The Bierdo Visits The Sovereign

Greeting Bierdos! May I point you to DC’s newest Belgian hotspot? The Sovereign is a brand spanking new beer destination in Georgetown. The Neighborhood Restaurant Group’s Beer Director, Greg Engert,  who is “known for his award-winning beer lists at Birch & Barley, ChurchKey, Rustico and more…is now curating and creating a Belgian beer list unlike any other at the Sovereign alongside a menu of classic Belgian cuisine from Executive Chef Peter Smith.”

Don’t believe the hype? You better believe it, buster. As Flavor Flav says: “Yeahhhh boy!” It’s time to try some Belgian brews a little closer to the Virginia line, just across the river in my old college stomping grounds – only much classier than $3 Bud Lights and Jäger in the Georgetown scene of my youth. It’s a destination perfect for dates and fine drinking.

“With 50 drafts and 200+ bottles (in a dark and romantic, 131-seat, two-story bar), the beer program [features] the work of Belgian brewers who embody the standards, techniques and innovative spirit that underpins the fabled Belgian brewing culture…showcasing the widest array of drafts and bottles from the very best Belgian brewers.”

Temperature-controlled taps and coolers keep every beer at the appropriate serving conditions, and the staff works hard to ensure that the excellent bar, brunch and dinner fare (the menu features rustic, ingredient-driven Belgian dishes, drawing from French, German and Dutch cooking traditions) pairs well with the extensive wine and cocktail selections.

I had the Drie Fonteinen Beersel Lager (a crisp, unfiltered, bready kellerbier lager with residual bitterness, 5.2 percent) and the Thiriez Extra (a rich and hoppy European collaboration golden ale, 4.5 percent), and they were outstanding. Throw in the crispy fried bitterballen and other European-style bar snacks, and you literally feel like you’re overseas and getting the real deal experience.

Experience it for yourself! Here’s what the folks at the Sovereign wanted me to share with you about what their beer menu includes:

Have a beer for the Bierdo to try? Drop him a line at [email protected].