DC beer enthusiasts can rejoice in the recent uptick of breweries popping up across the region. With plenty of those located within city limits, District residents don’t have to travel far to taste local, craft beers. Be sure to check out these DC breweries offering unique brews, tours, and tastings year-round.   

Atlas Brew Works
Located in Ivy City, Atlas Brew Works produces 20 craft beers in barrel batches in a brewery that is powered entirely by solar energy. Make sure to try their flagship brews like the District Common (California Common, 5.1% ABV) and the Rowdy (Rye Beer, 6.2% ABV). The tasting room is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays with tours offered at 2, 4 and 6 PM on Saturdays. There is no kitchen on site, so come prepared with your own snacks, be ready to order delivery, or peruse various food trucks on-site. (2052 West Virginia Ave, NE; 202-832-0420)

Bluejacket
If you’re a Nats fan, chances are you’ve stopped by the conveniently located brewery steps away from Nationals Park. Bluejacket offers 20 ales and lagers on tap daily which can be sampled at the on-site restaurant and barroom, Arsenal. Must-tries include the Mexican Radio (Spiced Sweet Stout, 7.2% ABV), Forbidden Planet (Dry-Hopped Kolsch, 4.2% ABV) and the Lost Weekend (Citra IPA, 7.0% ABV). (300 Tingey St, SE; 202-524-4862)

DC Brau Brewing Company
The first production brewery in DC since the 1950's (when the Christian Heurich Brewing Company closed), DC Brau opened in 2011 and recently celebrated its 5th Anniversary. The popular brewery has won numerous awards for its brews, including the Public (American Pale, 6.0% ABV), the Corruption (India Pale, 6.5% ABV) and the Citizen (Belgian-style Blond/Pale, 7%). Stop by on Fridays for half-priced pint nights, or come on Saturdays for free tours and tastings. (3178 Bladensburg Rd, NE; 202-621-8890)

Hellbender Brewing Company
One of the District’s newer breweries, Hellbender offers a range of brews, including flagships Red Line Ale (6.0% ABV), Ignite IPA (6.5% ABV,) and Southern Torrent Saison (5.5% ABV).Tours are offered on Saturdays from 2 - 5 PM on the hour. The brewery also hosts a number of events, including their Hopfest, which features over 20 of the hoppiest local craft beers from 17 breweries in the DMV region. (5788 2nd St, NE; 202-827-8768)

Right Proper Brewing Company
Located in Shaw, this neighborhood brewpub recently expanded its operations to Brookland with the opening of a new production brewery and tasting room. The Shaw location offers a rotating selection of house-brewed beers and comfort bar food with a Southern twist. Food highlights include the Southern-fried chick-filet and fried green tomato sandwich. At the Brookland location, guests can sample brews at the tasting room and tour the brewery. Be sure to try the Raised by Wolves (Pale Ale, 5.0% ABV) and the Haxan (Porter, 7.0% ABV). (Shaw Brewpub: 624 T St, NW; 202-607-2337; Brookland Production House: 920 Girard St, NE; 202-526-5904)

Photo via Flickr user Daquella manera