Up on 11th Street NW in Columbia Heights, Meridian Pint is celebrating DC Beer Week by cracking open a tall, frosty bottle…of America.

Actually, given that they stock mostly kegs in order to run a greener business, the Pint will probably be tapping a keg of America, and the impact to the environment will be decidedly similar.

Starting on August 14th, the Pint will kick off their Celebration of American Craft Beer, which will include events featuring such esteemed craft breweries as Great Lakes, Allagash, Schlafly, Long Trail and DC’s own DC Brau (as well as others). Events will range from pairing-focused to homebrew-centric, with appearances by Great Lakes Head Brewer Luke Purcell as well as Chef Dave Newman and Brewer Steve Frazier of the Brewer’s Art. If you haven’t had a chance to check out Meridian Pint yet, this is a great opportunity to drop in and try some great beers, including some from their fancy electronic table taps downstairs.

The schedule of events is below, so do your best to get there at some point during the week and give a hearty salute to the American craft beer movement.

Sunday, August 14th, 7:00PM – 9:00PM: Beer and Cheese: Five Paired Courses in the Pint’s Lounge
Enjoy five paired cheese courses as selected by Meridian Pint’s own Tim Prendergast. See what the whole “beer and cheese is better than wine and cheese” fuss is about. It’s about time you did. (See Meridian Pint’s Facebook page for reservation information – $25 including tax and tip).

Sponsorship

Monday, August 15th, 7:00PM – 10:00PM: Brewer’s Art Beer Dinner with Brewer Steve Frazier and Chef Dave Newman
Brewer’s Art Brewer Steve Frazier and Chef Dave Newman team up with Meridian Pint’s Chef David Shewmaker to deliver a full five course meal paired with Frazier’s beer creations. (See Meridian Pint’s Facebook page for reservation information – $50 (new price!) including tax and tip).

Here’s the menu:
Tomato Consomme with Tomatoes, Summer Squash, Naturtiums and Herbs — Saison des Mystéres
Lobster and Cantaloupe Salad with Baby Mache and Lemon Verbena — Ozzy
Barbecued Duck Breast with Maryland Corn Pudding and Grilled Peaches — Canard
Crispy Proscuitto with Marscapone and a Warm Fig — Green Peppercorn Tripel
Raspberry Creme Brulee with Almond Biscotti — Resurrection

Tuesday, August 16th, 6:00PM – 8:00PM: Home Brewers Match Up IV
Watch, listen and imbibe as some DC area homebrewers go head to head for a (friendly) competition for a $100 Meridian Pint gift card. No charge for attendance! (See Meridian Pint’s Facebook page page for more information).

Wednesday, August 17th, 5:00PM – Close: A Great, Great Lakes Night: Join Luke Purcell for Specials on Draft and Trivia
Come for the Great Lakes beer, stay for the conversation with Luke Purcell, head brewer of this well-established craft brewery. He’ll be bringing along some great drafts, including their seasonal Oktoberfest as well as some of his “Brewpub” beers. Luke will also be sticking around to host some classic Meridian Pint trivia later in the evening.

Thursday, August 18th, 5:00PM – Close: 24 Drafts and One Cask: All Allagash, DC Brau and Schlafly
Schlafly Executive Chef Andy White will be in town grilling some St. Louis meats and pouring Schlafly Summer Lager out on the patio (best way to beat the heat? I think so). Also, there will be casks of DC Brau inside along with 24 drafts. Inside or out, this looks like a solid evening.

Friday, August 19th, 5:00PM – Close: $4 Long Trail Pints
Close out DC Beer Week strong! There will also be $4 Long Trail pints (and some free glassware) with which to wet your whistle!