When people are doing their jobs, we tend not to take note. But when people have been doing a great job for a long time, it seems like a great job is their job.

This can be a blessing and a curse in the beer world. On the one hand, you want to deliver a consistent product. The reality is that people are going to talk about your brewery more if your product is not consistent.

While a consistent product is one of the hallmarks of a world-class brewery (a consistent product consistently brewed to the same standard), the American craft beer market is increasingly demanding one-offs and unique beers that are only released once a season, once a year, or once in a lifetime.

Whether you’re enamored with how consistently Port City’s Optimal Wit tastes the same or are inspired by the one-off beers of Union Craft Brewing, Meridian Pint will have you covered this Saturday. But don't go to the Pint to get these brews; instead head to Union Market (1309 5th St NE).

On Saturday, Union Market will see the good people of Meridian Pint hosting their Drink Local bar at Think Local First's 3rd Annual Farm-To-Street Party. The party begins at 1pm and goes until 7pm. $5 gets you any draft of the 20 local craft breweries:

Sponsorship

  • 3 Stars Brewing Company
  • Blue Mountain
  • Brewer's Art
  • Chocolate City
  • DC Brau
  • Devils Backbone
  • DuClaw
  • Dogfish Head
  • Evolution
  • Flying Dog
  • Franklins
  • Hardywood
  • Heavy Seas
  • Lost Rhino
  • Mad Fox
  • Monocacy
  • Oliver
  • Port City
  • Stillwater
  • Union

It's worth (literally) noting that Meridian Pint has been featuring local beers for a mere $5 all week. We’d love to see all local beers offered at this price point, but we're well aware of the logistical difficulties that prevent all local beers being sold at this price point at all times. Kudos to the folks at Meridian Pint for continuing their commitment to local and American craft beer and pricing in a way that appeases the veterans and attracts the newcomers. Great jobs need to be commended when they are completed. For your commendation, go and help Meridian Pint and Think Local First finish off the job of a week’s worth of pouring delicious, reasonably priced beer.