[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 142 (Friday, September 6, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1097-E1098]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING THE 11TH ANNUAL DC BEER WEEK

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                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 6, 2019

  Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 11th annual 
``DC Beer Week,'' a week-long series of events celebrating the 
independent craft beer industry, local beer culture and the rich 
brewing legacy in the District of Columbia. Sponsored by the District 
of Columbia Brewers' Guild, DC Beer Week will take place this year from 
September 8 through September 15. Many of the District's breweries, 
taverns, restaurants and cultural institutions will participate in more 
than 30 beer-related events throughout the week to highlight the 
successful rebirth of the brewing industry in the District, and the 
quality and diversity of craft beer produced in our area and across the 
nation.
  DC Beer Week not only serves to celebrate the brewing industry. It 
also serves as a nod to the rich brewing history we have right here in 
the District. The first brewery in D.C. opened in 1796. The District 
became home to dozens of breweries in every section of the city, many 
right here in the shadow of the Capitol. By the late 1800s, our area 
was home to some of the most prosperous breweries and recognizable beer 
brands in the nation, such as the Christian Heurich Brewing Company in 
the District and the Portner Brewing Company in Alexandria. The 
District became especially known for the introduction and production of 
quality lagers in the southeast United States. Although most of our 
breweries did not survive prohibition, the Heurich Brewing Company 
reopened after the repeal of the 18th Amendment in 1933 and remained 
operational until 1956. The legacy of Christian Heurich is preserved at 
his Victorian mansion--``the Brewmaster's Castle''--in Dupont Circle, 
which is operated by the Heurich House Museum.
  Of course, DC Beer Week would not be possible without the rebirth of 
the brewing industry in our city. After more than a 50-year absence, 
over the past decade we have seen the opening of more than a dozen 
D.C.-based production breweries and brewpubs. Despite limited 
industrial space, production breweries such as DC Brau Brewing Company, 
Atlas Brew Works, 3 Stars Brewing Company, Hellbender Brewing Company 
and Right Proper Brewing have gained a national reputation for 
producing high-quality beer. In addition,

[[Page E1098]]

since the opening of the District Chophouse and Brewery in 1997, 
District residents now have several options to enjoy a quality meal 
with their locally brewed beer at establishments such as Bluejacket, 
Gordon Biersch-Navy Yard, the Public Option, Right Proper Shaw Brewpub 
and our newest additions, Red Bear Brewing Company and Valor Brewpub. 
These breweries not only provide great craft beer for local consumers, 
but also provide hundreds of jobs for local residents, make significant 
contributions to our local tax base and serve as anchors for economic 
development in neighborhoods throughout the District. Our tight-knit 
breweries are outstanding and active citizens of our community and 
support various charitable causes and community non-profit 
organizations. They are also leaders in supporting diversity and 
inclusion in our local business community.
  I urge all of my colleagues, constituents and visitors to the 
District to come together to raise a glass in support of DC Beer Week 
and the local brewing community. There are great events throughout the 
week, such as Fun Run on Sunday from Right Proper to Red Bear, the 
Kickoff Party at Bluejacket, a Home Brewing Competition hosted by 3 
Stars, a Record Fair at Right Proper, a celebration of Women in Beer at 
Red Bear and a Sunset Cruise hosted by DC Brau. Taverns such as Roofers 
Union, Boundary Stone, Churchkey and Church Hall will be hosting 
exciting events featuring beers from multiple local breweries, and 
there will be the annual ``Brewers on the Block'' festival at Union 
Market. In addition, the Heurich House will be curating an Educational 
Events series that will include opportunities to learn about beer 
history, culture and the art of brewing. There truly will be something 
for everyone.
  Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in 
recognizing DC Beer Week for its contribution to the District's 
historic beer culture and our local economy.

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