Last weekend was seriously one of the most fun and well-organized events I’ve ever been to, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation D.C. Brewer’s Ball. It was seriously a blast. There were 18 stations, and at each station were 2-3 breweries as well as a restaurant being represented. We got small beer glasses when we came in, so, in theory, pacing was encouraged by default. Granted, it didn’t always happen that way, but it was a nice thought.
Jim was away for a work trip, so my friend, Christie agreed to be my date. There was a 90s cover band, White Ford Bronco, a live and silent auction (I won Escape Room Live passes!) and amazing times had by all.
No joke, I enjoyed just about ALL the beer we sampled. The breweries seriously brought the best of the best. I also loved the food. Everyone from Summer House to Insomnia Cookies was represented and it was all delicious.
Having been in D.C. for ten years, it’s amazing to me how much has sprouted up in such a short time. I had no idea all but one of these breweries existed, and am so glad the Brewers Ball acquainted me. This will be a two part post because I have more to share. These breweries are totally on my spring road trip list.
- Stone Brewing: Richmond, VA. So, the brewery started in San Diego, but has recently expanded to East Coast brewing. The tasting room looks awesome, and I can’t wait to check it out. I have two friends in Richmond who had babies in the past few months that I haven’t met yet, so I think a trip is in order!
- True Respite: Rockville, MD. Their John Candy beer is AMAZING. I’m usually not a fan of sweeter beers, but this is like a creamsicle and is delicious. They’re right around the corner from me in Rockville, MD and I can’t believe I’ve never heard of them before now! It looks amazing, and I can’t wait to go check it out!
- Rocket Frog: Sterling, VA. I am 99% sure I had one of their sour beers, which is a new endeavor for me. I had a sour for the first time last summer and am intrigued, at the very least. Rocket Frog’s website is a little primitive, but don’t let that stop you. These people know what they’re doing and will be a household name in no time.
- Heavy Seas: Baltimore, MD. This is the only of the breweries I’ve actually been to and would love to go back for another tour. Loose Cannon IPA is one of Jim’s favorite beers, and I tend to agree. At the Brewer’s Ball, they were also pouring “Tropi-Cannon” which made me want to sit under a palm tree and imbibe ALL day. It was delicious and surprisingly light for an IPA. I tend to stay away from IPAs in warm weather, but this would definitely be an exception to that rule of mine. So good.
- Fordham and Dominion: Dover, DE. This is another stop where I had a sour, and my intrigue continues. I also had their Cherry Blossom beer, which was soooo good. I’m not sure if they have a tasting room or not.. Their website isn’t clear. But, I do intend of keeping an eye out for this beer in local bars. It’s dayum good.
Hope you enjoyed! Mark your calendar for the Brewers Ball 2020, which is on March 7!