It’s a brave new world out there, folks. In news that would make DC Beer circa 2009-2019 devote a week to it, 3 Floyds signature imperial stout, Dark Lord, is headed to distribution. Why? Nominally because this is the 30th anniversary of the Indiana brewery, which last caused a stir about 9 years ago when Zombie Dust came to the DMV in the wake of the 2017 Craft Brewers Conference. “In honor of our 30th anniversary, our most elusive beer is escaping the confines of Dark Lord Day and descending on retail shelves in 4 pack-12oz bottles for the first time in history. Welcome Dark Lord XXX – an exclusive bourbon barrel-aged variant of our brutally massive Imperial Stout that you know and love,” says the brewery. 

That’s right. A beer that used to be at the brewery for one day only is headed to distribution. A variant of the stout popped up at Snallygaster and didn’t last long; it was one of the first beers to kick at the event. 

Savvy shoppers should expect this beer, 14.5% ABV, on shelves, in 4-packs of 12 ounce bottles, as soon as Wednesday, October 27. That’s when The Brew Shop should be getting it in. Dominion Beer and Wine in Falls Church and Norm’s Beer and Wine in Vienna have already confirmed it, with the latter expecting 5 cases on Friday, October 30; we’re unsure if DC proper is getting any. Some draft Dark Lord XXX will also be available should you just want a pour, though we’re not sure when and where it’ll be yet.

The brewery has you covered, though. Head to their website and put in your zip code, that should help. The beer probably pairs well with most fun size Halloween chocolates and any Thanksgiving pie you’re thinking about.

If DC gets left out, don’t feel too bad for us. Churchkey will have Brujos IPAs on Thursday, October 29.

brujos at churchkey oct 26

Also, because Virginia gets all the fun, a new shipment of Heady Topper from The Alchemist should also be on shelves within the next week or so. Happy shopping, everyone.