By DCBeer contributor Aaron Morrissey

Name: Port City Brewing Company

Location: Alexandria, VA

Website: www.portcitybrewing.com

Type: Production brewery

Sponsorship

Available in DC Market: Yes

What you need to know: Is Port City founder Bill Butcher the nicest guy in the entire D.C. brewing scene? Maybe. But what is sure is that his brewery produces some flawless takes on standard (read: much-loved) styles. From wits to stouts, Port City makes beer that everyone likes; they’re a real asset for the brewing community around these parts. The fact that the benevolent Mr. Butcher will spend as much time talking to you about beer as anyone…well, that’s really just the big fat pint glass of icing on the cake.

Beer #1: COLOSSAL ONE (Imperial Stout / 9.5%)

In Their Own Words: “We used the West Malle Trappist yeast to give it a Belgian character. The beer shows aromas of bakers chocolate and dried fruits. It is rich, dark and strong, with flavors of espresso and dark swiss chocolate, spice and a touch of orange zest.”

Food Pairing: Dark Chocolate Budino

Our Thoughts: There are some writers on this site who’d trade their first-born for more of this beer. The limited availability means that if you haven’t ever had it, you should try it — but if you live here, you might be better served just take a quick spin down to Alexandria the next time they put this on tap at the brewery.

Beer #2: Optimal Wit (Belgian-style White Ale / 5%)

In Their Own Words: “Our Optimal Wit is brewed in the Belgian Wit Bier tradition. It is brewed with raw wheat and oats, and steeped with coriander, orange peel and grains of paradise. This ale is a pale golden color with a bit of cloudy haze from natural yeast in the bottle. This unfiltered ale offers layers of complex, nuanced flavors that evolve in the glass. It finishes crisp and refreshes the palate.”

Food Pairing: Fava Bean with English Pea and Porcini Crostini

Our Thoughts: Come on. You’ve all drank this beer, right? (It’s still unfiltered and refreshing and delicious. And you’ll need a break from those ABV bombs at some point during the evening. Go have one and chat with Bill. Tell him we said hello.)

This profile is a part of the DCBeer.com SAVOR Brewery Profile series. For more information, follow the link to see profiles of all 2014 SAVOR participants.