Hardywood Park Craft Brewery Announces “River On!” Easy IPA in Celebration of the James River Association’s 50th Anniversary
Richmond, VA, March 26, 2026 - Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, Hardywood Park Craft Brewery is proud to announce the release of River On!, a new core Easy IPA brewed in partnership with the James River Association (JRA). The launch of River On! coincides with the JRA’s 50th Anniversary, marking five decades of dedicated guardianship over Virginia’s largest watershed.
River On! is a 3.9% ABV, "Easy IPA" meticulously crafted for the active, outdoor lifestyle of the Mid-Atlantic. This refreshing beer balances a light body with a bold hop profile, delivering vibrant notes of bright tropical fruit and juicy citrus at only 96 calories per 12oz serving. Our friends at the JRA issued a simple call: “Let's River!” Our response: “River On!” The name itself is a direct tribute to the James River Association’s culture of stewardship, drawing inspiration from their signature rally call, “Let’s River!” By introducing “River On!” Hardywood celebrates both the James River's improving health and ongoing commitment to protecting it.
“Brew with Purpose is more than a motto; it is the foundation for every beer we brew and every partnership we form. Since 2012, we have been incredibly fortunate to build on this mission by supporting the vital work of the James River Association,” says Eric McKay, Co-founder and CEO of Hardywood Park Craft Brewery.
This year, the James River Association is celebrating 50 years of helping “America’s Founding River” make a remarkable comeback—from a river so polluted it was closed to fishing and swimming, to one that communities rely on and enjoy every day. Their theme, “Keep the Comeback Coming,” honors the progress they’ve made and also reminds us all that the work isn’t finished.
Hardywood’s long-standing commitment began with the 2013 release of Great Return IPA, a tribute to the historic return of endangered Atlantic sturgeon to the James River, a symbol of the returning health of our waterways, driven by restoration efforts of the JRA. Beyond promoting the JRA’s vital work in river advocacy, education, and conservation, Hardywood has directly contributed more than $140,000 to the organization, supporting the opening of River Education Centers in Lynchburg, Richmond, and Williamsburg.
Bill Street, President and CEO of the James River Association, shared: “Hardywood has been an incredible partner in helping us connect more people to the James River. We are grateful for Hardywood's long standing support and their expanded commitment. ‘River On!’ is a fun and meaningful way to celebrate our 50th year milestone — and to invite everyone to be part of protecting the river we all love.”
River On! Easy IPA debuted at the JRA 50th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, March 21. A special early draft release will begin today at both Hardywood taprooms. River On! Easy IPA will be available at better beer establishments throughout Virginia on tap and in 6-pack 12oz cans beginning in early April, aligned with Earth Day celebrations.
About Hardywood Park Craft Brewery
Founded in Richmond in 2011 over a shared love of adventure, Hardywood has become Virginia’s leading craft brewer, while remaining grounded in its mission to “Brew with Purpose.” This charge comes alive in thoughtfully innovative recipes, many featuring locally grown ingredients, a commitment to sourcing renewable energy, and an obsession over quality which has earned Hardywood dozens of GABF, World Beer Cup, AIBA, and Virginia Craft Beer Cup awards. Beers range in style from traditional to experimental, but there’s a story behind each one. Its top-selling beers include Richmond Lager, Pils, Great Return IPA, and seasonal favorite, Gingerbread Stout. Hardywood operates a pilot brewery and taproom with a pizza kitchen in greater Scott’s Addition in the City of Richmond, while its primary production facility with a taproom and beer garden is located on a 24-acre destination brewery campus in West Creek, just west of Richmond. Visit hardywood.com for information.
About The James River Association
The James River Association is a member-supported nonprofit organization founded in 1976 to serve as a guardian and voice for the James River. Throughout the James River’s 10,000 square mile watershed, the James River Association works toward its vision of a fully healthy James River supporting thriving communities. The James River Association believes that “when you change the James, the James changes you”. With offices in Lynchburg, Richmond, Williamsburg, and Scottsville, the James River Association is committed to protecting the James River and connecting people to it. For more information visit www.thejamesriver.org.
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