Howdy BA, In about 3 weeks I'll be traveling from NYC to DC for work. I should be done with my work by about 1:30ish, and I have a 4:00 train out. I will have a car that needs to be returned before I get on the train. So let's say I have 2 hours in DC with a car. I don't want to sit at Churchkey and drink; I would rather spend the time shopping for bottles to bring home. My preference is for the new and interesting rather than the standard fare I might find at Whole Foods. Should I stop at Right Proper? Which stores should I target? I probably only have time for 2-3 destinations. I'll be in far southwest DC, so let's also assume that, including traffic, I'll be about a 25 minute drive from Dupont Circle or 15 minutes from Union Station. What say you?
If you'll be in far SW, then I would hit up Blue Jacket.. Have a couple beers then grab some bottles to go.
You are in luck, ChurchKey doesn't open until 4. I assume return the car to Union Station. I'd keep it simple, traffic can be hit or miss even that time of day. Hit up Whole Foods then near Union Station is Schneider's. Get some cold beer for thr train and you'll be set. If you are into Whisk(e)y Schneider's is the shit. http://cellar.com/
Pick up some bottles from Bluejacket. What day of the week are you in town? Right Proper doesn't open until 5pm on weekdays, so if you are here during the weekend definitely get some growler fills from them. Best brewery in DC by far. Bottle shops probably won't be worth your time since most of what is down here you can probably obtain somewhere up in NYC. You could pick up some stuff from DC Brau just about anywhere, but in my opinion, On The Wings of Armageddon is really the only stellar beer they make. There may be some Smells Like Freedom cans around when you are down here as well. It's set to release this weekend in cans around the area.
Thanks for the info. Looks like I will definitely want to hit up Bluejacket; it's on my way back north anyway. Yeah, looks like I'll be gone before Right Proper opens. I think I'll pass on Schneider's; our scotch selection and prices here in the city destroy yours, but thanks for the tip. What about stuff from Alewerks? Does that hit DC, or not so much? That looks like the only brewer that has stuff I'm really interested in that I can't get here in NY.
Alewerks is around from time to time, I haven't seen anything lately in DC proper. NOVA has usually a lot more Alewerks items I find more often.
Yea, not much of that in DC. We have it all over NOVA. However, you can try this place. They currently have Bitter Valentine - https://www.beermenus.com/places/10291-glen-s-garden-market
Cool. What do you know about this place, Glen's Garden Market? Based on my schedule, I thought I'd hit Bluejacket and then a store around DuPont Circle, maybe The Wine Specialist, and then hit Schneider's near the station. Is Glen's better than Wine Specialist? Should I do both? At least a couple of items from Hardywood or Alewerks would not be unpleasant.
Have no clue. I rarely go into DC to buy beer. You should be able to find Hardywood stuff no problem though. I would check out Whole Foods on P St. It's not far from Glens.
Personally--I would spend my 2 hours at Bluejacket. Beer is great and bottles are something you can only purchase at the brewery. If time permits--Whole Foods P St has the best selection in DC.
Thanks, yes. I fully intend to get a bunch of bottles and taste several others. If I'm running out of time I'm only going to go to Schneiders for its proximity to the station. Thanks for all the help.
