The DC Beer Show

Pour yourself a crispy lager and settle in for a festive episode of The DC Beer Show! This week, hosts Michael Stein and Jordan Harvey raise a glass to 14 years of DC Brau with special guests Brandon Skall (CEO and cofounder) and Alex Spencer (head brewer). The convo kicks off with springtime vibes—think Star Wars Day, Cinco de Mayo, and the promise of patio beers—before diving headlong into DC Brau’s big news: Dueling Grounds Vienna Lager has officially joined their flagship lineup.

Brandon and Alex give us the behind-the-scenes scoop: Dueling Grounds is malty, bready, and steeped in DC history—even its name is inspired by the legendary Bladensburg Dueling Grounds just down the road from the brewery. The episode raises a pint to the challenges DC Brau has faced, from navigating quirky DC laws ("no tasting beer at a brewery?!"—thankfully, that's ancient history) to surviving the pandemic’s shakeup of local hospitality.

Listeners also get a look at shifting beer trends. Alex talks the rise (and recent wane) of hazy IPAs, the triumphant comeback of “beer-flavored beer” (hello, lagers!), and how DC Brau is meeting demand with new releases like the ever-popular Old Time and the returning Keller Pils and Space Reaper for the hopheads out there.

The episode touches on brewery collaboration, the realities of a shrinking beer market, and DC Brau’s efforts to keep the spirit of community alive through contract brewing for smaller brands. With the local hospitality scene still in recovery, the message is clear: support your favorite bars and eateries, because their survival helps breweries (and your pint) too.

Rounding things out, the hosts tease some tart surprises: golden funk sour fans, rejoice—there's more barreled magic aging away for future taps. Plus, upcoming beer shares and ways to connect with the DC Beer crew both on-site at Brau and online through Patreon.

If you’re curious about the past, present, and future of DC craft beer—and thirsty for a few history tidbits alongside your toasty Vienna lager—this episode is one you won’t want to miss. So grab your favorite local pour, follow along for event highlights, and raise a toast to 14 years of “DC’s Beer.”

Cheers to supporting local, drinking responsibly, and keeping those brewing duels friendly!

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Let's dive into a beer-filled adventure with guests Ben Mullet and Michael Spinello, co-founders of DC's newest brewery, Henceforth. The episode kicks off with the usual friendly banter about what everyone is sipping, featuring an impressive lineup of pints from rich ESBs to crisp pilsners.

Michael and Ben reveal the inspirations behind Henceforth, sharing their journey from ideation to near opening at their unique space on H Street. They discuss the innovative concept of creating a cozy brewpub atmosphere that feels more like a living room than a warehouse, aiming to bring refreshing change to the local beer scene. The episode brims with frothy excitement about traditional beer styles, nonalcoholic offerings, and a plan to engage a broader audience, including those who prefer cocktails or wine.

Our hosts also keep you in the loop with upcoming events like the Maryland Craft Beer Festival and notes on Henceforth's opening timetable. The beer talk is spiced up with a discussion on the challenges of transforming a historical venue into a state-of-the-art brewhouse, and a lighthearted take on frosty descriptions of "microbrews."

One important note: Beginning April 22, 2025, new episodes of The DC Beer Show will air at 2:00 p.m. ET every other Tuesday.

As always, check out @DCBeer on social media for live updates, exciting developments, and some patio-beer escapades. So grab your favorite brew, and listen along for a blend of beer news and hoppily-ever-after tales from the capital's vibrant brew community. Cheers to that!

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Mike, Brandy, and Jake Berg are joined by esteemed local industry god Emily Brown, and Jordan Harvey provides an update on a cool new collab, all in this episode of The DC Beer Show.

We kick things off with Brandy and Jake's thrilling escapade to Nationals Park for media day, where the lineup of beers for the upcoming baseball season is overflowing with local flavor and they met the legendary Ryan Zimmerman, who was celebrating the Number 11 Kölsch from Lost Barrel, one of the many local drafts available this season.

Next, we dive deep with Emily Brown, the passionate beverage director for Andy's Pizza, who's gearing up to open her dream bar, eebees, right in the heart of Shaw. She shares her plans for this welcoming hotspot, where patrons can expect to find crafted cocktails, classic American bites, and an impressive selection of beers, all seasoned with Emily's signature enthusiasm and love for the Baltimore Orioles.

