What’s in Stein’s Stein is a new biweekly feature celebrating the liquids made, sold, and served by underrepresented voices in the craft beverage industries.

Beer: Pounding Trees Double India Pale Ale

Person: Meth Gunasinghe, Brewer

Hometown: Vienna, Virginia

Price: $16.50 per four-pack of pints

Taste: Golden colored with copper highlights, jammy and honey aromas dominate this ale. A slightly sweet initial taste transitions into a juicy mid-palate leading to a bitter and dry finish. At 8 percent alcohol by volume, this thick sipper should be respected, not pounded.

Story: Meth Gunasinghe cut his teeth at Caboose Brewing Co. in Vienna, Virginia, working his way up from bussing tables in the brewery’s restaurant to serving and bartending. He eventually landed a management position.

As his interest in beer production grew, he began to volunteer in the brew house, working with Caboose head brewer Chris Mallon. He then started working at 3 Stars Brewing Company, the District’s second largest brewery, and a few months ago was promoted from assistant brewer to brewer.

Initially Gunasinghe couldn’t wrap his head around the amount of beer 3 Stars brings to market. “I started at baseball season and then seeing the pallet go out to Nats Park was mind blowing,” he says. One of the most rewarding parts of being a brewer at 3 Stars, Gunasinghe says, is having friends who are able to enjoy his work at a game.

Diversity in the brewing industry has improved according to Gunasinghe, who is Sri Lankan. Though the consumer base looks more diverse, he says the production side is still dominated by white men. “I have yet to meet another Sri Lankan brewer,” he says. 

Where to buy: 3 Stars Brewing Company, 6400 Chillum Place NW; (202) 670-0333; 3starsbrewing.com