The night before SAVOR has traditionally (three years’ worth anyway) had two big events in D.C. The Lupulin Reunulin at RFD, which is hosted at the Brickskeller this year and called ReunuLess in honor of the absence of several key Lupulin competitors, is as formal as a beer panel and tasting/roast can be with brewers like Rob Tod from Allagash, Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head and Bill Madden of Mad Fox poking fun at each other while sharing their most innovative beers with a room full of loyal beer enthusiasts.

While that event’s tickets are long gone, the other Friday-before-SAVOR tradition is an informal hang at Birreria Paradiso in Georgetown where many of the brewers and brewery staff in town for Saturday’s big event pass the night ordering from the bar’s outstanding beer list.

This year Southampton Publick House brewer Phil Markowski will be on hand with copies of his book, Farmhouse Ales: Culture and Craftsmanship in the Belgian Tradition and Flying Dog brewer Matt Brophy will be there with a cask of Flying Dog Raging Bitch  and a keg of Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter (settle down, it’s not the aged one).

Other breweries that are likely to have representation are Ommegang, Victory, and Three Floyds, but many surprise guests are sure to drop in. This event has no cover and is open to as many beer fans as can fit in Pizzeria Paradiso’s Georgetown basement. If you were bummed about not having tickets to Lupulin tonight, we hope news of this brewers’ party at Birreria will cheer you up. If you are taking tonight off but up for more beer fun over the weekend, check out our SAVOR Week event master list for your options.

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