Meanwhile, ballpark aficionados and craft beer lovers will be pleased to hear the insider tales from our local brewing scene. From celebrated collaborations between established names like Right Proper and Streetcar 82, to the poignant goodbyes and hopeful beginnings for breweries across D.C. Metro, there's no shortage of excitement.

And be sure to check out Chocolate City Porter, a new collaboration by black-owned breweries past and present, organized by Jordan Harvey.

As we wrap this chapter, we're reminded of the camaraderie that binds this community together—whether you're sipping at the latest spot or cheering at a game, we raise a toast to the local craft. So, sit back, relax, and let The DC Beer Show be your guide to the capital's hoppiest adventures!

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Jacob Berg, Brandy Holder, and Michael Stein are here to celebrate the incredible women making waves in the brewing industry. We’re thrilled to have Anne Choe of Lost Generation join us to discuss her craft brewing journey and the impact of community engagement.

Thanks to a fortuitous grant from DC, Anne shares her excitement about the brewery’s plans to expand distribution and gives us the inside scoop on some new brews hitting their taps soon. Spoiler alert: A West Coast Pilsner and a German-style Bock are in the lineup!

The episode also dives into the phenomenal success of the recent Women’s Panel at Lost Generation, where many inspiring voices came together to raise over $3,000 for the Michael James Jackson Foundation. Anne reflects on the power of bringing the community together and underscores the importance of supporting diverse voices in the industry. As Anne and Brandy prepare for the next Women's event at Other Half on March 20, they emphasize the unique “speed-dating” style that allows for real connections.

The hosts also discuss the challenges the brewing world faces, with closures like Old Ox Brewing on the horizon, but Anne highlights the importance of staying connected to community roots.

So grab your favorite brew, get cozy, and immerse yourself in the dynamic world of craft beer led by innovative women. Join us for yet another fantastic episode of The DC Beer Show!

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Today on The DC Beer Show, Jake and Brandy keep the good brews flowing. First off, Brandy's fresh from a trip to Ardent Craft in Richmond, singing praises of their alt beer. Jacob joins in the cheer, holding a pint of Wheatland Spring's Common Grain—a tipple toasting women in the brewery world, like the incredible Bonnie.

This week, we're catching up on the pulse of the March beer scene, full of exciting events like the Women's Panels at Lost Generation and Other Half, celebrating women with a blend of pizza, craft suds, and… shenanigans, obviously! March being Women's Month, Jake himself pledges attendance and support.

Next up in the fermenting fun, the team shines a light on the brewing buzzkill: City State Brewery's brewing operations ceasing, a sobering reminder to support local brews over Amazon shopping sprees.

But the hops don't stop there—we've got Brandy and Jacob chatting with Annie McGinnis from Vine Street Brewing in Kansas City. She gives us the lowdown on their claim to fame as the first black-owned brewery in Missouri, housed in a historic building just East of memorable KC landmarks. Vine Street is stirring the pot (or kettle, in this case) with a community vibe brought alive with music, art, and eclectic beer styles like their signature Hood Saison.

Our hosts also dive into Annie's time advocating at the Missouri Capitol, aligning with Anheuser Busch for a good cause—tax reform to keep craft brewing costs palatable. Plus, with collaborations in spades and innovative initiatives on the horizon, Vine Street Brewing is definitely one to watch.

As always, there’s a sprinkle of shout-outs to beer shares and brewery events in the DC area, making sure you folks get your craft fix all while supporting local breweries.

So, crack open a cold one, settle in, and join us for a pint-sized adventure on The DC Beer Show!

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Welcome back to the DC Beer Show, where Jake, Mike, and Brandy gather for an exciting episode featuring our special guest, Sheldon Goins of Black Beauty Brewing. As the weather in D.C. toggles annoyingly between porter and wit beer seasons, the crew navigates the cozy, enclosed metrobar patio to pour up some phenomenal black-owned breweries for a great cause.

Brandy kickstarts the chatter with fond reviews of Port City's Robust Porter, while Mike forecasts local beer temperatures like a pro, promising a weekend of camaraderie and craft joys despite no snow accumulation!

This episode spotlights the Cheers & Beers Black Brewers Tasting Event happening this weekend, a lead into a bustling upcoming itinerary that includes everything from the Denizen's Winter Cask Classic to a Blue Jacket beer share, and even faints at sneak peeks into March.

