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Where to Tour a Local Brewery in D.C.

11 places to sample what’s on tap

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D.C., Maryland, and Virginia have been blessed with new breweries over the last several years. On the surface most facilities seem to have similar equipment, but different brewmasters have different stories to tell about their beer.

This guide has been updated to include breweries in close proximity to D.C. proper, though there are even more options for people open to day trips into Maryland or Virginia.

Before heading to a brewery, be sure to wear closed-toe shoes and check any age restrictions for the tour if there are little ones in tow. Don't forget to bring a growler to take home any new favorites.

— Meredith Bethune, Jamie Liu and Travis Mitchell

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7 Locks Brewing

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Former college roommates Jim Beeman and Keith Beutel operate this Rockville brewery with a handful of flagship brews like Snakeden Saison and Blockhouse Point Stout. Visitors can get an up close and personal view of the brewing equipment and taste samples or full pints in the tap room. Food trucks roll up on weekends. Short tours are available on request.

Denizens Brewing Co.

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This Silver Spring operation holds free brewery tours every Saturday at 1 p.m. If that time doesn’t work, just try asking a staff member for a quick tour on arrival. After seeing how it’s made, grab a pint or a growler of Lowest Lord English-style ESB, Cool Breeze oatmeal stout or one of the other inventive brews.

3 Stars Brewery

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Looking to pick up homebrew supplies and a bite to eat? At 3 Stars, you can take a brewery tour and stock up. There’s a homebrew shop, and food trucks rotate out each Saturday. Tour times are 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Admission is free.

3 Stars Brewing Company [official]

Hellbender Brewing Company

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Just north of Fort Totten, Hellbender is a go-to neighborhood hang for lazy afternoons, birthday parties, and all things in between. Tours head off on Saturdays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and there are no reservations or fees required. Stay for some board games and a few large TVs showing sports or movies.

DC Brau Brewing Co

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This list wouldn't be complete without a mention of DC Brau, a pioneer in the District’s modern brewery renaissance. Its Public Pale Ale and Corruption IPA have become city standards. Free tours are held on Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. Make time to enjoy a pint or beer before or afterwards. Flagship beers are half-priced all night long on Fridays.

Right Proper Brewing Production House

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Some breweries focus on hop varieties, but Right Proper focuses on yeast varieties. Be sure to check out the open-fermented beers that utilize the wild yeasts in the brewing environment. Free tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. with no reservations needed.

Atlas Brew Works

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Atlas pours fresh suds seven days a week at its Ivy City brewery. The space is kid and dog friendly, too. Take the opportunity to learn more about the science of brewing during a free tour of the facilities, held Saturdays at noon, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

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Bluejacket Brewery

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Since opening in 2013, Bluejacket has become a leader among D.C. breweries. Its innovative brews and proximity to Nationals Park and Audi Field make it a popular pre-game spot. The facilities are impressive as well. The base tasting tour happens Saturdays at 1 p.m. (excluding Nationals home game days) and costs $29 per person. It includes five tasting pours, and reservations are required. Each Friday at 7 p.m. Bluejacket offers a $35 “Beers & Bites” tour that includes a signature draft, six taster pours and a selection of snacks.

Gerry Suchy/EaterDC

New District Brewing Company

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New District, which celebrates its third anniversary this month, stakes a claim as Arlington’s first production brewery since prohibition. It offers free tours every Wednesday at 4:30 p.m., 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. If that time doesn’t work, swing by for discounted flights on Fridays from 3:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. or grab a pint Saturday or Sunday beginning at noon.

Port City Brewing Company

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Port City is one of most decorated breweries in the D.C. area, loved for its crushable and refreshing Optimal Wit and toasty warming Porter. Port City is open seven days a week with tours on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., Fridays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Reservations are suggested, as tours are capped at 15 people. The $12 admission fee includes six tasting pours from the current draft list.

Fair Winds Brewing Company

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Head down to Lorton for a fresh taste of Fair Winds’ nautical-themed creations like Quayside Kolsch or Howling Gale IPA. Grab a growler to take home or plan to take a tour – they’re typically offered on the first Saturday of each month. The brewery posts regular updates on its social media accounts.

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7 Locks Brewing

Former college roommates Jim Beeman and Keith Beutel operate this Rockville brewery with a handful of flagship brews like Snakeden Saison and Blockhouse Point Stout. Visitors can get an up close and personal view of the brewing equipment and taste samples or full pints in the tap room. Food trucks roll up on weekends. Short tours are available on request.

Denizens Brewing Co.

This Silver Spring operation holds free brewery tours every Saturday at 1 p.m. If that time doesn’t work, just try asking a staff member for a quick tour on arrival. After seeing how it’s made, grab a pint or a growler of Lowest Lord English-style ESB, Cool Breeze oatmeal stout or one of the other inventive brews.

3 Stars Brewery

Looking to pick up homebrew supplies and a bite to eat? At 3 Stars, you can take a brewery tour and stock up. There’s a homebrew shop, and food trucks rotate out each Saturday. Tour times are 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Admission is free.

3 Stars Brewing Company [official]

Hellbender Brewing Company

Just north of Fort Totten, Hellbender is a go-to neighborhood hang for lazy afternoons, birthday parties, and all things in between. Tours head off on Saturdays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and there are no reservations or fees required. Stay for some board games and a few large TVs showing sports or movies.

DC Brau Brewing Co

This list wouldn't be complete without a mention of DC Brau, a pioneer in the District’s modern brewery renaissance. Its Public Pale Ale and Corruption IPA have become city standards. Free tours are held on Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. Make time to enjoy a pint or beer before or afterwards. Flagship beers are half-priced all night long on Fridays.

Right Proper Brewing Production House

Some breweries focus on hop varieties, but Right Proper focuses on yeast varieties. Be sure to check out the open-fermented beers that utilize the wild yeasts in the brewing environment. Free tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. with no reservations needed.

Atlas Brew Works

Atlas pours fresh suds seven days a week at its Ivy City brewery. The space is kid and dog friendly, too. Take the opportunity to learn more about the science of brewing during a free tour of the facilities, held Saturdays at noon, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Official

Bluejacket Brewery

Since opening in 2013, Bluejacket has become a leader among D.C. breweries. Its innovative brews and proximity to Nationals Park and Audi Field make it a popular pre-game spot. The facilities are impressive as well. The base tasting tour happens Saturdays at 1 p.m. (excluding Nationals home game days) and costs $29 per person. It includes five tasting pours, and reservations are required. Each Friday at 7 p.m. Bluejacket offers a $35 “Beers & Bites” tour that includes a signature draft, six taster pours and a selection of snacks.

Gerry Suchy/EaterDC

New District Brewing Company

New District, which celebrates its third anniversary this month, stakes a claim as Arlington’s first production brewery since prohibition. It offers free tours every Wednesday at 4:30 p.m., 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. If that time doesn’t work, swing by for discounted flights on Fridays from 3:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. or grab a pint Saturday or Sunday beginning at noon.

Port City Brewing Company

Port City is one of most decorated breweries in the D.C. area, loved for its crushable and refreshing Optimal Wit and toasty warming Porter. Port City is open seven days a week with tours on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., Fridays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Reservations are suggested, as tours are capped at 15 people. The $12 admission fee includes six tasting pours from the current draft list.

Fair Winds Brewing Company

Head down to Lorton for a fresh taste of Fair Winds’ nautical-themed creations like Quayside Kolsch or Howling Gale IPA. Grab a growler to take home or plan to take a tour – they’re typically offered on the first Saturday of each month. The brewery posts regular updates on its social media accounts.

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