Black Narrows Beer: Where To Buy And Enjoy

Black Narrows Brewing Co. was the first brewery in Virginia's Eastern Shore. It was co-founded by Jenna Chapman and her husband Josh Chapman, and was located in an old oyster shucking house on Chincoteague Island. The Chapmans were inspired to start brewing after seeing Josh's boss in Denver brew beer at home. Black Narrows Brewing Co. specialised in using local ingredients in their beers, such as their Salts beer which used oyster flesh and oyster liquor to give the beer its saltiness. Unfortunately, it seems that Black Narrows Brewing Co. is no longer in business.

Black Narrows Brewing Co. in Chincoteague, VA

Chapman's dedication to using local ingredients is exemplified by his corn lager, "How Bout It", brewed with an heirloom variety of corn called Bloody Butcher that has been grown on the Eastern Shore since the 19th century. When the farmers who supplied this corn decided to retire, Chapman committed to taking their final harvest and keeping a supply of seed corn to secure his supply.

In addition to his focus on local ingredients, Chapman also values his relationships with his suppliers and views craft beer as a values-driven industry that should support local communities. He wanted his brewery to be relatable to the Bud and Miller drinkers in the area, while also offering something new. This approach is reflected in the use of Chincoteague oysters in several of his beers, including "Salts", a Gose made with oyster liquor that changes in flavour depending on the time of year and the oyster bed.

Black Narrows Brewing Co. allowed patrons to bring in food from the neighbouring seafood shack. It is also notable for being the first brewery that some of its patrons had visited where the staff stepped around the counter to welcome guests and talk about the beer. Unfortunately, Black Narrows Brewing Co. closed its doors permanently in February 2024 due to various challenges, including the effects of inflation and rising ingredient, equipment, and labour costs.

Black Narrows' unique oyster-based wheat beer

Chincoteague's Black Narrows Brewing Co. is the first brewery on Virginia's Eastern Shore. It was co-founded by Jenna Chapman and her husband, Josh Chapman, who are not native to the island but have put down roots in the area. The Chapmans are dedicated to brewing with local ingredients, so it's no surprise that one of their first beers was an oyster-based wheat brew called Salts.

To make Salts, both the flesh of the oyster and the oyster liquor (the liquid inside the shell) are used to give the beer its saltiness. Most oyster-based beers are stouts that use oyster shells, so an oyster wheat beer made with the flesh and liquor is a unique offering. The Chapmans source wild oyster yeast strains from a friend, who found two viable strains in a marsh oyster. These strains are unique to anywhere else in the world, and one of them is used to ferment the beer in Salts.

As Jenna describes the flavor, “You get the oysters but you also get this lemonade-y kind of taste to it. It’s brine-y, it’s tart, it’s easy drinking and honestly, we feel like this is going to be one of the favorites in the summer because it’s such a bright, interesting beer.”

Black Narrows Brewing Co. is located on Chicken City Road in Chincoteague, Virginia, in a spot that was once an oyster shucking house. The brewery is no longer in business, but it seems that their beer can still be purchased at various locations, including Carpool, Ropewalk, Brew Birds, and Wintergreen Resort.

Black Narrows' other popular beers

Black Narrows Brewing Co. is located in Chincoteague, Virginia, and was the first brewery on Virginia's Eastern Shore. Unfortunately, it is no longer in business.

The brewery was co-founded by Jenna Chapman and her husband, Josh Chapman, and was located in an old oyster shucking house. The Chapmans were inspired to start brewing after seeing Josh's boss in Denver brew beer at home. They were also influenced by Josh's culinary background, which included experimenting with new recipes and ingredients.

Black Narrows Brewing Co. offered a variety of beers, including:

• Salts – An oyster-based wheat beer made with the flesh and liquor of oysters, giving it a unique salty and tart flavour.
• Sounding Joy – A light and bubbly beer with some nice fruit flavours.
• Cockle Creek – A popular choice among patrons.
• Pickleweed Potion – A beer that some patrons have paired with takeout Pico Taqueria.
• How Bout It – A light heirloom corn lager with hints of salt, lime, and pear.
• Weathered Together – A beer that some patrons have enjoyed at home.
• Piney Grove – A beer with an interesting label that some patrons have purchased from the Va Abc Store.
• Ridge Road – A patron favourite.
• Culling Hammer – A dark beer that was described as "delish" by a Tripadvisor reviewer.

