Recently, I met up with an old buddy in Silver Spring, MD, about four miles from my house. I originally was going to walk (about an hour and a half, and a straight shot up 16th) but it was biting cold and windy so I just took the bus.
We met at Third Hill Brewing Co., which occupies a space on Georgia Ave where the now-departed Astro Lab Brewing used to be. I'd never heard of Third Hill, and by virtue of being in the F&B industry, I think I'm pretty dialed in to this stuff.
Third Hill is the brainchild of Jason Sliter, who's been in the DC area for about 13 years. After getting a taste of true craft beer at Dogfish Head in Gaithersburg, he sought ways to break into the craft beer industry. Like many brewers, he got his start with homebrewing, and was able to open Third Hill last year.
I tried a few of their offerings - all good - but I wanted to spotlight their "County Route 8". The beer is respectable 10.00% ABV West-coast leaning style imperial IPA. "A friend and I were driving on County Route 8 in Jefferson County, New York, as we’ve done a bunch, but this time I really noticed the name. I thought 'that would be a cool band name,' but that never really happened. "
Well, now it's a beer name, so that's something. Let's dive in.
It pours pretty thickly into the glass, and generates a sticky aroma. Solid cap of white foam, which is pretty dense.
So, this beer definitely tastes like 10.00% ABV. Some beers hide the booze well, but this one presents it nicely. The beer is round and full, with an almost buttery flavor. There is some sweetness from hops, and a solid backbone of juicy hops mixed with a touch or two of pine. It's good, and a nice in-between beer for those who might not want super-piney West Coast stuff or East Coast juice-bombs.
"I think it is a great deck, patio or camping beer. Anything outdoors really, as long as it’s responsible" says Jason. I don't know if this is the kind of beer I'd take camping, as it's pretty full and demands attention.
About their place in the community: "We want THBC to be a place for people to escape the stress of life, connect with people and make some memories. We hope to be a contributor to our community and a good neighbor in Silver Spring."
Commendable and true, and I look forward to more good stuff from Third Hill in the future.
