DCGourmet.net

Bar Louie unveiled a new beverage menu featuring eight new cocktails, a completely revamped wine platform and a stronger focus on local beers, and said it would hold an official beverage launch party  on May 21 from 6-9 p.m. when any of its eight new handcrafted cocktails or 15 new wines by the glass are only $2.

Included in the new libations lineup are the in-house mixologist Blake Rohrabaugh’s Mongoose Daiquiri, Kiss My Aztec, Manhattan , Tickled Pink, La Fresca Margarita, The Fizz, Coconut Mint Lemonade and Elliot’s Pepper, developed by Bar Louie Anaheim’s Bar Manager, Nick Elliott.  These signature handcrafted cocktails are progressive and cutting edge in nature and each cocktail is made to order from premium liquors, hand squeezed juices and fresh fruit garnishes.

Bar Louie has also entered into a partnership with Jimmy Stafford, lead guitarist and founding member of the Grammy award winning band Train, to be the first establishment to offer their newest cabernet sauvignon, Save Me San Francisco California 37, named after the highway the rock band takes on their way to the wine country, and also the title of their latest album.  Bar Louie will be the only bar to carry this wine from May 15 through the end of November.

In addition, Bar Louie revised their wine menu by adding 15 new offerings, most of which are only available at bars and restaurants, including Darcie Kent Sauvignon Blanc, Diseno Malbec and LaMarca Prosecco.

On the beer menu, guests will still have a core selection of their favorite beers, but they will now have more taps dedicated to local and craft options. Bar Louie DC is located at 701 7th Street NW.

Port City Brewing Co. will introduce a summer seasonal beer, Downright Pilsner, this June.

Crafted by Head Brewer Jonathan Reeves, this hand-crafted lager will be produced in the traditional Pilsner style, using authentic Pilsner malt and noble Saaz hops.  The limited production Downright Pilsner — only 180 barrels will be produced –  is the fourth seasonal beer produced by Port City Brewing.

Downright Pilsner will be sold at select retail, restaurants and bars in Washington, DC, Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina starting June 10.  Retail: $11.99 for a six-pack.

Downright Pilsner is a crisp, modern version of a traditional Pilsner. The brewery promises it “will delight all summer long.”  It is 4.8% alcohol by volume, boasts a deep golden color and is medium bodied with a soft round malt profile and crisp, spicy, hop character on the finish.

Downright Pilsner gets its carbonation completely naturally as its kept in the formation tanks for up to six weeks.  A unique twist on this beer is the dry hop addition of Saaz hops during fermentation.  This extra infusion of hops gives the beer a refreshing bite on the finish.

Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia are three of 17 markets in which Gordon Biersch Brewery is releasing a series of specialty brews with limited production of 4,000 cases or less.

The first to be released is Imperial Pilsner Brau.  “We designed the IPB to pique the curiosity of the IPA drinker, and we hope to capture their palate preference with the unique, authentic flavor that is completely its own. This concept is all about innovation and beer creativity,” said Dan Gordon, co-founder.

It’s bottled in 750ml bottles from Germany, topped with an historic German swing-top closure and will be available in late May.

The 750ml bottles will retail for approximately $8.99 at specialty grocers and liquor stores, as well as restaurants and bars.