"Eat the food, Enkidu, it is the way one lives. Drink the beer, as is the custom of the land."
Enkidu ate the food until he was sated, he drank the beer--seven jugs!--and became expansive and sang with joy!
~The Epic of Gilgamesh
These lines from the Epic of Gilgamesh tell the story of a wild, primitive man who turns into a civilized human after a hearty meal and some pitchers of beer. This story, written in the third Millennium B.C. is one of the oldest references to beer and beer culture in the ancient world. To the ancient Mesopotamians, like many of us today, beer was a way of life. This week, Richmond will add a new chapter to its ever-expanding beer culture as it welcomes Epic Brewing Company to its local bars and bottle shops. There will be tastings and special events throughout the week featuring some of the best that Epic has to offer.
Epic Brewing Company was founded in 2008 by David Cole and Peter Erickson and is located in Salt Lake City, Utah. It was founded shortly after Utah lifted restrictions on alcohol content and is the first brewery in the state to brew exclusively high-alcohol beers. Though still relatively small, Epic Brewing--like all great epics--like to do things on a big scale. Cole and Erickson, along with brewmaster Kevin Crompton share a belief in doing everything "all out" and their beers reflect that mindset.
To start, there will be five beers launched in the Richmond area. Two will be from the Classic Series: Intermountain Wheat Beer and Spiral Jetty IPA. The other three will be from the aptly named Elevated Series: Brainless Belgian-Style Golden Ale, Copper Cone Pale Ale, and Hopulent IPA. A third series, which unfortunately will not be available for the time being, is called the Exponential Series and features more limited-release, experimental beers. Nevertheless, the fact that these guys are so young and are willing to experiment so much is a sign of good things to come. Follow this link for more details on their entire lineup.
As stated earlier, there will be a series of tastings and special happenings around town to celebrate Epic's launch into the Richmond beer market. You won't want to miss these events as all five beers are sure to impress. The Epic team has done a fine job of crafting high-quality, exceptionally-balanced beers of all different styles, so you're sure to find something that you like. Here's where you can find Epic beers this week:
Tuesday, Nov. 16th- "Steal the Glass Night" at Capital Ale House Innsbrook featuring co-founder Dave Cole and Midlothian with Epic sales rep Michael Malachowski. Spiral Jetty IPA, Brainless Belgian, and Hopulent Double IPA will be on tap. Order an Epic on draft and keep the glassware from 5 p.m. until the glasses run out.
Wednesday, Nov 17th- "Meet the Brewer" happy hour at Mekong at 5:30 p.m. with Dave and Michael. All five beers will be available.
Thursday, Nov. 18th- Tasting at Corks & Kegs from 5-7:30 with Michael Malachowski sampling all five beers.
Thursday, Nov. 18th- Epic Beer Dinner at TJ's at the Jefferson Hotel at 7 p.m. Delicious food pairings will be served with all five beers and Dave Cole will be there to give a presentation for each brew. Reservations are required. Check out this site for more info.
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