Acceptable DC area watering holes

[MeridianFC]

The be all and end all list. To be updated from time to time. Probably.

WASHINGTON DC & ENVIRONS

The Brickskeller
1523 22nd Street NW
Washington, DC 20037
(202)293-1885
http://www.thebrickskeller.com/
Metro: Dupont Circle (Red Line), five minute walk

The original DC institution. 800-1000 bottle beers from all over the world. There's a basement level and a 1st floor. The 1st floor has a modest, though soon to be expanding, selection of drafts but is only open at weekends, though I understand this too may change. Host beer dinner/lectures/etc.

Though the pub seems a bit run down in places, there is no doubt that this is still the DC beer bar. They were first and though lagging in drafts, they more than make up for it with a who's who (sometimes a where's where) of world brewing. Be warned there often out of things, which is to be expected when you're running a list nearly 1K large. Have some backup in mind when you order.

The menu is standar pub/bar food with the specialty being the perogies or the buffalo burger.

Draft List: tba (sometimes cask beer)
Bottles: too many to list

updated 15 March 2005

Regional Food & Drink
810 7th Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202)28-2030
http://www.rfdwashington.com/
Metro: Gallery Place/MCI (Red Line), 2 minute walk

Same ownership as the Brickskeller but with the emphasis on draft beer. The atmosphere leaves something to be desired and the food is terrible. The beer, well they've got you there. This area can be a madhouse during basketball & hockey season (or concerts) owing to its proximity to the MCI Center. Great drinking area though. Host beer dinner/lectures/etc.

Draft List: tba (usually 1-2 cask beers)
Bottles: too many to list

updated 15 March 2005

District Chophouse
509 7th Street NW
Washington, DC 20004
(202)347-3434
http://www.chophouse.com/RockBottomWeb/CH/index.aspx?PageName=/RockBottomWeb/Controls/Location/DisplayLocationCH.ascx&SectionName=Root.Washington&LocationID=10092
Metro: Gallery Place/MCI (Red Line), 2 minute walk

Part of the Rock Bottom empire on the upscale side. The food is very good but pricey. The interior is 1920-30s, dark wood, old photos on the wall, etc.. Typical joint for cigars and huge hunks of meat. The beers are solid, with the bourbon stout on cask being a standout.

Draft List: Amber, Oatmeal Stout, Nut Brown, Bourbon Stout (cask), seasonals, more tba
Bottles: tba

updated 15 March 2005

The Reef
2446 18th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202)518-3800
http://www.thereefdc.com/index.html
Metro: Woodley Park/Zoo/Adams-Morgan (Red Line) 20 minute walk (you can take the Adams-Morgan link bus); Columbia Heights (Green Line) is also an option.

3 Level Adams-Morgan extravaganza with real fish tanks on the middle level. No bottles at all but an impressive and ever changing draft list. Cask Thursdays fall-spring, but call to check availability.

Draft List: Fordham Helles, DeKonninck, Chimay, Old Dominion Irish Stout, Allagash White, Eggenberger Pils, Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA, Otter Creek Stovepipe Porter, Yeungling Lager, and one crap macro which shall remain nameless. More TBA
Bottles: None

updated 15 March 2005

coming soon:

Franklins Brewery & Restaurant
5123 Baltimore Avenue
Hyattsville, MD
(301)927-2740
no web
Metro: closest station is maybe PG Plaza or College Park (Green Line), that said neither are really close. This is a drive or cab from Metro if you don't want to figure out the bus (82 from Rhode Island Ave Station; Red Line)

A bit off the beaten path, on Route 1 between Mt. Ranier and College Park, but worth the trouble to visit. This newish Maryland brewpub is built in the space that used to be Franklin's Hardware store. They still maintain a wee shop connected to the brewpub, with a good selection of micros and imports as well as candy, toys, cards, knick knacks, etc.