The conversation takes a heartfelt twist with Sheldon Goins, a trailblazer in Bowie's brewing scene, who reminisces about the unique journey of launching Black Beauty with an unconventional yet beloved bloody orange saison and crowd-stunning white chocolate white stout. Now venturing into IPA territory, Sheldon discusses the innovative Exotic Grail, a delightful golden kiwi IPA concocted for adventurous palates.

So, fill up your stein, snuggle in, and join us on this vibrant journey through craft beer narratives, smooth IPAs, and extraordinary community spirit! Cheers!

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Welcome back to The DC Beer Show! In this episode, our hosts Jacob, Jordan, Michael, and Brandy explore the freshest brews and upcoming craft beer events around the D.C. metro area.

The spotlight is on Alyssa Hackbarth, Beer and Marketing Director for Lyon Hall in Arlington. She talks about reviving Lyon Hall’s beer dinner series, including the much-anticipated Black Brewers Beer Dinner on February 18th, featuring Soul Mega, Liquid Intrusion, and Bitter Fruit Brewing. Alyssa’s dedication to maintaining a balanced mix of Belgian staples and local favorites shines through, as does her knack for curating 19 exemplary draft beers plus a draft mocktail.

February is filled with exciting events, from metrobar's Black Brewer Tasting to Port City's 14th anniversary and Alyssa's Women's Panels in March at Lost Generation and Other Half. The team also emphasizes the perks of being a DC Beer Patreon supporter, like discounts and exclusive event access.

Grab a cold one, kick back, and dive into another fantastic episode celebrating craft beer and community in D.C.

Stay hoppy, friends!

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Welcome back to The DC Beer Show, where our hosts are ringing in 2025 with frothy excitement and a lineup you won’t want to miss. This episode is jam-packed with news, events, and brews that are bound to tickle your taste buds. 

First off, Jake introduces our newly launched “Beer of the Month” collaboration with The Brew Shop in Arlington. Kicking things off in style, we spotlight Sojourn Fermentory's "Midnight Dark Lager," a Czech-inspired gem chosen by Michael Stein and notable for its complexity.

We're not just about the booze, though! For those participating in Dry January, The Brew Shop is rolling out an array of non-alcoholic options, including beers, ciders, wines, and even cocktails. Plus, they’re gearing up for their 9th birthday bash on January 24th, where they'll debut "Uninterrupted Prosperity," a West Coast IPA brewed in collaboration with Ocelot Brewery.

Patreon perks alert! DC Beer Patreon members get a sweet 10% discount on the beer of the month and draft beer purchases. We also raise a glass to new Patreon members Jared Prager and Adam Frank for their awesome support.

Join our hosts as they dive into their current sips, highlighting some standout brews from Other Half Brewing while recording on-location. From hoppy low-alcohol beers and a nearly non-alcoholic stout to the Japanese-style rice lager "Motueka Snaps," and the multifaceted "Triple Broccoli" IPA, there's a lot of liquid love to go around.

Looking ahead, we’ve got a slew of events lined up, including a heavy month of activities with a special Women’s Brew Culture Club event at Port City, organized by our very own Brandy Holder. And mark your calendars for February, folks! We’re buzzing about the "Love Thy Beer" event in Silver Spring on February 7th and the "Black Breweries of the DMV" event at metrobar on February 8th.

Also on the horizon: a tantalizing new release by Lost Nomad brewed at DC Brau, made with wild yeast from West Africa. And keep an eye out for Henceforth, a new brewery filling the former H Street Country Club space with a cream ale that’s already won us over.

We wrap up on a nostalgic note, reminiscing about our show's beginnings at Hellbender, and looking forward to Urban Gardens opening soon.

Don't miss the details on new projects at Right Proper Brewery and Sangfrois’ distillery expansion in Takoma Park. Exciting times ahead in the local brewing scene!

Grab a cold brew, sit back, and join us for a toast: "Cheers" to 2025!

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Welcome back to the DC Beer Show! In this episode, our hosts Mike, Brandy, and Jake dive deep into the heart of the DC craft beer scene with an engaging conversation and a touching farewell to a local brewery. The gang kicks things off with their beverages of choice—Brandy's savoring some leftover Prosecco, Michael is classily sipping on Schönramer Hell, and Jacob is enjoying a pre-Prohibition lager from Lost Generation.

