Memorial Day and Starr Hill

Almost looks like the kind of business logo that
you'd find in Texas rather than Virginia...Oh well

It’s Memorial Day weekend. I personally don’t need a reason to make a beer weekend special, but if you do, I just gave you one.

I have decided to dedicate this long holiday weekend to one of my favorite local breweries… the Starr Hill Brewing Co, located outside of Charlottesville, Virginia in a little small-town-American town called Crozet. Starr Hill was founded in 1999 with the goal of giving us the gift of great beer. Sounds good to me.

The four Starr Hill brews that I have for this weekend are…

That is a beautiful looking IPA

Northern Lights India Pale Ale - A classic American-style India Pale Ale, Northern Lights weighs in at 52 IBUs and 6.5% ABV. Characterized by its full-flavored bitterness and poignant citrus-floral aroma, a perfect blend of barley and hops make this a very balanced IPA. For the craft brew connoisseur, Northern Lights is a deliciously crafted piece of the heavens.

The Love German Hefeweizen - The Love is an unfiltered wheat beer, also known as a hefeweizen. It is distinguished by its extremely light body and flavored with hints of banana and clove. A slice of lemon can complement this refreshing brew.

Dark Starr Stout Dry Irish Stout - Starr Hill’s Dark Starr Stout has won more national and international awards than any other Dry Irish Stout in the country. Brewed with roasted barley, and with hints of coffee and dark chocolate, it packs a robust taste into a surprisingly light body. This signature brew pours like velvet and drinks like a slice of grandma’s pumpernickel bread.

The Gift Bock - A German-style Hellerbock with a few twists, The Gift is Starr Hill’s holiday offering. The beautiful golden color only hints at the fire inside. Made with two-row and Munich malts and balanced with German noble hops, The Gift is the perfect accompaniment to any holiday event or festivity.

What’s interesting is that I’ve got a winter-warmer seasonal in that last one, but as they all came in a variety pack, it is what it is. Good thing I don’t mind drinking winter seasonal beers in the Summer.

The brewery... nothing fancy, but what they make here is delicious

So the question that you’re asking is, “what does all of this have to do with Memorial Day?” Not much, other than that I am choosing to use Memorial Day as a reason to do something special with my beer selection, and that something special is drinking some great beers from the same local brewery. You don’t have to do the same, but finding a bunch of beers from the same brewery, or from the same style of beer is a great way to expand your beer knowledge and appreciation for quality craft brews.

So, on behalf of Inspirations from Inside of a Mash Tun and the Starr Hill Brewing Company, happy Memorial Day. Please observe responsibly.

Here’s to craft-brewed happiness… Cheers!