The restaurant is two levels, the top being the "bar" level, where smoking is permitted. The food is decent to very good depending on what you pick. I like the Bar-b-q. The joint is very family friendly, some have said too much so. Being a new dad it doesn't bother me at all.

Now to the beer. The brews tend towards the American intepretation of British styles with several variations on the Pale Ale, IPA theme. Brewer Charles Noll does try the occasional Oktoberfest or Belgian Double, but the flagshikp ESB and ultra hoppy Anarchy Ale is where he shines. Style purists will go crazy, but those beerhounds with an eye towards the funky, a little bit off kilter, and yes even extreme will be well pleased. The beers aren't perfect but in a way that makes them perfect, if you get my drift.

Firkin every Friday.

Draft List: ESB, Anarchy Ale, Double Vision, Twisted Turtle Pale Ale, (tba)
Bottles: Tba

updated 22 March 2005

Rock Bottom
Bethesda, MD

Rock Bottom
VA

Founders
Alexandria, VA

Big Hunt
Washington, DC

Matchbox
Washington, DC

Cap City New York Avenue
Washington, DC

Cap City Postal
Washington, DC

Cap City VA
VA

Old Dominion Brewing Co.
Ashburn, VA

Bedrock Billiards
Washington, DC

John Harvard's
Washington, DC

Gordon Biersch
900 F Street NW
Washington, DC 20004
(202)783-5454
Metro: Gallery Place/MCI Center (Red Line). Archives/Navy Memorial (Yellow Line) and Metro Center (Red Line) are not that far away either.

Part of the chain of German beer inspired brewpubs. I'd been critical of their brews, or I guess not critical just less than enthusiastic in the past. Oh, the beer had struck me as solid, but being a snob about the Bararian style of things with the rich malty (bring on the Munich malt) these beers struck me as too tame. I've really come around lately and have waxed poetic on the Schwarzbier, which I understand has graduated from seasonal to regular.

This is located in the hopping (no pun intended) downtown corridor near MCI which features some pretty good beer drinking even if it is a bit (ok a lot) touristy. The brewpub is inside an old Riggs bank. While technically separate it's connected to the Courtyard Marriott at the same location.

As has been stated the theme is German, without an obvious regional bias. They've had Marzen and Dortmund styles side by side. They follow the Reinheitsgebot for you purists out there. The only disappointment is the Golden Export which is firmly in the "training wheels" category. The seasonal bocks are excellent but be warned, you'll be crawling home and howling at the moon after a few. Or so I've heard. Ahem.

The food is decent and moderately priced. They do get a bit adventerous, at times a bit beyond their abilities, but there are some real good eats on the menu.

Draft Line: Marzen, Hefeweizen, Golden Export, Schwarzbier, Blonde Bock, seasonals (Oktoberfest, Maibock, Winterbock, etc.)
Bottles: Dunno, who'd drink bottles at a joint like this.

Updated 29 March 2005

Angles
2339 18th Street NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202)462-8100
http://personal.boo.net/~tdi/barlist/angles.htm
Metro: Woodley Park/Zoo/Adams-Morgan (Red Line) 20 minute walk (you can take the Adams-Morgan link bus); Columbia Heights (Green Line) is also an option.

This small seemingly rundown bar sits just down the street from the Reef in amongst the Adams-Morgan crowds. A beat up pool table and respectable jukebox as well as half price burgers on Mon-Wed. make it more than a worthwhile stop. The draft lines are fairly middle of the road, but a decent selection of bottles are on offer. The nod is slightly towards Belgians.

Food can be ordered from the delightful Little Fountain menu (the more upscale bistro downstairs).

