A Couple Beers

A DC area couple exploring the great local beer scene and giving our thoughts on ambiance and brews.

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Date Day: Georgetown

As part of our New Year’s resolutions, we vowed to have more date days (as Valentine’s Day swiftly approaches). However, we didn’t want it to compromise weekend time that could be spent exploring beer destinations. Our happy medium: Georgetown.

Georgetown really does have something for everyone. From shopping and eating/drinking to historical sites, it’s a perfect place for beer enthusiasts to get their fix while entertaining their significant other. Located in the Northwest portion of DC and along the Potomac, it is picturesque and one of the oldest parts of the city. At the same time, it’s home to the renowned Georgetown University, which lends a youthful spirit to the area.

How do I get there?

Public transportation or a taxi should be your first option. Parking and driving in Georgetown can be madness if you go on the weekend once brunch has started or at any time during rush hour (both morning and evening). While it isn’t accessible directly by metro, you can access it by taking the metro to Foggy Bottom and then catching one of the buses in the direction of Friendship Heights. If you don’t have great access to the Blue/Orange/Silver line, you can take the Georgetown circulator, either from Dupont Circle or Arlington, or catch a bus in Friendship Heights going into the city. If you’re staying relatively close, another option is one of the many rideshare services (Uber, Lyft, Via). 

Breakfast of Champions

If you’re someone who can’t start their day without some sustenance, then look no further than Baked and Wired. Though I mainly go here for the amazing cupcakes, they also offer delicious breakfast items, coffee and tea. It’s the cupcake spot you should be hitting up while everyone else is in line at Georgetown Cupcakes.

Getting Active

From November to March, Georgetown gains an ice skating rink. Located on the waterfront, the large water fountain surrounded by restaurants such as Guapo’s and Farmers Fishers Bakers, transforms into a wintry spectacle. A nice feature about this rink is that it offers little “penguins” that can be used by shaky skaters to provide some stability. If you’re hoping for one of these though, your best bet is to get there early since they get taken up fast.

Alternative: For non-winter months, Pinstripes offers indoor bowling and bocce with a local beer selection. This can also get pretty crowded on the weekends and especially in the evening but is worth a stop in. Or, of course, you can just spend some time alongside the Potomac at the scenic Georgetown waterfront on a picnic blanket drinking some local… beverages 😉.

Lunch time

After working up an appetite and there is no better place to have lunch than Pizza Paradiso. While Sovereign is maybe the most sought after beer establishment in Georgetown, Pizza Paradiso offers food anyone can love (pizza, duh) and has a really expansive selection of beer. Though like most places in Georgetown on the weekend, it can get packed pretty quick. Hit this up at an off time or during a weeknight for the shortest wait time.

Other beer lunch spots worth checking out include: Church Hall, The Berliner and Sovereign. 

An afternoon stroll

After lunch is a great time for a nice stroll. Georgetown is known for its shopping including large names such as Kate Spade, Free the People and Michael Kors but also has a Nike store, Patagonia and many smaller shops to look at. If shopping isn’t your thing, there is still much to be seen in Georgetown.

Old Stone House is one of the oldest houses in the DC and has a beautiful garden in the back during the spring and summer.

Martins Tavern isn’t directly on M St, but up a block on the corner and N St. and Wisconsin Ave. It is best known for its frequent political guests, including where JFK proposed to Jackie. If you have a chance to eat inside, many of the booths are labeled with the famous names who popularly frequented there.

If embassies are your thing, there are a couple floating around Georgetown. The Ukrainian Embassy is located at the end of M St. right before the Key Bridge. The Royal Thai Embassy is located on Wisconsin as you walk towards the canal/river and if you’re up for a bit of a walk, the embassies for Iceland and Sweden are on K Street near the Potomac River.

Additional: If you need a bit more walking after exploring the rest of Georgetown, take a walk up to Georgetown University. Though a hill and a 10-minute walk or so from the main street, Georgetown University is the traditional campus with some buildings reminding me of Hogwarts. 

Evening Drinks

After a day of walking, the best way to end an afternoon before dinner is Sovereign. As mentioned before, Sovereign is definitely a place all beer lovers are going to want to go to. They offer an authentic experience and Belgium beers that are often hard to come by in the US. They have food offerings as well but fair warning: they’re a bit on the pricey side.  

Additional spots of interest

·         Thomas Sweet – A little ways up Wisconsin Ave but amazing ice cream. If you’re going in the summer, be prepared to wait in line.

·         Dean & Deluca – Specialty food shop along M St. If you’re looking for something unique to eat or take home, this is the place to go.

·         Canal Path – Though still under construction, the canal path runs parallel to M St and connects with trails leading further into and out of DC.

·         Potomac water front – In nice weather, you can take a boat ride tour of DC (there’s even a pirate-themed one for kids). Further down the water front toward the Key Bridge, you can rent kayaks and paddle boards in the summer to explore more.

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Brewery Visit: DC Brau

DC Brau opened in 2011 with the goal of putting the “local” in the DC beer scene as the first packaging brewery in the district since the 1950’s. They helped pave the way for the modern DC beer scene, as they lobbied for the legislation allowing for the consumption of beer brewed on premise. Since then, they have continued to innovate and expand, and recently added brewing capacity to allow for more one-offs and experimentation.

Seth: For my money, DC Brau has the clearest branding associations with the city of Washington, DC. It’s right there in the name and on their iconic cans. They own one of the cleverest slogans, “Fermentation without Representation”, riffing on the Revolutionary war era rallying cry and the modern DC conundrum. They also make a visible effort to build beer into the cultural fabric of the city, doing everything from hosting the annual holiday market to the yearly Pride Pils can design, to having artists in residency and even employing a beer historian (Mike Stein of Lost Lagers).

How do I get there?

Nicole: Located right near the border of Maryland and the District, in all likelihood you’ll be using a ride-sharing service to get to the brewery, unless you have someone to DD. Otherwise, it’s an option to take a bus from the Brookland or Rhode Island (Red line) or Stadium-Armory (Blue/Orange/Silver) metro stations. Though its location can prove tricky for public transportation, for those who can drive, the parking lot onsite is much appreciated as it is not common for establishments within DC.

In terms of the ambiance, DC Brau has two feels: taproom and brewing operations. Though not large, the taproom provides a comfortable and quieter place to sit and enjoy a few beers. The other area I’m calling the brewing operations has tons of picnic tables, a separate bar and allows you to hang out among the tanks of fermenting beer. Most noteworthy is the artwork in this space which is spread throughout the large room, which has a graffiti-like quality and adds character to an industrial space. The tour is also something I would recommend if you haven’t been on too many brewery tours.  When I’ve been there, the tour has been run by their beer historian who adds details about brewing and the history of brewing in DC which I haven’t heard elsewhere.

Seth: Though they don’t serve their own food outside of a few munchies, DC Brau posts their food truck schedule online and always has one on Saturdays. They also encourage patrons to bring food along or get something from the nearby Roaming Rooster. 

Beer me!

