Hops & Shells
For the beer and oyster lover, our Hops and Shells pairs 4 different
Sweetwater beers with 4 different Rappahannock Oysters for an
unforgettable dining experience. Learn more about each pair below:
Barcats & Sweetwater 420
SALINITY: Varies (multiple locations)
LOCATION: Chesapeake Bay, Virginia
DESCRIPTION: Barcats are grown by a co-op of former “wild” harvesters
and small-time watermen from all across the Chesapeake Bay. These
watermen are bound by a commitment to quality, sustainability, and
environmental stewardship. Flavor can vary from sweet to salt.
BEER PAIRING: A tasty West Coast-style Pale Ale with big hops. First
brewed on April 20, 1997, this pale ale finishes with a nice clean,
crisp taste.
ABV: 5.7% IBU: 39
Rappahannock River Oysters & Georgia Brown
SALINITY: 14-18 ppt.
LOCATION: Topping, VA
DESCRIPTION: Deep cupped and mineral rich with an understated saltiness
that lets the oyster’s natural flavor come through. Rappahannocks® offer
up a sweet, buttery, full-bodied taste with a refreshingly clean, crisp
finish. It’s the very same oyster their family started growing in 1899.
(Sweet)
BEER PAIRING: An American Brown Ale, deep copper-colored, mild malt.
Designed to be a session beer, it has a smooth finish without a huge hop
character.
ABV: 5.8% IBU: 30
Rochambeau & Blue
SALINITY: 22-26 ppt.
LOCATION: Yorktown, VA
DESCRIPTION: Drawn from the York River in the Chesapeake Bay’s median
salt range, Rochambeaus are the quintessential Bay oyster: sweet and
mildly briny with a clean, crisp finish. Named after the French general
who came to the aid of the patriots at the Battle of Yorktown, these
oysters are truly revolutionary! (Mild salt)
BEER PAIRING: A unique, lighter style Wheat Ale enhanced with a hint of fresh blueberry.
ABV: 4.6% IBU: 10
Olde Salts & Goin’ Coastal IPA
SALINITY: 30-34 ppt.
LOCATION: Chincoteague, VA
DESCRIPTION: The truest taste of the ocean, our Olde Salts bring
together a bold, sea-side brininess with a smooth, clean follow-through.
Grown in the “Black Narrows” of Chincoteague Bay, our Olde Salts are
more than classics, they’re legendary. (Heavy salt)
BEER PAIRING: The bright aromas of the five citrus hop additions are
accentuated by the tropical fruit of the pineapple – and just like those
three day weekends, its finish is quick.
ABV: 6.1% IBU: 50
Talk about matches made in heaven! Stop by The Shack any time during Oyster Fest to try yours today.