OK. I admit it. I like trying new beers… There are a bunch of places to buy single-serve bottles around here, including our local grocery store. They have quite a selection. A lot I’ve heard of, but some I haven’t. Occasionally I try one that really, really works for me. Usually it’s suggested by Sarah — she has this uncanny ability to pick a good beer by looking at the packaging. Weird, I know… but it works a good bit of the time. I think there has only been once or twice where I didn’t like what she picked out for me, and that was before she really knew my taste.

Well, there’s a new beer in town — Backdraft Brown by Hook & Ladder Brewing Company. Let me tell you, everything about this is spot-on in my book. No, it’s not fancy or brewed with all kinds of crazy spices. It’s just GOOD. Nice mix of bite and smoothness, with a slight hoppiness that finishes off smooth. Love it.

Until I looked it up, I had no idea this brewery was based in Silver Spring… so all my DC peeps better go check it out and have one. Or three.

So, if you like a good beer but don’t go for all the fru-fru Belgian stuff or the beer so thick you can chew it, this might be the one for you. Try it and let me know what you think. 

PS: Their seasonal Ember Amber is quite tasty as well!