Seth: Most DC area drinkers will be familiar with DC Brau’s flagships and core seasonal offerings. One of my favorite area beers is Brau Pils (4.5%), which is an easy-drinking pilsner that’s a bit cracker-y and has a touch of sweetness. In the summertime, few beers are as enticing as El Hefe Speaks (5.2%), DC Brau’s hefeweizen offering that’s perfect for summer porch-drinking season. The Public Pale Ale (6%) and Corruption IPA (6.5%) are solid options and widely available at places that serve beer in DC. Both are reliably old-school west-coasty; each having some balancing caramelly malt notes but still maintaining a bitter presence.

Sugar Leaf (Hazy IPA, 5.6%) showcases some softer, aromatic dank hops in the CTZ mold, and was easy to drink. On the Wings of Armageddon (DIPA, 9.2%) is widely available and is incredibly drinkable for a 9% beer, so be careful! I find that the hop profile of their IPAs usually will include bitterness in a way that contrasts a lot of modern NEIPA approaches that are looking exclusively for aromatics. It’s a nice reminder of the breadth of hop character a beer can take on.

They also had a couple of big, boozy, barrel-aged dark beers; Cross Quarter Days (Barrel-Aged Belgian Stout, 8.6%) and Wake Up in the Future (Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout, 15.5%). With these you will know that you’re going to feel even a 5 oz. pour as you drink it.

Nicole: My favorite to have at DC Brau is El Hefe Speaks. In addition, both Pils (Keller and Brau) are easy drinks for those looking for light, refreshing beers.

If you’re in DC and want to hit an iconic brewery, DC Brau is worth the trip. The brewery tour will give you insights into DC brewing history, which is underscored by being in one of the forebears of the current DC beer scene. In a city full of history, DC Brau is making sure that craft beer has a place in the cultural fabric of our nation’s capital.

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Brewery Visit: 3 Stars Brewing Company

3 Stars Brewing opened in 2012 as a production-focused brewery. They have a stated commitment to brew forward thinking beers and have played a role in making DC the beer destination it is today. They have won a handful of awards, including being named the Washington City Paper Brewery of the Year several times.

Seth: 3 Stars has been a regional leader in several unique aspects, such as having a homebrew shop on premise and being an early adopter of the beer membership model with their Illuminati (barrel-aged) and Funkerdome (sour) societies. The memberships allow subscribers to join annually and receive special limited-run releases throughout the year as well as gain several other benefits at the brewery. DC locals will be familiar with 3 Stars flagships Peppercorn Saison, Ghost White IPA and Southern Belle Imperial Brown Ale to name few, which have been widely available at grocery stores and beer distributors for several years. They also have one of the most unique brewery spaces to visit, with their “Urban Farmhouse” nestled next to their production space.

Um, where is 3 Stars? And what’s it like?

Nicole: While not in the downtown portion of DC, 3 Stars is worth the drive out towards Silver Spring where a few other notable breweries are located (Hellbender is close by, and the Denizens/Astro Lab/Silver Branch triumvirate is only 15-ish minutes away). When you first arrive to 3 Stars, you may be confused because it’s by a lot of warehouse and office buildings but once you’re inside, it’s an awesome space. They have three distinct areas: the traditional brewery production area with seating and a small bar, the homebrew store, and the taproom (“Urban Farmhouse”). The taproom portion is my favorite area and offers a good view of the entire brewery. The store is also a unique offering not in most breweries that has brewing supplies for the home brewer as well as merch.

Seth: It may not look like much from the outside, but inside is a pretty cool setup with the standard brewery-puts-seating-by-the-production-area, but also includes the homebrew shop and Urban Farmhouse. While I’m yet to be convinced that it’s a “farmhouse”, it’s still a pretty neat place to grab some beer, if a little undersized for the amount of people regularly there on a given weekend. 3 Stars uses the Starbucks model where you order at the register and then pick up your beer(s) at the counter, which allows them to deal efficiently with their volume of customers. As a pro tip, you can often receive some free samples in the Homebrew Store, so pop in there even if you aren’t interested in picking anything up.

Tell me about the beer!

Seth: One thing I love about 3 Stars is that their flights are 6 oz pours. Yes, it’s easier to go overboard when trying everything that looks good on the menu, but it also allows you to get a much better feel for the beers when you’d like to try six different things. In general, I think the most impressive beers aren’t those that hit you over the head right as you take your first sip, but those that slowly reveal how good they are over the course of a pint or two, and this gets a step closer to that experience.

My favorites from our recent visit were­-- Above the Clouds (Farmhouse Pale Ale, 6.3%) which had a dank and funky nose with some floral soft hop flavors. Lately, it has been widely available in distribution, so pick it up if you’re unable to get out to the brewery. Nerf Guns (Imperial Stout, 9%) which had a huge roasty coffee nose but was surprisingly sweet, almost like a sweet creamer you’d put in coffee, and had a thinner, porter-like body. Crimes of Passion (Passion fruit Sour, 6.5%) had a crazy acidic nose but only was mildly tart in taste and was like bathing in passion fruit juice (in a good way!). Orange & Coriander Saison (6.5%) was exactly as promised, with a similar yeast expression to flagship Peppercorn Saison, and was a delightfully fizzy, light, dry beer.

Nicole: My go-to 3 Stars beer is the Peppercorn Saison; however, at my last visit, I tried some different options. The two I really enjoyed were Nectar of the Bogs (Cranberry Saison, 5.2%) and Raspberry Dissonance (Berliner Style Rye w/Raspberries, 3.6%). Nectar of the Bogs was hazy which was unexpected and the cranberry flavor made it really nice drink. The Raspberry Dissonance was a Berliner Weisse with a noticeable raspberry flavor that was nice to enjoy slowly.  

Seth: In general, I think you can’t go wrong with the fruited sours at 3 Stars, but really they have something for everyone to drink. There were 18 beers on tap when we visited, ranging from a double IPA double-dry hopped with lupulin powder to a Vienna lager to the aforementioned cranberry saison. They’re beloved for their sours and hop-forward beers but do a lot of different beers well and are definitely on the list of must-hit DC breweries.

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Brewery Review: Right Proper Brewing Company

Right Proper Brewing Company’s Shaw Brewpub & Kitchen opened in 2013 with a 5-barrel system and a vision to be a community hub where people could drink a fresh beer at the place it was brewed. Their Brookland Production House and Tasting Room opened in 2015.

Seth: Despite making some of the best and most interesting beer in the region, Right Proper still manages to feel small in a good way. Whimsy permeates everything from the physical spaces to the liquid. Extensive murals, exposed brick, and even a piano in one of the Brookland tasting room’s bathrooms are matched by the beer offerings themselves, which are ever changing and being repurposed with a twist. When we were visiting in September, the Brookland location was closing early for a wedding—which isn’t something I’ve seen before at a brewery, but feels about right. Even with their increasing distribution footprint, it’s hard to imagine Right Proper ever feeling anything other than local.

What’s the beer like?

Seth: The thing I enjoy about Right Proper’s beer, besides being consistently imaginative and well executed, is that there’s a sense of overarching philosophy. They are focused on yeast expression and ways to magnify and harmonize with the yeast character of their beers. Among my favorites from our recent trip: Diamonds, Fur Coat, Champagne (Berliner Weisse, 3.8%) has a nose like sauvignon blanc, and wonderful lemon-zesty notes to pair with tartness from lactobacillus. White Bicycles (Rustic Witbier, 5.4%) showcases Right Proper’s mixed fermentation culture’s funky notes, accenting them with black lime and some notes like a lightly oaked chardonnay. Ravaged By Wolves (Brett IPA, 6.5%) has a nice, slightly creamy mouthfeel with a little bit of funk and hints of grapefruit and anise. Last, I highly recommend trying their foeder beers, as they are often as complex as a good wine while being focused and cohesive in execution. I sampled the WHOA! (foeder beer with cherries, 5.9%) and the Vintage August/October (foeder beer with wine grapes, 6.7%) and both were excellent.

