Fair Winds Siren’s Lure
Where in Town: Glen’s Garden Market, 2001 S St. NW
Price: $4/10 oz.
Green for Less Green
Glen’s Garden Market in north Dupont Circle is well known for its commitment to sourcing nearly all its artisanal products and prepared food ingredients from within the Chesapeake Bay watershed, a 64,000 square–mile area that cuts across six mid-Atlantic states (and D.C.). But lesser known is the fact that the eco-friendly store is also one of the better craft beer spots in town, with a modest but well-curated bottle shop and a bar featuring eight taps and growler fills. The best part, though, aside from another location opening in Shaw next month: full pours of all drafts are always only $4, a price lower than most happy hour specials.
America’s Cup
On a recent visit, I was pleased to pair my Olli prosciutto panini with Siren’s Lure from Fair Winds Brewing Company. The hoppy saison won founder Casey Jones and his team (including Mad Fox alum brewer Charlie Buettner) a gold medal at this year’s Great American Beer Festival. The award came just six months after the nautically themed brewery opened in Lorton, Va. in March. Quite a feat, and well-deserved: Siren’s Lure is a delicious, easy-to-drink beer. Its flavors—a blend of grapefruit rind, lemon, and sweet bread—come from the French farmhouse yeast’s interplay with Calypso and Citra hops and mix of Pale and Vienna malts. A late addition of more Citra hops and a German varietal called Hallertau Blanc gives Siren’s Lure pineapple and citrus aromas. The 7.2 percent–alcohol brew is earthy and dry, with a smooth finish and just-bitter-enough aftertaste. Sound tasty? Luckily, Fair Winds launched in D.C. in September, so kegs are easy to find.
Photo by Tammy Tuck