Random Row Brewing - Sharing the Love (of Craft Beer)

I have veered off the winery trail for my latest Ramble, and what a wonderful wander it was.  If you have read some of my earlier posts, you will have heard me state that I am more of a whiskey and beer guy.  It is not that I do not enjoy or drink wine, because I do, but good beer is one of life’s little pleasures and I thoroughly relish tasting well done brews.  Well, for this post I grabbed the wheel and piloted my way back into the comfort zone of craft beer.  I reached out to, and was granted audience with, the grand poohbah of Random Row Brewing Company, Mr. Kevin McElroy.  He is the Head Brewer, Co-Founder, resident Liverpool F.C. fanatic, and all around pretty awesome guy living my, and a lot of other guy’s, dream.  I invite you to join me on a stroll down the Random Row.

 

A Cardiac What?

A Cardiac Perfusionist.  That was what Kevin told me his occupation was at the UVA Health System prior to starting the Random Row Brewing Company.  For those who don’t know (like me) a Cardiac Perfusionist is responsible for “operating extracorporeal circulation equipment during open-heart surgery,” according to the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science.  So, my newest bartender is the guy making sure patients stay alive during surgeries by running the machines that keep blood and other much needed bodily functions flowing while doctors wield sharp objects around our comatose forms.  You may notice my use of the word “is” and it was intentional.  Because, while Kevin is plenty busy operating a brewery and tending the bar he is still working part-time as a Cardiac Perfusionist at UVA because he loves doing it so much. 

It is this passion that I believe is leading Kevin and Random Row to become one of the premier breweries in Charlottesville in such a short time.  They only opened the Tap Room in September of 2016, yet they have grown an impressive following in that span.  It seems that Kevin has a passion for quite a few things – his family, caring for others, giving back to the community, charity, football (soccer, not American football) and, of course, beer. But, I am getting a bit ahead of myself.  Let’s take a small step back and take a look at the events that lead to the birth of Random Row.

 

Birth of a Brewer

Kevin and his wife moved to Charlottesville around 10 years ago.  They had been attending school in Philadelphia prior to the move, but an opportunity at UVA Health brought them to the area.  Not long after the move, Kevin started dabbling in the hobby of homebrewing.  Charlottesville has a large and diverse community of homebrewers, and Kevin found himself becoming more immersed in the pastime.  Check out Fifth Season on Preston Avenue if you want to get a good start yourself.  They are a great resource for anyone who wants to begin brewing and you will find plenty of like-minded souls around, just as Kevin did.  It was not long after he started experimenting with recipes that he discovered that his next-door neighbor was also brewing his own beer.  Then, an anesthesiologist at UVA hospital mentioned he was interested in homebrewing as well.  This colleague would go on to become one of Kevin’s business partners at Random Row.  These connections helped grow his knowledge of brewing as well as his passion.

He moved on to all-grain brewing in place of malt extract brewing.  Using all-grain brewing allows for greater creative control over the final product in color, aroma, flavor, and all the other good things that we love about beer.  Coming from a science background, this transition was comfortable for Kevin.  He remarked during our conversation that the equipment used for brewing is not all that different from the equipment he uses to sustain life.  Kevin’s very first original recipe that he brewed was his attempt at recreating Dogfish Head’s 60 Minute IPA.  I can tell you from experience that trying to match a recipe, whether it is for a beer, a cake, or any other dish, without having said recipe is darn near impossible.  The end result is going to definitely be different from the original, and, more often than not, probably disappointing.  While Kevin’s 60 Minute IPA might not have been spot on, all agreed that it was far from disappointing.  The brewer was born.

 

The Kids Are Alright

It was a brisk December morning that Kevin had set aside for his latest homebrew, but this new batch would have to wait.  His first child, a daughter, decided that she was no longer willing to wait for her scheduled arrival date.  Off to the hospital they rushed, the grains and equipment lay forgotten (as they should be on such an auspicious occasion) and young Keagan was born. 

This day in December became a fateful day for Kevin.  Not only was Kevin’s first child born that 29^th of December, and we know how having a child can change one’s life dramatically, but the beer that he intended to brew that day was destined for bigger and better things as well.  After coming home from the hospital, sandwiched between the constant feedings, diaper changes, and much needed, but far too infrequent, naps, Kevin finally found time to return to that abandoned brew. 

It was an Imperial Stout and the end product was quite impressive.  So impressive, in fact, that Kevin decided to enter it in to the Dominion Cup, a competition for homebrewers in Virginia.  Out of 500 entries, Kevin’s Imperial Stout won the Gold Medal in its category and second place for Best of Show.  A Silver and a Gold Medal the first time out?  Not too shabby Kevin.  And, the name of that beer?  Keagan.

