If you thought 2012 was an amazing year for beer in Washington, D.C., get ready to celebrate, because the local beer news just keeps coming. Atlas Brew Works is planning an early 2013 launch as a production brewery based at 2052 West Virginia Avenue.

The two principals behind ABW are Justin Cox, an experienced homebrewer whose Schwarzbier Black Lager took first place at the 2010 State Fair competition, and Will Durgin, a commercial brewer who has been brewmaster at Portland’s Pyramid Brewery and Calimornia’s Telegraph Brewing Co.

With 9,200 square feet, the pair is planning to offer tours, tastings and growlers-to-go, once the brewery is up and running. The craft beer portfolio will includes American style ales and lagers, along with an extensive sour and barrel aging program. The brewery is just down the street from New Columbia Distillers, and talks of collaboration have already begun.

A huge District welcome to Atlas Brew Works. What do you hope the newcomers brew?