The word “scene” automatically conjures up images of spiky hair, tattoos, piercings, and live music blaring at decibels that should be reserved for supersonic testing at an Air Force base. Maybe this is due to being surrounded by the aforementioned in my adolescent years that causes this instant association for me. Even though I only carried out the music bit myself (I stuck out, and still would, in a crowd full of punk rockers), I realize there’s also an overarching social theme that pervades, and defines, any scene. Even the beer scene.

When I first joined the BeerAdvocate website, I couldn’t wait to post reviews, see what other people had to say about certain beers or better beer establishments, and keep tabs on what wild release was coming out next. Since then, my interest in these things has waned a bit, and even though I still love writing about beer and “reviewing” per se, I don’t have the urge to assign numbers. Not that I ever felt compelled to, but it aided categorization. After the arithmetic was done, some beers that I thought were above average seemed higher in rank, while others that were great seemed to fall down a step. I may go back to this, but I now much prefer rambling on this here soapbox, even if no one’s reading it.

Let me tell you where I’m going with this: a recent post in a BA forum by my buddy Ed sparked a train of thought about beer and socializing. The Alström brothers have even made mention of the social side of beer in their magazine in past issues. Nevertheless, the discussion all began at a tasting that I was too broke to attend, and was on the topic of the beer scene in central Virginia.

Some have mentioned that Virginia has a plethora of options for beer, whether it’s quality beer bars, bottle and keg shops, or access to a variety of imports and domestics that some states downright envy; we’ve got it made. But what about the people drinking the stuff? Obviously there’s demand for these products in our area, but how do these folks feel about what they’re drinking and the people around them who are doing the same?

Is there a “beer scene”?

I’m not so sure, at least about Richmond. Cultural elements play a part in defining this term, such as the social nature of pub culture in the UK. But how many people in the States have local boozers? And by local I mean in-your-neighborhood ones within walking distance, where people in your immediate area can likely be found more often than not.

But does this, in and of itself, even constitute a “beer scene”? You could argue it either way, what with cask beer being a source of pride for many a Briton, despite being surrounded by Euro lager establishments that seem to be much more popular with the younger crowd.

Since beer culture here in the United States doesn’t seem to have that initial cultural cohesion, is this what we’re striving for?

How about beer education; tastings, pairings, gatherings, traveling for events? Well, I must certainly say that our area is bereft of this kind of inquisitive nature, and I’ve resigned myself to the same attitude. Sure, there are events put on by a local bar here or there, or a beer festival Downtown for regional brewers, but not that grassroots kind of involvement where a dozen beer lovers gather for a round or two and shoot the shit. Steve and Ed are two guys from BeerAdvocate that I’ve grown fond of, and have shared more than a beer or two with these fellas. That’s exactly the kind of thing we do, but the ranks don’t seem to have grown.

I’ve mentioned some of the beer and cheese pairings Steve and I have set up in the past, and the last one was a big success. But, the catch is, it was mostly some of our friends who aren’t that into beer, and were there to hang out on a Sunday afternoon. No problem, they enjoyed the event and had a good time, but I doubt they were reaching for a Saison Dupont the next time they were out shopping for groceries. These weren’t the vocal beer lovers in the area. It was nice to give them an introduction to beer and cheese, but only a sliver of the people there were already into it and would show genuine interest in another one (or throwing their own).

The area homebrewers may be onto something. I’ve tasted their wares before and have been mighty impressed, but it’s an actual club with bylaws, dues, and everything. I’m thinking of something more like Cheers with good beer, you feel me? I just don’t know if making people feel obligated to do something is worth it; you should want to go to some fun event with quality brew, especially when it’s provided for free, right?

The irony is, with so many options for better beer, the people who are actually into it don’t appear to be coming together and celebrating it. But I gave up on my own brand of “beervangelism.” So if I call up Steve or Ed to go grab a beer, or have an impromptu tasting, I do so at my own discretion. I just don’t see people coming out to the advertised events, even if it means just a meet-up over a pint at one of Richmond’s fabulous locations.

Maybe this is just an issue locally/regionally/nationally. I’d be interested to hear anyone else’s take on the matter.

I’m only in my twenties and I feel like a crotchety old man already. Time for a beer.

Get the hell off my lawn.