Blacksburg Brew Do Draws Local Breweries

John Bryce, founder of the Blacksburg Brewing Company, can vividly recall his first experiences in a microbrewery. He “fell in love with the shiny stainless steel cylindroconical tanks, the smell of a barley mash and beer that didn’t taste like water.”

The recent sales growth experienced by the United States craft brewing industry is evidence that many others across the country are also discovering this alternative to mass-produced beer.

When Bryce began his company seven years ago, he had a difficult time convincing local bar owners to invest in his product.

“I had to beg for taps, and when I got one, it was often the only non-light beer in the bar,” he said. “Now, every bar has at least a few craft beers and most are clamoring for well-made regional beers.”

Bryce makes his beer from 100 percent barley malt, in contrast to most brands in the United States that contain rice and corn filler. He says that his recipe has a fuller taste that is similar to beer produced in Germany.

The Blacksburg Brewing Company is one of the many breweries from across the mid-Atlantic region that will offer tastings at the Blacksburg Brew Do, the first craft beer festival to be held in the area.

The Blacksburg Partnership, a non-profit economic development group, is sponsoring the event, which will occur on Oct. 24 from noon to 6 p.m. at the First & Main shopping center.

Event attendees will have the opportunity to participate in information sessions, with topics ranging from setting up a homebrew system to cooking with beer.

Local bands Laura Beth and the Clover Hollow Boys, Mountain Legend Express and Gov’t Plant will provide musical entertainment.

Tasters can pair their beer with a variety of food choices sold by vendors from First & Main and across Blacksburg, including Sal’s, Sake House and Lefty’s Main Street Grille.

Tickets are currently on sale at Bull & Bones Brewhaus & Grill and online at http://www.blacksburgpartnership.org/brewdo/tickets.html. Advance tickets are $20 for 10 tastings or $30 for 20 tastings. Prices will increase by $5 on the day of the event.

Nancy Newman, the project manager for the Blacksburg Partnership, said that approximately 400 tickets have already been sold. Proceeds from the event will fund the “development of property, revitalization of retail districts, special events and the creation of marketing programs.”

Newman said that it was the success of the partnership’s spring wine festival, Blacksburg Fork and Cork, that led to the organization of the Brew Do. The group is planning on hosting both events annually, she said.