What Does Drink Customization Look Like? Guide to Custom Brewing.

So you've heard we do custom brews, and you're curious. Maybe you're planning a wedding and want something more personal than the usual bar options. Maybe you're throwing a corporate event and want to impress your team. Or maybe you just love the idea of having a beer that's completely yours. 

Great news: custom brewing isn't as complicated as it sounds. It's actually one of our favorite things to do. Here's exactly what the process looks like, from that first conversation to the moment your guests take their first sip.

Step 1: The Initial Consultation – Let's Talk Flavors

Everything starts with a conversation. We'll hop on a call or meet up to talk about your event, your taste, and what you're envisioning. 

This is where we get into the fun stuff:

• What's the vibe of your event? A laid-back backyard party? A polished corporate celebration? A summer wedding under the trees?

• What flavors do you love? Are you into hoppy IPAs, crisp lagers, fruity sours, or something totally different?

• Who are your guests? Knowing your crowd helps us dial in the right style. Whether that's a crowd-pleasing amber ale or something more adventurous.

• Any fun themes or stories? This is where it gets personal. We've brewed beers inspired by couples' favorite vacation spots, inside jokes, and even company product launches.

If you're planning a wedding, we can talk about combining both of your flavor preferences into something that feels like you. If it's a corporate event, we might lean into your company culture or the occasion you're celebrating. For birthday parties, graduation parties, or family reunions, we'll craft something that reflects the guest of honor.

And if you're not sure where to start? That's totally fine. We'll guide you through it. Think of this as a collaboration. You bring the vision, we bring the brewing expertise.

Step 2: Recipe Development – Where the Magic Happens

Once we've nailed down your preferences, we get to work on the recipe. This is where our extensive brewing background merges with our culinary education; we're not just throwing ingredients together and hoping for the best. We're crafting a small batch beer that's balanced, delicious, and designed specifically for your event.

We source Virginia-grown ingredients whenever possible, which means your custom brew isn't just unique, it's local. Depending on the season, that might mean fresh hops from a nearby farm, local honey, or seasonal fruits that add a one-of-a-kind twist.

Here's an example: “Vineyard Vows”

Last summer, we worked with a couple getting married at a vineyard outside Richmond. They both loved craft beer but wanted something lighter and refreshing for their outdoor ceremony. We created a citrus-forward wheat ale with a hint of coriander. It was crisp, easy-drinking, and perfect for a warm afternoon.

They named it "Vineyard Vows," and their guests couldn't stop talking about it.

That's the beauty of custom brewing. It becomes a part of the story of your event, and a memorable experience.

Step 3: Brewing Your Custom Keg

Once the recipe is locked in, we brew your custom keg. This takes about 4-8 weeks depending on the style and timing, so if you're planning a wedding or a big corporate event, it's smart to reach out early. (But if you're in a pinch, give us a shout anyway. We'll see what we can do)

We brew to order, in small batches, which means every keg gets hands-on attention. No mass production, no shortcuts. Just careful, intentional brewing that ensures your beer tastes exactly how it should.

And yes, we can brew more than beer. If you're into seltzers or shandys, we've got you covered. Non-alcoholic options? Absolutely. We want everyone at your event to have something great to drink, so we always make sure there are best party drinks non alcoholic alongside our craft beer lineup

Step 4: Delivery, Setup & Service – We Handle the Heavy Lifting

Once your custom brew is ready, we bring it straight to you. Here's where our mobile bar service really shines.

Pricing Options:

Just the keg: $149 - We'll have your custom brew ready in the keg with a keg pump available for you to pick up in 23235. Great for DIY party bar setups or if you prefer to handle your own home bar setup.

Keg + delivery & setup: $299 -  We deliver your custom keg, get everything set up with our tap system, and make sure it's pouring perfectly before your event kicks off.

Full-service package: $999

Includes 2 kegs, 3 hours of on-site bar service, and a complete beverage catering experience. We bring the portable bar, handle the pouring, keep everything running smoothly, and make sure your guests are taken care of. This is our most popular option for weddings, corporate events, and private parties where you want the drinks handled from start to finish.

Whether you're hosting a tailgate, backyard BBQ, birthday party, office party, or special occasion, we make sure your custom brew gets to you fresh, cold, and ready to pour.

What Makes a Custom Brew Worth It?

Here's the thing: you don't need a custom brew to throw a great event. We've got an incredible lineup of local beer, craft beer on tap, and seasonal specials that work beautifully for any celebration.

But if you want something that feels personal and something your guests will remember then custom brewing is where it's at. It's a conversation starter. It's a reflection of you. And it's one of those details that turns a good event into an unforgettable one.

We've done custom brews for:

• Weddings where the couple wanted a signature drink that told their story

• Corporate events celebrating product launches, company milestones, and team achievements

• Birthday parties and graduation parties honoring someone special

• Holiday parties with Christmas party drinks and seasonal flavors that matched the vibe

• Backyard parties and outdoor events where the host just wanted to do something different

Whatever your occasion, we're here to make it happen.

Pro Tips for Planning Your Event

We want to see your whole vision come to life, not just the custom brew. Here are some party planning tips we've seen make a real difference:

Timeline & Logistics

• Start early: Custom brews need 4-8 weeks, so plan your event timeline accordingly.

• Calculate quantities: One keg serves about 165 twelve-ounce pours. For a 3-hour event, plan on 2-3 drinks per person.

• Know the rules: Hosting in Virginia? Check Virginia ABC regulations for private events.

Pairing & Planning

• Consider the season: Light wheat ales for summer, amber ales and porters for fall and winter.

• Coordinate with your caterer: Talk about food and beer pairings to elevate your menu.

• Create variety: Offer wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options alongside your custom brew.

Sustainable Celebrations

• Choose kegs over bottles to reduce waste.

• Source from local Virginia vendors when possible.

• Set up recycling stations at your venue.

Ready to Create Your Custom Brew?

If you're thinking about a custom keg for your next event, let's talk. We typically need 4-8 weeks to make sure everything's perfect, so the earlier you reach out, the better.

Whether you're planning a summer wedding, throwing a corporate celebration, or just want to elevate your next backyard gathering, we'll work side by side with you to bring your vision to life.

Because at the end of the day, great beer brings people together. And when it's made just for you? Even better.

Let's brew something unforgettable.
Contact us to get started.