DC/MD/NoVA Beer Updates (2025)

I think the businesses keep stouts and the like at those temps to preserve flavor profiles. Its not particularly great to have a ice cold stout but some adjuncts would just fade fast if they stored bottles at room temp.

 

Dynasty Brewing in Ashburn, Va closing this weekend after 7 years.
https://theburn.com/2025/08/26/dynasty-brewing-closing-ashburn-taproom-this-weekend

 

The Juicy Brewing drama continues, with a person claiming to be their former head brewer alleging the owner is bilking employees and investors.

IG account: https://www.instagram.com/truthaboutjuicybrewingco/

Reddit thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/washington..._instagram_account_run_by_a_purported_former/

 

This is exactly the type of content I need in the middle of the week, thanks for sharing

 

Distro friend of mine clued me in on this today in Norfolk TW... when I get spare time I gotta chew through this drama

 

I have not been to Locust Hill, but have opinions on the other two. Cacapon is quite solid and typically has a good selection of styles, though not extreme or trendy, done very well. Berkeley Springs quality is poor.

 

I thought I had a post on this, maybe I did. I thought Locust Post Brewing (I'm pretty sure its that) was ok-ish beer with a good venue and friendly staff. Its not going to win beer snob points but hits the marks for a good 'third space'.

 

UPDATE: Dynasty had some things change and they are now able to keep the Ashburn taproom open through the end of November. Update from their website....
____________________________________________________
Dynasty Ashburn Taproom is Staying Open!

Good news - we’ve had a change in circumstances that allows us to keep the Ashburn Taproom open from Tue, Sep 16th to Sun, Nov 30th. We'll be sending out more information about upcoming events.

Fall Hours: 16 Sep - 30 Nov:
• Tue–Fri: 4–8 PM
• Sat: 2–8 PM
• Sun: 12–6 PM

We are selling everything in the Ashburn taproom from tables to the forklift - come in and make us an offer or contact Favio at [email protected].

Come grab a pint, catch up with friends, and enjoy the fall season with us. Cheers!

 

Seems like Juicy was able to find someone to take over their space? Came across this over the weekend and the address listed on their FB Page is the same one as Juicy.

- https://hawkleybrewing.com

 

Aslin merging with New York's Torch & Crown Brewing Company....
https://dcbeer.com/2025/09/23/aslin...cs-torch-crown-introducing-driven-collective/

 

I guess this explains their weird IG post from this morning ("today really is the end"). But this also makes sense. They've clearly given up on quality in pursuit of quantity, so expanding their footprint and pairing with an out-of-state distributor would seem to further that end.

Even as a former Mug Club member, I can't say I'm wistful over the Aslin brand's conclusion, because the brewery that once garnered so much national attention died a long time ago.

 

third largest VA brewery... man that's disappointing.

Since I'm not an IPA guy I've never liked aslin. They seem to be working the yuppies who are too cool to be hipsters crowd for awhile. Can't wait until it falls apart.

 

Following up my on my post, Aslin's IG message made a lot more sense after it came to my attention late last night that the rapture is apparently trending on social media. I guess I don't keep up with what the youths are doing on TikTok or whatever.

Keeping on the vein of social media posts that are mostly lost on me, though, it sounds like Dominion is doing...something. I guess that'll register with me more at some point down the line as well.

 

This is what Dominion is doing.... https://www.arlingtonmagazine.com/stratford-beer-garden/

 

The first two times visiting them, when they first opened, I remember how impressed I was at not only their IPAs but how they nailed every style they attempted: milk stout, saison, scotch ale - they were all phenomenal. I remember taking OG Master of Karate home in crowlers and I think those experiences colored my opinion of them long after they tanked their quality. Really a shame

 

Loco Lion Farm Brewery & Winery in Loudoun County, Va (Hillsboro specifically) has their Grand Opening on Sat. Oct 4th.

 

Was reading on the Beer Talk forum about Cantillon bottles becoming more prevalent in places like NYC and Chicago bottle shops. Any sightings in DMV shops?

 

Imo they are pursuing profit over pretty much everything else. Seemingly they have been successful with their expansion of locations and distribution but who knows if that equals profits. Some of the bourbon guys i know like their flight options in Alx. I gave up on them a long time ago but if anyone is interested their 10th anniversary is this weekend.

 

Standing in line in 2016-2017 to mule home Aslin beers is a fond and distant memory.