Craft breweries

Question

What are your favorite DC breweries. Extra points if they offer a brewery tour.

Answer

Washington DC has a thriving craft beer scene with a number of excellent breweries scattered across the city. Many of these breweries not only offer a great selection of beers but also host tours or tasting events that give visitors insight into their brewing process. Here are some favorites and details about each:

DC Brau Brewing Company – Located in Northeast DC, DC Brau is one of the city’s flagship craft breweries. They offer a range of IPAs, lagers, and seasonal brews. Tours are available on weekends by reservation and give a behind-the-scenes look at their brewing operations.
Atlas Brew Works – Situated in the H Street Corridor, Atlas Brew Works focuses on approachable yet flavorful beers, including pale ales and saisons. They offer brewery tours and tastings, often paired with live events in their taproom.
Bluejacket – Located in the Navy Yard area near Nationals Park, Bluejacket has a large brewpub and restaurant space. They frequently offer tours and tastings and are known for their experimental beers alongside classic styles.
Right Proper Brewing Company – With a main brewery in Shaw, Right Proper produces innovative and Belgian-inspired beers. They have tasting rooms and occasionally host tours, providing insights into their barrel-aging and fermentation processes.
Atlas Brew Works – Focused on sustainable brewing and creative flavors, this brewery offers public tastings and limited behind-the-scenes experiences by appointment.

Other notable mentions worth visiting for a casual tasting experience:

3 Stars Brewing Company – Known for small-batch, high-quality beers, and a friendly taproom atmosphere.
Hardywood Park Craft Brewery (though technically in nearby Virginia) – Offers strong IPAs and stouts, along with guided tours on special occasions.
ChurchKey (taproom) – While not a brewery itself, it features an extensive DC and regional craft beer selection and sometimes hosts brewery tasting events.

For a visit-focused itinerary, it’s recommended to check each brewery’s website for current tour schedules and booking requirements, as some require reservations, and tour availability may vary by season. Combining brewery visits with nearby neighborhoods like Navy Yard, Shaw, and H Street makes for a fun walking or short ride experience.

Overall, DC offers a great mix of small-scale craft operations and larger brewpubs where you can enjoy both unique beers and the local vibe.