Nicole: The thing I appreciate about Right Proper is their wide selection of beers. It often happens that when I go to a brewery, they stick to the current trend beers which aren’t what I’m looking for; however, I was able to find quite a few I enjoyed. As always, I got the Kellerbier, Being There (5.0%), which was exactly what I was hoping for, light and refreshing but with a somewhat dry finish. The other I really enjoyed was WHOA! which had a great cherry smell and taste but wasn’t too tart.  

So… which location should I go to?

Nicole: If you have time, both. The Shaw location is a more city central brewpub on U St., and the newer production facility/tasting room is in the more residential Brookland area. These two locations share a theme in the beers, but the Shaw brewpub is great for meeting friends after work or for brunch, while Brookland feels like a chill, low-key spot to swing by on the weekend.

The Shaw brewpub is likely busier in part to the fact that they offer a full food menu (including brunch). It has outdoor and traditional restaurant seating but also a large bar area in the back. However, if you are anywhere in the Brookland vicinity, you should experience their taproom as well. The Brookland location has a nice outdoor area that is quiet despite still being in the city. Though the inside seating is limited, it has an intimate feel. This location is definitely hit up by locals, many of whom we saw walk or bike in to grab an afternoon beer.

Seth: I thoroughly recommend visiting both Right Proper locations. Beyond the fantastic beer, the food at the Shaw brewpub is delicious. It’s my go to spot to bring out of town people, even if they aren’t into beer. Both locations have eclectic murals and décor such as mural depicting humans and animals in reverse roles on the walls of the Brookland tasting room, and the aforementioned “bathroom piano.” Both locations have great outdoor space to sit and drink which is a must, in my opinion. The Shaw Brewpub can get pretty busy on the weekends, but it’s well deserved and I have yet to regret any visit I’ve made to Right Proper.

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Brewery Review: Tröegs Independent Brewing

Tröegs-- the name itself a combination of the founding brothers’ last name Trogner and the Flemish word kroeg, meaning pub—is an anchor of Pennsylvania and East Coast brewing and has been operating out of central PA since 1997.

Seth: Tröegs’ distribution footprint is large enough that they were one of the first craft offerings I encountered while I was living in Pittsburgh and Maryland, trying Flying Dog and Sierra Nevada and discovering how engaging beer could be. If you peruse the craft offerings at your local grocery store, there’s a good chance you’ve seen their Anthology sampler packs. I think these are emblematic of a brewery that despite having been around for over twenty years, is still looking forward. They include seasonal offerings and one-offs from the Scratch series, serving to bring the brewery’s current interests and experimentation to a wider audience. That’s how I think of Tröegs; a longtime, solid brewery that is still invested in experimentation and whimsy and channeling the best aspects of craft beer.

What was the brewery space like?

Nicole: Tröegs was by far one of the largest establishments I’ve been to. Situated close to the Hershey kingdom, their presence is not lost. One of the coolest features is that the brewing operations is part of the space you sit in but not disruptive to your experience. While we were there, I saw multiple tours above looking at the fermentation tanks. Another nice feature is their food. They have separate areas to order food or beer which is beneficial to parties that aren’t looking for both. While the line can get very long on a Saturday afternoon, the service speed is just as impressive as their food. We got one of their pretzels, which was actually very large, and a veggie burger. I thought their food was interesting and surprisingly diverse, with typical offerings like burgers and non-typical offerings such as a Banh Mi sandwich or oysters.

Seth: I thought Tröegs was one of the coolest brewery spaces I’ve visited. Part of the brewing operations are viewable right behind the bar, and there’s copious seating in several different sections depending on what vibe you’re interested in experiencing. There’s the outdoor section, with restaurant type seating surrounded by plants and garden space, a restaurant-y feeling indoor space, and then the area closest to the bar which features long family style tables with barstools. Waiters move throughout all the spaces, taking orders and helping accommodate patrons­—as a tip, try to order with a waiter if there’s a long line at the bar.

Tröegs themed art prints adorn the walls throughout the brewery, and there’s a self-guided tour area with cool images and description about brewery history and brewing process printed on windows into more brewing space—all of which serves to personalize a space that would otherwise feel industrial and dauntingly massive.

How was the beer?

Seth: If you’re into craft beer, you’ve probably encountered Tröegs. All the widely distributed hits are available on location at the brewery, like one of my personal favorites, the flagship doppelbock Troegenator (8.2%). Light body with malt backbone and a hint of booziness make that classic worth ordering. The main attraction of visiting Tröegs, however, is the sheer volume of not widely distributed options available. There are seasonal beers (“Once-A-Year”), one-offs (“Scratch series”) and barrel aged offerings (“Splinter series”) in abundant supply.

My favorite beer of the day was the RBG (Raspberry Bramble Gose, 4.5%) which is a seasonal beer that had a nose like sticking your face in a raspberry bush, was a striking peachy-red, and was very fruit-forward and refreshingly tart. Naked Elf (Belgian ale, 6.9%) is brewed with the same yeast as the well-known Mad Elf that’s distributed around the holiday season, though with a lighter malt profile. It was a nice, dry belgian with a strong clove flavor. Nimble Giant (DIPA, 9.0%) punches you in the mouth with hops upfront, displaying grapefruit and some darker vegetal character before finishing with bitter grapefruit rind­—hop heads only!

Nicole: My favorite beer here was the Apple Farmhouse Ale. It was unlike another beer I have had recently that was a nice blend between a cider and a beer. The apple flavor was present but not in an overwhelming sense. I also had the Sunshine Pils and Dreamweaver Wheat and I would recommend both of those as well if you don’t like the heavy hitting IPAs, Stouts or Sours.

Isn’t Tröegs like, all the way in Hershey…?

Nicole: With only a 2.5 hour drive from DC, Tröegs is worth the day trip. It’s easy to pair a visit to the brewery with other Hershey attractions such as Chocolate World or Hershey Park and I saw many families there in the evening fresh out of both attractions. If that’s not enough, Philly is only 1.5 hours away and you can add a few of their breweries as well. The beer list and food offerings at Tröegs provide at least a day’s worth of things to try, though, so it can be a destination by itself. Being such a staple in East coast craft beer, it’s a place worth making the trip to at least once.

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Brewery Visit: Denizens Brewing Co.

Launched in 2014, Denizens is the only woman and minority owned and operated brewery in Maryland. Located in the heart of Silver Spring, it is situated right on the edge of busy city life and the burbs.

Nicole: Denizens was one of my first breweries. I remember going in the middle of winter for a brewery tour with some friends and just automatically falling in love with it. From the brewing tour with a private tasting to the outdoor space, Denizens has a ton to offer.

