DC Brau

This weekend "sun of my life" and I went to DC Brau Brewery with some friends to check out the place that has provided DC with its first local brew in many -- nearly 60 -- years!  The brewery is currently only open on Saturdays from 1-4 for tours and tastings.  And did I mention that the tour AND the tasting is FREE?!  A very nice incentive to visit.

What makes this place so special is the simple fact that it is a local business with a really good product.  Their beers are high quality brews that rival more well-known brands of beer on taste and quality.  I also like the fact that the brewery's slogan is "fermentation without representation," which is both a witty tag line, but also a real nod to their support of DC Statehood (which is outlined on their website).  The tour is informative and explains the beer making process and talks about the science of beer making...but I'll be honest that it was hard to pay attention with all of the sweat dripping down my back and legs because it was HOT.  Luckily we had some beer to cool us off afterward!

The brewery itself is hardly visible off of a stretch of Bladensburg Rd north of NY Ave right before the Maryland border.  The signage in the strip mall advertises every business in the strip with the same black Arial font against a white sign, so no particular business stands out.  DC Brau is listed second to last after USPS and the dry cleaner, so if you aren't looking REALLY hard for it, you will miss it.  When you enter the un-airconditioned warehouse, you show your ID and are handed four tasting tickets for you to use at your discretion.  My first taste was a thick, dark porter that had strong notes of coffee. All of the beers were good, but my favorite was the Citizen belgian white ale. It is not as thick as Blue Moon and has a light, crisp taste.  Perfect for 106 degree weather.

If you haven't visited the brewery yet, it is definitely worth a stop to celebrate a local business that provides us with much needed sustenance.