DC/MD/NoVA Beer Updates (2025)

I'm going to enjoy the hell out of milkshake IPAs this year, starting with Double Blazed Orange.

 

Super highly rated but way to much orange/vanilla for me

 

Don't know when Laudenbach Brewing in Stafford/Fredericksburg VA opened up... but they are and I guess I'll be going tomorrow.

 

Curious - where did this show up in NOVA?

 

Rustico has Kettlehead Double Secret Agent… but, I don’t think that’s what he meant.

 

The /s is always lost on me. Took it at face value. That beer looked worth a try haha.

 

They have been having a soft opening since mid-December and their official Grand Opening is scheduled for Jan. 25th according to their social media pages.

Also, how was it?

 

My personal opinion, work to be done, everything was 0.5% to 1.0% ABV lower than it should be. I don't think it was intentional but when grain extraction gets better flavor will come with it. I'll try again next year. Their run of beers is entirely ale right now though they will make lagers. Their run of beers are going to be in that high 3s to high 5s range and I'm fine but everything tastes thin. Seem like nice people so I wish them good luck.

 

Big fan of Ocelot, but won't be anywhere near Dulles on my next DC visit. Are they still distributing cans in DC? If so, any spots that carry their stuff?

 

Friend in NY sent it to me. But I believe Dominion had the single version last year at some point

 

Odd Provisions and Anxo both often have Ocelot. I haven’t seen cans anywhere else in DC recently.

 

They definitely distribute in NoVA — check The Brew Shop in Arlington and Dominion Wine and Beer in Falls Church.

 

The Brew Shop used to get them pretty regularly but I haven't seen them in some time. Looking back on their weekly emails and I see the last time noted was mid November. Maybe ask next time you are in the store why they haven't shown up, they have always been forthcoming with info.

 

They did a collaboration brew with them on Dec. 20, so it is weird that they don’t get them.

 

I have no understanding of how distro works in this area. Perhaps they had a contractually limited quantity or duration for 2024 and they hit it in mid November?

 

They have a store anniversary coming up towards the end of January, so they’ll probably have it in then.

 

Good point.