State of the Brewnion in Washington, D.C.

The State of the Brewnion (a bit of a tongue-twister) is a panel discussion on the state of the 'craft' beer industry in Washington, D.C., scheduled for this Thursday evening, 20 October, from 6:30 til 8:30, at the Bier Baron, off of Dupont Circle, in Washington, D.C.

Tammy Tuck —who writes for the Young and Hungry column of the Washington City Paper— is the organizer; she's asked me to participate. It's a interesting panel; the discussion should be enlightening.

On the Facebook page, here's how Ms. Tuck describes the agenda:

What's next for D.C.'s booming beer scene? How did D.C. become a craft beer town? What kind of new breweries and beer trends should enthusiasts look forward to? And what do beer-business professionals think of today's scene?

Join Tammy Tuck of the Lagerheads [her Twitter handle] as she moderates a panel of insiders and enthusiasts who will be discussing everything from home brewing to beer menus to the future of D.C. area's rapidly advancing craft beer culture. Come thirsty for beer and knowledge. The evening also features complimentary tastings, appetizers, beer trivia, and prizes.

UPDATED list of guests includes:

• Elicia Belle –Co-organizer of Beer Bunnies International
• Mike Dolan – Founder of DCBeer.com and DC Homebrewers Club
• Teddy Folkman – Co-founder of DC Beer Week and executive chef at Granville Moore’s
• Jeff Hancock – President and head brewer for DC Brau
• Dorlyn Catron – Bar manager at the Bier Baron
• Jeff Wells - Co-founder of DC Beer Week and sales manager for DOPS, Inc.
• Greg Engert – Beer director for Neighborhood Restaurant Group including Birch & Barley and ChurchKey
• Tom Cizauskas - Beer blogger at Yours For Good Fermentables and a Beer and Wine Salesman for Select Wines, Inc.
• Erin Tyler - Legends Limited Distributors
• Mike McGarvey - Co-founder 3 Stars Brewery
• Ben Matz - Co-founder, Owner and Head Brewer for Chocolate City Beer LLC
• Fred Moosaly - ABRA Director [Washington, D.C. Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration]
• Thor Cheston - Was the general manager and beer director for Brasserie Beck from 2007 - 2011, and managing partner and beer director for Mussel Bar by Robert Wiedmaier from 2009 - 2010. Previously he was the beer director for Eulogy Belgian Tavern in Philadelphia and before that he opened the Birreria Paradiso, the beer bar underneath Pizzeria Paradiso in Georgetown. In 2009 he was inducted into the Knighthood of the Brewers' Mashstaff in Brussels, Belgium. He is currently in the process of starting his own business.
• Barrett Lauer - Head Brewer, The District ChopHouse and Brewery. Started brewing in 1996 at the Wharf Rat, Camden Yards, Baltimore. Now Pratt St. Ale House. Specializing in English-Style Ales, Stouts, and Porters with all English malt, hops, yeast, and equipment. Moved down Pratt St. to the Baltimore Brewing Company/DeGroens to learn the German art of brewing under 5th generation brewmaster Theo DeGroen. While at BBC he won 5 GABF medals in 3 years under his helm as head brewer. He has been the head brewer at The District ChopHouse for the last 7 years, resides in Baltimore, and loves the Baltimore/Washington beer scene.

The Bier Baron was long known as the Brickskeller. The current owners purchased the venerable beer bar/restaurant almost a year ago in December of 2010. I have not been back since; I'm intrigued to see the re-do.

The Bier Baron Tavern
1523 22nd Street NW
Washington, D.C.