At first glance, the sleek metallic bar running the far length of the tasting room backed by twelve large draught handles makes the Hellbender Brewing Company feel more like a hip downtown saloon than the innovative brewery that it really is. As you enter, however, the pungent smell of hops lets you know this is where the magic happens. Looking around, the eclectic mix of large communal picnic tables, a wide collection of board games, and large screen TVs with the day’s game add an element of indoor block party, which explains why it is a popular spot for young families and groups of friends alike.
This Northeast DC brewer offers quality draughts that are made using a special mash filter process that takes smaller quantities of ingredients to produce the same amount of product. It puts less of a strain on the environment, without sacrificing anything in terms of taste. The company takes its name and logo from the hellbender salamander, a two-foot amphibian found in the nearby Appalachian Mountains that is now endangered due human impact on its environment. This is one of the reasons the brewers work so hard to limit their footprint.
Try the Southern Torrent Saison for great Belgian-style brew with a fresh crisp taste. The full-bodied “Nitro” Heartbreaker Red Ale is another favorite. The use of nitrogen, rather than carbon dioxide, in the draught makes for a creamier beer that really satisfies.
Location: Hellbender Brewing Company, 5788 2nd Street NE, Washington DC.
Nearest Metro Station: Fort Totten, 5 minute walk
Hours: Thurs. & Fri. 5-9 PM; Sat. noon-7 PM; Sun. noon-6 PM
Brewery Tours: Saturdays, 3 PM & 5PM, unless otherwise posted.