Devils Backbone Expanding Distribution for 2012
There’s a local restaurant (that’s relatively new in the Warrenton area) only a short drive from the house that focuses on Virginia-only products, whether that be the beef they cook or the beer they serve. As a result, I’ve been able to enjoy Devils Backbone IPA on draft over the past year or so. Of course, this also causes the dilemma of what happens when I want that IPA, but am too lazy to drive into town for it? I would love to have a stash of the stuff at home for whenever I want. Well, according to the press release that follows, it looks like I’ll have that opportunity soon enough. Devils Backbone will be expanding their distribution this month.
Even though the press release only really mentions central Virginia, in speaking with a Virginia Eagle rep, it does sound like the brewery will also be hitting shelves in Northern Virginia. I can’t wait!
Press Release
Devils Backbone is ready to produce a Happy New Year for Virginians!
Increased production to allow for statewide distribution
Virginia Eagle Distributing Company (VED) — The local beverage wholesaler, with locations in Verona, Winchester, and Charlottesville, is proud to announce that Virginia’s very own microbrewery, Devils Backbone, has begun production at their brand new brewery in Lexington, VA.
Since Devils Backbone opened their Base Camp Brewpub in Nelson County, thousands of locals and visitors alike have enjoyed the award-winning beers produced at the small facility nestled deep within the Virginia Heartland. After winning the World Beer Cup championship in 2010 the popularity of the brand increased exponentially and it was evident to Founder Steve Crandall that he needed to make more beer.
“Our craft beers have become internationally acclaimed and I am excited to now be able to provide these unique brews to all of the folks in Central Virginia,” said founder Steve Crandall. “I am proud of my brewers’ adherence to producing traditional and uniquely styled beers.”
To slake Virginia’s thirst for better beer Devils Backbone built an additional brewery from the ground up in Lexington, VA. Dubbed ‘The Outpost’, the new facility is chock full of some of the most advanced brewing equipment available today. “A lot of the big breweries like Lagunitas, Brooklyn and Firestone-Walker use this equipment, but we’re one of an exclusive group of smaller breweries who have it,” said Nate Olewine, who will run the day to day brewing operations at the new brewery. He added that the better equipment will allow Devils Backbone to make consistently great tasting beer.
Initially, the Company will roll out their Vienna Lager and 8-Point IPA. “One of my brewing philosophies has always been that ‘quality of flavor is not equal to intensity of flavor’,” said Brewmaster Jason Oliver. “The Vienna and the 8-Point are two great examples of this: simple flavors that are approachable for any drinker, with subtle complexities that beer connoisseurs rarely find in a pint.” The company will also release a multitude of small batch offerings, starting in April.
Four Virginia-based companies have been tasked to distribute the local brew beginning in mid-January. Virginia Eagle will begin the initial rollout, followed closely by Brown Distributing (Richmond, VA), Century Beverage (Lynchburg, VA) and PA Short Distributing (Roanoke, VA).
“I am very excited about the addition of Devils Backbone to our portfolio of local craft beers,” said Scott Heinz, Chief Operating Officer Virginia Eagle Distributing. “This brewery is known for award-winning brews and we are pleased to be selected as a distribution partner for the brand.”
About the Brews:
Vienna Lager:
Devils Backbone Vienna Lager, a Great American Beer Festival Silver Medal Winner, is a chestnut colored lager with a malty aroma and subtle toasty sweetness derived from a multi-stage mash. A pinch of noble hops gives this refreshing beer a clean finish. IBUs – 18, ABV – 4.9%
Eight Point IPA:
A cornucopia of hop varieties imparts a floral-citrus aroma and a crisp bitterness to this medium-bodied ale. Concocted from Pilsen and a dash of Caramel malts, this burnished-golden brew has a sweet malt backbone for balance. IBUs – 60, ABV – 5.9%