The Virginia Beer Co. Head Brewer Jonathan Newman Talks Elbow Patches

We spoke with The Virginia Beer Co.'s head brewer Jonathan Newman about Elbow Patches Oatmeal Stout.

BC: Who came up with this beer’s recipe?
Elbow Patches is one of our core beers. I came up with the recipe well before we managed to get the doors of our brewery open.

BC: What is your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, etc.)?
I love the smooth chocolate and lightly roasted coffee flavors and aromas of the beer. The silky mouthfeel from all the flaked oats is pretty great too.

BC: Where does this beer's name come from?
Before brewing professionally, I was in graduate school for English and taught American Literature at a boarding school. In graduate school we joked that you could only wear jackets with elbow patches once you earned your Master's Degree. I never finished my Master's thesis, but I did finish brewing school. The beer has distinct coffee notes from chocolate malt that remind me of long hours in the library. I like to think I finally earned my Elbow Patches

BC: What's a good food pairing for this beer?
It might be kind of an unconventional pairing, but I love Elbow Patches with a big bowl of spicy chili. It cuts the chili heat really well and each leaves you wanting more of the other!

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