DC/MD/NoVA Beer Updates (2019)

It was great the first year but the cans I got last year were awful after a week, had to pour them out. I'm guessing it was a canning issue and not the beer.

 

Just tasted the 2019 version and it's the best batch we've ever done. New yeast. It's no longer hyper West Coast style, but it's still quite dry for a Triple IPA with a juicy component it's not really had before. Mouthfeel is perfect.

 

Ocelot's cans have definitely improved over the last year, but they aren't quite as bright and vibrant as the same beer on draft. Maybe a dissolved oxygen issue?

 

Kind of like all/most of their other IPAs which they've converted to hazy/NE style.Wish they go back to the original recipes on some of them, not necessarily all, just give me some variety.

That said, I plan on picking up a 4 pack of TB today.

 

Welp dry January is over

 

Agreed. This years batch is fuego. One of the few TIPA's I can actually drink a whole glass of...and want more.

The stout they have in cans is really good as well - Purple Black Eye. If anyone enjoy's coffee stouts, highly suggest picking some of this up. Better than any stout I've had from Aslin, and it's only $18 a 4-pack.

 

https://mybeerbuzz.blogspot.com/2019/02/dc-brau-is-making-major-change-to.html?m=1

 

They need to do more than that to stay relevant IMO

 

They need to lower their prices, $12/sixer is just too much when 90% of similar IPAs are $10 or less and/or come in 12/15 packs for $15-18.

 

Not that long ago OTWA was seemingly in high demand, but last week for the first time I saw cans at a local store in VA beach. I would have bought one to see how it is now, bc it has been awhile, but it was 7-8ish weeks old.
It is typically sitting around in DC stores now?

 

Not sure how long it sits but it's not selling out fast at the stores I've seen it but not many beers are selling out instantly anymore, the market is pretty saturated imo.

 

While the prices kinda suck it's the beer I have a problem with. It's 2019 and I don't have much use for a malty, bitter bomb brewed with only Columbus hops

 

Does this mean Denizens Brewing can now change their name to Citizens Brewing, as originally intended?

 

The hops named are Copper and Chinoook. I love Chinook, but I don't know if it really moves the needle for most people. It's like when Heineken advertised Heineken Light having cascade hops. Do you really think mentioning a hop or two is what gets people interested? Or is the actual varietal?

I'm glad they're making changes, but I don't know if this is "it."

 

My guess is they are hoping 'Hazy' and 'Joint' is what gets people to buy it, there is no mention of the hops on the front of the can and that's what most people (ie. non-beer geeks) are going to look at.

I like to know what hops are in the beers I buy but it's rarely something that prevents me from buying a beer. If I see hops that I like, I'm more inclined to try the beer but 99% of people buying beer don't know anything about hops.

 

You're right. It's just funny to me when older breweries flag wave the hops they're using and they're generally unsexy (though, as I said, I love chinook).

 

Sucaba on the shelf at TW Alexandria.

 

Did they have a stout event or something? That's extensive.