In addition to generally tasting better and supporting the local economy, craft beer has stories with it and maybe even some whimsy. One of my favorite styles, Vienna Lager, is now being canned by two Washington, D.C. area breweries including the one in the town I grew up in.
Caboose Brewing – Vienna VA Lager
For several years now, Caboose has served as gateway to the Town of Vienna for bicyclists and pedestrians on the eastbound Washington & Old Dominion Trail; I stopped by in 2016. They just announced on January 2 that they would begin canning for the first time. Appropriately, they start with their Vienna VA Lager (nee Crossroads) which I can’t help but appreciate. Puns, hometown callouts and a design evocative the W&OD scenery is just blatant WFY fan-service.
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If the label was blank except for the power lines art, it’d remind me of the W&OD.
There is symbolism in the colors though and unfortunately it isn’t whimsical; quite somber in fact:
Our very first brewer, Chris Mallon created our Vienna, VA Lager…we will always remember Chris, and be thankful for having him in our lives. We chose the colors purple and turquoise on our label in his honor, to promote suicide prevention awareness.
A fellow Vienna native, someone that I rode bikes along the W&OD past present day Caboose, joined me in his approval of namesake beer. It’s a bit sweet, the color is maybe a little milder than you’d expect and the finish is smooth.
3 Stars – Never Say Never
Across the Potomac, DC’s 3 Stars Brewing takes their own shot at WFY fan-service be producing Vienna Lager called Never Say Never.
I watched the Bond movies a lot growing in Vienna. To a fault.
Alas, inquiries about the name have not yet been returned.
As for the beer, it’s smooth, not too sweet and it comes in 4-pack tallboys. I pick it up when I’m at Ace Beverage on New Mexico Ave. NW. I hope it becomes a regular part of the 3 Stars lineup.
