Port City World Headquarters: 3950 Wheeler Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304; (703) 797-2739; www.portcitybrewing.com
We’re going to spend a night in Alexandria, walk around King Street by the water and try some local restaurants. On the way, we stop at Port City Brewery to get a jump on Oktoberfest, for which they just started holding the release party. We’re too early in the day for the food truck, sadly (comes at 5:30 p.m.), and there are no hot pretzels in evidence. So we grab some Virginia peanuts and sample two of the house brews and get some good recommendations for places to try in Old Town (more on that in a future post or two).
The Colossus V (below, left) is an English-style old ale at 9.2 percent ABV. It’s dark, strong, nutty and malty, with sweet syrup or molasses in the aroma and a rusty finish. We had also been eyeing the Porter but decided to switch gears and try the Integral IPA. At 7 percent ABV, it has pineapple and citrus in the nose and a light taste with a touch of bitterness in the finish. It’s headier, cloudy. Two very different beers, both excellent.
We had hoped to try the Tidings Ale, a Belgian-style blond, but it’s not in season. Maybe this winter.
About those Hubs peanuts: Very nice, not the least bit oily. Don’t believe we’ve seen those anywhere, including in Virginia Store-type places. We’re traveling light (not really) so next time we’ll bring home a few more bags.
A couple short tasters and it’s onward to Old Town Alexandria.
Plate Cup Table 