Seth: It’s one of those breweries that really anchors itself as a place for people to come together—right down to the namesake, denizen, meaning a local community member. From their gorgeous patio space which is perfect for meeting friends or strangers, to things like the Make it Funky annual festival, even down to co-owner Julie Verratti’s recent candidacy for lieutenant governor of Maryland, this company cares about world around them and having a legacy that reflects their community.

What is unique about Denizens?

Nicole: Nothing beats sitting outside on a nice summer day with a cold beer and good food, and this is the factor that always pulls me back to Denizens. Their beer and food menu rotates at least seasonally if not more, which keeps me wanting to go back and try new things. Some classics are the big soft pretzel, parmesan fries, and veggie burger but honestly I don’t think you could wrong with any selection.

As far as their beer garden, it’s a huge space but can fill up quickly on a nice weeknight and is regularly packed on the weekend. It has tons of long wooden benches that encourage small groups to make new friends. One of the things I always look forward to is to the additional of fur friends. Since it’s outside, many visitors will bring their dogs and it makes the experience that much more enjoyable.

Seth: I couldn’t agree more. Denizens is a brewery that does beer well, but also they provide an experience that anyone can enjoy, even if they haven’t been bitten by the craft beer bug yet. If you live in the DMV region and haven’t sipped your favorite Denizens brew on their patio as the sun goes down, you’re missing out.

What are the beers like?

Seth: Beer wise, I have several favorites that I regularly return to at Denizens. Lowest Lord (ESB, 5.3%) is always one of my favorites and has great toffee flavors and a nice smoky note. Big Red Norm (Red Ale, 6.8%) has a similar smoky malt note but also features some pine. The Born Bohemian Pils (4.9%) is a go-to as well, with light crackery flavor and Saaz presence making for an eternally refreshing beer. I scientifically described it as “hella drinkable” in my notes. A recurring seasonal offering I enjoyed was the Bocho Gose (4.1%), which was tart with hints of pineapple, lime and kiwi. Of late, I have come to really enjoy Denizens’ sour offerings and I think they have a well-rounded menu with something for everyone.

Nicole: In terms of beer, most recently I tried the Bocho Gose and the Foam Party (Hefeweizen, 4.6%). The gose reminded me of a lime margarita and was a really nice beer to have outside. The hefeweizen was very drinkable, one I could have multiple of without getting tired of it.

A piece of advice…

Nicole: If you have the time, take their brewery tour. Their tour is a reasonable length of time without skimping on the fundamentals of how an establishment brews and includes a tasting at the end. The tasting space is held downstairs with the tour so it allows you to actually experience the beers in a more intimate setting and the tasting guides are engaging and attentive. If you go through the tour and tasting, I guarantee you won’t leave without buying a few more beers (and maybe food) upstairs.

Seth: The tour was solid and succinct, and it’s always nice when beer tasting is included as an actual part of the tour (it is, after all, about the beer). It was also a great way to see what the facility has to offer, as the brewing area is down a flight of stairs at the back of the main tasting room. Like Nicole said, there’s a neat little bar/event space down there as well. While the patio is certainly a worthy draw, it’s cool to get to see the rest of what’s a quirky and interesting brewery space.

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Brewery Visit: Mad Fox Brewing Company

The original Mad Fox brewpub opened in Falls Church in 2010. They have won Great American Beer Festival medals for their Kellerbier Kolsch and English Summer Ale, as well as a number of Virginia and DC area awards for their food, brewpub locations, and several other beers. They host several signature events throughout the year, including an annual Barleywine Festival and Oktoberfest Celebration. They previously had a second brewpub location in Glover Park (DC), which sadly closed this past March.

 Seth­: We have a little history with Mad Fox. Their second brewpub in Glover Park was near where we used to live, and it was one of our favorites. One of the best things about that location, and their currently operational one in Falls Church, is that they have really solid food, which makes it great to bring people who aren’t into beer there too. It’s like a sneaky way to get your craft beer fix.

Nicole: I think for me, Mad Fox is a little bit like home. As Seth mentioned, we used to live near the Glover Park location and it was the place we constantly went back to for every occasion – family visits, grabbing a drink or brunch with friends, birthdays, you name it. It was a reliable establishment that never got so crowded that you couldn’t get in the door and could offer good food and beer.

Speaking of which, what beers do you like there?

S: For me, there are two must-haves on the Mad Fox menu in terms of beer. It starts with the Kolsch, which I could drink about ten of every time I’m there. It’s light and clean, and the beer I would recommend to the casual beer drinker. My other one that I always order is the Orange Whip IPA. It has a distinctive orange hue that conveys the citrus notes before you even take a sip. Mad Fox usually has about a dozen different beers on the menu at a given time, and there’s always something new or seasonal to try.

Any can’t miss food or beers for you?

N: Their pumpkin beer (Punkinator). I order this until it’s taken off the menu. They also have a good winter beer, Festivus Ale, and some of my other favorites include the Altbier and English Summer Ale.  Most recently I got the Lindy’s Weiss and found it super refreshing on a hot day. Something I always do though is order a sampler most notably because on Sundays they have them for $5. I like the freedom that it offers me to try multiple beers and unlike some places, there are at least 4 that I’m interested in.

I can’t mention beer though without taking a minute to mention the food. My go-to’s (though this changed since now it’s just the Falls Church location) are: the pretzel, frickles or fried pickles (I don’t even like pickles and I like these), the turkey burger because the garlic aioli is amazing, the mac and cheese if you want something warm and comforting, and any of the pizzas or salads. In GP, I had most of the offerings but Falls Church has a much more expansive menu that I haven’t conquered yet.

S: The Lindy’s Weiss is a good call. Great, light Hefeweizen style beer, that I’ve even seen on tap at some of the specialty beer stands at Nats park. Food wise I agree, it’s all about the apps. Let’s be honest, Gordon Ramsey isn’t hiding in the Mad Fox kitchen, but who doesn’t love a well done oversized pretzel with dipping sauces? I do enjoy their pizza as well.

Would you say there’s anything notable in terms of vibe or the physical location? For me, one thing that’s great about it is there’s a good amount of free parking. If you can convince someone to DD with promises of free food, it’s pretty convenient.

N: Yeah, they just have tons of space which I guess is an option when you aren’t located right in the city. They have a huge indoors but also outdoor seating which is key during the warmer months. When we were there last, I noticed tons of families which is becoming more common at breweries but not everywhere. I think that’s the unique piece about Mad Fox. They are a place for everyone from the craft beer lovers to the large families looking for a good meal.

S: I 100% agree, it gets the family friendly stamp of approval. Great beer, good food, and a laid-back pub atmosphere make Mad Fox somewhere everyone can enjoy. As a plus, even though it’s not on the metro, there’s a good amount of free parking and it’s less than a half mile off the W&OD bike trail. We recommend you stop by if you’re in the area, you may even see us there!

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Brewery Visit: Port City Brewing Company

The Flagship: Brewery Intro

They know what they’re doing at Port City Brewing Company. Winners of the 2015 GABF Small Brewery of the Year, their taproom walls are adorned with literally dozens of medals their beers have won since being founded in 2011. Their flagships­­­; Optimal Wit, Essential Pale Ale, Monumental IPA and Port City Porter­, are widely available throughout the DMV, and if you’re anything like me, they’re old friends always worth spending time with. I guess that’s how I might describe Port City’s aesthetic, like an old friend-- reliable, straight forward, and still with the delightful possibility at any given moment to rediscover again what drew you to them in the first place. Even their layout, with disarmingly odd shaped rooms covered with medals, and stickers from other breweries, is perfect to relax in like you’ve been going there for years.

