Wow, Port City Brewing Company is 15 years old!
Come celebrate and make new memories at Port City on Saturday, February 7th between 11am and 8pm.
From the press release: “To celebrate fifteen years of brewing, Port City Brewing Company will release a new Golden Rum Barrel-Aged COLOSSAL Anniversary Ale aged for 50 days in Gold Rum barrels from Cotton and Reed distillery in Washington D.C.. Sitting at 12.1%, fans of the classic COLOSSAL Anniversary ale will find the familiar notes of toffee, dried dark fruit, and subtle hop balance paired perfectly with the sweet vanilla, coconut, honey, and molasses flavors of the rum. To finish off the tasting experience, floral and herbal notes add a fresh and vibrant character to this unique beer. This beer is intentionally crafted to be cellared for months, or even years. Golden Rum Barrel-Aged COLOSSAL will be available for purchase only in Port City’s Tasting Room.”
From the owner, Bill Butcher: “On our 15th anniversary, it is a good time to reflect on our team’s achievements. When we opened in 2011, there were 40 breweries in Virginia, and about 2600 in the U.S. Now 15 years later, in 2026, there are upwards of 400 breweries in Virginia and 9000 in the U.S. In this competitive market, beer quality has never been more important. Fortunately, our team has always focused on brewing world-class quality beer, and we are well-positioned for continued success!”
Music Options
After the Party (2-4pm)
Chris Rote (acoustic) (4-5pm)
No Quick Fix (5:30-8pm)
There will also be food specials from La Tingeria and a photo booth.
What: Port City 15th Anniversary Celebration
When: February 7, 2026 from 11am to 8pm
Where: Port City Brewing Company (3950 Wheeler Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22304)
Why: Beer! Celebrate with friends and drink good beer!
Reflection: Still my craziest memory about Port City is I tried to visit for the first time a little over a year after they opened, on the day after the Derecho storm hit the DMV (it hit on June 29, 2012). I had this weekend plan long before the Derecho devastated the region; Metro to Old Town and hike two miles to the brewery. What I didn’t do was check anything in advance. Not the best strategy after a storm. So I meandered through all the downed trees, debris, and the trash/recycle bins strewn about the streets and arrived at a very closed Port City. The point was to get out and about to an area I don’t visit much, so nothing ventured, nothing gained. It was fine, I would go back eventually. The best part is without power Port City’s beers were at risk of going bad, so they had a fundraiser to buy generators to save the beer. And their Derecho Common beer was born.
A DC Journey 