There is only one day on the calendar that rivals fan-favorites like Christmas and Halloween. It is more hallowed than Easter and more debaucherous than Cinco De Mayo. This day is known as Beer Lover’s Day and although we can argue that Beer Lover’s Day is everyday, we want to go even further and give it it’s own special day on top of every day of the week.
D.C. beer culture is vibrant and expansive, ranging from large-scale brewing houses to your friend Joe who ferments microbrews in his garage. To celebrate today, here’s a list of the best breweries in D.C. where you can taste locally-brewed ales of all varieties.
D.C. Brau Brewing Company
Founded in 2009, D.C. Brau was the first of the wave of new breweries opening in the District. Two D.C. locals, Brandon Skall and Jeff Hancock, started the company, and the company now has awesome beer merchandise and a giant warehouse that offers free tours and tastings. Some popular Brau beers include The Public (pale ale), The Corruption (IPA) and The Citizen (Belgian Pale Ale).
Location: 3178 Bladensburg Rd NE
3 Stars Brewing Company
This production brewery opened in 2012 and is known for its bold flavor combinations. The Peppercon Saison mixes herbal flavors with a peppercorn blend, while another favorite, The Pandemic, mixes chocolate and coffee flavors into the brew. Their brewery space is open for tours, and also features an “Urban Farmhouse” for tastings and social events. The company also sells homebrew kits for those who want to try their hand at beer-making.
Location: 6400 Chillum Place NW
Bluejacket
This place does it all. It features a brewhouse, a bar, and a restaurant, each taking up their own floors. On the top floors, beer connoisseurs work on 20 different types of draft beers that are on a rotating selection at the bar and restaurant. The space is cool, and so are the beer names: some of the best include “The Forbidden Planet,” “Lost Weekend,” and “Mexican Radio,” a milk stout with a blend of chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, and chiles. Yum.
Location: 300 Tingey Street SE
Right Proper Brewing Company
Opened in 2013, this pub features rich, ever-changing beer options and delicious Southern-style food, including a cheese counter. Their separate brewhouse, located on 920 Girard Street NE, allows beer-lovers to get a behind-the-scenes look; tours, tastings, and rotating food trucks are available for guests.
Location: 624 T St. NW
Hellbender Brewing Company
This two-year-old brewery was founded by a beer-loving duo with nearly ten years of experience. The head brewer, Ben Evans, was a microbiologist and neuroscientist before opening Hellbender, and brings his scientific expertise into crafting the best possible beers. This means that flavors are tasted and fine-tuned to perfection; fan-favorites like Bare Bones, Red Line Ale, and Eft combine rich malt, citrus, floral, and pine flavors.
Location: 5788 2nd Street NE