Draft List: Guinness, Bass, macro swill, tba
Bottles: Saison Dupont, Fraoch Heather Ale, tba

updated 23 March 2005

Marx Cafe
3203 Mt. Pleasant Street NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202)518-7600
no web
Metro: Columbia Heights Station; 15-20 minute walk

Small neighborhood bar much loved by the rabble rousing lefties of Mt. Pleasant. Even left of center such as myself enjoy it. There's music most nights after 10pm which can be great or terrible, it's usually too loud. That said some nights it's worth it to get your roots, rock or reggae on. Call to see what's going on first. First rate draft selection with much of the usual suspects in the bottle, though the appearance of two Russian beers will amuse. Correct glassware for most brews.

Draft List: Jever Pils, Dentergems Wit, Guinness, DeKonninck, Chimay
Bottles: tba (IIRC nothing to write home about)

updated 22 March 2005

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[chazwicke]

Coming soon:

Sweetwater Tavern-Centreville,Merrifield, Sterling

Thoroughbreads - Leesburg

Tuscarora Mill - Leesburg

Vienna Inn - Vienna

Dr. Dremo - Arlington

[MeridianFC]

Updated a few.

Can we get this stickied?

[chazwicke]

I have a website for the Reef

http://www.thereefdc.com/index.html

[MeridianFC]

Good catch, I've added it. Funny Brian never mentioned anything to me about that.

Miller Lite
For those who disdain orthography and zymurgy

I love that bit.

[chazwicke]

LOL. Yep that's good. I was considering stopping by the Reef this Thursday evening for the cask as I have to pick my son up at Union Station. And he could drive home. But then I read the little prep kit that I have for my IVP Friday morning. No drinking for me that night. Unless I decide to bag the whole IVP because of the stuff I'm supposed to do in prep. for it. :(

[zoom6zoom]

I think I'd rather drink... I've had IVP's twice... the second time I had a horrible allergic reaction to the dye. No fun that.

[chazwicke]

I hope this is not too personal but were you required to "cleanse your bowels". I have this damn prep kit that is laxative. I can't see where that part of the anatomy has anything to do with kidneys. I am not pleased about this.:mad:

[MeridianFC]

BALTIMORE & ENVIRONS

Last Chance Saloon
Columbia, MD

Brewer's Art
1106 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410)-547-6925
http://www.belgianbeer.com/

A spectacular brewpub and beer bar with a very nice restaurant to boot. The surroundings are something else, the establishment being built in an old victorian rowhouse, a rather large one it must be said. There's two levels, with the "ground" floor being the restuarant and the basement being more saloon like. Actually it's a bit like drinking in one of Edgar Allen Poe's cellars. Nice albeit spooky. In a good way. There's a happy hour early (they don't open till 4pm all days except Sunday when they open at 5pm).

The emphasis, obviously, is on Belgian beers though there is a nod to the British Isles. The house brewed Ozzy is a tripple/Duvel/? - like golden ale clocking in at 7.25%abv (who carries their abvs out to the hundredths?), the Resurrection, 7%abv, is a Abbey Dubel style brew. Both can be found a a few select outlets in Baltimore city. To cater to those who have some interest in being able to walk, the make a House Pale Ale and a delicious Proletary Ale, which exist in the dark world somewhere to the right of Guinness, further from brown ale, and a stone's throw from dark mild.

Draft Lines: House Pale Ale, Ozzy, Resurrection, Proletary Ale, many seasonals (Ceberus Tripel, St. Festivus, etc.) plus guests tba
Bottles: Extensive list check web site

updated 23 March 2005

Wharf Rat Camden Yards
Baltimore, MD

Wharf Rat Fell's Point
Baltimore, MD

Max's on Broadway
737 South Broadway
Baltimore, MD 21231
(410)675-6297
http://www.maxs.com/main.htm

Simply astounding beer list. I'll go out on a limb and say it might be the best from here down to Richmond. It may even do some of Manhattan's beer rooms in. The downstairs has tons of tvs all turned to sports of some stripe and the college rock is oft times played a skull crushingly loud volumes, but I have just discovered the wonders of the upstairs. It's completely from another era, red leather paddded chairs, drink nooks, dark wood, and blessedly quieter (sans tv too) than downstairs. The rock gets played but it's definitely easier to handle. For some reason the upstairs sees less traffic too. If you get there early enough on a weekend, the only time it's open, you might even have the space to yourself. There is a service bar upstairs but with a significantly smaller selection (14 taps v. 60 downstairs). There's a smaller version of the bottle selection too (downstairs is far too large to list). Be warned the cigar selling station is upstairs.

