My family is heading to D.C. For spring break- any suggestions for some good shelf beers that are only available locally or on the east coast? I'm open to any style, but I've been drinking a lot of German/English styles these days (and saison, Belgian pale ales, porters....). I was in Syracuse for my son's hockey tournament and finally got to enjoy some beers from Middle Ages... We'll be in the Capitol Hill area (eastern market) if anyone has suggestions for bottle shops/restaurants,etc as it's our first trip there. Thanks!
I'd strongly suggest Craft Beer Cellar which isn't too far from the Hill. They have a really nice selection of German and English styles. They also have a ton of American craft. Schneiders of Capitol Hill is quite good as well. You could probably hit both spots in the same trip if you're so inclined. I don't know what you get distro'd there in IL, but I'm a big fan of Ayinger as German beers go and Andechs is quite good as well. Restaurant-wise you could hit up Blue Jacket. They're a brewery and restaurant. Also Salt Line is quite good. Although they're certainly more on the American side of the craft beer spectrum, but great outdoor area and food. Cheers
There is a Trader's Joe (healthy type grocery store) in that area that carries some decent beer (some local as well as foreign), may want to stop by and give it a look.
When I lived in DC a few years ago, I used to make trips out to DC Brau to load up on OTWOA. I randomly saw a sixer of these at a beer shop in Philly last weekend (canning date of October, sadly), but perhaps this is available on the shelves in DC? Really miss that beer.
Another one for Craft Beer Cellars. Excellent selection and nice focus on local beer. If you see Raised By Wolves from Right Proper, that is an excellent 6 pack to take home.
What I would return with... Devils Backbone Vienna Lager (20 mi from Charlottseville)... they "sold out" to InBev but they're best option around. The Vienna Lager is their flagship and the best thing going in terms of beers approachable to all. DC Brau (DC)... I don't like them but a lot of other people do and so I'll just call me stupid and move on 3 Stars (DC)... Peppercorn Saison is in cans... closest thing they've got to a year-rounder Port City (Alexandria)... their porter is a GABF medalist, they've got other options. Everything they make is good but that's also because they don't release any experimentals. Otherwise, look for Union (Baltimore), Parkway (Roanoke), and Hardywood (Richmond).
I came here to mention Raised by Wolves by Right Proper is available in cans. Also, my regional, unsung favorite is Full Nelson pale ale from Blue Mountain Brewery in central VA. Also, Citra Splendor from Manor Hill in MD. Also, Duckpin pale ale from Union in B'more.
