IOTA Club & Cafe in Arlington recently expanded its draft system to a total of 12 lines. We took some time to interview its general manager, Terry Fife, to get a few details on the new setup and to find out what IOTA has planned for the future. Terry was very excited about the additional lines and is sure to have some great things lined up in the future. Make sure to follow DC Beer for all the latest updates and happenings.
DC BEER: How have customers responded to the new draught system, and what prompted IOTA to go forward with a new system?
TF: As I expected, the response has been overwhelmingly positive, and the new craft beers are moving at a fantastic clip. 
The decision to install a new system with additional lines is part of a larger improvement project at IOTA which includes an interior renovation/reconfiguration, a new outdoor front seating area, a new menu, coffee service, and many other things. IOTA is widely considered to be one of the finest music venues in the DC area, and we hope to be able to offer a beer list to match.
DC BEER: What beer got you interested in craft?
TF: Anchor Liberty Ale, Sierra Nevada Pale, and Abita Turbo Dog.
DC BEER: What is the current draft lineup at IOTA?
TF: Bell’s Winter White Ale, Ommegang Hennepin Ale, Starr Hill Dark Starr Stout, Stone Arrogant Bastard, Victory Moonglow Weizenbock, Bear Republic Racer 5, Sierra Nevada Northern Hemisphere, Flying Dog Old Scratch Lager, Harpoon IPA, Shiner Bock, PBR, Miller Lite
DC BEER: What new beers will be coming soon?
TF: Not sure yet. The new tap system is barely a week old, so I haven’t thought too far beyond the current lineup. A few loose thoughts, but nothing carved in stone.
DC BEER: Do you anticipate having any constant, dedicated tap lines?
TF: Well, certainly there will be beers that enjoy a longer tenure than others, but there will be no ownership of any line by any brewery or specific beer.
DC BEER: Is there any focus, inspiration, or theme to what you’ll be pouring on draft?
TF: No cohesive theme that ties everything together. At present, the draught list is strictly made up of American brews. This is no coincidence, but it is also subject to change if the mood strikes.
DC BEER: Will IOTA be utilizing its website and social media to keep patrons informed of updates to its draft and bottle selection?
TF: Absolutely. Given the dynamic nature of the beer list and the tech-savviness of our clientele, there is no more effective way to keep customers informed. You can follow us on Twitter and Facebook (IOTA Club & Cafe).
DC BEER: What breweries would you like to see start making an appearance in Northern Virginia?
TF: There are a couple of local upstarts that I have very high hopes for. Two former co-workers of mine at Old Dominion, Matt Hagerman and Favio Garcia, are launching 28 North Brewery, just a stone’s throw from the original Dominion Brewery. They are both ridiculously talented and passionate brewers. To me, they are the true successors to the Old Dominion legacy.
Another old friend of mine, Bill Butcher, has founded Port City Brewing Company in Alexandria. The brewhouse is under construction, and I understand that they should have beer in the tanks in short order. I expect that these two additions to the local scene will elevate the DC beer landscape right out of the gate.
DC BEER: Do you have any plans for events centered around particular breweries or styles?
TF: Nothing planned yet, but you can certainly count on it. We have a few surprises that will be revealed in due time.
DC BEER: What is your favorite beer?
TF: Impossible to say.
Thanks so much to Terry for taking the time out of his day to talk to me! Get down to IOTA Club & Cafe and check out the new improved draft system!
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