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Unwrapping a care package of Virginia beers ignites an unexpected journey through the Commonwealth's craft brewing scene. When BK's son Wes—stationed with the Navy in Virginia—ships home a thoughtfully curated collection of regional brews, we seize the opportunity to explore these East Coast offerings from our Northwoods setting.

This tasting adventure leads us through strikingly diverse styles: a rainbow sherbet sour that challenges our expectations, a pineapple wheat beer that puzzles our palates with its subtle fruit notes, an orange creamsicle IPA that perfectly captures nostalgic flavors, an exceptionally drinkable American lager with a playful name, and a maple-infused brown ale reminiscent of breakfast. Each beer tells a story about Virginia's brewing philosophy and regional character.

What emerges from our session is a fascinating conversation about truth in advertising—when beers live up to their creative names and when they fall short. Commonwealth Brewing becomes our unexpected hero, delivering two standout offerings that demonstrate their mastery of both traditional and creative brewing. Their Pool Noodle lager proves that sometimes the most unassuming beers deliver the most satisfying experience, while their Creamsicle IPA showcases how flavor innovation can still respect traditional style boundaries.

Beyond just tasting notes, our conversation weaves in reflections on military service, regional brewing differences, and how shared beer experiences connect families across distances. We celebrate the creativity of Virginia's brewing scene while offering honest assessments of where these beers succeed and where they might improve.

Whether you're curious about Virginia's craft beer landscape, enjoy vicarious beer tourism, or simply appreciate thoughtful discussions about brewing philosophy, this episode offers a flavorful escape to the East Coast without leaving your favorite drinking spot. Grab a cold one and join us for this special exploration—and perhaps discover which Virginia brewery deserves a spot in your own beer fridge.

Thank you for listening to The Northwoods Beer Guy Podcast. If you have a question, comment or would like us to review your beer, please feel free to contact us at northbeerguy@gmail.com.

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