We began as a co-op in a Richmond garage, a space where we sought to create innovative beers and introduce others to historic brewing methods and beer styles.
As a production brewery, our mission remains the same: to produce and celebrate exceptional and ambitious beers with the ever-growing craft beer community.
We had brewed in the garage since 2010 when, after purchasing a Sabco pilot system, we talked with our friend, Tom Brickman, who agreed to rent us the space on Jefferson Avenue in Church Hill.
The garage had water and electric, but was in need of some repair. With the help of Brickman, we breathed new life into what was once his wife's art studio.
We bought a couple of refrigerators off Craigslist (Harvest Gold!), and brought in lumber, a few thermostats, an old air-conditioning unit, and a space heater. Although we had a tricky time building the fermentation room in a space that had no right angles or even a level floor, we made it work.
In The Summer, Our antique of an air-conditioner strained the garage's meager electrical supply. When the breakers flipped, we scrambled. In the winter, the cold water turned our hands blue as we sanitized bottles. But we brewed most every Sunday, testing new recipes and techniques. We researched and read as much about brewing history as we could lay our hands on and put it to use in the garage. Eventually, we produced a number of beers we felt we could call our own.
On those Sundays, we threw open the garage door and first co-op members came, and then fellow brewers and beer lovers, and then members of the Church Hill community. We were overwhelmed by the support offered to us by so many. We will always feel a little sad when we think of Sundays in the garage, but we hope that the folks who joined us there have enjoyed our permanent home in Scott's Addition.
In Due Time
Ardent Craft Ales has a new brewer at its helm.
richmondmagazine.com
How to Spend 24 Fabulous Hours in Richmond, Va.
The kid- and dog-friendly patio is a great place to sample a summery Saison or a tart Gose.
dc.eater.com
A 48-Hour Beer Weekend in Richmond, Virginia
One of the city's most genuinely beloved breweries ... Ardent possesses one of the best brewery atmospheres in the area.
pastemagazine.com
Pioneering Pints
Ardent's core beers reflect four diverse, approachable beer styles - styles we enjoy making and, more importantly, enjoy drinking.
richmondmagazine.com
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The Best 10 Breweries in Richmond
Ardent is another must-visit destination that's located in Scott's Addition. The Taproom and beer garden has ample indoor seating.
tripsavvy.com
Richmond neighborhoods: Scott's Addition is brewery boom town
Before he launched Ardent Craft Ales in Scott’s Addition, Tom Sullivan knew the neighborhood as a place to find studio space on the cheap for his post-punk band to practice.
richmond.com
The Best Breweries in Richmond
The rotating draft list is a beer geek’s delight, covering a variety of styles in creative ways.
thrillist.com
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