DC/MD/NoVA Beer Updates (2023)

Yeah, it was nice when Arl Brew Shop had singles at $7 or $8, got a can and indulged.

 

Anyone familiar with Elder Pine in the MD/DC area? Would love to set up a trade. Not getting any traction in the Locals forum.

 

They distro in this area so someone should be able to at a minimum offer those but it's the mainstays, not the one offs

 

For any rauchbier fans Port City announced they will be releasing an Imperial Smoked Porter this Friday.

 

Elder Pine put out a damn good rauchbier this time last year. I wish they'd do it again.

 

What’s the scoop on Fidens? This is first I’ve heard of this brewery (NY) but their <6% pale ales are getting ratings in the mid 4’s. That’s crazy are they really at Tree House/Hill Farmstead level or just the shiney new hype toy?

 

Of the ten different beers I've had from them, I've rated almost all of them close to, but just below, their Untappd average. The one outlier than comes to mind was one I rated well above average. I'm neither harsh nor generous in my ratings, so I'm inclined to say they're largely legit, though to my eye they're getting a slight bump from outsized demand overwhelming a scarce supply. I'd definitely encourage you to get your hands on some to try for yourself.

 

Not sure if it’s the one you’re thinking of, but they released a smoked helles in December. Found some cans at Yes in Petworth a few weeks ago. Good stuff.

 

Different beer. Was called Imperator and clocked in at 9.5 abv.

 

I’ll be on the lookout. I’m not paying $26 a 4 pack for a 5.5% pale ale though, don’t care if it’s #1 in the world, I’ll just try to find a single for $8 a can or so.

 

That was a phenomenal beer, even better than the Aecht Schlenkerla Eiche smoked dopplebock which is one of my favorite beers

 

Echoing what Coquet said, they are definitely worth trying but not at the $30/4 price point which surprisingly exceeds Equilibrium cans. I found Fidens to be on par with Treehouse and while most will argue better (or worse), my pallete isn't refined and it's hard at times to differentiate hazy IPAs. Given all the distro we get, I will take a 4 pack of foam or vitamin sea over fidens at $30, drop that price to $20 or so and we can revisit it.

 

I think you nailed it here. While a single can of a 4.4UT pale ale might be a nice splurge, the DIPAs don't distinguish themselves enough imo. I'm basing my experience on 4oz pours at Snally, but I don't think they were worlds apart from the best OH has to offer.

 

We had 4-5 various Fidens hoppy beers on draft at a few restaurants in Hampton roads pretty recently, and they were all quite good.
But agree that I can't distinguish them from when a good Triple Crossing, OH, Veil, etc hoppy beer hits/clicks for me.
I saw a few locals giving each one a 4.5-5 on untappd which is a little silly IMO.

 

I’m going to be in Poolesville area tomorrow and thinking to try Landmade. Taplist looks a lot like Schilling out of NH, a lot of German and Czech lagers. Anyone else try their beers yet?

 

Heard good things about Landmade as well. Looking to buy it locally but no luck yet. Hope you get there and drop a review or two. If time allows, Smoketown in Brunswick is not too far away and has a solid lineup.

 

I will report back later today about Landmade. I’ve had many Smoketown beers (both in Brunswick and DT Frederick locations). Solid beers overall but nothing really jumps to set them apart from the other locals around the area IMO.

 

So visited Landmade today. If you like Shilling lagers, the 2 I had were quite similar. They lean more towards crisp and bitter if that is how you like you German and Czech lagers. Got a 4 pack of their pale ale to go. To go 4-packs range $16-19. Saw their funky farmhouse ales for $22 for a 500ml. Food truck on site as well. Worth checking out but don’t expect hazies, fruit purée kettle sours or pastries.

 

Do you know if this will be bottled and distributed around the DMV like alot of other Port City beers or is it on-site only?