I was asked about activities other than shopping the day after Thanksgiving. I suggested visiting a local winemaker, brewery, or distillery. This post is about Port City Brewing located in Alexandria Virginia. I learned of Port City's existence when I met Mike Smothers, a Port City employee, representing the company at the Strathmore Center for the Arts' Food Festival in August 2014. 
A visit to Port City gew in importance after tasting their Northwest IPA at a Chef Geoff's restaurant one evening. I contacted a buddy named Seton to see if he was available to visit Port City with me. Port City conducts tours of its facility on the hour 7 days a week. Tickets for the tour can be purchased on site on in advance online. I purchased the tickets for our tour in advance.
Port City is not within walking distance of a metro stop, but can be accessed via metro and bus. I drove to Port City and found plenty of free parking in Port City's parking lot, on the street and in nearby parking lots.
The staff was friendly, helpful and knowledgeable about Port City's products. Our tour was lead by Andrea. Andrea is a part time tour guide at Port City. She told the group about the history of Port City and the steps in brewing beer. A container of glass container of hops pellets (a primary ingredient in beer) was passed around the group to look with specific instructions not eat the hops (in its natural form hops has the properties of a relaxant). Of course, a member of the group didn't heed the instructions.
The Port City facility is tidy and well organized. As the group moved from one area of the facility to another I spotted a familiar image - a Woodford Reserve cask. I stopped and asked Seton to confirm what I was seeing. Seton confirmed it was indeed a Woodford Reserve cask. In fact, there were a few. I asked Andrea about the casks. She told me to look out for an upcoming product featuring the casks. Could this be the beginning of a long standing relationship between Port City and me? The kitchen gods seemed to be saying yes, emphatically!
As the tour came to an end we passed a group of home brewers that had set up an information table. I chatted briefly with Mr. Cohen, one of the home brewers. He's agreed to an interview with Technicolor dining, so please return to read Mr. Cohen's story.The tour includes tasting of five (5) beers in Port City's tasting room. At this time Seton disclosed that he realty wasn't a beer drinker. He did however, manage to try five of the beers. My favorites: Monumental IPA, Northwest IPA , Downright Pilsner, and Optimal Wit. In addition Port City sells "growlers" - 32 or 64 ounce bottles filled with a beer of your choice. The best part -customers can bring the bottles back for refills. I am the happy owner of a 64 ounce Northwest IPA growler that I intend to get refilled as often as needed.
Food is not sold on Port City premises. However, guests can bring food with them or as some guests did, order pizza from nearby vendors. I stopped at Hong Kong Express on Duke Street and ordered a deliciously prepared shrimp moo shi dish.
A tour of Port City is a fun outing for groups or individuals.Small children may become easily bored because the tour is adult focused. Seats are available in the beer tasting area. The bathrooms are clean and tidy. In addition to the brewery tours, Port City hosts other events including beer yoga . Check Port City's site for details.
Many thanks to the Port City team for a fun and informative visit. I plan to return; I have a growler that needs to be refilled!
Share are comments about your visit to Port City below. Let me know if you would like Port City to share their story here too.
Be well,
Technicolor dining
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