Port City to Launch Newest Beer at Gadsby's Tavern in Nod to 'Female Stranger'

Port City Brewing Company has partnered with Gadsby’s Tavern Museum to launch its newest beer, Long Black Veil. This black India Pale Ale was inspired by the famous and mysterious tale of the Female Stranger, who died at Gadsby’s Tavern on Oct. 14, 1816.

This special release event will include a tasting of the Long Black Veil, as well as tavern-inspired food, a special presentation by Port City Brewing Company Founder Bill Butcher, and tours that unravel the tale of the Female Stranger. Other beers available for purchase include Monumental IPA and Optimal Wit. This event will take place in the courtyard of Gadsby’s Tavern – a great place to enjoy the delicious brews, the mystery of the Female Strange, and the crisp fall air. Doors open at 6 p.m. with special remarks at 7 p.m. and tours at 7:30, 7:45, 8, and 8:15 p.m. $25 advance registration, $30 at the door. Registration includes one beer, food, a tour, and a special Port City glass; cash bar for each additional beer purchase. Tickets can be purchased at shop.alexandriava.gov.

Long Black Veil is only available in draft and will have limited release beginning Friday, Oct. 17. It was crafted by Port City Brewers Josh Center and Adam Reza, under the supervision of Head Brewer Jonathan Reeves. This handcrafted IPA was brewed using Citra, Centennial and Magnum hops. The Long Black Veil is jet black in color, has a bitterness of 65 IBU and is brewed to 6.8 percent alcohol by volume.

The name was based on the tale of the Female Stranger, who arrived in Alexandria by ship. Having become ill, she was taken to the finest tavern in town – Gadsby’s Tavern – and was given a room, a doctor and two nurses to care for her. Her identity, however, was kept a mystery. Days passed by and her condition worsened. On Oct. 14, she died at the age of 23. She is buried at St. Paul’s Cemetery and a table-top tomb bears the inscription “In the memory of the Female Stranger…”

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum is located at 134 North Royal St., in the heart of Old Town Alexandria and is owned and operated by the City of Alexandria. For more information, call (703) 746-4242 or visit www.gadsbystavern.org.

PHOTO of table-top tomb of the Female Stranger at St. Paul’s Cemetery; photo courtesy of geocaching.com