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This year’s DC Beer Week is off and running, with dozens of opportunities to enjoy and explore craft beer throughout the city. Below are our recommendations for where to drink, eat, and even make your own infused beer tonight. Check out the full list of events here.
Mad Fox Tap Takeover and Collaboration Release at Smoke and Barrel
Two words: Orange Whip. One of the area’s best beers, the juicy India pale ale from Mad Fox Brewing Company in Falls Church is brewed with loads of Citra hops that impart intense orange and tropical fruit flavors. Tonight starting at 5 p.m., Orange Whip IPA and 11 other Mad Fox brews will be pouring at Smoke and Barrel in Adams Morgan. Among them is The Ambassador IPA, a special collaboration beer dreamed up by Smoke and Barrel bartender Erich Streckfuss and named after the historic theater that used to stand across the street from the Adams Morgan beer and barbecue joint. Read more about The Ambassador here in this week’s Beer issue.
Dogfish Head Randall Jr. Infusion Night at Scion Restaurant
This one wins points in the bargain and hands-on categories. At Scion Restaurant in Dupont Circle, all Dogfish Head beers—11 drafts and five bottles—will be half-price from 5 to 10 p.m. Five of them will be run through a Randall Jr., a filtering contraption that is used to infuse beer with ingredients such as bacon, mint, strawberries, or whole-leaf hops. In true DIY fashion, those in attendance will have a chance to choose their own infusion combination. Highlights from the beer line-up include 61 Minute IPA, the Delaware brewery’s popular 60 Minute IPA brewed with syrah grape must from California, and Positive Contact, a 9 percent alcohol cider-beer hybrid with Fuji apples, roasted farro, cayenne peppers, and fresh cilantro brewed in collaboration with hip hop producer Dan the Automator.
Local Summer Ale Tasting at Gordon Biersch
From 6 to 9 p.m., Gordon Biersch is hosting an English summer ale tasting at their downtown location featuring several of the breweries that participated in this year’s DC Beer Week collaboration brew, Solidarity Summer Ale. In addition to the official batch brewed at DC Brau, eight other versions from local breweries will be available, as well as English-style pub fare like Scotch eggs and fish and chips. Entrance is $15 and includes a commemorative glass and samples of all nine brews. Participating breweries include District ChopHouse, Capital City, 3 Stars Brewing Company, Rock Bottom Bethesda, Lost Rhino, Mad Fox and both D.C. Gordon Biersch locations.
Image courtesy of DC Beer Week