My Best Of 2003

True that Heavyweight beers are not sold in VA, but they are sold in MD, and a short trip over the Potomac will yield some Heavyweight beers. I have to take those trips over to MD, just to get a steady supply of Magic Hat beers, and its always nice to get a visit or too in at BBC and The Brewers Art. Stylistically I don't find Winter Brew '03 as accurate as the Hammer, but I wouldn't go so far as to say that is was a dissapointment. Sure it could have been better, I would have liked to see the abv higher as well, but I didn't find it at all lacking. It was a very tasty, very drinkable dark lager. Not quite up to snuff with most of the Baltics or the Hammer, but not miles away either.

I was pretty happy with it. Their GranLuxe Tripel has also appeared locally, and I'm fond of that one too.

all, but

it was great. They

In general, the DC area cannot compare with, say, the Philly area. Example: Shiner products are starting to infiltrate the taps at good beer bars. I had some respect for Shiner in Houston because for each Shiner sold, that meant one less Bud was sold.

And RFD = BFD. I can say this now that I live inside the DC beltway.

Bruce Reistle

Good to know moving hasn't changed you, Bruce!

as Perkuno's

it regularly.

Certainly didn't match

Belgian ale

Not even close. It's a lot like saying "Dominion's Baltic Porter is an inferior version of a quality Baltic Porter."

On a hedonistic scale, it's pleasant enough. And I went out of my way to say it didn't suck, but I have high expectations for Dominion seasonals.

good as Perkuno's

it regularly.

Certainly didn't match

every Belgian ale

are sold in

Heavyweight

a steady

visit or too

Winter Brew

to say that

would have

at all

Not quite up

miles away

I'd agree with what you said, although I suspect my disappointment was due to high expectations.

"Bruce Reistle" wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@corp.supernews.com:

Eh, the DC area's pretty disappointing tap-wise. There's more or less a giant dead zone in between Arlington and Old Dominion out in Ashburn with only a few options like Hard Times or Lost Dog to get something decent on draft. Cap City's OK and I'm not a huge Sweetwater fan (I live right near it and never go), but I'm largely annoyed that there isn't a better bar scene here in suburbian hell.

Uh, yeah, well. It's like the Brick, except without the charm, and it's got lousy expensive food instead of lousy cheap food. I go there for beer dinners and tastings, and eat in Chinatown first. Then again, I live a half-mile outside the Beltway, so my credibility's probably shot.

There's always the Last Chance Saloon up in Columbia MD, though that's a bit of a hike from northern VA especially if you plan on a serious session...

Hate to be the one to tell you, but it's true: Last Chance closed about a month ago. No one's really clear on why. Damned shame.

I've been to RFD. I've, um, "dined" at RFD. And I agree with Bruce. I've talked with Dave Alaexander and like the guy, but maybe I'm just spoiled. I also agree with Bruce about comparison of Philly's beer-drinkin' scene vis-a-vis DC's. And I say this as a guy who hearts Old Dominion beers.

Never made it there, Lew, but with Baltimore so close.....now that is a beer town. Chuck C.

Don't mean to argue with either of you. I was referring to Bruce's willingness -- eagerness to call 'em like he sees 'em.

in

at

thought

Philly

infiltrate

Shiner

less

more or less a

in Ashburn with

something decent on

live right

isn't a better

I live near Lost Dog. Very pricey. They serve expensive cheater pints, and don't list the prices for the bottled beers, which are overpriced.

charm, and it's

go there for

Then again, I

probably shot.

RFD lacks personality. Personality goes a long way.