When most beer drinkers think of microbrews, they think of U.S. craft-brewed beers.
Rusticos Beer Director Greg Engert is working to change that perception by introducing several international microbrews hailing from the unfamiliar beer regions of the world, including Denmark, Norway, Brazil and Japan. These countries have long been known for experimenting with new craft styles, but their products have not gained traction with American beer drinkers because theyre not widely available in this country, said Engert.
Beginning April 16, Engert will introduce Rusticos craft beer lovers to new and noteworthy seasonal selections from the lesser-known microbreweries of the world, including Wintercoat, a family-owned and operated brewery situated on an old farm just outside Sabro, Denmark; Ngne-, an independent brewery founded in 2002 in Grimstad, Norway; Cervejaria SudBrack, a family-owned craft brewery in Blumenau, Brazil that employs a German brew master to create beers in accordance with traditional European methods; and Kiuchi Shuzou, a long-established brewer known mostly for its sake from Ibaraki, Japan. These beers, which must be special ordered for the restaurant and will be available on a rotating basis, will range in price from $8 to $10 for drafts and $10 to $15 for bottles.
Rustico has already expanded its 330+ beer collection to include specialties from brewers located surprisingly in some of Europes most famous wine regions, including Birrificio del Ducato from Emilia Romagna, Italy and Brasserie La Sancerroise from Sancerre, France. In addition, Engert is developing a concentration of American farmhouse ales, or U.S.-brewed Belgian style beers, such as the Saison DErpe-Mere and the North Coast La Merle, which he says are popular with the many customers who enjoy hoppy beers, such as American Pale Ales and Belgian brews.
Rustico is located across the street from Buzz at 827 Slaters Lane in the Potomac Plaza in Alexandria, VA. For more information, please visit the website at www.rusticorestaurant.com or call 703-224-5051.