The episode takes an emotional turn as the hosts lament the closing of Hellbender Brewing Company, a neighborhood staple that's been a haven for beer lovers for the past decade. Brandy shares her heartfelt sadness, emphasizing the community's loss and the brewery's triumphant journey through various challenges. Michael takes a nostalgic trip, reflecting on how brewery closures impact the local craft beer landscape.

But it's not all gloom and doom! The spotlight turns to Phil Runco, the mastermind behind the highly anticipated "2024 Beer In Review." Phil discusses the meticulous process of collecting insights from local brewers and industry insiders to create a comprehensive snapshot of the year's best beers, trends, and breweries. With 20 contributors from Maryland, Virginia, and DC, this year’s review promises an enthralling read with standout mentions like Blind House Brewing in Roanoke, Virginia.

Jake and Mike quiz Phil on his personal favorites and his editorial adventures, including wrangling up-to-date photos of each participant. Through shared laughs and stories, Phil reveals some intriguing trends like the resurgence of craft lagers and the ever-evolving style of West Coast IPAs. His insights spark a lively discussion on whether the local beer scene is rebounding post-pandemic.

As we sail into the end of 2024, Brandy and Jake look forward to upcoming beer events, including Denizens' holiday karaoke night and a cozy beer share at Right Proper Brookland. Plus, they're organizing a winter clothes drive in collaboration with the H3 Project, reminding us all of the spirit of giving.

This episode celebrates the resilience, passion, and camaraderie that define the DC craft beer community. So cheers to another year of great brews and even better friends. Grab yourself a cold one, settle in, and enjoy this fantastic episode of The DC Beer Show!

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Welcome back to The DC Beer Show! This week, our hosts Michael Stein, Jacob Berg, and Brandy Holder take you on a flavorful journey with brewery aficionado Joel Geier. Renowned for his extensive "brewery travels," Joel shares his adventures and insights from visiting a staggering 1,367 breweries across all 50 states, and yes, that includes our very own Washington D.C.!

Joel's new book, "Flights Across America" will be out December 17 and is available for pre-order now.

Joel kicks off by reminiscing about his early love for craft beer, sparked by his father’s influence and further ignited during his college years. His move to Oregon with his wife opened new beer horizons, and their subsequent relocation to Milwaukee became a springboard for documenting his brewery escapades via his popular Twitter account, "brewery travels."

Ever wonder what it's like to dive into the craft beer scenes across America? Joel’s wife, working as a travel nurse, allowed them to crisscross the country, pushing his brewery counts through the roof. They’ve lived in 14 states over 9 years, each stint providing new local brewery experiences. Joel’s dedication led to his first book, "Flights Across America," where he showcases over 400 brewery visits expanded to include an awesome 200 breweries in Wisconsin alone!

Did you know Joel's kids tag along on these beer quests? That's right, he's a big advocate for responsibly managed kid-friendly taprooms, sharing touching stories of family outings with breweries providing inclusive, family-centric atmospheres.

As the conversation flows, Joel spills his Milwaukee favorites—shoutout to the affordable and varied beers from Lakefront and 3rd Space, the latter celebrated for its wins at the Great American Beer Festival. And who can forget the beloved New Glarus beers?

It's not just about the brews; Joel appreciates the historical and community fervor attached to each taproom and brewski stop. His methodical approach to note-taking and storytelling keeps listeners hanging on every word.

The hosts also dive into upcoming DC beer events that you won't want to miss. They hype up trivia nights at Other Half, celebrate Right Proper’s 11th anniversary with a diverse lineup of events, and the infectious festive vibes at Wheatland Spring holiday markets complete with live music. And don’t forget to grab your tickets to the 12 Beers of Christmas at Metro Bar!

They even touch on a poignant story of entrepreneurial spirit and community support: Avery Swanson’s quest to open her brewery amidst financial setbacks, with a fundraiser pouring Keeping Together beers at the Sovereign.

Lastly, our hosts chat about their drink picks, Jacob's beer trade tales, and passionate sips from favorite brews. They leave you with a heartfelt nudge to contribute to the DC beer scene through their Patreon, nurturing the metro area’s craft beer culture.

So, pour yourself a frothy pint, kick back, and hop aboard another enriching episode of The DC Beer Show! Cheers! 🍻

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