WASHINGTON — For many fans, baseball wouldn’t be baseball without an ice cold beer.
And, starting Friday — the Nationals home opener — fans can enjoy a new, hometown offering once they get to the ballpark.
It’s called the 1500 South Cap Lager — a reference to the address of Nationals Park — and it’s made at the recently opened Atlas Brew Works, in Northeast.
Head brewer Will Durgin says it’s a traditional German Helles-style lager, perfect for hot summer days.
“Ours is a little unique because it features American hops,” Durgin says. “You can expect light malt notes from it, and a little bit of earthy American hops.”
The six-month-old brewery reached an exclusive deal with the Nationals to supply the ballpark with the 1500 South Cap Lager this season, after another Atlas beer was made available on draft at the stadium during the team’s final homestand last year.
“As a baseball fan myself, it’s a real thrill to be able to go to the ballpark and sit in the sun and drink your own beer,” Durgin says. “It’s probably the most significant professional achievement in my career.”
And, if you’re hungry once you get to the game, he adds, “The good thing about this beer is, it goes great with ballpark food.”
Durgin also says the partnership with the Nationals is a “tremendous boon” to the brewery’s business, particularly if it’s a nice, long season.
“Certainly we’ll all be rooting for the Nationals this year, and having some games in October would be great for everybody,” he says.
For now, the 1500 South Cap Lager will be available only at Nats Park.
Related Stories:
Follow @WTOP on Twitter and on Facebook.