On all of my trips to Max's the staff has been very friendly and in most cases fairly knowledgeable, though they're preference is to shoot the sh*t with the host of regulars. This is not a knock at all, it makes the place surprisingly homey, which you might not expect to look at the joint.

As for the beer, rare and very hard to find specialties rub shoulders with macro swill in a what can only be described as beer democracy in action. Monk's Sour Flemish Red, and Heavy Seas Small Craft Warning sitting next to Becks and Bud Light. You betcha hon. Two beer engines which seem to both always be in service. FWIW the cask beer has always been in good nick when I've been there.

A must for visits to the Balt-DC corridor.

Draft List: To long to list; they actually keep their wesite beer list very up to date, I'd guess daily.
Bottle List: You have to just eyeball what's behind the counter. I'd guess 300, maybe more. Lots of rare finds.

updated 22 March 2005

Idle Time
Baltimore, MD

Racer's
Baltimore, MD

Sean Bolan's
1236 South Light Street
Baltimore, MD
http://www.seanbolans.com/

Small, narrow pub on Light Street in Federal Hill. As you would expect by the name it is an Irish pub, without having the "off the shelf" Irish decorations. Extremely friendly wait and bar staff ready to answer any questions. Evidently this is the largest Guinness seller in the Baltimore region. This is definately a beer bar.
Beer selection: Usually Irish selection with a Red from VA (Old Dom.?) Other beers: Tetley' Bitter, Lancaster Hop Hog, Hoegaarden, a Lindeman's Peche and Hefeweizen, many more. Yeungling was closest to macro. Many bottles.

Firkin/Gravity: York Dark City, had been on since Thursday (6 days) just had a sample, didn't want a whole pint
Cask/Engine: Taps on Wednesdays

Overall, a great little pub. The staff is excedingly friendly, samples are not only poured but discussed. Food is above average, apparently they are looking for a new chef.

DaveG

SEAN BOLANS R.I.P. 2005

--------

I agree with Dave's assesment. This a great, cozy boozer without too much of that "oh we're Oirish, faith and beggorah" b.s. -MFC

Draft Lines: Guinness, Harp, Bass, Hoegaarden, Brewer's Art Resurrection, Sierra Nevada, Boddingtons, Stella Artois, Yeungling, Lindeman's Framboise & Peche, Magner's Irish Cider
Bottles:

[i]updated 30 March 2005

[MeridianFC]

Apparently there's a cap on the number of characters in a post so I'll have to break up the main one into smaller more manageable bits.

Added a couple more.

[vampire53]

are venues on here only because of their beer selection? if so ignore the following:
the best place for a pint in DC is Flannagan's. it's what all bars should strive to be; friendly, live music 4-5 days a week, a good mixed crowd and great pub grub. Of course this is just my opinion.

[zoom6zoom]

Chaz, answered your question via PM as to not derail the topic!

[Wit Memo Jeff]

Dear Meridian,

Thank you for your interesting and informative posts.

Just one request: in assessing watering holes, could you consider noting the kind of glassware available? That is, does a bar serve beer in specialty beer glassware other than standard bar pints and mugs? Just a fetish of mine.

Thanks -Jeff

[MeridianFC]

Vampire, I'm just putting things on the list that I think a beer traveler would be interested in experiencing. In most cases this will mean 1. brewpub or brewery, 2. extensive beer list, 3. small but high quality beer list, 4. unique beer drinking opportunity/rare selections, 5. decent beer but highly excpetional environment. I'm sort of trying to put myself in the mindset of if I was visiting this area for the first time where would I really want to drink. There are some great bars, ones that I frequent, that I haven't put on the list (yet) because they're not going to be of as much interest to someone from elsewhere seeking this type of informtion. I'll probably get around to "decent watering holes" later. I'd try to be thorough but there are only so many hours in a day.

