This Thursday, join me and several D.C. craft beer insiders and enthusiasts at the Bier Baron to discuss the “State of the Brewnion.” The conversation will cover the D.C. area’s rapidly advancing craft beer culture—-everything from the growing popularity of home brewing and expanding beer menus at local bars and stores to what District beer enthusiasts can look forward to in the near future.

If you had a moment at the podium yourself, what would you ask the panel to reflect on? What is your take on how D.C. became such a thriving craft beer town and what may be next for the District’s booming beer scene? Stick your questions or ideas in the comments and we will select some suggestions for the discussion.

In addition to this tantalizing conversation, the event will feature interactive beer trivia with guest star contestants and complimentary tastings, appetizers and prizes. The event is free and will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the upstairs bar. RSVP on Facebook and arrive early to secure a spot. The list of featured guests is after the jump:

Thor Cheston – Former general manager and beer director for Brasserie Beck and Mussel Bar
Tom Cizauskas – Beer blogger at Yours For Good Fermentables and salesman for Select Wines, Inc.
Ben Matz – Co-founder and head brewer for Chocolate City Beer LLC
Mike Dolan – Founder of DCBeer.com and DC Homebrewers club
Barrett Lauer – Head brewer at The District Chophouse & Brewery
Teddy Folkman – Co-founder of DC Beer Week and executive chef at Granville Moore’s
Jeff Hancock – president and head brewer for DC Brau
Dorlyn Catron – Bar manager at the Bier Baron
Mike McGarvey – CEO and co-founder of 3 Stars Brewing Company
Jeff Wells – Co-founder of DC Beer Week and sales manager for DOPS, Inc.
Greg Engert – Beer director for Neighborhood Restaurant Group including Birch & Barley and ChurchKey

…and a few more surprise guests

[EDITOR’S NOTE: This post has been corrected. A prior version mistakenly identified Jeff Hancock as CEO of DC Brau. He is the president of the local brewery. Brandon Skall is the company’s CEO. The author regrets the error.]

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