Beer the New Wine- A road trip of hops and barley

July 5, 2012 4:18 pm ET

While wine may be suitable for the likes of September through May I stand firm in my belief that summer’s warmth necessitates the switch to beer.  I’ve found that many people are unaware of the vast cornucopia of beer flavors and varieties that have arisen in each section of the country.  I myself love a good brew on the weekends and when I spotted the Pop Charts Breweries of the United States info graphic, it became a must share for the GM Northeast community.

With this map, you can ditch the traditional “hoytie toytie” romp through the vineyards for a more adventurous and flavorful brewery road trip.  As beer is alcoholic I would suggest making this trip in three days as you will have time to enjoy your drinks sleep safely and get on the road the next morning with no alcohol in your system.  Using the Pop Chart map here is my recommend Northeast brewery trip:

Day 1- Washington DC is known for many things democracy, loosing sports franchises, and a plethora of delicious eats.  But did you know it’s also home to an amazing brewery named DC Brau?  Start your journey with a trip to Washington DC and head down to H Street.  Visit the brewery and see why DC is proud of this amazing brewery! Free tours of this microbrewery are held each Saturday from 1-4PM giving you a behind the scenes look a taste of great politically titled beers like “The Public,” “The Corruption,” and their imperial pumpkin porter “Vital Statistics.”

Photo by Pop Chart

Day 2- A short drive from Washington, spend your day basking in the son of Rehoboth beach.  Start with fries on the board walk, games as Funland, and finish it up with dinner and drinks at Dogfish Head brewery. With an eclectic selection of beers and an equally amazing kitchen churning out high quality bar food this brewery is a must see for any beer fanatic!  Quench your thirst at the ultimate beer enthusiasts’ watering hole.

Photo by Pop Chart

Day 3- Finally on your last day head north to the City that Never Sleeps.  Spend the day at one of the boroughs amazing breweries and then head to Manhattan to take in a show.  Brooklyn is slowly making itself the microbrewery capital of the world.  One microbrewery that’s recently taken flight is Brooklyn Brewery.  Get lost in the success story that will unravel during the tour and end with a sampling of one of their seasonal beers like Brooklyn Summer Ale.

Photo by Pop Chart

But the trip doesn’t need to end there.  Pop Chart’s map has thousands of different breweries in every corner of the Northeast. Tell us where you would like visit in the comments. Wherever your beer-venture takes you remember to enjoy responsibly and never drink and drive!

To see Pop Chart’s info graphic click HERE.

Featured photo by Pop Chart.