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| Image: Hellbender |
Church had let out and cars began filling Florida Avenue in Northeast Washington D.C. as I walked up to Patrick Mullane’s apartment.
I could see water was boiling in a giant pot outside his door and NFL football sounded from the television inside.
Patrick poked his head out and smiled.
I could see water was boiling in a giant pot outside his door and NFL football sounded from the television inside.
Patrick poked his head out and smiled.
“Perfect timing” he said. “I’m just about to pour the grains into the lautertun. I could use your help.”
I rolled up my sleeves. I wasn't expecting to do manual labor but this was a visit with one of The District’s newest breweries, Hellbender Brewing Company, and I considered it a privilege to make beer with them.
The brewery, which goes public this coming week before Thanksgiving, will be the fourth that I tallied within the capitol city's limits.
Patrick and his business partner, Ben Evans, who've lived in D.C. for around two decades combined, began the endeavor.
Patrick and his business partner, Ben Evans, who've lived in D.C. for around two decades combined, began the endeavor.
Since DC Brau hit the scene earlier this year, The District has been on the threshold of a local craft beer explosion.
Emerging from this local brew revival are other businesses like Chocolate City, and Three Stars - each attempting their own distinct beer making philosophy and style.
Emerging from this local brew revival are other businesses like Chocolate City, and Three Stars - each attempting their own distinct beer making philosophy and style.
Hellbender's first beer release will feature three flagship products – a Kölsch (ABV 5.1%), an IPA (AVB 7.2%), and a Red Ale (ABV 6%).
They also plan on doing seasonal brews similar to a pumpkin ale I had helped Patrick make when visiting his Northeast D.C. apartment.
They also plan on doing seasonal brews similar to a pumpkin ale I had helped Patrick make when visiting his Northeast D.C. apartment.
Why did Hellbender choose a Kölsch style as one of their products? For one thing, there are not many Kölsch beers in this city.
Ben and Patrick also feel like many of the products out there either miss the mark or are weak imitations of the traditional German Kölsch.
Ben and Patrick also feel like many of the products out there either miss the mark or are weak imitations of the traditional German Kölsch.