WMJ, if it's worth noting I'll do it. As I'm sure you realize correct glassware is fairly rare and I'm inclined to give more play to the beer/pub. If some place's glassware really stands out (check out Marx Cafe) then I'll note it.

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by zoom6zoom
Chaz, answered your question via PM as to not derail the topic!

Got it. Thanks!

[chazwicke]

Just bumping / publicizing this thread so we can see just who we have in our region:


http://www.realbeer.com/discussions/showthread.php?threadid=6730

[MeridianFC]

A few more updates and tweeked some entries. It's getting a bit unwieldy and hard to read so I might try reformatting or breaking the posts up even further.

[MeridianFC]

Dave G comes through with a review of Sean Bolan's (I cleaned it up slightly Dave).

[chazwicke]

Thanks for your work on this thread. It will be useful. I find that my travels would be better if some of the area's I have come through had more info available.

[chazwicke]

Just keeping this thread going. Anyone want to add any?

[Chris1stva]

Question about Vienna Inn. I live up the street but have never been in. Worth it? I have heard about the chilli dogs, and have heard that they have decent beer, but not much else.

[chazwicke]

Vienna Inn is legendary. Winner of many best local dive contests. The chili Dogs and mac are good. I have not been in a long time but in the late 70s and early 80s I went often. They were starting to carry lots of micro bottles and it is still one of the best places to buy kegs. They have a decent selection. When I worked in the Tysons area and lived in FFX City I went there often. You used to order lunch and were on the honor system to pay. You went to the register and told them what you had. You were likely to be accosted when you ordered by Mike or Molly. But in a good natured way. The place was always packed. Mike Abraham converted the Inn from an ice cream stand back in the sixties. Is was a local hangout with no pretensions. Mike and Molly were good to and for the town of Vienna. I think it is now owned by a son. I also remember some of the characters who have worked there such as Jake and Lucille. The Vienna Inn has a special place in my heart. It is a dive but it is an icon and your question has made me want to stop back in some evening. I think it has been about 5 years since I was last in there.

[Chris1stva]

Cool. I'll have to check it out then. Tried to go once, but they close early on Sunday, or at least did that day.

[chazwicke]

Bump

[Chris1stva]

What are your thoughts on Ned's? They have 2 locations, one in Herndon, one in Fairfax City.

I have been moderatly pleased in the past. Not enough beers on tap to be considered a beer bar, but at least a better variety that most places have.

The food has been ok when I have gone, but never spectacular.

It's been a while since I've been.

[chazwicke]

I have not been to either location. The one in Herndon has a great Indian restaurant near it. The FFX location has been many bars and restaurants over the years. Nothing seems to last there very long. It used to be a watering hole for us title jocks back when we all worked in the court house. I'll have to check them both out.

[chazwicke]

I have always though Fairfax City needed a good beer bar or even better, a brewpub. Parking is always difficult though.

[Chris1stva]

Couldn't agree more. Fairfax City wants to be like Alexandria, and a decent beer place would help.
Neds has a respectable selection, worth a visit if in the area, but not a special trip.

[D0nc0smic]

hey i'm new here and i'm surprised that nobody has mentioned the Lost Dog cafe in Arlington. It's a little expensive but they usually have around 10 beers on tap and more bottles than i can count, last time i was ther they had bottles from 37 countries.

[chazwicke]

Welcome to the boards! Another local is always welcome. I forgot all about Lost Dog! I think Arlington has a couple of other places as well. What comes to mind?

[Chris1stva]

I have Lost Dog on my list of places to visit. I have heard good things about the food, too.

