Press Release:

(Ashland, VA) – On Friday, April 5th, Center of the Universe Brewing Company (COTU), will release their Crazy Bet Imperial Amber.

“Crazy Bet” aka Elizabeth Van Lew is a unique figure in American history. A prominent Richmond resident during the Civil War, she was also a Unionist and ardent abolitionist. Ms. Van Lew built and ran an intricate spy network in Richmond and used secret rooms in her Church Hill mansion to hide escaped slaves and Union prisoners-of-war. Legend has it that she hid her activities by muttering to herself and acting strangely in public. After the war, she became a pariah in Richmond. We only hope our version or Crazy Bet is as memorable.

Crazy Bet is an Imperial Amber brewed with English mild ale malts as the base, and several different caramel malts to add additional sweetness and a deep ruby color. There were numerous hop additions throughout the boil of Columbus, Mount Hood, and Nugget to add a balanced bitterness and intense aromas. The beer is also dry-hopped with Columbus and Nugget.

COTU head brewer, Mike Killelea was the brain behind Crazy Bet. He is COTU’s resident history buff and has always wanted to brew a beer to honor Mrs. Van Lew.

“Crazy Bet Imperial Amber is sweet upfront and bitter in the end. Just like her namesake. We think she’d like it.” – head brewer Mike Killelea.

Center of the Universe Brewing Company opened its doors in Ashland, VA on November 16th 2012. Brothers Phil and Chris Ray, who started as homebrewers turned their hobby into an obsession that is now a successful brewery in Northern Virginia.