DC Beer Week 2009 wrap-up

The following was posted on Facebook by Jeff Wells, one of the organizers of the first ever DC Beer Week, held in Washington, D.C., 16 - 21 August 2009:

When the DC Beer Week planning committee got together this past spring we really had no idea what was to come. Our idea was to start small and very grassroots with just about a dozen breweries and 25 or so bars & restaurants. The concept was to celebrate beer culture in the nation's capitol and emphasize it's importance in the culinary world and nightlife community. We were hoping to showcase many of the vibrant parts of DC (Adams Morgan, Capitol Hill, Columbia Heights, Dupont Circle, H St NE Corridor, U St, etc.) and not only highlight beer bars but restaurants, music venue's, and pub's. We also dreamed of many events that not only featured beer but gave the opportunity for the establishments to show-off their cuisine by offering beer and food pairings, with many regional breweries’ native foods being the natural accompaniment.

We would like to think that we reached our goal. To say that we received a good reaction would be a major understatement. It seems that everyone, including ourselves, underestimated the people of DC's love and interest of craft beer. This has been quite an amazing feeling for many people who- for many years- have been paving the way for beer culture in the nation's capitol. We would like to give a huge thank you and token of appreciation for all the venues, breweries, and most importantly the people who came to all the events and supported all the establishments- it was amazing!

What even better news it that is seems that this is a national movement.
Beer Week's are popping-up all around the country-

Our main inspiration for this week (and the original) occurs just three of so hours from DC in the "City of Brotherly Love"- Philadelphia, PA.
Philly Beer Week has been moved a little later in the year and will take place June 4-13, 2010.
http://www.phillybeerweek.org

Coming up next month in September will be the big apple's turn. New York City Beer Week will take place Sep 11-20, 2009.
http://nycbeerweek.com

It could be argued that DC's closest major city is one of the most underestimated beer towns in the country. Baltimore, MD host's such great breweries as Brewer's Art and Clipper City and world-class beer bars such as Max's on Broadway and Racers Cafe. Less than and hour from DC (and a easy commute on the highly-recommended MARC train) Charm City will hold their beer week October 8-18, 2009.
http://www.baltimorebeerweek.com

DC BEER WEEK T-SHIRTS AVAILABLE NOW!
If you missed your opportunity to purchase your official DC Beer Week 2009 T-Shirt don't worry...you still have time. Our friends at Capitol Lounge will be offering beer week T's for sale for the next few weeks. Please stop by and pick-up a shirt for $10. The proceeds of the sales of these T-Shirts will help fund DC Beer Week 2010.
http://www.capitolloungedc.com

STILL WANT TO HEAR ABOUT UPCOMING BEER EVENTS?
Please join Jeff Wells' "Fermentation Education" page on facebook that is updated monthly with beer events around the DC area, Baltimore, Philly, NYC, and beyond.

We hope to have an even bigger, better, and more involved DC Beer Week in 2010. Please stay tuned for details.