Microfestivus Note: Weeping Radish Returns To Roanoke

After a hiatus from Roanoke’s Microfestivus Beer Festival, Outer Banks brewery Weeping Radish will return this summer when the festival is held August 14^th. I remember eating at the Weeping Radish german restaurant and brewpub on the Outer Banks in Manteo years ago on family trips. The food and beer were always good, and the idea of a restaurant proud of their beers enough to feature only their own at the restaurant was both admirable and endearing. The brewery has gone through more than a few interesting changes since it last found its way to Roanoke, notably that it has moved from that brewpub and restaurant centered operation to an impressive, environmentally conscious “Eco Farm and Brewery”. Weeping Radish has become a solid proponent and wonderful example of the agriculturally sustainable, locally grown, eco friendly, community based, natural back to basics philosophy that seems to be slowly growing in popularity in America. The Farm grows its own produce and eggs that it sells and uses in its restaurant, and buys local beef and pork for its on-site Master Butcher. According to the website, there are also areas of the farm devoted to the education of the community on local product as well. In a fascinating video interview of owner Uli Bennewitz posted on the Weeping Radish website, Bennewitz tells the sometimes very humorous history of the brewery, describes their beers, and also speaks to the brewery’s current mission, which is briefly noted on the website as well: “An integrated approach to a complex issue. Craft brewing, sustainable agriculture, and the survival of crafts”.

One of the brewery’s beers, its Black Radish Schwarzbier, has also been included on thebrewsite.com’s list of “50 Beers To Try Before You Die”. I’ve had the Black Radish many times before, and it is quite good, rating highly on beeradvocate.com as well. Luckily, the Black Radish should be one of the brewery’s beers that will be showing up at Microfestivus this year. The brewery was gracious enough to let me know which ones should appear, and along with the Black Radish, a kolsch style beer and their “Fest Beer”, an amber lager, will be available for tasting.

For more information on the brewery and its goals, visit the website: www.weepingradish.com