[Theakston]

Originally posted by chazwicke
Welcome to the boards! Another local is always welcome. I forgot all about Lost Dog! I think Arlington has a couple of other places as well. What comes to mind?

I've always enjoyed the Galaxy Hut, nice beer selection, small funky bar - nice contrast to the rest of Clarendon.

Boulevard wood grill (Wilson Blvd - Clarendon) has an ever expanding list to go with pretty decent food.

Hard Times usually has a few good brews - in fact we are going there this Thursday for a beer tasting.
(17 beers and all you can eat Hard Times food for $30 each!)

[Chris1stva]

That's a pretty good deal. Which Hard Times is that at?

[chazwicke]

I think he is going to Clarendon. I usually end up at the Herndon location. All of the Hard times were having tastings this month. I forgot about that. I love the Texas Chili.

http://www.hardtimes.com/

[Chris1stva]

Darn, the Herndon event was yesterday. I work in Herndon, so that would have been perfect. Oh well.

[YamahaXS]

Thanks Meridian

I've created a little map of the part of Downtown I'll be visiting soon. Attached**** in case any one wants it.

It has these pubs marked on it:
Brickskeller
RFD
District Chophouse
Gordon Biersh


I could update it if people want to add others.

****SEE NEW VERSION BELOW

[chazwicke]

Capitol City is relatively close to the RFD/Chophouse/GB. It is at 11th and New York Ave I think.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn?node=cityguide/profile&id=796047

It is in the old Bus station. Easy walk from the other three.

If you know when you will be free Possibly we could meet up.

Also the exhibit "No temperance in it..." Woodrow Wilson, The Prohibition Amendment and Brewing in DC is opening today (Oct. 27) At the Woodrow Wilson House (2340 S Street, NW) a short walk from the Brickskeller 2340 S Street, NW

I have some items on loan to this exhibit. The rest of the exhibit will be opening in mid November at the Heurich mansion / Brewmasters castle near Dupont Circle.

[chazwicke]

I have heard nothing about John Harvards recently, Is it still open and brewing?

[YamahaXS]

too bad you can't edit attach images...


new version with Capitol City

[chazwicke]

Want to add this one too?

John Harvards Brew House

1299 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington, D.C. 20004
tel 202-783-2739
fax 202-783-2745
Hours of operation:
Mon-Thurs: 11:30 am - 11:00 pm
Fri: 11:30 am - Midnight
Sat: Noon - Midnight
Sun: 3:00 pm - 10:00 pm

[YamahaXS]

sure... will do tomorrow when i get into the office.


Looks like Sunday will be a good time for me to hit a few of these places...PM me if you want to try to meet up.

[YamahaXS]

Version 3

[neelyjr1]

Its funny but I never really realized that my office is surronded by beer. Amazing the difference a map can make.

[YamahaXS]

Originally posted by neelyjr1
Its funny but I never really realized that my office is surronded by beer. Amazing the difference a map can make.

You work at the white house?

[neelyjr1]

No, I work on 13th and G. Almost right in the middle of all of the beer. Too many gates between me and beer if I worked in the White House.

[hominid]

Big thanks to Meridian for the extensive pub notes. I've printed 'em out and stashed 'em with my Metro map. And thanks to YamahaXS for the beer map. Most helpful.

A quick question: I'll be getting into my hotel in, sadly, Vienna about 7 p.m. tomorrow. Would it be worthwhile, travel-wise, to Metro into DC for a short pub crawl? That is, am I going to spend more time sitting on a train than drinking?

[Insidious Rex]

On a saturday? I think it would be well worth it. You are just a 25 minute ride down the orange line to downtown (Metro Center from where you could walk or you could transfer upstairs to the red line and go the last stop to China Town). And the night will still be young by the time you get there. Just be sure you can get back from Vienna once you get back out of town.

Check out the metro map by going to http://www.wmata.com/metrorail/systemmap.cfm for a better idea of where each stop is.

