RICHMOND, Va. – Folks from the Goose Island Beer Company in the Windy City are visiting the River City for “Migration Week,” a leg of their international road trip.
Goose Island began in 1988 and became one of the bigger Midwest brewers.
Maybe five years ago Richmond wouldn’t have even been a destination along the 40-vector itinerary. But seeing as we know something about craft beer, with over 25 local breweries, it turns out Goose Island wanted to stop by and share some of their goodies.
Goose Island launched in Chicago in 1988, before the nationwide craft beer boom.
They are now one of the largest craft breweries in the Midwest, with distribution in all 50 states and even internationally. According to the Brewer’s Association, they technically aren’t a craft brewery anymore after the 2013 purchase by Anheuser-Busch InBev, but with such deep roots, many fans still view Goose Island as craft beer.
Migration Week brings Goose Island representatives into town for tastings and other beer-centric events held over five days, from Sept. 26- Sept. 30.
Locals will have numerous opportunities to try some rarer varieties and learn more about craft beer from the experts.
Some events are free, some cost money – read descriptions below for details.
Tuesday, Sept. 27
At the Whole Foods Pub in Short Pump, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., try some of the Goose Island lineup.
From 7- 8 p.m. you can meet Goose Island brewer Pete at De Fles Winkel bottle shop, in the West End.
Then, in Richmond, from 9 to 11 p.m., the flock will be at Belly Timber, then at Social 52 (starting at 10 p.m.) drinking some of their award-winning Bourbon County Stouts; 2015 BCS, 2015 Regal Rye and 2013 Barley Wine.
These beers are part of a tradition that dates back to 2004, when the brewery poured the first batch of Bourbon County Brand Stout.
Wednesday, Sept. 28
Coffee and Beer Class is going down at Can Can Brasserie. The Goose Island crew will deconstruct their infamous 2014 BCS and infuse it with the wonderful local coffee creations from Richmond.
Featured beers are the 312 Wheat and 2014 BCS.
Click here for free ticket info.
Then later in the evening at Can Can, from 7 to 9:30 p.m., have a multi-room craft beer experience.
It’s billed as “part beer and cheese class, part beer-tail mixology class, part beer dinner,” for just $30.
The featured varieties are Sofie, Matilda, Madame Rose, 2014 BCS.
Thursday, Sept. 29
Head outdoors to Tricycle Gardens, for a tasting experience that benefits one of Richmond’s beloved nonprofits.
The “Sofie & Sour Experience at Tricycle Gardens” is from 7 to 10 p.m.
Goose Island has partnered with Metzger Bar and Butchery and The Campfire Experience for an outdoor craft beer garden party.
There will be stations, there will be food and beer pairings, there will be verticals and deconstructions and local farmers and live music and campfires – which means S’mores, my friend.
100% of the proceeds go to Tricycle Gardens and the tickets are only $12. Click here for event details.
Friday, Sept. 30
Fittingly enough, the Goose Island “Charity Bike and Brews Ride” will lead adventurers down to the Capital Trail, just in time for its one-year anniversary. Featured beers are 1516, Caution Tape, and Proprietors 2014.
Check-in at the Southern Railway Taphouse at 5:30 p.m., for a 6:30 p.m., fun 15-mile spin. Bike on back to On the Rox for beer, food, music and raffle prizes.
Tickets are $10 and 100% is donated to the RABA Foundation’s Bikes for Kids.
$10 Ticket information is here.
Ticket includes: three beers, a food ticket, two raffle tickets for sweet swag, free entry and a beer-cocktail during the after-bike party at Balliceaux.
Migration Week closes down with a great big hurrah, the After-Charity Bike Party, from 10 p.m. to midnight, at Balliceaux.
Enjoy beer cocktails and dessert, with music from Body Talk.
Read more on Goose Island’s website.