Crowd Pleaser: Ambiance & Amenities

Nicole: Port City has many of the elements one would expect in a bar: TVs with the local games on, ample space, and an inviting atmosphere. The space inside has surprised me every time as it seems like new portions open each time I go. They have a large tap room in the front that features a large sticker collection which I always appreciate. During our last trip, they had a side room open that allowed you to see into the brewing operations (which is huge). My favorite place in this bar though is the back room and upstairs. First, they both have closer access to the food truck, and second, they both are more intimate spaces that don’t make you think you’re in a bar with a ton of other people. For those interested in merchandise, Port City has a lot that is easy to peruse in the front tap room and they also have 6-packs to go.

Seth: For me Port City is a real place of community gathering, despite being a bit out in the ‘burbs for city dwellers. When we last visited there was a local art exhibition, they always show local sports, and are currently advertising events partnering with local LGBT groups for the upcoming Pride month. Every time I’ve been, the taproom has been full.

Trendy Style: The Beer

Seth: You’ve probably had one of Port City’s flagships if you’re a craft beer drinker in the DMV area, as they have a strong distribution footprint, at least throughout the District and Northern VA. One of my absolute favorite warm weather/summertime local beers is the Essential Pale Ale (5.5%). It’s clear, light amber, and has a light pineapple nose with grapefruit and light citrus hop notes and a quickly dissipating bitter finish that’s so refreshing. Their much-awarded Porter (7.2%) is the Platonic ideal of porters. Robust coffee and roast with light chocolaty sweetness and a little bit of body but still light enough to have a second, it’s a must try for dark beer lovers. Port City has a rotating lager series that’s draft only and is always worth checking out. They had the Helles (5.2%) on tap, which was a nice and light, easy-drinking with bohemian biscuit-y malt character. In all, Port City’s beer is always on point and many of their creations are malt-forward in a way that distinguishes them in a unique and positive fashion.

Nicole: The part I most appreciate is their flight option. Instead of getting all of them at once or only one, they give you the power to decide with tickets. With the tickets, you get 6 tasters and can get as many or little at one time. Even better is that the tickets never expire, so if you have to leave suddenly before using them (or only want to sample one or two), you can always come back and finish off the flight. I have two favorites: Optimal Wit (Belgian White Ale, 4.9%) and Tidings (Spiced Belgian Blonde Ale, 7.8%). Unfortunately, Tidings is a seasonal beer, but Optimal Wit is always offered. Though a witbier, it has enjoyable notes reminiscent of a hefeweizen.

The One-Off: Brewery X-factor

For Port City, it comes down to consistency and reliability. No matter what beer you have at Port City, you know it’ll be good quality. It’s a great place to begin your craft beer journey because it exemplifies what craft beer can be while still allowing the beer to be accessible to a larger audience. They don’t delve too far into the hazy-plus-adjunct-in-a-barrel concoctions that can bog down the average beer drinker. I’m always excited to try the latest beer they distribute, or swing by the tap room to get my hands on the latest in their lager series because no matter what it is, if it has Port City on the label, it’ll be a good one.

[acouplebeers-blog]

Just Passing Through: Denver

I had the good fortune of a 9-hour layover in Denver on a beautiful Thursday in early April. The day was perfect high 60’s when I landed around 10:00 AM, climbing into the mid-70’s in the afternoon, with purer sunshine and blue skies than is seemingly possible on the East coast. What could one do with a surplus of time in an unfamiliar city, particularly one that is a top-five beer destination in the US? The answer, of course, is to hit a couple local breweries and check out the beer scene.

I rode the A-Line in from the airport (super-convenient) and grabbed a breakfast burrito from Illegal Pete’s (get that base layer!) then I headed for Denver Beer Co.’s Platte Street Taproom. It advantageously opened at 11:30 AM, perfect for someone who had to make the most of the middle hours of the day with a flight out in the early evening. It was a gorgeous 15-20 minute walk (sheesh, altitude though) through a park and over a bridge from the Union Station stop.

Denver Beer Co. had a great space with a patio and garage-style doors leading into the taproom, which gave it a real outdoor feel. It’s the perfect set-up to bask in the gorgeous weather and sip on a few beers. I went for a flight and sampled the flagships and a few others, and thoroughly enjoyed a full pour of the Tangerine Crush (Sour Ale, 6.3%) which was a lightly tart, refreshingly quenching beer.

Next, I went to Crooked Stave, which is in a little indoor shop space called The Source. In researching places I wanted to go, I was very happy that Crooked Stave was within reasonable distance to get to on the A-Line, as it’s one of the trendiest breweries in the area, known nationwide for their sour and wild beers. I was very glad that they offered 3oz pours of everything, which let me taste through a lot more of their menu than I otherwise would have.

As far as their sours go, they have you covered with their 15+ offerings. My favorite in that department was L’Brett d’Apricot, but the real surprise to me was how much I enjoyed the Crooked Stave IPA (6.5%) and the Colorado Wild Sage Brett Saison (7.2%). I was tipped off to the IPA by the bartender, who told me the staff drinks more of it than virtually anything on the menu. It was hazy, pale orange with a citrus bouquet on the nose and light bitter and herbal flavor on the finish. The Wild Sage Brett Saison presented the herby notes of the wild sage and lemongrass up front with a wonderfully crisp, distinctive Brett finish.

For my last stop, I went to Ratio Beer Works. It wasn’t on my initial list of places to hit, but after bartenders at both previous places recommended that I go try the “crazy good carrot saison” I had to check it out. King of Carrot Flowers (Saison, 5.9%) is a carrot juice and elderflower saison. It’s a striking deep orange and plays on the sweetness of the carrot with some pear-like notes and vanilla to deliver a really surprising and culinary facing use of an ingredient in beer. Well worth the stop. In all, a highly successful layover in Denver!

[acouplebeers-blog]

Brewery Visit: Atlas Brew Works

The Flagship: Brewery Intro

For DC drinkers, Atlas Brew Works is a distinguished presence in the distribution market. They are known for flagships District Common, Rowdy, and Ponzi, their distinctive steampunk stylized cans, and generally having a consistent quality of liquid.

Atlas is also known for their commitment to be a positive presence in the community. As of 2015, Atlas generates enough energy via solar panels to offset the amount of energy it takes to run the brewery. They have a monthly guest bartender series, allowing charities and non-profits to staff the bar on the last Sunday evening of the month and collect the tips to fundraise for their causes, oftentimes matching that amount.

One thing that isn’t talked about enough with Atlas is how great their taproom experience is. They have an extensive list of beers on tap, offering styles for everyone, and beyond having a great indoor space have an extended table outside with seating for about thirty people. It’s the perfect place to sit on a sunny day and enjoy one of their high-quality brews.

Crowd Pleaser: Ambiance & Amenities

Nicole: Before you get inside, you see a ton of outdoor seating which on a nice day is always full. The inside has an industrial feel but with a wash of sunlight streaming in through the large window over the door. There is ton of seating and the massive beer menu behind the bar is visible from almost all places inside. The menu does a great job of giving in-depth information including type of beer, IBUs (hoppiness measurement) and even what color you should expect. A cool aspect in the bar is the tap handles that look somewhat like the beer can designs displaying Atlas’ distinctive steampunk artwork.

