Aslin Beer Co. (2020)

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Funny you bring this up but the Wine Source in Baltimore announced 4 cans for this Friday- MOK, Neutrino, BDINAC, Trite- and correct me if I'm wrong but the last two would be a few months old at this point? They're probably new batches but you never know.

Not sure if this is a one time deal or will be more regular like the Other Half drops in Gaithersburg and Baltimore.

 

I don't see Trite listed on the website for sale in VA, but the current batch of BDINAC offered has a 12/12 date. Will be interested to see if the dates match. I've seen kegs of Trite littered through out NRG bars (Rustico, Partisan).

 

Did they start dating the cans? I didn't think they did but it's been 2-3 months since I bought anything from them.

From what I can tell, the last time they released Trite was on 9/7 so either those kegs/cans are 4 months old or they brewed a batch that was not sold out of the brewery. Also, they are supposed to have Pew Pew cans at the NYC event this weekend so unless it's releasing/canning this week, those are some really old cans (August). Not sure why they would be brewing extra beer for those events when they have almost 30 to go options at both locations.

 

I haven't bought Aslin cans in forever, so I haven't looked at dates. I was just looking at website dates.

 

Hahah I left that out of my analysis too- no can dates is laughable at that price point.

 

I don't think they've dated cans for quite some time. Probably 2018 or earlier.

 

$35 stout coming this weekend...

 

Gotta keep up with inflation, $30/bottles aren't going to pay the bills in 2020.

 

Have to make up for all those IPA sales slowing down.

 

So I'll be spending a few days in DC for work a couple weeks from now, and I'd been planning to head down to Alexandria to check out Aslin. Do you all think it's still worth it? Any specific things to avoid or definitely check out if I go? If I don't go to Aslin, any other recommendations for places that are relatively easy to access via public transport? I've probably got 2 nights I could head out and explore, I'll be myself and can take or leave food, and I'll have a checked bag, so I'm up for bringing stuff back home - if any of that makes a difference.
Thanks!

 

I can't speak on Aslin but the place everyone will recommend is Churchkey. Right Proper has a brewery in Shaw and a production facility in Brookland and they do a lot of funky beers. Bluejacket is owned by the same group as Churchkey and do a lot of hoppy beers (amongst some other things) and is in an old Navy building.

Are you staying in DC proper?

 

Just a heads up that Aslin is not in downtown Alexandria.

 

Aslin is worth the trip if you like the styles of beer they make (NEIPAs, adjunct/additive heavy stouts and sours), I'd just recommend trying stuff before you buy cans as they have been a little inconsistent for a while now. Personally, I prefer Port City (also in Alexandria) these days as they make 'cleaner' beers in a wider variety of styles. Rustico is a good beer bar/restaurant in Alexandria so if you head that way, I'd recommend going there to eat and drink unless you are only looking to drink local stuff.

Haven't been overly impressed with beers from DC breweries but haven't had too much outside of DC Brau and 3 Stars, both are pretty average.

 

Yeah, the conference/hotel I'm at is right by the Zoo and a couple minute walk to the Woodley Park metro station, so I'm hoping to find stuff that's either walkable or short Uber from the train. I checked out Churchkey's beer menu and holy hell do they have some awesome stuff.

Thanks! This is good info. It sounds like if I do decide to take a trip to Arlington there are other options if Aslin is a bit of a bust.

 

I think you are better served to visit as many NRG restaurants in the area. You'll get a wide range of exposure to local and non local beer, then if something stands out, you can go visit.

For instance, Churchkey has Aslin and bluejacket on now (plus way more quality non-locals as you mention)

The Partisan has Aslin on, The Soverign has Pen Druid (localish) and Crooked Run.

Other bars are Smoke & Barrel, they have tons of local (Port City, Ocelot, Fair Winds, DC Brau, Crooked run) and Roofers Union which seem to focus on local as well (3 stars, dc brau, union, port city, atlas, rar, ocelot, aslin, right proper, denizens). Both are in adams morgan which isn't far from woodley, walkable if it wasn't so damn cold.

Unrealted, Dukes Counter (they have other establishments too) in Woodley will get you the best burger in the city.

 

Awesome. This is exactly the kind of info I'm looking for!

Sorry - scrambled the A names and mistyped. I figured I'd take the train to Alexandria and a quick Uber/long walk to the brewery, but you all have me reconsidering. I'm heading out for work and will be by myself, so any time outside of my hotel is welcome, even if spent on the train.

For the last couple years I'd been under the impression Aslin was a destination brewery, but it seems those days may have passed, so I'm thankful for everyone here helping me out and providing lots of alternatives. If you all are ever in Nebraska, give me a shout!

 

If you've never been, sure it's worth a trip (if you have a lot of time to spare).
Personally, I'm with the rest of the group - go to Churchkey or other NRG spots. Probably better ambiance and better selection. I've only been to the Alexandria Aslin location for their anniversary party, but I've spent a lot of time in that area of Alexandria. There's really nothing else around it, so you're kind of on an island if you do go.
If you're picking up cans to bring home, then maybe it's worth a trip? I'm sure the group can advise better on that for the Woodley Park area. My go-to places are pretty far (Dominion Wine/Beer, Downtown Crown).

 

If you’re headed to Arlington, The Brew Shop at the Courthouse metro stop and Rustico at the Ballston metro stop (both on the Orange line) are a great bottle shop and bar/restaurant, respectively.

 

The Brew Shop does crowlers.