Notable Releases - DC/NOVA/MD

A few bottles of Stickee Monkee lingering at TW Alexandria.

 

Hey guys gonna be in Bethesda/DC for a weekend this summer and would love to know some of the best spots to get great local beers on draft as well as to go!

 

Has anyone had any Hardywood ales? Trying to find some new Local VA brews.

 

Yeah they're worth trying but in my opinion most are not worth buying/drinking regularly. I do like their Pils a lot, I order that at restaurants (although I guess its not an ale, not sure if you intended to make that distinction).

 

I don't care for the adjunct heavy stouts and the IPAs (Hoplar and RVA to be specific) in the large format bottles are not that good for what you are going to have to pay for them. The cream ale, capital trail and great return (overpriced) are good if you enjoy those styles.

 

My opinion here:

Their imperial stouts are tasty, but lack the density and texture you expect from a 10+% brew. I recommend their Christmas releases like Bourbon GBS or Christmas Morning. They only barrel-age their brews for 3/4 months which imparts a very subtle wooden/bourbon flavor into the brews. They fall off very quickly.

Trickery, Foolery and Ruse are all phenomenal but downright impossible to get unless you're in RVA. And if you're down there, might as well go to The Veil, Answer/Mekong, or Strangeways.

 

Agree completely, well said!

 

Any other places that may be getting Stickee Monkey?

 

Total Wine Springfield had three left after I got my one around 8:30 last night. I'd suggest calling around to all the local Totals.

 

Thanks RKP. They had one bottle left. Love this beer.

 

I had two different employees tell me TW Springfield received and sold all their Stickee Monkee on Tuesday. I guess that's par for the course with that chain.

 

Any updates on the Aslin releases today? Lines? All gone?

 

Word on the street is TW McLean and Fairfax haven't received it yet

I got one yesterday so that's wrong.

 

I left at 4pm less than 10 people in the crowler line but the place was packed with people hanging out. I think they will post on Facebook once crowlers are gone.

 

Im assuming you are downtown bethesda? your best bet is heading into DC (specifically Soveirgn, etc) <<Anything NRG (Neighborhood Restaurant Group) is gonna suit you. If you want bottle shops, again probably head to DC and go to Rodmans. If you have a car you have options. You can loop around the beltway/dive into the city/head up 95.

city: same plan, hit rodmans. from there you can get into calvert woodley (im probablty missing some here) --> whole foods p st... etc. but thats probably enough
beltway north: Doubt you will want to shop in Montgomery Country, You can get a drink at a few places on your way to Frederick. Basically Downtown Crown for that. Its right off the highway and you can hit some great shops the same way if you choose that route. (Frederick: Ye Olde Spirits, Franklins)
beltway south: Not sure the best exit, but Norms/TW Mclean are options. I would personally skip both and get off at Rt 7 for Dominion Wine and Beer. (NoVa: Dominion, Norms, Arrowwine) Norms, total wine, arrowine are definitely viable options on this route.

i had aspirations for a better post. Sorry its 230 and I enjoyed one. I think this will get you started for a great venture.

 

Awesome - I really appreciate it. I will update the thread with my opinions as I form them! I loved the only local brews I've tried (from RAR) so I am optimistic.

 

Yeah, my comment was meant to convey that TW employees have absolutely no clue what they're talking about.

 

Just grabbed a Stickee Monkee from Norm's. @ 17.99

I didn't look real hard behind the counter - but looks like half of the first box was gone - so 9 more left? Probably won't last too long.

 

Plenty of Nimble Giant at TW Alexandria. Good luck finding it though.

 

Saw two bottles of Stickee Monkee at Westover last night. Went up to get a price check.. $28 per.

Usually I like small businesses, but these guys are ridiculous. Can't wait until Total Wine opens in Ballston.