The staff is super friendly and adept at helping you decide what you may like the most. I watched an older couple in town for the March For Our Lives describe their preferred beers to the bartender and then be given a quality recommendation. While one could say all breweries do that, these bartenders did an excellent job and gave no indication of impatience.

The best feature, as far as I’m concerned, is the outdoor seating. On a spring afternoon, it was full and more people kept joining. They have tons of tables and benches, it’s the closest seating to the food truck and you can stay with your fur friend (though I did see some inside as well). Even though the seating is right next to the road, the traffic doesn’t make the outside area loud and with the cemetery across the street, it has a peaceful atmosphere for being in the city. Each time I’ve been there has also been private parties at a few reserved tables inside and I think this is a testament to Atlas’ role as a destination in Northeast DC.

Trendy Style: The Beer

Seth: For my money, Atlas offers one of the most varied, diverse beer lists in the DMV region, and they do everything well. I am telling you, you have to go to Atlas on a sunny day, sit outside at their one-extended-table-seats-all patio area and enjoy a beer. Because you will find at least one, probably more of their beers that you’ll like.

I had a moment sitting there on one such day, enjoying a Ponzi (IPA, 7.3%) which was so fresh with more  aromatic hop character than I remembered. The taste brings a nice balance of earthy hops with a light malt backbone. Dance of Days (Pale Ale, 5.7%) was an easy-drinking pale ale with citrusy, aromatic hops and some lightly dank notes.

I was glad I did a flight of the three Commons on tap—the District Common (California Common, 5.1%), the Commoner (“Big, Bad Cal Common”, 8.5%), and the Coffee Common (California Common w/ coffee, 5.1%). They were mega-drinkable with a light bready finish, a bigger version with a smoother mouthfeel, and a great light expression of coffee in a beer that wasn’t the traditional porter or stout, respectively.

I also thoroughly enjoyed the Blood Orange Gose (4.4%), which was refreshingly understated in its tartness, had the perfect touch of salinity, and finished with a lightly dry orange flavor. Another great one for a sunny day.

Nicole: I had a flight of some of their lighter options and enjoyed all of them. The 1500 (Helles, 4.7%) is the most approachable in my opinion. Test, Test Hefeweizen (5.3%) is a classic hefeweizen but La Saison des Fetes (Farmhouse Ale, 7.1%) was something I didn’t expect. It was a lighter beer but it had some malt and a heft that you would expect from a darker beer. The District Common and variations of the beer are also very easy to drink.

The One-Off: Brewery X-factor

Paired with its atmosphere, the standout factor is the extent of their beer selections. Often when you go to craft breweries, they’ll have around 8 or so beers on tap but Atlas has around 16. This makes it super accessible for anyone wanting to drink at the brewery and allows people with specific tastes (from Pilsners to DIPAs) to have a variety of selections. It takes a truly talented brewery to consistently be able to offer the selection that they can and it contributes to the crowds that are often found here.

[acouplebeers-blog]

Brewery Visit: Old Ox Brewery

The Flagship: Brewery Intro

The Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park (WO&D Trail) is named after a 100+ year old railroad that was built to connect Eastern parts of Virginia with ports in Alexandria. Now, it is a 45-mile long trail that is within range of over 50 places to grab a beer. Some of the more well-known breweries along the path include: New District Brewing Company, Caboose Brewing, Aslin Beer Company, Lost Rhino Brewing Company, Adroit Theory Brewing, and of course, Old Ox Brewery.

Old Ox Brewery opened in 2014 with the name inspiration from Old Ox Road, one of the oldest roads in Loudoun Country and its ability to connect farmers to markets. Its their mission as well to carry on this theme within their brewery and anywhere you can enjoy their beers.  

Crowd Pleaser: Ambiance & Amenities

Nicole: We arrived here around 5:00 PM or so and it was packed. Old Ox is located right on the WO&D biking trail and is a popular spot for people to stop. They have two rooms, a tasting room and then a huge warehouse like room in the back with seating as well as the brewing equipment. When we arrived, there was no seating in the tasting area and we got one of the last tables in the warehouse part, since many of the tables were reserved for a party. Otherwise, there probably would have been more room because there is a ton of seating in the brewery. The warehouse area also had a huge screen playing basketball games which was appreciated with the number of people there since it was March Madness.

They had a food truck that looked great, but we had prepared ahead of time with dinner at Wegman’s. Unexpectedly, it was a French cuisine truck which had delicious looking poutine that I definitely would have ordered had I not just had something to eat. 

Seth: The vibe at Old Ox was pretty outdoorsy, likely due to being right off the trail. There were a ton of people in running and biking clothes stopping in for a beer, and their back warehouse space was big enough to accommodate two corn hole setups as an added bonus.

Trendy Style: The Beer

Seth: The must-try here was the just released Festivale Cherry Saison (5.5%), brewed as the official beer of the National Cherry Blossom festival in DC. It was a stunning reddish pink and had a wonderful floral aroma, underlying cherry flavor—not the fake/syrupy kind either and finished lightly dry in a very refreshing way.

Some other beers of interest were; the War Wagon Pilsner (5.3%), which was light and bright with a distinctive Saaz hop finish, the Funky Face Cherry Sour (5%), which featured tart cherry and red wine notes, and the Port Barrel Aged Sir Oxelot (Belgian Quad, 14.3%), a collaboration with Ocelot that was a very sweet, boozy, surprisingly light bodied beer with hints of the port barrels it was aged in. I also really enjoyed the Black Ox on nitro (Porter, 6%) for the wonderful creaminess imparted to provide a twist on the familiar roasty notes of a DMV region vanguard of the style.

Nicole: They had the Festivale Cherry Saison that was my favorite. It was floral and had a cherry flavor but not an overpowering cherry flavor paired with classic saison notes. We took them up on the deal of a tasting in which you keep the glass. This was probably the most beer for your money, but you could only use the glass to get one tasting at a time and I usually prefer access to a couple to compare.

The One-Off: Brewery X-factor

Location, location, location. It’s surprising that this is its X-factor being that it is about a 40-minute drive from downtown DC and in a driving dominant part of the suburbs. The one location that they are primed for is the biking trail and the number of cyclists at the brewery matched the number of non-cyclists when we were there. Of the 50+ beer establishments located within range of the WO&D trail (full listing), Old Ox is one a few that are actually on the trail. They cater to their 2-wheel patrons by having plenty of bike racks and bike equipment, such as an area to re-inflate your tires. Overall, it infused an outdoorsy and adventurous spirit into the brewery, making it the perfect spot to take a break from your bike ride or run to enjoy a beer the next time you’re in the area.

[acouplebeers-blog]

Brewery Visit: Lost Rhino Brewing Company

The Flagship: Brewery Intro

Besides trying one or two of their beers that are distributed in DC, we weren’t sure what to make of Lost Rhino going in—though with their name I was really hoping to encounter a domesticated version of the eponymous animal serving as a bartender.

