DC Area Beer Happenings?

[chazwicke]

Well it seems that I'm going to have a free weekend starting tomorrow through Monday. My DC Beer emails have been sporadic and I have not been able to open some of them. (I don't know if it is my problem or theirs.) Anyway, What is going on beerwise in our area this weekend? I know the Urbanna Oyster Festival is this weekend and I have not been in a few years but it is not really beer related. Any suggestions?

[MeridianFC]

I'm saving myself for the wet hop tasting next week.

[chazwicke]

If I can get a buddy to drive I'm considering this:

Virginia Beer Tour


Fredericksburg
Blue Gray Brewing - http://www.blueandgraybrewingco.com/

Richmond
Legend Brewing - http://www.legendbrewing.com/
Richbrau - http://www.richbrau.com/
Main Street Beer Company - http://www.mainstreettogo.com/

Midlothian
Extra Billy’s Smokehouse and brewery - 1110 Alverser Drive, Midlothian VA 23113-2654 (804) 379-8727


Charlottesville
Starr Hill Brewing - http://www.starrhill.com/
AMF Kelgers - (inside the bowling alley) 2000 Seminole Trail,
Charlottesville VA 22906 (434) 978- 3999

Staunton
Queen City Brewing - http://www.queencitybrewing.com/

Harrisonburg
Calhouns - http://www.calhounsbrewery.com/

[YamahaXS]

I'll be arriving in DC Sunday afternoon. If you're going to be near Brickskeller or RFD area let me know!

[Insidious Rex]

Originally posted by MeridianFC
I'm saving myself for the wet hop tasting next week.

Im so pissed about that... Ill be in Florida for a convention that day... Of ALL the freaking weeks to throw this! Do you think theyll have a bunch of kegs held over at RFD from this tasting?When is the lupin thing they always throw? January?

[chazwicke]

The Lupulin Slam ? Can't remember but maybe Summer.


Yamaha, I'll PM my number. Would be nice to get down at least one night you are in town.

[beerking]

Both of the two Lupulin Slams so far have been late January.

Oh, and Chaz, if you make your beer tour, don't miss South Street when in Charlottesville.

[TedE]

Originally posted by MeridianFC
I'm saving myself for the wet hop tasting next week.
Ah, crap, I completely forgot about this! When is it? I was waiting for the announcement from Dave but must have overlooked it. And PLEASE don't say it's Wednesday ....

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by beerking
Both of the two Lupulin Slams so far have been late January.

Oh, and Chaz, if you make your beer tour, don't miss South Street when in Charlottesville.


I had planned on South Street but their phone is disconnected. I was afraid that they were closed. Is that in the old Blue Ridge space along the tracks? Monticello used to make some good brews too. I still have a couple of old growlers from there. I've been to most of these before but it would be nice to revisit a few. Seems I usually head north when I'm touring breweries. And there is a chance I might head back up to PA too.

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by TedE
Ah, crap, I completely forgot about this! When is it? I was waiting for the announcement from Dave but must have overlooked it. And PLEASE don't say it's Wednesday ....

Wet Hopped Ales with Tom Nickel November 7 and 8

(RFD Washington 810 7th St NW W..C. 202-289-2030)

Tom Nickel was the Brewer at Oggi’s in SoCal for years before leaving to open his waycool San Diego multitap O’Brien's Pub (20 taps, Tons of Hops) He is a fantastic brewer and a west coast team member for the Lupulin Slam. Tom is coming east with a bunch of wet hopped ales just cause that’s the kind of guy he is. We’ll have the largest selection of wet hops ever this year. Our mini Wet hop festival is one of only four held a year and is the only wet hop festival outside of the state of California. I’ll put out a mailing a couple weeks before the event with ticket ordering info. If you like hops and haven’t tried a wet hopped ale this is a must-attend event. While some beers like to think their taste is akin to the kiss of the hop, wet hopped ales are a drooly tongued frenching. No other style showcases so well the essence of the hop, this tasting is one of our faves.

