DC Brau is the first production brewery to operate in the District of Columbia since the Christian Heurich Brewing Company closed in the 1950s. DC Brau’s slogan is Fermentation without Representation, a play on the phrase “Taxation without Representation,” which was both one of the causes of the American Revolution and the current situation for residents of the District of Columbia who are required to pay federal taxes but do not have representation in Congress. DC Brau has named several of their beers with a nod to local trivia, and the beer cans include factoids about DC related to the beer’s name. For example, the Penn Quarter Porter (one of my favorites) references a neighborhood in DC. Heurich’s Lager is a collaboration with the Heurich House Museum (the former residence of the Christian Heurich Brewing Company’s founder).
The DC Brau tour focuses on the brewing process. A recent expansion greatly increased their brewing capacity. Their original tanks will be used for speciality beers while keeping up production of their classic brews in the new production area. Reservations aren’t needed for tours, but the 1:00 pm tour is usually less busy than the later tours. All visitors must wear closed-toe shoes while touring the brewery.
Throughout the tour, you’ll notice a number of cool murals on the walls, doors, and equipment throughout the brewery. This is the work of local artists and DC Brau’s artist in residence. Brewery artist sounds like a pretty cool job! The tasting room and production floor are very industrial, but the unique murals liven up the space.
As DC’s first production brewery in half a century, DC Brau championed legislation to allow local breweries to offer tastings on site. Since they opened in 2011, they also advocated to allow breweries to sell growlers and pints to customers. The tasting room is small, but on the weekends they open additional seating and a second bar on the production floor. Adventurers can get taster sizes, flights, pints, and growlers. The brewery does not serve food, but visitors can bring in their own food and a food truck is usually there on Saturdays.
Although DC Brau is a bit out of the way, it’s worth the trip to check out their cool brewery space and to sample their beers. Fridays are half-price pint night, and tours are only offered on Saturdays. While you’re in the neighborhood, stop by the Harper Macaw Chocolate Factory for a great chocolate and beer pairing.
Like this adventure? Subscribe to the newsletter to get updates with the latest adventures on the blog, ideas for things to do in DC, and tips for exploring the District.
Address
3178 Bladensburg Rd NE B
Metro Station
- Rhode Island Ave-Brentwood (RD)
- Brookland-CUA (RD)
Directions
Take the 86 bus from the Rhode Island metro station or the H6 from the Brookland station. DC Brau is located in the Bladensburg Business Center. The entrance is at the back of the building behind the post office.
Cost
Free tours. Pints usually $5.00. Friday night is half-price pint night.
Hours
Monday to Wednesday from 4:00 to 9:00 pm.
Thursday from 4:00 to 10:00 pm
Friday from 3:00 to 11:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 to 9:00 pm
Tours on Saturday at 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 and 4:00 pm
Length of Adventure
1-2 hours
DC Brau was the first “production” brewery to open it’s doors since 1956. There were already brewpubs established in the early to mid-nineties that preceded DC Brau’s opening
Thanks! I’ve updated the post.