Turns out, it’s a reference to surfing. As we learned on the tour, the founders went on a journey to gain inspiration before starting their business and while visiting breweries in California spent some time surfing. A Rhino Chaser is a surfer in search of that perfect, massive wave. At Lost Rhino they hope to convey their own adventurous spirit through their beer and be a part of their patrons’ exploration of the craft beer world. (BTW—take the tour if you visit, you get beer tokens, a taster glass, and can try some of beer that’s almost ready for packaging straight from a brite tank.)

Crowd Pleaser: Ambiance & Amenities

Nicole: In terms of the atmosphere, whimsical and eclectic come to mind but in a beach bar style (without the beach). Throughout the rooms there is tons of lively colors and displays of chalk art which culminates with the large, chalk beer listing featured prominently behind the bar. The whole complex is sneakily bigger than you initially think from the outside and first walking in. You enter the tasting room portion which has sightlines through to the brewing operations. The area has a good number of TVs and seating and the beer listing is large enough that you can see it clearly from most parts of the room. One of the coolest finds in the tasting room was the U.S. beer map near the water cooler. It shows craft beer hubs throughout the U.S. and though slightly outdated, it gives a good perspective of the craft beer scene.

What isn’t obvious though is that they have two additional rooms to the left that are pretty significant in size with the last one featuring a live band during prime weekend hours. Some points to note: in the second seating room, they have racks of the wine barrels they use to age some of their beers and in the same room they have a coat rack made of old tap handles. This is definitely a place that once you enter, you could spend a good portion of time moving between the different rooms.

I’m always a fan of breweries that also have kitchens and the menu at Lost Rhino features traditional bar food. They had a nice offering of sandwiches and finger foods, the pretzel being the best option (always!) and the only one we got. It may seem a little pricey to pay $11 for a soft pretzel but this was a ginormous pretzel and came with mustard and cheese and went great with the beer.

Trendy Style: The Beer

Seth: Lost Rhino is a comfortable and welcoming space to hang out for a while, so immediately I was drawn towards some of the lighter, more sessionable options. The Meridian Kolsch was bright, lightly bready, and a pretty reasonable 5% ABV. Rhino Chaser Pilsner is slightly bigger at 5.6%, but was similarly a nice, lighter style that it’s easy to drink 2 or 3 of and finishes with ­­just the lightest touch of bitterness.

Don’t be fooled, though, Lost Rhino has plenty of options ranging across varying styles such as the Winter Warrior (Winter Warmer Ale 9.5%), which had a nose and flavors similar to spices used in mulled cider combined with traditional belgian strong ale flavors. I very much enjoyed the Woody Stout (6.8%), which was aged in bourbon barrels and was on nitro, making for a deliciously smooth, roasty, boozy combination. The Icebreaker Imperial IPA (10.3%) boasted 100 IBUs but was really well balanced by the malt presence.

Nicole: I think I tried all of the beers that Lost Rhino had to offer, but my favorite by far is the Final Glide Hefeweizen (5.2%). It was light, refreshing and accessible to any type of beer drinker. Another bang for your buck was the brewery tour. If you’re someone who has a strong knowledge of brewing or has been on a lot of tours, then it probably won’t be new information, but it comes with tokens to get beer after that make the $8 cover worth it.

The One-Off: Brewery X-factor

Lost Rhino’s space is definitely its X-factor. Being located within the DC realm often means that square footage is expensive and limited but here they have room for everyone. The front bar area provides a standard bar atmosphere with access to TVs, the bar, and sightlines into the day-to-day operations. The middle room is peaceful and sheltered enough for conversation with plenty of seating even for large groups or families. The last room doubles as a venue for live music and has additional seating. Lost Rhino is able to offer several different “bar experiences” in one spot, without sacrificing quality, or ever feeling like it’s not its own distinct thing. The beach vibe, chalk-board art, music-inspired aesthetic brings it all together to create a uniquely Lost Rhino experience.

[acouplebeers-blog]

Brewery Visit: Flying Dog Brewery

The Flagship: Brewery Intro

If you’re aware of craft beer in the state of Maryland, chances are you’ve encountered Flying Dog. They’re known for their “Good Beer, No Shit” aesthetic, Ralph Steadman art, and pushing the envelope in the free speech realm in the name of their gonzo, cowboy self-perception. 

For those of us who first discovered craft beer in the greater DC region, it’s a safe bet that you have had a fridge full of Snake Dog, Raging Bitch, or Gonzo at some point. Flying Dog is exactly the type of brand and beer to underscore the difference between big beer’s attempts to please everyone and really dialing into a product that speaks to a large group of people in a unique way.

Flying Dog is the big name in the underrated craft brewing hotspot of Frederick. Though not located within the main street area, Flying Dog has a relatively large operation just about 10 minutes driving from downtown.

Crowd Pleaser: Ambiance & Amenities

Nicole: As one of the most well-known breweries in Maryland, I had high expectations going into this brewery. On a late Saturday afternoon, it was packed despite it being a NFL Saturday and no access to TVs with a generally young crowd. Unlike some breweries that have multiple rooms, Flying Dog’s indoor space is one ginormous room which can contribute to the feeling of crowd energy and somewhat increase the overall volume.

One of the strong points for Flying Dog was its outdoor space. Though we didn’t spend much time out there because it was so cold, they had tons of seating and some brave souls congregating around the fire pits. I could see this as the perfect atmosphere for summer evenings and it gives the brewery almost double the space to host patrons.

As a big brewery, I had some expectations that they would have amazing food. Even though Flying Dog didn’t have a kitchen, they do pair with local food trucks to supplement. The Roasthouse Pub food truck was a great pairing of food with some beer. We partook in the tater tots/waffle fries option and it was a great snack to have while drinking. Also, they were delivering directly to tables inside of the brewery which was a huge plus given the freezing temps. 

Seth: There was a palpable energy in the taproom, from the warmth provided by the bigger beers to the close quarters of a busy Saturday afternoon. Some people were definitely feeling loose. The Ralph Steadman art on the walls proudly overlooked the semi-controlled frenzy of interaction. (Also-- I would 100% go back now that it’s warmer just to have the opportunity to chill on the patio.)

Trendy Style: The Beer

Seth: A lot of things on the menu were big beers, often clocking in at the 7 or 8+ percentage range. They had all the classics on tap that are distributed in the greater DMV region, but also some seasonals, “Brewhouse Rarities”, and limited beers that make the trip there worthwhile even for those who are familiar with their regular lineup. 

There were a few standouts for me. The Smoked Sour (wheat ale, 5.6%) was refreshing with some acidic fruit flavors-- think kiwi or pineapple-- and was a good contrast to some of the bigger beers. The St. Eadman (Abbey Ale, 8.7%) was a big, boozy belgian which paired very nicely with the greasier food from the Roasthouse truck. The Sweet & Smoky Stout (7.1%) had a burnt caramel nose and a complex, engaging interplay of malt and smokiness. The Secret Stash (Fresh Hop Harvest Ale, 5.5%) had a citrus/pineapple nose and was a fizzy, hazy, refreshing beer.

Nicole: Overall as someone who isn’t a fan of IPAs and dark beers, Flying Dog was a tough place for me to drink. I eventually settled on the Numero Uno (Agave Cerveza, 4.9%), though. 