[chazwicke]

What night are you all planning on going? Maybe Yamaha can get in on this too?

[karzar5]

Hey Chaz........A virginia beer tour and no Thoroughbreds?

[chazwicke]

Hi Kevin. Turns out we will be going to PA leaving this afternoon and our FIRST stop will be Thoroughbreds. I'm hoping you still have some of the cask IPA that went on yesterday. I heard glowing reviews. See ya later this afternoon.

Looks like the tour will most likely hit Thoroughbreds, Maybe Brewers Alley, Appalachian in Harrisburg (We will end up there tonight.) and then the rest of the trip hopefully will include Weyerbacher, Ship Inn, Trumph - New Hope and not known where else from there. We may hit Bethlehem Brew Works but I have been there plenty of times so we might skip that part.

[MeridianFC]

I'll be hitting the wet hop on Tuesday (8 November).

[chazwicke]

Ok I started out at Thoroughbreds and really enjoyed the Cask IPA that Kevin has on. It was nice to chat with you Kevin and thank you for bringing better beers to Thoroughbreds. I'll be out to try the Bier de Garde. Everyone in our group loved the IPA.

From there we made it to Appalachian Brewing in Harrisburg.( I was last there a year ago and had to wait nearly an hour to get a seat. I met up with B3s there and we thought the beers were decent.) Well I was there on Friday evening at about 9:30 and the place was fairly empty. The beer has gone more mainstream and I was disappointed. I was wondering why it was so empty this time as compared to just a year ago. Possibly the mediocre service, food and mediocre beers? I doubt I'll be back there anytime soon. The next morning we ventured to Troegs - I love all of their beers. But it was too early in the morning and they were not yet open so we headed over to Easton and got the brief tour or Weyerbacher. Sampled several beers there and bought a case plus a couple growlers. Then to Lunch at Ship Inn. Ship Inn is a place that I have always liked much. They serve English style beers and usually have several on cask. It was crowded with leaf peepers and the service was strained. The owner / brewer actually waited on us and then gave us a tour of his small brewery. My son and his buddy enjoyed that and found it informative. They had lots of questions after the tour. The food was decent and the beers very good. Especially the porter on tap not from cask. It was VERY good. I enjoyed the Best Bitter and Dark Charger from cask too but that porter was really good. I missed seeing the Old Engine Oil tap until I was walking out. Damn! We had intended to hit several other pubs from Triumph in New hope to Porterhouse in Lahaska and Crabby Larry's in Chalfont. But there was miles of backed up traffic and crowds everywhere because of an Apple festival and leaf peeping. So we opted to head straight to Phoenixville where we knew there where 3 brewpubs and good ones at that. Sunday we had intended to hit both Sly fox locations and Destiny brewing. We spent a couple of hours in Royersford Sly Fox enjoying their fine beers especially the Rauch which was extraordinary. I actually got goosebumps when I had my first taste. Took home a couple more growlers. Next we stopped into Destiny and ended up staying for 4 or 5 hours there. My buddy liked the Pale Ale but I enjoyed the Red Roggen. All of the beers were good. Destiny makes unique but delicious beer. And the locals and staff are all fun folks to hang with. Eventually we made it back to VA and ended our evening back at Thoroughbreds for a final stop. A successful trip even though we were not able to see Troegs or a few of the other eastern PA brewpubs.

[karzar5]

Glad you liked the IPA Chaz. The open top is a mess by the way. At least that means it's working though.

[MeridianFC]

Who's doing wet hop on Tuesday?

[Insidious Rex]

Leaf peeping?

[threecb]

leaf peeping. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leaf_peeping)

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by karzar5
The open top is a mess by the way. At least that means it's working though.

Saw it Sunday evening. Looking forward to trying it.

