Origin Beer Lab Grand Opening 2/3-2/5

Origin Beer Lab will have a constant rotation of small batch beers that will come out each week as the brewers experiment and test new recipes. The “Beer Lab” was opened for research, development, and teaching of all things beer. As the sister company, Center of the Universe Brewing Company (COTU), increases its distribution footprint in Virginia, it is important to owners Phil and Chris Ray to continually tweak, enhance, and create new beers. Origin allows COTU more room and an adequate pilot system to do this on.  

“One of the reasons we love making beer is experimenting with new flavors and techniques. Origin will allow our brewers to explore some innovative and creative brewing without impacting the capacity of our current operation. Our inner nerds are very excited!” – Phil Ray.

One exciting experiment already underway is in partnership with Randolph Macon. The team worked with the Biology Department at Randolph Macon to isolate some wild yeast strains collected at Agriberry Farm last fall (details here: http://www.originbeerlab.com/news/beer-science). They were able to isolate some wild yeast strains that are currently being propagated to a pitchable size. Once they’re ready, the Origin team will be pitching the yeast and putting their first sour beers into barrels. Sours take a while so beer lovers can expect Origin’s first sours to come out in about 6 months to a year.

For now, Origin Beer Lab invites beer lovers to come hang out, grab a delicious meal at one of Ashland’s great restaurants, and taste the first slew of brews at Origin Beer Lab!

Origin Beer Lab hours will be

Monday – closed

Tuesday – closed

Wednesday – Friday 4pm – 9pm

Saturday 12pm – 9pm

Sunday 12pm – 8pm