That is where it all started.  That was the moment when Kevin fully realized that this could become more than a hobby that he loved.  It could become a business that he loved.  Kevin reached out to the friend of a friend to get help with starting his own brewery.  Together, they formulated a business plan and pitched it to 20 other friends to raise capital for the venture, of course providing the prospective investors with samples of the product.  It worked.  Within a week, Random Row Brewing was funded and ready to kick-off.  What started with “Keagan” has grown along with Kevin’s family.  There are now “Jameson” and “Cal,” both sons and brews.  The Jameson is the Keagan Imperial Stout that has been aged in bourbon barrels.  The Cal is also the Keagan aged in barrels, but infused with Vanilla Beans, and it is nothing less than delicious.  Unfortunately.  I did not get to try the Keagan or the Jameson as they were out at the time of my visit, and the Cal ran out on my pour.  I am greatly looking forward to December 29^th when the Keagan gets released again in honor of her birthday.

Note to Self:  Serve alcohol at any future sales meeting

GOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLLL

Huh?  Goooooooaaaaaaaaallllll?  Did I really go there?  Yes, but with good reason.  I will get to football in just a moment, but I used this here to highlight the fact that Random Row is a bit different from most other breweries or taphouses.  The first difference that you will notice is that there is no separation between the two.  The brewery and the taphouse are one in the same and there is no wall dividing them.  You can enjoy a pint while watching the brewer preparing a batch of grains for the next run.  I am a fan of homebrewing myself and I think it is fascinating to be able to see the process while enjoying the product.  And, if you have any questions about what you are seeing behind the scenes, they are more than happy to take the time to educate you about that delicious beer you are sipping.

Another difference you will see is something that you can’t see.  It is their conviction that a strong community helps all businesses.  They believe in “Local,” not just as an axiom that sounds good, but as a core belief and value of how they should operate.  Buying from local vendors, supporting other local businesses, and helping others whenever they can is rooted in their core.  To date, this small craft brewery has donated almost $50,000 to local non-profits.  And, its not just the Charlottesville community that is benefiting from their beliefs.  They do good all over.  Kevin was telling me that Random Row has been involved in the Black is Beautiful Effort.  It is a beer collaboration started by Weather Souls Brewing Company in Texas.  Weathered Souls is providing the recipe all breweries who would like to participate.  They just ask that you donate 100% of the proceeds from all sales of Black is Beautiful to help organizations that fight the injustices that people of color face daily.  To find out more go to blackisbeautiful.beer and see how you as a brewer or a beer drinker can help.

Lastly, there is the Liverpool Football Club.  Not many bars in Charlottesville are self-proclaimed football fanatics, none that I know of, but Random Row differentiates itself here as well.  I know when I say football you don’t think of soccer or American football, and you probably think I should just say soccer.  Well, I’m of the mind that football came first, American football stole the name, and only one of those two use feet 98% of the time.  So, while I normally do use the Americanized name, I’m going to attempt to do justice to the sport, and Random Row, by calling it football.  But, I digress.  The point is that Kevin is a huge Liverpool Football Club fan, and it shows.  You can see the red, green, and gold, and they are everywhere.  Kevin stated to me that they are open for every – EVERY – Liverpool match, even those at 7 AM here, and he is usually the one behind the bar.  Do not worry though.  All hooligans are welcome, not just Liverpool fans.

 

Visit The Row

Now, dear readers, we come to my favorite part.  This is where I get to tell you how, when, where, and what about Random Row.  First things first, they are located at 608 Preston Avenue in Charlottesville, right next to the Reid Super Market and Moxie Hair Salon.  It may not look like it, but there is plenty of parking there.  You can find them online at randomrow.com as well as on Facebook and Instagram @randomrowbrewing, and on Twitter @randomrowbeer.  They are open 7 days a Week, but it varies so check online to see the times as well as their specials – like the the Monday Run Club $2 beers.  Members get the discount for running 5k loop around Downtown Charlottesville.  I do not run unless being chase, so I’ll be paying full price.  Maybe even a bit more to ensure that I won’t have to.

Right now, they have 11 beers on tap, but they rotate and change it up quite a bit.  Like I said, I kicked the Cal keg on my visit and another one won’t come through for months.  Kevin’s favorite is currently the Mosaic Pale Ale, which won a Gold Medal at the Virginia Brewers Cup and a Bronze at the Great American Beer Festival.  I brought home their Red Ale which was quite tasty.  Point being, there is a little something for everyone.

On site, they have some snack food, soft pretzels, and pizzas from Mona Lisa, but it’s a bit of a limited selection.  They do have food trucks that come through, mostly on Fridays right now, but that should last through Christmas.  Good news is that you are in Charlottesville and can probably get food delivered from many local restaurants.  There is a good amount of outside seating, some of it covered, and propane heaters sprinkled around for those looking to get a beer and enjoy the beautiful weather we have been having. 

I’ve come to the end of my notes, and my last Red Ale.  I do hope you all enjoyed this post as much as I did visiting with Kevin and the Team at Random Row.  You will probably enjoy a visit of your own more though.

Until next time, Ramble Virginia!