[MeridianFC]

Here's the list from the Wet Hop tasting at RFD last night:

Steelhead Fugglerama #1
Steelhead Fugglerama #2
Oggi's Cascade Harvest
Alpine Whale
Sierra Nevada Fresh Harvest Ale
Sierra Nevada 20th Street
Russian River Hop Time Harvest
Pizza Port Carlsbad Red Tide
Pizza Port San Clemente Rip Tide
Pizza Port Solana Beach High Tide

The winners of the night, for me at least, were the Steelhead Fugglerama #1 and the Pizza Port Carlsbad Red Tide though everything was pretty good-great.

[Insidious Rex]

Anyone going to the wet hop tasting this year?

[chazwicke]

I'm going on the 15th.

NOVEMBER 14th and 15th

WET HOP ALES at RFD

With guest west coast/RFD legend Tom Nickel!

Tom is a fantastic brewer plus he owns and operates San Diego’s best Tap House, O’Brian’s.

We’ll have about 8 different beers and for the first time ever the east coast will represent! Wet Hop ales are the beer world’s equivalent to wine’s beaujolis noveau. Fresh choice unprocessed and barely handled hop cones are plucked from the vine and transported and added to a brew as soon as possible resulting in a level of hop flavor tastes you just don’t find in any other style. WE LOVE EM!!!!!!!! Tickets are just $30.00 for this most especially tasty event. Call RFD at 202-289-2030 to reserve your tickets now!

[Thetz]

were going on the 14th....dont you want to switch days Chaz?

if not we will update you on the list once we try it.....

[Mill Rat]

Two Brothers Brewing makes an excellent wet-hop beer under the Heavy Handed name. IIRC, they only distribute in one east-coast state, but it's worth keeping an eye out for it. They've made four different batches this year, each using a different hop variety. Check the back label for the lot number, each lot number has a unique hop.

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by Thetz
were going on the 14th....dont you want to switch days Chaz?

if not we will update you on the list once we try it.....

Aw Man! My buddy has already set it up for the 15th. We'll miss you guys this time. Looking forward to your updates and the tasting.

[Insidious Rex]

Originally posted by chazwicke
Aw Man! My buddy has already set it up for the 15th. We'll miss you guys this time. Looking forward to your updates and the tasting.

ok Ill let you slide this time..;)

well let you know how it goes.....

[zoom6zoom]

Originally posted by karzar5
Glad you liked the IPA Chaz. The open top is a mess by the way. At least that means it's working though.

So are you back there, Kevin? I should be able to stop in early afternoon on Wednesday, heard the Cherry Stout was on... damn, I don't have any empty growlers!

[ClockworkOrange]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by chazwicke

We spent a couple of hours in Royersford Sly Fox enjoying their fine beers especially the Rauch which was extraordinary. I actually got goosebumps when I had my first taste. Took home a couple more growlers.

I'm looking forward to this Sly Fox Rauch. I was at Victory on Saturday afternoon and as disapointed as I was to see the Dr. Decibel's Brown Ale on cask go bye for now, I had no problems enjoying some Scarlet Fire Rauch (I think it's been about two years since this has made an appearance on tap at the brewpub) with my smokey shrimp, bacon and scallion pizza (shrimp lejon on the menu). Took a growler of the Scarlet Fire home and also enjoyed the equally stellar wet hopped Harvest Ale and Moonglow Weizenbock.

[kinjar]

I also saw, for the 15th, that Cap City in Shirlington is having a tapping party for the next dose of "Fuel" - Their coffee infused beer that won a gold medal at this years GABF. 6 to 8.

May have to get out there for that one. Enjoyed a little of that for brunch one Sunday morning.

[chazwicke]

I could use some caffiene today. Stayed up pretty late watching the returns last night.

