- Antigoon
When imbibing at Robert Wiedmaier spots such as Mussel Bar
(7262 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda; 301-215-7817), watch for this dangerously
drinkable blond ale, made exclusively in Ursel, Belgium, for the local
brasserie kingpin.
- Aspall Cyder
Cider-makers often press otherwise-unusable apples into their
juice. Not so the fastidious Brits in charge at Aspall. The superior fruit
shines through in this elegant, dry brew, poured by the pint at the Coupe
(3415 11th St., NW; 202-290-3342) in DC’s Columbia Heights.
- Aviator Bonehead India Brown Ale
Fans of hoppy beer balanced with lots of chocolaty malts will
love this rare one from North Carolina brewery Aviator. It rolled into
town in February, and you can find it at Adams Morgan’s the Black Squirrel
(2427 18th St., NW; 202-232-1011).
- Baladin Nora
Ari Gejdenson, co-owner of Acqua al 2 (212 Seventh St., SE;
202-525-4375), says this Egyptian-inspired spiced beer from Le Baladin
brewery in Piozzo, Italy, is one of the Capitol Hill restaurant’s most
popular “aperitif beers.” He suggests pairing it with a charcuterie
plate.
- From Russia With Love
Dave Coleman of 3 Stars Brewing calls this “a big, boozy stout
with notes of roasty malts, chocolate, and a significant hop character.”
The new beer was developed with friends at Columbia Heights’ Meridian Pint
(3400 11th St., NW; 202-588-1075), where you can try it starting in
March.
- Jelen and Lav Lagers
Cocktails with Balkan brandies steal the show at the new
Barracks Row spot Ambar (523 Eighth St., SE; 202-813-3039), but these two
easygoing Serbian lagers—each as refreshing as the other—taste great with
the meaty small plates on offer.
- Ridiculous Red Sour Ale
Acidic beers are on the rise among American craft brewers, and
this medium-to-light-bodied small-batch beer from Franklins Brewery, with
stone-fruit aromas, is a great place to start. It’s on draft starting this
month at Franklins Restaurant (5121 Baltimore Ave., Hyattsville;
301-927-2740).
- Tartan Ale
Port City Brewing in Alexandria makes this copper-colored ale
with subtle hops and great malty flavor. It’s on tap at Columbia Firehouse
(109 S. Saint Asaph St., Alexandria; 703-683-1776) starting March
1.
- Taster’s Choice Coffee Doppelbock
DC Brau and Colorado’s Ska Brewing have joined with the local
band the Pietasters to brew a limited-run doppelbock—in bold defiance of
German tradition—with coffee. Try it starting March 27 at Boundary Stone
(116 Rhode Island Ave., NW; 202-621-6635).
- Vespula Mysticus
This month only, head to ChurchKey (1337 14th St., NW;
202-567-2576) to sample the saffron-laced saison, a collaboration between
Bluejacket, the forthcoming Navy Yard brewery, and Mystic Brewery in
Cambridge, Massachusetts.