The One-Off: Brewery X-factor

The X-factor here has to be the Flying Dog brand and the complete synergy of execution in expressing the underlying philosophy. Flying Dog is unapologetic in the way that it presents its ethos and that can either make you an instant fan or rub you the wrong way, take it or leave it.

Whereas many breweries try to create an aesthetic, or name their beers thematically, Flying Dog is wildly successful in harmonizing all aspects. Many of the beers are big and flavorful, the atmosphere can border on frenzy, and the distinctive art and branding gestures all come together. It’s certainly a ride worth taking and if you’re not careful you may end up a die-hard fan.

[acouplebeers-blog]

The List of Breweries We Have Visited

For those of you that are curious, or just to establish a little credibility, here’s a list of the breweries we have been to:

 District of Columbia

3 Stars Brewing Company

Atlas Brew Works

Bardo Beer

Bluejacket

Capitol City Brewing Company

DC Brau

District Chophouse and Brewery

Hellbender Brewing Company

Right Proper Brewing Company

The Public Option

Maryland

7 Locks Brewing

Attaboy Beer

Brookville Beer Farm

Denizens Brewing Co.

Flying Dog Brewing

Manor Hill Brewing

Monocacy Brewing Company

Saints Row Brewing Company

Waredaca Brewing Company

New York

Brooklyn Brewery

Fairport Brewing Co.

Transmitter Brewing

Triphammer Brew Works

WhichCraft Brews

North Carolina

Front Street Brewery

Good Hops Brewing

Ironclad Brewery

Oregon

Deschutes Brewery

Ecliptic Brewing

Widmer Brothers Brewing

Pennsylvania

Church Brew Works

Collusion Tap Works

Fat Heads Saloon

Fury Brewing Company

Grist House

Hofbrauhaus Pittsburgh

Iron Hill Brewery

Quinn Brewing Company

Virginia

Ardent Craft Ales

Aslin Beer Company

Champion Brewing

Heritage Brewing Co.

Home Republic

Lost Rhino Brewing Company

Mad Fox Brewing Company

Old Ox Brewery

Port City Brewing Company

Portner Brew House

The Veil Brewing Co.

Triple Crossing Brewing Company

Vasen Brewing

Wasserhund Brewing Company

Washington

Fremont Brewing

Pike Brewing Company

[acouplebeers-blog]

Brewery Visit: Attaboy Beer

The Flagship: Brewery Intro

Attaboy Beer is about an hour drive from Washington D.C. in Frederick, Maryland-- one of the state’s beer hotspots­. Sitting on the beautiful canal path, Attaboy Beer is an easy stop to add to a day of exploration in downtown Frederick. This is the first of three breweries we visited on our weekend trip to Frederick in late January, the others being Flying Dog and Monocacy.

We had never tried any Attaboy beers prior to visiting­—they’ve only been open since early 2017 and don’t distribute around DC as far as we can tell. It’s always exciting to go into a brewery experience knowing very little and let the place speak for itself.

Crowd Pleaser: Ambiance & Amenities

Nicole: Attaboy has a homey neighborhood bar feel. Its interior is modern and industrial but doesn’t feel cold or impersonal. There is a ton a seating and even though we went at the same time as a Frederick brewery tour, it wasn’t over crowded.  There are windows into their operation area which allows you to see the inner workings of the brewery without going on a tour. Casual 90’s hits playing in the background were much appreciated and the large TVs made it so that almost any seat in the house has a view of the big game. They have board games and even a shuffle board.

Trendy Style: The Beer

Seth: We started with samplers­—three 5 oz. tasters for six dollars, not a bad deal. They have a great menu board above the bar which gives the traditional style/ABV information but also includes some tasting notes.

Standouts for me were the Fredhead Red IPA, clocking in at 7% (their biggest beer), which had a light pine nose, smoky/malty interplay with copious pine, and finished with a dull bitter. The Creek Life Medusa Extra Pale Ale (5.6%) was well balanced, slightly leaning towards the hop end of things. You’re a Peach (saison, 5.6%) had a peppery note up front and gave way to dry peach. It paired perfectly with a spicy mozzarella pasta salad that we had brought along.

Nicole: The taster holder was one of the coolest I have seen. It falls somewhere between an old milk carton/tiny open toolbox and is an easy, non-messy way to carry it from the counter to your seat. My must-try beers were; Sporto (grisette, 4.3%) the best of the lighter beers, You’re a Peach (saison, 5.6%), and Lunch Break (patersbier, 4.2%) which had heavier malt flavors for a lighter beer.

Seth: A father and son on the Frederick breweries tour told us they preferred the beer at Flying Dog, but the atmosphere at Attaboy. The beer here, they said, wasn’t as flavorful. We respectfully disagreed—sure if you’re looking for a more maximalist style like a barley wine or a big double-IPA, Attaboy may not be your brewery of choice. But if you’re looking for a sessionable pale ale or grisette, or even are happy with something in the 6% range, Attaboy has plenty of offerings worthy of your time.

Like many craft breweries, Attaboy didn’t serve food of its own but rather pairs with local food trucks. In this case, we brought our own food. Even though we didn’t taste anything from the food truck, it looked delicious and was ordered by many at the bar. One of my biggest concerns when going to a brewery is how to ask for water without being awkward. Thankfully, Attaboy has water and glasses out so you can serve yourself.

The One-Off: Brewery X-factor

Attaboy does a great service in allowing their patrons to dictate their experience. There’s great music, but it isn’t too loud to have a conversation. There are TVs visible from most places in the bar, but it doesn’t feel like a “sports bar” per se. There’s shuffleboard and board games but ultimately how you spend your time relaxing at Attaboy is up to you. You could bring a date here, or you could bring your kids. Even the range of beer is welcoming to everyone, with light and sessionable options. The beauty of Attaboy is that it can be whatever you want it to be while enjoying local craft beer.

[acouplebeers-blog]

The Couple Who Beers

Hello world – we’re launching our site! This is an ongoing journey of a beer drinking couple as we “hop” around the DC scene searching for some good brews and a homey atmosphere. We’ll try to post a few times a month to give you insights into the DMV beer scene that can persuade your Saturday night adventure or complement your next DC trip.

How did our adventure begin? We had a pilgrimage to the Northwest US, specifically Portland and Seattle, that was initially just two bucket list destinations but turned into a beer exploration. While on vacation, we experienced breweries unlike what we had ever imagined and knew that it was something we wanted to continue exploring once we got home.

 About the authors:

Seth (beer nerd, homebrewer) – I subsisted on PBR tallboys throughout much of college with little curiosity for anything beyond. Then I cultivated a love of Guinness as the unofficial-official drink for Premier League fans, and a roommate introduced me to Sierra Nevada Torpedo, which knocked my socks off. Our weekish-long journey to Seattle and Portland in Fall 2016 solidified fully my burgeoning love of beer and visiting breweries, and I haven’t looked back since.

Nicole (soft pretzels’ #1 fan, principal photographer) – I didn’t start to like beer until I started drinking ones other than Bud Light and the equivalents. Though I have become somewhat adventurous in the types I like, I am by no means on trend with the sours, stouts and or IPAs. I enjoy going to breweries because the provide a neighborhood feel that is sometimes lost in chain restaurants in addition to unique setups and a variety of food.  

Together we have been to 52 breweries and counting…

We look forward to drinking with you!