Tony Giordano / Co-Founder and Brewmaster, Vasen Brewing Company, Richmond, Virginia
A sip of Väsen Brewing Co.’s slightly Americanized Berliner Weisse is a truly mystical experience. The Strawberry Kiwi Puffin is a complex, tart wheat beer with an instantly recognizable fruit-forward flavor profile that mellows into light malty notes of biscuit and honey.
Located in Richmond, Virginia, Väsen produces beer with the experimental spirit of the American craft brew movement and the rustic, funky flavors of Belgian farmhouse and sour ales. Balanced, sessionable beers are perfect for long days outside and a barrel-aging program provides Richmond’s watering holes with the funkiest of farmhouse ales and a variety of Saisons, wheat beers and pale ales. Väsen’s lively, spacious tap room features a 20-tap draft system and weekend tours of the four-barrel brewhouse. New beers every week and regular events featuring live music and food trucks make it a popular Richmond hang-out.
Named for the Swedish word that translates as one’s “inner essence” or “way of being,” Väsen’s philosophy is larger than just brewing beer — it’s about creating and appreciating something greater than yourself through outdoor pursuits and and shared community. A large part of Väsen’s mission is becoming a sustainable brewery by establishing a local supply chain and reusing or recycling 100 percent of its resources and materials. It sets its brewing operation apart by using up to seven yeast strains compared to the usual one to three with the goal of creating beers that are experimental, accessible and traditional.
Brewmaster Tony Giordano co-founded Väsen with his cousin, Joey Darragh, Väsen’s chief financial officer. Tony’s search for new and unique flavors led him to The Perfect Purée Kiwi Puree and Strawberry Puree.
“Both flavors worked well with our Berliner Weisse. We are also working to expand our partners,” Tony says.
Drinkers describe Strawberry Kiwi Puffin as a light, slightly sweet and mildly tart and acidic ale with an aroma of delicate fruit and a whiff of strawberries. Flavors of strawberry and kiwi are present in every sip for easy drinking.