Brewery Spotlight: Tabol Brewing in Richmond, VA
In our latest brewery spotlight, we are heading to the Northside of Richmond, VA to feature Tabol Brewing.
We spoke with Travis Dise, the owner of Tabol, and learned all about what makes Tabol unique in the craft brewing space in Richmond.
About the Brewery
Work For Your Beer (WFYB): We are so excited to be chatting with you, Travis! What year did Tabol Brewing open and what's one fact people don't know about Tabol?
Travis (T): Tabol opened in 2019! We made the lights in our tasting room by hand. We used barrel rings from old barrels, mirrors, and glass with mirror tint in order to get an infinity effect - if you look up into the lights, they seem to go on forever.
WFYB: That's such a great little easter egg for the next time we are in. Speaking of the tasting room — why should someone come to visit Tabol?
T: If it’s not because you prefer pilsners, and appreciate a brewery in the endless pursuit of pilsner perfection… then come for our vibe. We’re chill.
WFYB: We totally agree — it's a definite vibe!
Let’s Talk Beer
WFYB: Let's shift into beer! What’s the most popular beer style you sell and what beer are you most proud of brewing?
T: We sell a lot of pilsners, and we are most proud of brewing "Marke" — a single decoction, naturally carbonated German-style Pilsner.
WFYB: We just love a good pils! Clean, crushable. Just *chef's kiss*. Pivoting a bit: what's the weirdest beer you've ever brewed?
T: We’ve made a lot of weird ones! I’d probably say the still (noncarbonated) wild ale aged in red wine barrels.
WFYB: Honestly, that sounds great. We'd try it! Now, the fan-favorite question: if you had to make the *perfect* mixed six-pack, what beers would you include in it?
T:
German Pilsner
Italian Pilsner
Czech Pilsner
Dark Pilsner
Helles Lager
Miller Lite :)
WFYB: We would expect nothing less... though, we should talk about that Miller Lite post-interview...
Let’s Focus on Community
WFYB: Craft breweries do so much for their local communities... how do you contribute to Richmond's local community?
T: Aside from the occasional benefit for a local animal shelter, we also have a food trailer that we find up-and-coming chefs to pop-up in. It’s an opportunity for chefs, who don’t already have a restaurant/food truck, to show people what they can do. 100% of the profit from food sales go to the chef — we’re just happy to promote them and allow them to use our kitchen. There’s a lot of talent in Richmond that deserves a spotlight.
WFYB: That's so cool — we love this concept (and also, we have adored the food we've eaten at Tabol). What about brewery fitness? What events do you host?
T: YogaSix will host outdoor yoga on our deck in the warmer months, and we have running groups that will organize at our brewery occasionally.
WFYB: Awesome! The yoga class we recently co-hosted with YogaSix was amazing — such a great event! Okay, finally, why do you support the #WorkForYourBeer mantra?
T: Happiness can’t come from beer alone, and you’ll never be happy if you aren’t active.
WFYB: Preach.
Thank you so much to Travis for taking the time to share Tabol's story with us here on the Work For Your Beer blog.
If you ever find yourself in Richmond, we highly recommend making a stop at Tabol — great vibes and delicious pilsners await!
Want to be considered for an upcoming feature? Email cheers@workforyourbeer.com to set up an interview!