[kinjar]

Me too. Although I don't think having a pint on my desk would show well in the office

[pizzaandbrew]

This Wednesday PM, you'll be able to meet up with Hugh Sisson (owner), Ernesto Igot (brewmaster) and Matt Saindom (head brewer) of Clipper City at Rustico in Alexandria. Its the latest in their glassware giveaway nights. Starting at 6, for every CC draft you buy, you'll get a glass to leave with. Offerings will include Small Craft Warning, Loose Cannon and Winter Storm on draft and the Below Decks Barley Wine pouring off the beer engine. Hope to see you there.

[Insidious Rex]

Originally posted by chazwicke
I'm going on the 15th.

NOVEMBER 14th and 15th

WET HOP ALES at RFD

With guest west coast/RFD legend Tom Nickel!

Tom is a fantastic brewer plus he owns and operates San Diego’s best Tap House, O’Brian’s.

We’ll have about 8 different beers and for the first time ever the east coast will represent! Wet Hop ales are the beer world’s equivalent to wine’s beaujolis noveau. Fresh choice unprocessed and barely handled hop cones are plucked from the vine and transported and added to a brew as soon as possible resulting in a level of hop flavor tastes you just don’t find in any other style. WE LOVE EM!!!!!!!! Tickets are just $30.00 for this most especially tasty event. Call RFD at 202-289-2030 to reserve your tickets now!

ALERT! The tasting on the 14th has been cancelled... They are having serious "shipment problems" meaning they only have two kegs so far and they are both warm.

So if you were planning to go dont. They say there are a couple spots left on the 15th but better hurry and sign up for those if you want to taste any wet hops at RFD this year. I cant believe I may miss this two years in a row now... And I cant believe they call people at 4pm the day of to cancel it... And offer nothing in return... How bout a gift certificate at least! :mad: If we had known earlier we could have planned accordingly so we would be free to come.

[Insidious Rex]

Further bad news regarding the tasting:

Wednesday Wet Hop Ale Tasting CANCELLED

We found the beer! Despite claimed guarantees the beers would be here on Monday, they are for some inexplicable reason sitting right now in a warehouse in Philadelphia. We've spoken with the trucking company, who are nice people even if they are telling us they never agreed to a guaranteed delivery date, (somebody mis-spoked!) They will ship the kegs to DC tomorrow and to us the day following their arrival.

We'll be sitting thinking about nothing at all until they get here. Once they do arrive I'll send out a short note as to our plan with these yummy gems.

Sincere apologies to all who, as we, have been salivating at the thought of having these wonderful beers back in town.

[TedE]

Yikes, that's not good for everybody that was looking forward to these, but I have to confess that since Tues and Wed were bad for me this week I'm not too angry :) . Maybe we'll see these next week? Anybody been on the phone with RFD for more details?

[Insidious Rex]

They told me they would send out "further information" once the kegs arrive. Id be happy just to get word of them being hooked up and run over for a couple pints. I dont need a big huge formal deal.

[chazwicke]

Let us know if they do get them on. Might be nice to stop down over the weekend.

[chazwicke]

I've signed up for the tasting on Dec 13th. Anyone else?

[Insidious Rex]

Is that Sam's exotic beer and book signing thing?

[chazwicke]

No it is one of the two nights set aside for the local brewers who traditionally bring thier winter or holiday brews. Different brewers each night. I just read that Clipper City is sending a firkin of Winter Storm to the first night.

Tuesday & Wednesday, December 12 & 13

RFD’s Winter Holidaze Extravaganza Beer Tasting

Washington, DC - 7 PM - DA's RFD Pub, 810 7th St., NW, Wash., DC, 2001 - (202)289-2030. This annual event, MC’d by the ever entertaining Bob Tupper, is a Washington area beer event not to be missed. Clipper City will attend on Tues., 12/12, with a firkin of Winter Storm. For information and reservations call RFD's at the number above or go to www.lovethebeer.com


I'm hitting the second night. Wednesday 13th

Winter Holidaze Extravaganzee

Annual Two Nights of too many guests
DOZENS of local brewmasters share their incredible winter holiday beers!
Location: RFD