Showing posts with label Gordon Biersch Brewery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gordon Biersch Brewery. Show all posts

Friday, July 3, 2015

#VABreweryChallenge: Tyson's Corner & Gordon Biersch Brewery (#18)

Ironically, the Tyson's Gordon Biersch Brewery is not far from my home, yet I only seem to visit once a year. Probably a general aversion to the Tyson's Mall, or any mall really.  That's a shame because brewer Justin Damadio brews really good German styled beer. My go to is the Export Export lager, decently hopped and clean. It's a good indicator of the brewery's quality since you can't hide many defects in a light lager. I usually avoid the Marzen and Maibock because these styles are too sweet for my tastes, so move to the banana rich Hefeweizen or the dry Schwarzhier. On this visit, Damadio had brewed a Rye Lager, which is both spicy and hoppy. If you care for even more hops, there's also an IPA and a new Belgium Pale Ale, less IBUs than the Rye Lager, but the hops are more prevalent on the palate. I'll most likely be back on a Tuesday in July since the brewery is hosting special events this month on those days. Check out their events pdf.


Across Route 7 from the mall is another brewpub, BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse. We visited this establishment and learned that the beer is not brewed onsite, it is shipped from their facility in Texas. Thus, they won't be included in the #VABreweryChallenge, but there are a few decent offerings on tap. The seasonal Nit Wit was fresh and spicy as one would expect from a wit and the Harvest Hefeweizen is another summer option.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Ballparks & Brews: Nationals Park

Regardless if you are a Washington Nationals regular or visiting from out of town, there are plenty of craft beer options inside and surrounding Nationals Park in Southeast Washington.  Outside the stadium, check out Bluejacket Brewery or Gordon Biersch Brewery for your pre or post game celebrations. Bluejacket has a rotating tab of at least twenty home grown beers - checkout the sour Sideshow or Pyro; chocolate-spicy Mexican Radio; or the super strong Belgian Quad Cashmere. At Gordon Biersch, I usually stick to the Hefeweizen or Czech Pilsner.

Inside the stadium. the big boys have monopolized the roving beer-men (and women) and food stands (although you can find  New Belgium Brewing Company and Boston Beer Company at a few stands), but there are a few District Draft carts serving local breweries.You can be assured that Port City Brewing Company and DC Brau Brewing LLC are available with possible beers from 3 Stars Brewing Company, Atlas Brew Works, or Mad Fox Brewing Company. The Port City Wit is my choice on a hot summer day and you can find the District Draft carts at section 119, 138, 225 & 309.

For an expanded national craft beer selection, hit the Red Porch at the main entrance in the outfield. This restaurant has taps from Flying Dog Brewery, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Allagash Brewing Company, Lagunitas Brewing Company, Brewery Ommegang, Starr Hill Brewing, and many more. Diners get a nice view of the stadium. #GoNats.