Brew Break in Woodbridge: The Bierdo Works Some Xmas Beer Magic!

Hoppy Holidays, Bierdos! Here’s a little present from me to all of you. As you know, I’ve been beer traveling for over a decade, so for me to find a local diamond in the rough that makes my eyes sparkle is often a rare thing. I’ve seen it all. However, when you stumble into a brand new place and the beer, atmosphere, food, staff and location are amazing, you have to give credit where credit is due (especially when you accidentally stumbled upon it Christmas shopping at IKEA in Woodbridge). But I digress.

Brew Republic Bierwerks is my humble gift to you, Bierdos. You won’t find it on your Untapped app or in BeerAdvocate, as it’s brand new and no one’s wanted to spill the beans on Woodbridge’s best kept secret until now. However, it feels like they’ve always been there, and their tasting room is fantastic! Story has it that ex-local politician and co-owner Jeff Frederick traded passing bills for pouring beers, and with the help of the amazingly talented brewer Darcy Heisey, this brewery will be turning a lot of heads and filling tons of growlers. There’s also live music on Saturdays, trivia on Tuesdays, Randall Night on Mondays (Google it, non-Bierdos), yoga twice a month and other great monthly events if you need another excuse (you won’t) between beers and tasty bites. Simply put though, they had ME at the BEER! Here are the offerings that made my oh-so-naughty list. Indulge responsibly!

The Night Mare Oatmeal Stout Float, 5 percent: I’ll admit it. It’s a gimmick. But not all gimmicks have made me drink two of them. This dark, grainy, chocolate, creamy oatmeal stout (also excellent by itself) topped with pumpkin-spiced vanilla ice cream might be the tastiest winter drink you’ll ever have this season, or the only thing you can’t buy seasonally at Starbucks. Rating: I will never NOT buy this at Brew Republic.  In a world full of tragedies, this beer float makes me still believe we all have a fighting chance and there is still hope in the universe. So yummy!

Mockingbird Rye IPA, 6.5 percent: Robust malts and citrusy hops dominate this copper-colored rye IPA. This is my go-to (non-dessert) beer here. It’s one of those beers that’s fun to drink, and has a great mouthfeel and texture from the of rye malts. Rating: Mock. ING! Bird. YEAH! So good.

Wayward Wit, 4.7 percent: There is only one word that comes to my mind with this Belgian-style wheat beer: bright. The Wayward Wit features citrusy zest with coriander, hoppy earthy spice and a unique bright sweetness. It’s extremely drinkable! Rating: This beer has zing and pizazz!

Beer Water, 0 percent: Ask them about their on-premise, filtered, high quality H20! Rating: Mama says, mama says…it’s better than Fiji water. Yup!

Brew Republic Bierwerks: 15201 Potomac Town Pl. Woodbridge, VA; 703-594-7950; www.brewrepublic.beer               

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