Port City Brewing Re-Releases 'Derecho Common' Beer

Port City Brewing Company has re-released its popular Derecho beer, the brew created when a powerful derecho storm struck the area, knocking out power across the region.

The cult classic has become a summer seasonal brew with the name “Derecho Common.” The company describes it as “inspired by the storm that almost put us out of business in 2012, this California Common is a crisp, but rich lager loaded with dry hopping.”

Here’s more about that fateful day, from Port City:

On June 29th, 2012, a “land hurricane” wreaked havoc on the DC Metro region and Port City’s hometown. Knocking over trees and powerlines, this derecho (day-RAY-cho), as the storm is called, left a million without power during a record-breaking heatwave. While the brewery was not damaged, we were left without power and searching for a way to SAVE THE BEER.

Procuring a generator, we were able to keep the brewery online and the beer saved. One batch of lager fermented at higher temperatures, producing what is called a California Common beer, or steam beer.

The storm left us a gift: our lager had changed into a golden opportunity, DERECHO COMMON.

DERECHO COMMON is deep golden in color, and has toasty, biscuity malt flavors. It is medium bodied with an assertive hop profile. It is dry hopped with Amarillo hops, which give it a spicy, citrusy hop kick on the finish.

If you missed the release party, stop by Port City Friday night, July 3, from 7-9 p.m. for live music from The Sidleys, some Rockland’s BBQ from their food truck. Be sure to wash it down with a Derecho Common. Brewery tour is at 6:30 p.m. The brewery is located at 3950 Wheeler Ave. in Alexandria.

PHOTO courtesy of Port City via Facebook