Companies like Anheuser-Busch are known for their popular alcoholic beverages like Budweiser, Bud Light, and numerous other beers. While many adults drink these mainstream beers, there has been an increased interest in microbrews and smaller batch options.

The nation’s capital in particular has seen an uptick in craft breweries over the past several years. Since 2009, more than five independent breweries have cropped up in the District and the surrounding region. If DC is any indication of what’s coming for the rest of the country, then we seem to be immersed in the beginnings of a craft brew boom.

Read on for information about some of the newest breweries in the DC area, and make a point to taste their concoctions when you’re in town.

Old Ox

Old Ox Logo
One of the newest craft breweries to hit the scene, this company launched in 2014 in Ashburn, VA. Though it’s slightly harder to get to (no direct public transportation) there are transit options to make the most of your visit. For instance, Reston Limo, a DC-area transportation company, hosts beer tours that offer luxurious private transportation to and from the various breweries. Try the Belgian Blonde brew at Old Ox. It’s one of the crispest, lightest beers you’ll ever taste.

Right Proper Brewing Company

Right Proper Logo
Right Proper is making a name for itself as much for its food as for it’s beer. The restaurant, which opened in 2013 in DC’s Ledroit Park neighborhood, offers perfectly constructed appetizers, entrees, nibbles, and more. The waiters are quick to recommend a homemade beverage on tap to pair with your meal and the atmosphere is laidback and comfortable. Diners can view the vats and kegs behind a large glass window that makes for some additional entertainment to the meal.

3 Stars

3 stars Logo
Though less well known than the DC staple, DC Brau, 3 Stars is a young brewery that launched just a few years back in the Takoma Park area of NE DC. The two founders started the business out of their homes before taking over and renovating a large garage space. Today, they offer tours and growler fills on Saturdays and Thursdays.

These three breweries are examples of local small businesses looking to take market share away from the big guys at Budweiser. As Washingtonians develop a taste for carefully crafted and unique home brews, they’re willing to pay a little bit more for an enhanced drinking experience.

Check out these three craft breweries in the DC metropolitan area and investigage micro-brew options in your home town. Even those who prefer wine or liquor will likely be impressed with the beers that originate from smaller breweries.