By Timothy Long

The DC Brau is an icon of the metro area. It’s very well-known and very popular. I have enjoyed their beers for years. The brewery is located on Bladensburg Road in DC, literally a stone’s throw from Maryland. I know the area. It’s not far from my favorite Costco. The one that sells huge bottles of good bourbon.

Like most breweries, this one is partially hidden. I say partially because they do have a large DC Brau sign to mark their entrance. I drive under the sign and into the parking lot behind the buildings. I head inside and make my way to their tasting room. I love brewery tasting rooms. And this one does not disappoint. It’s small, rustic, and almost looks like they just threw it together. Exactly the atmosphere you want for tasting beer.

Brewery tasting rooms and winery tasting rooms tend to vary greatly. Winery tasting rooms have a lot of decoration and fluff. You feel like you’ve entered a high-end hotel or lodge when you first walk inside. Brewery tasting rooms are usually much more spartan. They’re just as inviting and homey as their winery counterparts, but in a more conventional way.

The two are so different because the expectations of their clientele are so different. When tasting a pinot noir, you swirl it in a glass, take in the bouquet, sip it, and say something sophisticated. When tasting a pale ale, you swirl it in your mouth, swallow it, use an expletive when proclaiming how good it is, slam the glass onto the bar, and yell “Another”! Unless you are with your wife. Then you just taste it and talk about how wonderful it is. However, it’s quite enjoyable to act like a Viking. But one must be in the proper company to do so.

I met Brandon Skall and Alex Spencer in the tasting room. Brandon is one of the founders of the brewery. He and Jeff Hancock founded DC Brau in 2009. Alex is the head brewer. They are both excited to give me a tour of the facility. And I am thrilled to take a tour, especially with the one of the founders and the head brewer.

The operation is huge. They have a 47,500 square foot facility; their original space was 15,000 square feet. They distribute not only throughout Washington, DC, but to Maryland, Virginia, and during the summer, Delaware.  They also do some exporting to the United Kingdom.

Brandon and Alex tell me that things are still not back to normal in the district since the pandemic. Beer sales in DC so far are still sitting at 2020 levels. People working at home instead of returning to their offices has had a huge impact. We have a great conversation about the effects left behind by Covid and the current state of the craft beer industry. Brandon and Alex both obviously have a finger on the pulse of this industry. I could write another full article on our conversation.

They then show me their most recent addition to the brewery, a GEA brewing system from Germany. It’s beautiful. It’s obviously their pride and joy. And it loves to brew lagers. While I admire it, we begin talking about how pilsners and lagers are the big new trend in beer. Brandon says they have found that their younger clientele prefers the easier beers, though they eventually work up to the heavier ones. DC Brau is smartly addressing that market. We then head back to the tasting room. It’s time to taste some beer.

The tasting room is run by Paulette Palacios, who also runs their events and social media. Paulette is the kind of employee who makes visiting a brewery a wonderful experience. Certain brewery staff bring a love and expertise to the experience that makes the visit worth it.  It’s obvious that Paulette loves the place as much as the product. Alex begins to pour us beers to taste, with Paulette occasionally correcting him on which tap handle is which.

Here are a few of my favorites from DC Brau.

The Citizen

We didn’t actually taste this one. They are re-releasing it in April. It is now an annual spring one-off release. I’ve had it many times, and I do love it. It’s a beautiful Belgian Style Pale Ale with that noble hops spiciness that I adore. The taste is fruity and a bit sweet, but not too much so. This brew is a light and enjoyable ale. It’s perfect for spring. ABV 7%

Old Time Lager

This is the first beer that Alex pours. And another personal favorite of mine. It’s an American lager that is a modern interpretation of the original Hopfheiser Brewing Company’s American light lager from 1935. It’s light and crisp, as an American lager should be. Alex tells me that it’s also DC Brau’s fastest growing beer. Further proof that lagers and pilsners are starting to rule the day. ABV 4%

Cherry WAKE UP! Funk

This is a fun beer. Or should I say a funky beer. (I know, it’s a dad joke. But I had to go there.) This brew is a dark fruit sour that has been aged in freshly emptied Imperial Stout bourbon barrels. It has a nice cherry bouquet and flavor when you first taste it. You’ll also get chocolate, raisins, and currant on the palate. Drinking it is a delightful experience. ABV 6.5%

Golden Funk

This is a traditional lambic style beer that is aged for three years in fresh chardonnay barrels. It has a nice golden cloudy color. It comes off a little sour, but not overly so. You get vanilla and oak along with notes of apple, lemon, apricot and chardonnay. ABV 4.6%

Do yourself a favor the next time you are in DC and visit this iconic brewery. DC Brau is a huge player in the local craft beer culture. Their beer has become as much a part of DC as half smokes and Go-go music. Stop by this month and congratulate them on their 15-year anniversary. Paulette will be happy to pour you a cold one and tell you all about it. Trust me, you’ll have a great experience. Cheers!!

About the Author: Timothy Long is an educator, writer, consultant, and experienced restaurant operator. Email: tlong@belmarinnovations.com. Instagram and Twitter: @wvutimmy. Blog: What is that fly doing in my soup? http://whatflyinmysoup.com

Tim’s Whiskey and Cigar Recommendations

Roe & Co. Irish Whiskey

It’s been a while since a whiskey blew me away. So, I’m very thankful to have discovered this amazing Irish Whiskey, and on St. Paddy’s Day no less! My buddies Kevin and Khal told me I had to try it. And they were not wrong. It’s a single malt blended with grain whiskeys and matured in bourbon casks. The nose is creamy and spicy with hints of melon and vanilla. On the palate you get vanilla again with spiced pears. The texture is velvety. It finishes with a light creaminess. At 90 proof and $35 a bottle, it’s a must-have for any whiskey lover.

Henry Clay War Hawk Corona

Cigar Afficionado gave this cigar a 95 rating. And when you taste it, you will know why. Don’t be fooled by the light outer leaf. This is a medium-to full-bodied cigar.  It starts with a tight draw but opens up rather quickly. Vanilla, caramel, banana, and cedar come through immediately. The smoke is much longer than you would suspect. It has a buttery finish with hints of banana pudding. Enjoy.

This cigar, and many other fine cigars, are available at John Crouch Tobacconist at 215 King St. in Old Town Alexandria. Mention this article and get 10% off the purchase of this month’s recommended cigar.