Chaos Mountain Brewing Company Readies To Enter The Growing Roanoke Beer Scene
It’s been a long time coming for brewer Will Landry. There was the possibility of brewing his recipes contract-style, on another brewery’s equipment, at least as a way to get started in the brewing industry. Along the way, there was also the possibility of opening a brewpub on Grandin Road. There were even thoughts of possibly moving away from the Roanoke area, at least to get his foot in the door at an already established brewery. Yes, there were a few fits and starts, but what was obvious to anyone following Landry throughout those hopeful plans and slight setbacks was a persistence that seemed so tangible that you could’ve measured it in a warehouse full of beer kegs, which not so coincidentally, is exactly what the kind of thing one will see firsthand when they come out for the opening of Callaway’s Chaos Mountain Brewing Company, at which Will Landry has finally come full circle, as Head Brewmaster.
Throughout his trip to become the Head Brewer, there must have been many a day dream about what kinds of beers Landry would eventually brew and offer to potential fans. A couple of weeks ago, his Chaos Mountain Chocolate Stout may have quietly shown up on a couple of draft lists at bars around Roanoke, but when the brewery opens, there will be nothing that feels “under the radar” about the brewery’s offerings. Shooting for an opening around the end of April, Landry plans on having as many as ten beers available at the brewery, and eventually as many as five or six to offer restaurants and bars, and to retail outlets. A few of these beers will be available at the April 25 edition of Cork and Crust’s “Friday Night Hops” events, held at the restaurant’s location in downtown Roanoke.
But until the opening, here’s a run-down below of some of the likely beers which will be available at the brewery’s opening. Without a doubt, Landry will be there ready to pour you one, likely looking quite proud to finally serve pint glasses full of what he’s been dreaming about for some time.
Check out the Chaos Mountain Facebook page here.
Cheeky Monkey – A Belgian style blond ale brewed with an English Maris Otter malt as opposed to the traditional pilsner malt to give it an added malt character to go with the fruity notes of the Belgian yeast.
Mad Hopper IPA – A slightly different take on the IPA. With over a half dozen different hops, this IPA, while coming in at a pleasant 54 IBUs, has a modest bitterness with a big hop flavor and big nose you can drink all day.
Squatch Scotch Ale – A malty Scottish Ale that’s quickly sweet up front, then topped off with a slightly citrusy, earthy dose of hops. In the Wee Heavy range of 7.5% ABV.
Cocoborealis – A chocolate stout, made with two different chocolate roast malts, cocoa powder, and finished with cacao nibs.
4 Mad Chefs – It will start out as available in 750ml corked and caged bottles and on draft at the brewery. This big 8.5% Belgian style quad has a big malty backbone to compliment the Belgian yeast.
Agents of Chaos – A Belgian Dark Strong weighting in around 10%. This deeply black beer, rimmed with a touch of ruby, is loaded with both the aromas and flavors of all the dark fruits you would expect from the style.
The Beer Road 