Posted by Thor on June 24th, 2008
Today, we are blessed with the knowledge that Vintage Virginia Apples plans to construct a 4,000 square foot cidery (like brewery, but for apples) and tasting room on their farm on 29 South.
Vintage Virginia Apples will seek approval tonight from the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors. Yum.
DP’s claim that cider production has “largely fallen out of flavor in the US,” is only partially true. While, cider consumption in 1767 doubled today’s beer consumption (40 gallons vs 20 gallons), a lot of this had to do with familiarity in cider production and the fact that fermented cider served as a bacteria-free drink. Even, John Adams successfully drank a pint of cider every morning to “settle his stomach.” You can’t make that excuse with beer, now can you!? [ref, ref]
Cider’s popularity did dwindle pre-1990; the fault of those pesky Germans who knew how to brew amazing beer on the cheap. Evidence also suggests that NASCAR played a strong role. I digress.
Cider is on the rise and according to the same report, it was reintroduced to the US in 1990. By 1995, the total number of cider cases shipped was 1.6 million. In 1997, the total was 2.7 million cases. Money time!
Cider is on the rise and you only have to be around a few places in Charlottesville to realize its popularity. You can find Woodchuck in any major grocery store, plenty of local bars have had Original Sin on draft and high-end beer places like Market Street Wine Shop and Beer Run offer solid rotating cider selections.
Sure, you can’t find cider at Applebee’s, but you can’t find micro-brews, either. So, keep your eyes peeled on this one and we should soon be celebrating the real meaning of an Apple A Day!
[via Daily Progress]
Popularity: 61% [?]
Posted by Thor on June 19th, 2008
If you remember a while back, we asked whether Charlottesville drinking water contained drugs. There was a big national article about this issue and it prompted some serious debate. While no one actually tested it, we found out that because our water source is not from a treatment plant, the water is probably free of drugs. I’m still surprised no one tested it.
Today we found out that there aren’t enough antibiotics in the water, because apparently it grows mutant algae that makes the water taste musty. I don’t drink tap water because I recently converted to only Icelandic Glacier water. It gets pricey to shower in this stuff, but at least I can experience the essence of million year old glacial runoff. I also use that line to pickup chicks.
The Daily Progress reports:
The blue-green algae blooms every year in warm waters. The recent near-100 degree days hastened the growth of the algae at the South Fork Rivanna Reservoir, which has made the tap water taste musty.
They say there are no health issues, but, unless you like the musty smells it probably makes sense to buy some drinking water.
[via Daily Progress, pic]
Popularity: 79% [?]
Posted by Lu Sid on June 10th, 2008
At least twice a week I hear about the tragedy of lost balls (baseballs, kickballs, etc…get your minds out of the gutters) to poison ivy. I know I get a little weary on hikes out of fear of returning with the poison ivy plague. Your answer? VODKA! Yes, that is right never attend a kickball game or hike without it.
Simply poor some vodka over the area that came in contact with the poison ivy and it should remove any residue left by the evil itchy plant.
There are a few other strange things vodka can do as well:
»Read More
Popularity: 31% [?]
Posted by Lu Sid on June 6th, 2008
Yes, the rumor is true (thanks Orchid). I am certain you have all heard or read something on this sad event.
Oakencroft is closing. You still have plenty of time to enjoy its wine and atmosphere. The winery is set to close December 31, 2008. Apparently after 25 years Felicia Rogan is ready to retire. Why no sale? She did sell the property, but the new owners don’t intend on continuing to use it as a winery.
Enjoy the place while it is still around!
Popularity: 37% [?]
Posted by Lu Sid on June 3rd, 2008
Charlottesville has a new club! It seems some thirsty people got together and combined their drinking efforts. Apparently, the club was created for those that like to “catch up” with friends in the middle of the week. The club has over 100 fans on its facebook page and a pretty neat little web site. This club started March 28, 2008 and is growing like a wild fire.
The club meets every Wednesday night. They even offer to text your cell phone with location and updates. Also where ever they happen to meet offers drink specials to club members. It cost nothing to join and attendance does not seem to be required. Check out their site below!
The Web Site
Popularity: 34% [?]
Posted by Thor on May 30th, 2008
Like, OMG, it’s so important that a restaurant bans smoking that it makes it on TV. That’s pretty cool.
The banning will happen on June 1st, according to the McGrady’s website.
I love the patio and the uber-cheap drink specials, but …can we get a ban on the bad food, too?
In case anyone was wondering, happy hour specials after the break…
»Read More
Popularity: 44% [?]
Posted by Lu Sid on May 29th, 2008
Looks like Tuesday at South Street has become a better bargain! With the rising cost of fuel the price of beer has increased. This is terrible news. I have yet to feel the pinch but will certainly be thanking SS every chance I get. I may also switch my regular choice of beer from Blue Mountain to Natural Ice. Mmmmm cheap beer. Have any of you noticed a price jump?
Read the Crappy News Here.
Popularity: 22% [?]
Posted by Thor on May 28th, 2008
This woman decided to break into Millers two nights ago. She broke into the third floor via the window.
I ask… why?
[via Newsplex]
Popularity: 30% [?]
Posted by Scowly on May 19th, 2008
Which Charlottesville Bar Has the Hottest Bartenders?
Popularity: 36% [?]
Posted by Thor on May 19th, 2008
The Virginia Distillery Company has a dream, to build the first authentic Scottish made distillery amongst the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains and create an amazing range of Single Malt whiskies for America…
…. Or so says the front page of Eades Whisky, the new brand behind the planned Nelson County $5 million dollar distillery. This sounds sweet!
Unfortunately, Eades cannot call their Whisky “scotch” because it breaks two laws of the Scotch Whisky Order of 1990 which explain that the whisky must be aged for at least three years in Scotland and must be distilled by a Scottish distillery. Nonetheless, this should be a welcome addition to the “getting out of Charlottesville” road trip and we look forward to checking it out.
Does anyone have more information?
Popularity: 27% [?]