In the vibrant and ever-expanding craft brewery scene of central Virginia, South Street Brewery holds a unique position as a steadfast and respected elder statesman. As Charlottesville’s oldest continuously operating brewery, it has firmly cemented its downtown location as a vital hub for both the city and the University of Virginia community. South Street Brewery exudes a casually sophisticated charm, renowned as the perfect spot to savor a cask-poured stout and engage in lively conversations by a warm fireplace. This established persona reflects not only its longevity and inviting ambiance but also the steady hand of its master brewer, Jacque Landry.
A Charlottesville Craft Beer Staple with Deep Roots
Since its inception in 1998 by founders Fred Greenwalte and Duffy Papis, South Street Brewery’s beer production has been consistently guided by the expertise and dedication of Jacque Landry. Landry’s journey to Charlottesville began in Colorado, where he honed his craft at Oasis Brewery and The Great Divide Brewery. During his time in Colorado, he immersed himself in a thriving and collaborative brewing community, cultivating a vision for a craft beer culture that transcended the typical American bar experience. He recognized Charlottesville’s potential to embrace this distinction. Interestingly, Mark Thompson, another brewer from the Colorado circle, would follow a year later to establish Starr Hill Brewery. Together, Landry and Thompson embarked on the mission of educating a local palate initially accustomed to mainstream options like Budweiser, Bud Light, Guinness, and Bass, introducing them to the diverse world of craft beer.
Pioneering Craft Beer in Charlottesville
In the early days, the concept of a bar brewing its own beer on-site was a genuine novelty. “It was unusual for us to only serve our own beer. We got questioned about that a lot when we opened,” Landry recalls. However, Charlottesville, with its similar demographic profile to Colorado – characterized by an appreciation for the outdoors, arts, and higher education – proved receptive to the burgeoning craft beer movement. Alongside Starr Hill, which was instrumental in showcasing the possibilities of craft beer, South Street Brewery began its brewing journey with a modest four-barrel system, serving all its creations in-house.
More Than Just Beer: The South Street Experience
Papis, Greenwalte, and Landry were deeply committed to ensuring that a visit to South Street Brewery was a welcoming and enriching experience. Located in a renovated historic grain warehouse just south of the Downtown Mall, the brewery’s space was thoughtfully designed to highlight its original character. Exposed brick walls, polished hardwood floors, and robust timber beams create a naturally warm and rustic atmosphere. Enhancements like a large, centrally located two-sided fireplace, a striking 100-foot-long wood and copper-topped bar, and comfortable oversized booths were added. These design choices cultivated an environment that values both high-quality craftsmanship and a relaxed, community-focused atmosphere.
Community and Collaboration: The Brewer’s Code
Even in its early stages, South Street Brewery embraced the spirit of camaraderie that defines the craft brewing community – prioritizing mutual support over fierce competition. For six formative years, Taylor Smack, the future founder of Blue Mountain Brewery, worked alongside Landry at South Street. During this time, Smack gained invaluable experience, honed his brewing skills, and contributed to innovation within the South Street brewery. When Smack decided to launch his own venture in 2007, the connection between the breweries remained strong. Fred Greenwalte, demonstrating his belief in the collaborative ethos, personally invested in Smack’s new brewery.
Navigating the Evolving Craft Beer Landscape
A decade and a half since its inception, South Street Brewery’s initial goal of introducing fresh, handcrafted beer and diverse, less common styles to the public has been realized. The thriving craft beer scene, evidenced by the numerous new breweries opening and the expanded distribution of established ones, is a testament to this shift. With each new brewery, the boundaries of brewing innovation and boldness are continually pushed, with consumer tastes and demand increasingly leaning towards intensely bitter double, triple, and imperial IPAs. Amidst this dynamic growth, South Street Brewery has maintained its role as a steady and supportive presence – encouraging new ventures while staying true to its commitment to producing well-balanced, high-quality beers. Regarding the trend toward extreme beers, Landry observes, “what I’ve found lately is people feel like they’ve seen that end of it, and now the more difficult task for a brewer is to produce more flavorful beers that are lighter….We work in that spectrum a lot.”
Staying True to Their Craft: No Expansion Needed
What started fifteen years ago with four fermenters nestled within the brick archways behind the bar remains unchanged today. When questioned about potential facility expansion, Landry’s response is a simple, “very unlikely.” South Street Brewery’s focus remains on supporting the ever-growing local craft beer scene and continuing on its established path of brewing exceptional beer. They prioritize quality and community connection over rapid expansion, solidifying their legacy as a cornerstone of Charlottesville’s craft beer culture.
