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1940 11th Street, NW

From a press release:

“Known for its locally-distilled single malt and rye whiskies, Virginia’s Copper Fox Distillery is expanding into the gin market with its newest product, Vir Gin, launching with a tasting party at U Street’s Vinoteca on Thursday, November 7. Copper Fox owner Rick Wasmund will be on-site from 6-8pm, pouring complimentary tastes of the new gin, while Vinoteca’s mixologist Horus Alvarez will serve up four signature “Vir” Gin cocktails ranging from the classic Aviation to the Gin Rickey, all discounted to $7 for the evening.

Distilled nearby in Sperryville, VA, Vir Gin is Copper Fox’s first non-whisky product and will feature the distinct flavors of Mediterranean juniper, citrus, spice and selected botanicals. Vir Gin is handcrafted from 100% malted barley, tastefully distilled in pot stills resulting in a deep and rich flavor foundation that allows the malt to shine. Though this party will launch the brand’s first batch, seasonal offerings from the distillery garden will uniquely influence each subsequent small batch they produce.”


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2102 18th Street, NW

“Dear PoPville,

I’ve noticed that work has finally begun on the inside of the old Duchess and Queen building on 18th St. I remember seeing a story a while back that someone wanted to turn it into a new restaurant, so perhaps they are finally getting started. Do you have any updates?”

I spoke with the owner who says they are still a year away from opening. There is a major renovation of the entire building required. They had a slowdown due to some permitting issues but they’ve got that straightened out now. For those that don’t recall – Duchess and the Queen will be:

“The new restaurant will be a Belgium bistro, with a sidewalk Café with 12 seats, the establishment will have a seating capacity of 160, and a total occupancy load of 280. There is an entertainment endorsement. This will also include a Brew Pub.”

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2210 14th Street, NW

More big news for the 14th Street corridor. I hear from a very good source that the owners of Federal and Palace5ive (2216 14th St, NW) are opening a neighborhood tavern in the former Dynasty Ethiopian Restaurant space. The space is located right between Piola and JUDY restaurant just south of Florida Ave. Word is that it will be a very chill spot with beer in cans. More info when it becomes available.

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1537 7th Street, NW

We’ve known for a little while now that Ivy and Coney had a lot of promise:

“Ivy and Coney is built on a foundation of simplicity: sometimes a good hot dog, a cold beer, and a game on is all you’re looking for in your night. The menu includes Chicago-style and Detroit Coney-style hot dogs, Chicago Italian beefs, peanuts, and cracker jacks. The beers will include Strohs, Old Style, Goose Island 312, and Bell’s Two Hearted along with a quality selection of spirits and sodas.

Additionally, we will be bringing a new concept to the D.C. area for those who want a wider selection of spirits by offering reserved liquor lockers. Our customers will have the opportunity to purchase a broad collection of different labels at a highly discounted service rate, store their choices on site, and have our staff serve up their favorite drinks.

Founded on the “corner tavern” mentality and built with a passion for good value, we aim to make Ivy and Coney a great edition to the DC community.”

Now it is confirmed – check out their front door:

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To orient you – you can see the new Elizabeth Taylor Mural at Dacha Beer Garden just up the block:

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Photo courtesy of Bardo

From a press release:

“Bardo brewpub & beergarden will tap a FOURTEEN year old keg of beer Sat, Oct 26th, 3pm. The Bardo GABF award winning White Lightnin’ barleywine has been cellaring for the last fourteen years on a loyal patron’s property. It is believed to be one of the oldest beers on the planet. Aged to a fine perfection, the cask conditioned ale has fermented to approximately 13% ABV.

“We gave an old friend a keg of beer before we put the brewery in storage in the years ago and he appeared out of nowhere last July with keg in tow”, Bardo big cheese, Bill Stewart explained. “It was an old school keg, and he couldn’t find the correct tap for it”.

When asked about the rarity of a beer aged for so long, Stewart replied, “When was the last time you had a chance to taste fourteen year old beer? I, myself, can’t remember ever having that chance, how about you? I had some four year old Old Crustacean once.” referring to Newport Oregon’s Rogue Ales powerhouse Barleywine, known for a distinct Old Bay flavor.

Bardo won a silver medal at the Great American Beer Festival for their White Lightnin’ Barleywine in 1994, during their days at the forefront of the Clarendon nightlife scene in Arlington. Bardo would go on to medal in 1996 with Bundaberg Ginger Beer and 1997 with their flagship brew, Dremo Tibetan Sasquatch. (more…)


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