Culminate
At the center of The Veil’s soul is a river of Lambic.
Even though our Lambic-inspired beers are a small portion of our total production, the core of who we are stems from a deep love and admiration for this unique style of beer.
The name of our brewery comes from Matt Tarpey’s (Co-Founder and Head Brewer) time at Cantillon where he studied Lambic production. One day during a two week Lambic internship in 2013, Matt walked through their barrel facility in Brussels with Jean Van Roy, Cantillon’s Master Brewer. They were discussing pellicles, a protein based membrane that grows inside of barrels to protect the beer from oxidation and unwanted, curious insects. Jean mentioned how his Italian peers that work in natural wine production refer to their pellicle as a “veil”, a spontaneous moment cemented in time that led to the genesis of The Veil.
Every winter when the Richmond nights turn frigid, we begin our spontaneous season. Inspired by traditional Belgian Lambics and with a focus on attempting to recreate each step as authentically as possible, we patiently develop our own version of these special beers.
It begins with a rigorous and intensive mash process with 60% Pilsner malt, 40% unmalted wheat with a three hour boil. We use our own proprietary blend of whole leaf hops that were carefully aged in our Funkhaüst facility. The wort (unfermented beer) naturally cools in our rooftop koelschip, an open stainless steel vessel that allows for wild yeast and bacteria from the Richmond air to inoculate the wort. After an overnight stay in the koelschip, the wort is drained into barrels and allowed to spontaneously ferment and condition for the next 12 - 48 months.
Culminate is our Gueuze-inspired blend of 1, 2, and 3-year-old spontaneous fermented beer. Each batch is naturally carbonated and conditioned in bottle with only the natural yeast and cultures present in the beer, with no additional yeast added.
Existing in the realm of duality, Culminate has a complexity to decipher while also being accessible enough to simply enjoy with friends. Deep tannins intertwined with subtle oak notes, a restrained acidity underneath a musky hop character. With each bottle of Culminate, you can peel back the layers with others, discussing all the nuanced characteristics, appreciating its depth. There is something to enjoy, to unravel, to allow the senses to awaken while sampling something that is equally rooted in Belgian traditions as it is in Richmond culture.
Written by Manuel Garcia, Director of Packaging
Culminate Blend 1
6% - Bottled 2/1/19, released 2/18/20 (SOLD OUT)
Culminate Blend 2
7.6% - Bottled 6/25/20, released 9/25/21 (SOLD OUT)
Culminate Blend 3
7.6% - Bottled 6/9/21, released 11/15/22 - Available Now!