Brewing Beyond Borders: Alexandria, VA’s International Beer Scene
Alexandria, VA may be a small city, but it has a big beer scene. And while most of the breweries in the area focus on craft beer styles that are popular in the US, there are a handful of breweries that are pushing the boundaries by brewing international styles.
The International Beer Scene in Alexandria
One of the most prominent breweries in Alexandria that is brewing international styles is Port City Brewing Company. This brewery has been around since 2011 and has won numerous awards for its traditional German-style beers, including its flagship beer, Port City Porter.
Another brewery in Alexandria that is known for brewing international styles is Aslin Beer Company. While Aslin is technically based in Herndon, VA, it has a taproom in Alexandria and is making a name for itself with its juicy, hazy IPAs that are inspired by the New England-style IPAs that are popular in the US.
Brewing Beyond Borders
Port City and Aslin may be the most well-known brewers of international styles in Alexandria, but they are not the only ones. There are a handful of other breweries in the area that are experimenting with international styles and pushing the boundaries of what beer can be.
One of these breweries is Alexandria’s own Lost Boy Cider. While not a beer brewery, Lost Boy is a great example of a business that is brewing international styles with their craft ciders. They offer a traditional dry cider, but they also experiment with cider styles that are popular in Europe, such as a cherry cider and a gingerbread cider.
Another brewery that is experimenting with international styles is The Farm Brewery at Broad Run. This brewery, which is located just outside of Alexandria, specializes in farmhouse ales, which are a type of beer that originated in Belgium and France. They are known for their Rustic Lager, which is a traditional German-style lager that has been brewed with American hops.
Why International Styles are Important
Brewing international styles is important because it allows brewers to experiment and create new and exciting flavors. It also allows beer drinkers to try new styles and broaden their taste horizons.
International beer styles also help to educate beer drinkers about the history and culture of different regions of the world. For example, German-style beers are brewed with techniques and ingredients that have been used for centuries in Germany, and these beers can help to educate drinkers about Germany’s rich brewing heritage.
FAQs
Q: What are some popular international beer styles?
A: Some popular international beer styles include Belgian-style ales, German-style lagers, English-style ales, and American-style IPAs.
Q: Why are international beer styles important?
A: International beer styles are important because they allow brewers to experiment with new flavors and educate beer drinkers about the history and culture of different regions of the world.
Q: What are some examples of breweries that are brewing international styles in Alexandria?
A: Some breweries in Alexandria that are brewing international styles include Port City Brewing Company, Aslin Beer Company, Lost Boy Cider, and The Farm Brewery at Broad Run.