#dcbrewery

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.