Friday 5th of October 2012 07:37:54 PM

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Blue Lab is a nano-brewery which does not bottle, but sells its beer by pint or growler in its tasting room, and also participates in beerfests. Located just a few blocks from Virginia Military Institute, look for a grey painted wooden building that looks like a small house. Park along the street, or in the small lot next door. Their small standing-only tasting room has wooden floors, trim, and an L-shaped small bar. They had 9 beers on tap and are happy to share samples. I tasted their Amber, Hefeweizen, Irish Red Ale, Green Chile Ale, and Rye Pale Ale, which were relatively disappointing. Their stronger, robust brews were more impressive, such as American Stout, India Pale Ale (6% abv), and best was their Imperial India Pale Ale (9%). This offering is a diverse portfolio, but the flavors are unrefined. Unfortunately these beers generally taste like poorly crafted home brew. Perhaps they would benefit from better yeast, or filtering? This must be addressed if Blue Lab is to grow as a brewery. The great friendly service is a consolation.