Well, I think it’s time I showed my hand. Bottoms up…
Atlas Brewing: *Pumpernickel Stout, *Saison de Fêtes
If you want ’em, get ’em fast, because these holiday specials are all but kicked until at least #fs2016. Probably the best things I’ve had out of Atlas; yes, I know, not my favorite brewery, but they make some intriguing things every once in a while. These, though…
The SdF I’d had earlier—in November, I think—and wanted to have a half for old times sake. Rich, strong, vinuous, and spicy—but not “Christmas beer” overspiced, but more “letting the esters and phenols of the yeast do the work in a big beer” spicy. So many winter beers go overkill with clove and allspice and cinnamon and licorice and chocolate and star anise and whatever else my ex and I put in that ill-conceived Imperial stout we brewed in my TU apartment all those years ago; this one just trusts the yeast to do what they do best and calls it a very good day. Similarly, the PS used the rye malt and molasses to add a bit more character and dark flavor to an otherwise mild, but good, stout. Well-balanced, and not overkill in any dimension.
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Bardo: *Bubba’s Sour Mash, Marion Berry Ale
Yes it was kinda cold, yes the inside’s open, but you know what, the dogs are outside, and they’re warm enough. Talked Women & Bikes and protected bikeways with one dog’s owner and drank a BSM—which, if you like sours, and you like Schwartzbier, you’ll love. You’ll also probably be me. Marion Berry…well, I’m not sure what the Rogue spirit that got poured into the glass was (a blackberry Schnapps?), but it didn’t do much. Shoulda stuck with the Bubba’s. Also, just FYI…Bardog is awesome.
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DC Brau: Cimmerian Schwartzbier, *Nitro Penn Quarter Porter
Snagged a spot at the bar and started talking with Lizzie the Beermeister. Everything about beer, bikes, and generally getting awesome. She’s cool, y’alls should go and say hey. Anyhow, wanted to try the Schwartz they had just released…eh. Green, like unbrewed malt, like so many DC Brau beers at the brewery. Freshness is nice, but not serving beers before they’re ready. The PQP, OTOH…wow. Never had it on nitro before, and what a difference it makes on this one! Goes from sharp, assertive, robust porter to creamy, rich, well-balanced, and delicious. Nitro is exactly what it needs to give it the balance and richness it so desperately lacks otherwise. Served right, it may be my favorite DC Brau yet.
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Denizens Brewery: Ponch’s Porter, Third Party Trippel, *Lowest Lord ESB
Rode along a chocolate-milk colored Sligo Creek to Silver Spring to hit this one up on Pi Day. Seeing dark, frothing waters made me think of dark, frothing beer…but the humidity had other ideas. The Ponch was too robust and sharp (hi guys, see what DCB does with nitro, this one needs it), the Third Party very phenolic and clove-heavy…but in a way that might not be bad, I guess. Okay, hm. Can’t decide between either, let’s try Something Completely Different: the ESB. Oh, takes me right back to the Royal Oak, my first night in Oxford…all we need is to put this one on cask and I’ll be in heaven. Dang well spot-on. Next time, though, I’ll have to try the barbecue as well; that brisket looked pretty good, and Lord knows that’s a hard thing to find around here.
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Gordon Biersch Navy Yard: *Weizenbock
Ah yes. The Sandbagger’s Special. Weren’t expecting me to pull this one out of my back pocket, were you? Wasn’t on Instagram, (unintentionally) screwed up the Strava record of the CaBi ride over from Brookland after my Bikeshare TT attempt—but here it is. Such a nice day, sat where I could feel the breeze through the open windows and watch the sun slowly move across the “future is now” Department of Transportation building with its shiny Century Gothic letters. Good clove and banana notes, stronger malt sweetness than in in a typical Weiß balancing the strong alcohol; a great beer to have on a lazy late afternoon.
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