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Hanover’s Perspective

COTU Brings Bronze Medal Home

While the 2014 Virginia Craft Brewers Cup drew entries from across the Commonwealth, Hanover’s Center of the Universe Brewery (COTU) took home the bronze medal in the pale ale category for Ray Ray’s Pale Ale.Mike Killelea and Phil Ray

Ray Ray’s is the namesake beer of COTU’s founders, Chris Ray and Phil Ray. The beer holds a fond place in the brothers’ hearts.

“Ray Ray’s is a recipe from our home brew days,” said Phil Ray. “Chris and I have worked with our head brewer Mike Killelea to perfect the recipe.”

According to COTU’s website, Ray Ray’s Pale Ale is brewed with imported English two-row barley that provides a full rich flavor. Near continuous additions of Cascade hops contribute both a balanced bitterness and classic spicy and citrusy aromas and flavors. If you want to experience what a winner tastes like, Ray Ray’s is on tap year round at COTU.

In 2012, the brothers opened the brewery in the Hanover Air Park. Aside from being a Hanover County resident, the duo selected the location because they saw it as an underutilized market in the growing Richmond-area craft brew scene. Live music, food trucks and, of course, the beer have solidified COTU as a popular spot to hang out. Comfortable casual furniture and even board games in the tasting room give the place a cozy home vibe.

“The community has really embraced us and shown a lot of gratitude to us for moving into the neighborhood,” remarks Phil. “About 90 percent of our weekday business is regulars. We truly appreciate their loyalty.”

A total of 51 Virginia craft breweries went head-to-head with 221 beers entries in the competition. The beers were judged in 23 different categories with the “Best in Show” top honors given to the overall winner. More than 2,500 people attended the festival.

The competition takes place during the annual Virginia Craft Brewers Fest hosted by the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild at Devils Backbone Basecamp Brewpub. Killelea is a founding member of the Guild and served as chairman for four years until he began his current position at COTU.

You can congratulate the COTU team in person at their next event, the COTU Oktoberfest on September 13. Guests can enjoy delicious German food, three different German-style beers, and the sounds of Elbe Musikanten, a 13-piece German band. The festivities kick off at 3 p.m. with “Das Bier Run,” a four-person team relay run co-hosted by Richmond Road Runners Club.

To find more great things to do in Hanover County, visit our Things To Do page.