Capitol City Brewery Responds to its First-Round Tournament Loss"Victory is an Illusion of Philosophers and Fools"-William Faulkner
Those of you who have been following the 2009 edition of the Washington Post's
Beer Madness feature may have noticed that Capitol City's own Amber Waves Ale was ousted in the first round of the single-elimination tournament by
Troeg's Hopback Amber Ale, a
finalist from the 2008 competition. The mood at the brewery this past week has certainly reflected this stunning loss. Capitol City brewers,
previously full of so much enthusiasm and excitement over their chances of emerging victorious, have had to
have the crushing and demoralizing reality of a first round tournament exit. Excuses for the loss are many.
"Yeah, I don't really know what hit us," Director of Brewing Operations Mike McCarthy said. "I mean, we came into the competition feeling prepared, feeling loose. And then, things just really didn't go our way. Obviously, all the credit goes to Troegs. They came out with a heck of a game plan and just executed. We wish them all the best through the tournament."
Lead Brewer Travis Tedrow was not feeling quite as diplomatic.
"This is seriously messed up, man. I mean, I'm really not trying to accuse anyone of anything, but it seems obvious to me that the referees were clearly in Troegs pocket. They got every foul call and we couldn't catch a break. I'm not sure who's sleeping with who over there but....wait, this is all off the record, right?"
Assistant brewer James Nicholson had a different take on the defeat.
"Look, I don't think Cap City has anything to prove. We worked hard to get here and we belong here. Things just didn't work out in our favor. Nothin' else to say. Right now, all I can do is thank God-almighty Jesus Christ for the opportunity to compete and for the blessings of mind-blowing brewing talent that he has bestowed on me. That's all I got to say."
Perhaps most affected by the loss is Capitol City General Manager Robert Rivera who, hoping to give the brewers apt fanfare during the triumphant return as champions, purchased twelve civil war-era cannons, set to be fired off during a stirring rendition of the 1812 Overture.
"What the hell am I going to do with 12 civil war cannons now?" asked Rivera. "I guess I could invade Canada...yeah, that's it! Screw Canada. Here I come!"
After this proclamation, Mr. Rivera promptly tripped over his own shoe-lace.
Events and Goings-on
As spirit-crushing and soul-pulverising as the first-round defeat was, Capitol City brewers have managed to pick their heads up and commit to making great seasonal beers celebrating the upcoming Spring Holidays. In honor of Saint Patrick's day, Capitol City will be tapping a duo of delights: a Red Ale and a Dry Stout. Both traditional Irish Ales, the Red offers a caramel malty sweetness with low hop-bitterness, while the Stout will wow drinkers with its robust body and roasted flavors.
On Friday March 13, starting at 5pm sharp, brewers John Dykstra and Travis Tedrow will be pouring casks of these two Irish beauties for all to enjoy. Only $2 per pint while the casks last. Come enjoy Travis try out his new poetry powers that he acquired with his new set of hip, rectangular glasses and John rip some more quotes from literary greats such as James Joyce.
As eager as the cherry blossoms are to awaken and attract the droves of tourists to DC, so too are the Cap City brewers to introduce our Cherry Blossom Ale at all locations on March 23. The subtle Vienna malt flavor and cherry color of this ale will be complimented by the 300 lbs. of aseptic Oregon cherry puree added post fermentation.
Looking ahead to April you can expect the premiere of Cap City's new line of organic Belgian beers. Our saison will feature all organic malts and hops and will remain on tap for your earth-friendly conscience for three months until the next organic creation awakens.
Cheers,
Cap City Brewers
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