As you likely know by now, Tierney and I made our way to Asheville, NC for the 2015 Beer Bloggers Conference this past weekend. Rather than tackle the nearly 8 hour drive at once, we decided to leave early for a pit stop a little more than halfway in Roanoke, Va.
Roanoke, it may surprise you to know (it did me), has its own burgeoning craft beer scene, so we were right at home. Except that I booked our hotel in Salem, land of terrible food. (Don’t get me started.)
However, Salem is home to Parkway Brewing Company, plopped on what seems like a back road warehouse. A food truck was parked outside, as were port-a-potties (the good kind), and people were milling about.
Inside, the space appears — no, is — mid-construction, though that didn’t stop crowds of people on Thursday night from buying fresh beer by the sample tray, pint and growler.
There was ample, low-frills seating — folding chairs and tables, and we perched on a makeshift drink rail to take in our samples (6 4-oz samples for $7), while watching running groups, families, couples and dogs hang out in the tasting room or outside.
The beer list was written in chalkboard behind the bar, and their tap handles are made by a local artisan out of nearly extinct American chestnut trees.
Only two or three people were behind the bar — and quite busy tending to the crowd — so unfortunately we didn’t get a chance to chat with anyone or ask questions. But you’re probably most interested in the beer, right? Here we go:
Parkway Gose Both Ways – So this wins on name alone, and T and I both swore the salt hit our mouths before any beer made it past the tips of our tongues, but this was delicious, to boot.
Parkway Hoppy Brown – The looked and tasted more like a red ale and finished with a light note of chocolate. I liked this, but didn’t feel as advertised.
Parkway Factory Girl – I love IPAs, so I will always try a session IPA (though none beats Pinner, but more on that later this week) — if you can pack the flavor of my favorite style into the ABV of something I don’t have to freak out about, I’m a happy girl. This beer was fine, but not a favorite.
Parkway Get Bent Mountain IPA – 3.5 stars for this west coast IPA. Bold and citrusy, but maybe not my favorite on its own …
Parkway Barrel Aged Get Bent Mtn IPA – So, maybe you know me well enough that you’ve heard me say, “I’m not really into barrel aged beers. I mean, they’re good, but I just don’t get into them.” Why aren’t more people putting IPAs in barrels? Please? Like, why does it always have to be a gigantic stout or a big Belgian? THIS. To quote both T and me, “YAAAAAAAASSSSSSSS.”
Parkway Raven’s Roost Baltic Porter – I also really enjoyed this Baltic Porter. I found it pleasantly roasty, a nice conclusion to our tasting.
At 7:45 p.m., they called for last call, which meant we were on our way to eventually buying $6 wine from Food Lion (long story). If ever there is reason to stop in Salem, Va., be sure to check out Parkway Brewing Company.