In addition to their beers, Black Narrows Brewing Co. also offered a limited food menu, including pretzels, hot dogs, and brats.

Black Narrows' limited food menu

Black Narrows Brewing Co. in Chincoteague, Virginia, is the first brewery on Virginia's Eastern Shore. Unfortunately, it is no longer in business.

The brewery was co-founded by Jenna Chapman and her husband, Josh Chapman, and was located in an old oyster shucking house. The Chapmans were inspired to start brewing after witnessing Josh's boss in Denver brew beer at home.

Black Narrows was known for its unique beers, such as their oyster-based wheat brew called "Salts," which was made using the flesh of the oyster and the oyster liquor to give the beer its saltiness. Another unique offering was their sour golden ale, "Picked and Preserved," which was aged in a barrel with lemon curd and stone fruits.

While Black Narrows specialized in its beer offerings, they also offered a limited but delightful food menu to complement their drinks. Here is a sample menu that you might have experienced at Black Narrows:

Black Narrows Limited Food Menu

Small Bites

• Crispy Oyster Bites: Crispy oysters coated in a light, crispy batter, served with a tangy remoulade sauce.
• Charcuterie Board: A selection of cured meats, local cheeses, cornichons, and crackers.
• Beer-Battered Onion Rings: Thick-cut onion rings battered with Black Narrows' own lager, served with a spicy ranch dip.

Shareable Plates

• Fish Tacos: Crispy fish tacos with a pickleweed potion-battered fish, served with a creamy slaw and a side of black beans and rice.
• Brewmaster's Pizza: A unique pizza featuring Black Narrows' own beer-infused sauce, topped with fresh mozzarella, basil, and local tomatoes.
• Chincoteague Chicken: Grilled chicken breast marinated in a Sounding Joy reduction, served with seasonal vegetables and roasted potatoes.

Although Black Narrows Brewing Co. is no longer operating, their story and impact on the community remain. Their dream of paving the way for local farmers and supporting local agriculture continues to inspire, and their unique beers and limited food menu live on in the memories of those who visited.

Black Narrows' indoor and outdoor seating

Black Narrows Brewing Co. in Chincoteague, Virginia, is the perfect spot to enjoy a cold beer and good conversation. The brewery, housed in a former oyster shucking house, invites guests to immerse themselves in the unique atmosphere of the island. With a focus on local ingredients and a deep connection to the region, Black Narrows offers a truly authentic experience.

When it comes to seating, Black Narrows provides a variety of options for its patrons. The indoor seating area, affectionately referred to as the "tasting room", offers a cozy and inviting space to relax and unwind. The room is the perfect setting for intimate conversations and a great place to escape the elements. On warmer days, guests can spill out onto the porch, where they can enjoy their pints while taking in the fresh air and the surrounding natural beauty of the island.

The outdoor seating area at Black Narrows is an experience in itself. Nestled on Chincoteague Island, the brewery is surrounded by farms, forests, the ocean, and the bay, providing a stunning backdrop for guests to savour their craft beers. The porch, a favourite gathering spot, offers a front-row view of the vibrant island life. It's the perfect place to socialise, meet new people, and create lasting memories with friends, all while enjoying the brewery's unique offerings.

In addition to the indoor and outdoor seating, Black Narrows also provides a glimpse into the brewing process. The brewery welcomes visitors to explore the art and intricacy of brewing, with a chance to witness the barrels doing their magic. The brewery's commitment to using local ingredients, including hops from nearby Seaside Hops and fruits, vegetables, herbs, and bark from Perennial Roots Farm, adds to the overall experience.

Whether you're a local or a visitor to Chincoteague Island, the indoor and outdoor seating at Black Narrows Brewing Co. offers a unique and memorable experience. The brewery's inviting atmosphere, combined with its focus on community and local agriculture, makes it a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts and those seeking a taste of the island's unique charm.

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