Notable Releases - DC/NOVA/MD

I haven't lived anywhere else to know anything different. Having said that, I can't leave work and wait in line for beer. I just assume rare beers are hard to find everywhere as this is what I know.

Having said that, I don't even think that many rare beers are worth the time/effort compared to just buying what you can actually find at a store. But hey, that is me.

 

I showed up to Churchkey a little after 3 and there were only four people in line. Overall, a much more relaxed experience than I was expecting after Snallygaster. Churchkey ran everything smoothly. It seem liked everyone who was in line before they opened was able to get multiple pours of whatever they were there for.

 

What a PERFECT evening to be outside drinking these brews... good times!

 

I got to Whole Foods ~6 and there was still plenty of Prop and VR left. I got a glass (or, well, plastic cup) of each before the Prop kicked and then they shut the thing down around 6:50. I wonder what became of the rest of that Vanilla Rye . . .

 

First time going to CK for one of their big events and I have to say, after hearing about the insane crowds at past events I was stunned with how relatively empty it ended up being. My buddy and I got there around 3:30pm, and with only 20 or so people in line we had no problem grabbing a table when they opened. Throughout the couple hours we were there I kept waiting for that rush of people that would pack the entire floor and yet it never ended up happening. No complaints from me though as we were able to grab multiple pours of VR and Prop (both of which were absolutely fantastic, especially VR).

Probably the best tap-takeover I've been to with the combination of great beers, smooth service and no crowd. Made fighting DC traffic to get back to Loudoun totally worth it.

 

I asked Dawson's about Helldorado. They said their distributor is telling them they've never heard of it. I told them that they may want to check on that because other stores in MD such as PP got some. So don't know if AA county is getting any.

 

I agree that was an excellently executed event, and i feel like the 2012 coffee is getting no love.. i thought it was arguable the best beer that was there! Not to take anything away from Prop which was just outstanding.

 

2012 BCBCS was damn good too no doubt. The coffee had definitely faded as to be expected but I still enjoyed it; then again fresh BCBCS is my all-time favorite beer, so obviously I dig that huge coffee punch to the face. More than likely many people have previously had '12 BCBCS verses getting to try VR\Prop for the first time (as was the case with me), so those new beers stand out. All 3 were spectacular; you know it's a good time when 2013 BCBS is the "worst" beer drank that day haha.

 

Prop and VR were both tasting great but I may agree with @BMitch that 2012 BCBS is close to on par with them. That said, you're really splitting hairs at that point since all are fantastic beers.

 

Whole Foods blew my mind yesterday. I got there around 5:45, maybe 20 people hanging out in the beer garden, no line to get a pour. Got one of Prop, then went back for one of VR, then managed to get another of Prop before it kicked. It was definitely the most hassle free event for any hyped beer I've been to in this area. Plus those plastic cups had to be 10-12oz, while I heard Churchkey was selling 4oz pours. Well done Whole Foods P St!

 

Getting back on topic, U St. Wine and Beer still has Stickee Monkee ($24, 5 bottles left) and Cafe Royale ($12) if anyone missed out on those.

 

Got the last Helldorado at Perfect Pour earlier tonight. Unfortunately, Velvet Merkin was gone.

 

TW Springfield had several bottles of old ruffian last night

 

Anyone seen any double barrel Jesus? Is that supposed to hit maryland stores?

 

It's been a mess trying to track when the FW proprietor's vintage series will hit VA stores for previous releases, but anyone have an idea when Velvet Merkin will hit VA?

 

Has anyone heard about this 3 Stars/Other Half collab? 3 Stars has been posting pics on their Instagram making a barrel aged beer with the Other Half guys. Really not a fan of 3 Stars stuff, but I'm definitely interested in this one considering Other Half is making it with them. Their beers are outstanding.

 

I've seen it at a number of bars in DC (Brookland Pint, Pizzeria Paradiso), but I never once saw it in stores around here. It's definitely worth seeking out. I had a bottle at Brookland Pint on my bday (thanks Jace!) and it was absolutely fantastic. One of the best Evil Twin beers out there.

 

I would guess a handful of stores would get some but that's just a guess. Given the hype around that beer, I expect it will barely touch a shelf in MD.

 

I'm not much of a ticker, but I am a sucker for a good BBA stout/barleywine and chase them every so often.

 

Hell yes. How is it tasting this year?