[chazwicke]

Hominid, I'd offer to meet up but I'm at the beach this weekend. You'll find some decent beers and that should make the trip worth it.

[hominid]

Appreciate the thought, chazwicke, but no worries. Looking forward to doing a bit of beer exploring. I figure I'll head to the beer zone below the convention center and see what I can find.

[YamahaXS]

howdy from DC!

I stopped by Capitol City Brewing and RFD tonight. Had the Pale Ale at Capitol, and a Maudite and a DFH Brown at RFD. good stuff all of it. the Maudite was my favorite, followed by the brown and then the Pale. Oh, and I had a burger and fries and 5 Guys.

I'll be going to bed soon, but I'll update as soon as I hit the Brickskeller which will hopefully be tommorow night.

Cheers and Beers
Jeff

[YamahaXS]

Here's the beers I had at the Brickskeller:

DFH Chicory Stout
Kappitel Abt Ale
Saranac Pale Ale
St. Bernardus abt 12
Rochfort 6


All excellent brews! The brick was a great place to drink.


Cheers,
Jeff

[chazwicke]

The Brick is indeed a great place to drink and holds a special place in my heart as it was there 30 years ago that I started on my beer discovery journey. Yamaha, I'm sorry I missed you. Next time! Tomorrow night I hope to meet up with a couple of Realbeer locals and Threecb at about 6:30. Any other Realbeer folks want to join us?

[Theakston]

New brewer at Rock Bottom ----- certainly looks like an improvement so far. The last guy had an obsession with wheat beers and generally seemed to be flavour averse (They don't all need to be hop monsters but they tended to be a tad insipid - or is it just my jaded palate as he maintained?)

Last night had some (rather too much truth be told) of the new brewers second batch - an Imperial Stout. (9.5 ABV - in pints *ouch* my head hurts!)

Have heard good reports of his Pils and the IPA is tasting better than ever. Had the chance to talk to the new brewer and he certainly seems passionate about his brews. I have the feeling we will be going there more often from now on!

[chazwicke]

He is Dean Lake, formerly of Thoroughbreds in Leesburg. And the beers out there are improving too. Theakston, are you going to the tasting at RFD tomorrow night. I think Dean is brinking his Imperial Stout. It is the 2nd night of the Winter beers tasting and some good beers will be there. I'm headed down. Any other Realbeer folks comming? Anyone go last night?


Thursday December 15th

Founders - Barbara Gerovac - Weizenbock
Sweetwater - Greg Gerovac - Double Weizenbock
Starr Hill - Mark Thompson - The Gift
Brewers Art - Volker Stewart - St Festivfus
Capital City Baltimore - Smoked Oat Porter
Rams Head Fordham - Jim Sobczak - Calivator Doppelbock
Rock Bottom Ballston - Dean Lake - Men in Black Imperial Stout
DuClaw - Jim Wagner - 2002 Russian Imperial Porter
Old Dominion - Favio Garcia - Dominion Winter Brew

Legend - John Wampler



Ticket ordering information.

Tickets for this event are $30 and can be reserved with a credit card by calling 202-289-2030

[Theakston]

Originally posted by chazwicke
He is Dean Lake, formerly of Thoroughbreds in Leesburg. And the beers out there are improving too.

Good to know. I'm glad he's brewing at my local.

Theakston, are you going to the tasting at RFD tomorrow night.

Sadly no:( Sounds like a good night. Don't think I can get away with 2 school night tastings in one week though. Even at Christmas. Be sure and post a report if you go!

[MeridianFC]

I'd been asked some questions about this from one of the restaurant writers here at work so I thought it might be about time to revisit this. Anyone care to help update?

[TedE]

Well, Birreria Paradiso is an obvious addition. Has Bar Pilar been mentioned here yet? Small but better than average tap selection (always seem to have one of the Heavy Seas beers on rotation)