, Jeff has gained so much insight on the craft brewing scene in our state. Not content to just take what West Virginia’s flawed beer laws offer, Jeff has been a leading advocate for improving measures that impact beer bars and retailers. His enlightened efforts have helped bring about legislation that improve the ability of bars and restaurants to offer great craft beverage selection and service. Beyond that, Jeff has developed a winning beer sales strategy that is unique in the state. And he also finds time to procure the beer selections for the annual Rails & Ales Craft Beer Festival (coming up Aug. 12). Summit Beer Station proprietor Jeff McKay (center) with Erin and Charles of WV Beer Roads McKay on WV Beer Roads Listen in as the West Virginia Beer Roads crew pick Jeff McKay’s brain and learn many interesting facts and tidbits about Summit Beer Station, the Huntington beer market, and Jeff’s future plans. Jeff McKay • WVBR • 51 min. Some of the things you’ll learn McKay’s take on: * What’s hot in the local beer market * Beer trends, beer sales strategies * New legislation affecting the WV beer market * The upcoming Rails & Ales Craft Beer Festival * New initiatives in the Huntington beer market LINKS for more Info Summit Beer Station Rails & Ales Craft Beer Festival
Jun 30, 2023
51 min
A mission to Jackie O’s Brewery
Beer from Jackie O’s Brewery has become a lot more familiar to West Virginians, since this Athens, Ohio-based brewery began distributing in our state last year. We invite you to spend an hour with Erin and Charles exploring the latest news from Jackie O’s Brewery on this episode of West Virginia Beer Roads. Seth Morton (at left) with Erin McCoy and Charles Bockway at Jackie O’s Brewery taproom in Athens, OH Seth Morton, JO’s director of brewery operations, joins us for a discussion of all things Jackie O’s. We’ll get into many aspects of business at Jackie O’s, which certainly retains its spot as one of the true outstanding brewers in the Appalachian region. You have to love that we can now purchase this beer at our favorite craft beer outlets in WV. Listen to Episode 70 of WV Beer Roads Episode 70 • West Virginia Beer Roads • 56 minutes Morton brings his brewing expertise and enthusiasm to the podcast — and offers a special message to West Virginia craft beer fans who have helped his brewery’s beers sell well in the Mountain State. “If you’re listening in West Virginia,” he says, Thank-you very much.” Morton said that the West Virginia market continue getting the same selection of beers that is available to the Ohio distribution market. Of course, what hits the shelves and taps does depend on which of those Jackie O’s brands the beer distributor actually purchases. In West Virginia, Jackie O’s is represented statewide by Johnson Bros.-Mountain State Beverage. Jackie O’s produces stellar beers in many styles While their core brands, standard seasonal, and a few of their specialties are available to West Virginia retail, many more types of specialty and small-batch beers are only available at the Jackie O’s motherships in Athens. So it’s definitely worth an occasional trip there to see the full breadth of this brewer’s expertise. Their amazing array of bottled, barrel-aged beauties rivals any brewery in the country. They excel at spirits-barrel-aged, Imperial-strength Stouts, Barley Wines, and Porters. Also, their time-tested barrel souring program produces some of the best traditional fruited sour beers of any American brewer. In the past few years, the brewery has also upped its production of clean, crisp lagers and other easy drinking beers (such their 4.5% ABV Ricky Golden Ale). Those beers are growing rapidly in popularity, as the brewery proves it can brew excellent lagers too. Its Athens taprooms each feature up to 20 or so taps of standard beers, sours, and BA Imperials. You will also find there a selection of bottled barrel-aged specialties and six-packs of core brands in 12-oz. cans. Some of the many bottles of specialty and one-off brews available at Jackie O’s Brewery taproom. Podcast fills you in Some of the fun and informative stuff you’ll hear about on this podcast includes: Recent grand opening of their Columbus taproom; West Virginia becomes JO’s top market outside of Ohio; Details on JO’s Imperial Scout program and how to get involved; Upcoming Ohio Brew Week participation, July 7-15 (Use this link to explore the Ohio Brew Week website); Can art by a West Virginia artist;
Jun 27, 2023
56 min
Talking with Jamie at Short Story Brewing
Charleston, WV beer fans have now had a full six months to assess Short Story Brewing’s Charleston taproom. Everything we see says it’s off to a very strong start. We thought it was time to talk with Jamie Ferrell, who is the taproom’s bar manager, to get his take on the business’s success. Jamie is also a guy who works hard to keep up with the latest beers, breweries, and trends here in our Appalachian region, not only in West Virginia but also those around Asheville, NC. While he’s a man young in years, his beer knowledge is broad. Jamie Ferrell of Short Story Brewing – Charleston. An hour with Short Story Erin and Charles sat down with Jamie for a roundtable discussion of all things craft beer and to get some special information on Short Story Brewing—Charleston. Jamie also shares details about the recent addition of Lefty’s Place pizza kitchen inside the taproom. Catch up with West Virginia craft beer on this episode of West Virginia Beer Roads. WV Beer Roads Podcast Episode 69 • West Virginia Beer Roads • Short Story Charleston • 1 hr. 5 min. Short Story Brewing, Charleston Taproom186 Summers StreetCharleston, West Virginia Follow their page on Facebook Ten or more taps of SSB craft beer, often including 4 Hazy IPAs and 2 Fruited Sours. Short Story’s Charleston taproom normally offers three or four different chilled canned beers for take out.
Jun 14, 2023
1 hr 5 min
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