With no music and no pretty waitresses in sight, the basement of the M St. pizza place was an odd sight on Tuesday evening. Men (and the occasional woman) milled about discussing and enjoying the finer points of the interest uniting them all: beer.
The beer geeks’ lingo would put the wine snob to shame, jumping from the concept of measuring “IBUs” (International Bitterness Units) to “double IPAs” (India Pale Ales) to a debate over which monasteries in Belgium currently brew the best beer.
All this was taking place in the small basement “birreria” of Pizzeria Paradiso, which serves over 16 different kinds of specialty Belgian and American draft ales on any given night, and gives Georgetown residents the chance to experience the world beyond lager.
The most interesting item on the menu at the bar is the Duchesse de Bourgogne, produced by Brouwerij Verhaeghe Brewery in Belgium. This brew is highly alcoholic, light, incredibly sweet, and has a finish like lime juice. Almost more sherry than ale, it is unlike anything I had ever tasted. It packs so much concentrated flavor that I doubt you would be able to handle a stein-full.
For a more balanced, but still flavorful choice, try the Gouden Caroulus, by Belgian Brouwerj Het Anker. It’s rich, mildly sweet, and has a dry finish. The more adventurous drinker will ask for a glass of Hop Slam, a heady, austere beer made by Michigan-based Bell’s Brewing. This drink is a special treat for someone who enjoys fresh arugala, bitter martinis and the like. Placing my nose at the rim of the glass, I inhaled a rich scent of flowers and sweet apricot. A sip constitutes a veritable hops shot in the mouth, conveying a brief fruity essence followed by a strikingly bitter taste.
Stay away from the deliciously labeled Wild Raspberry Ale—it comes off tasting more like raspberry-flavored seltzer water than beer. The Cappuccino Stout is another poor choice. Brewed as one of a new line of coffee-flavored ales, it is nothing but a novelty item that tastes and smells like the combination of stale coffee and cigarettes.
It is possible that these recommendations are moot since the draft menu is modified almost every week. If none of the above titles are still on tap, try the tasting menu. You get four 5 oz. glasses of either Belgian or American ales selected by the bartender for $11 ($5.50 if you go before 7 p.m. on Tuesday or Wednesday). Or, if you really know which obscure beer you want, order one of the 80 different bottled beers they have behind the bar.
A final tip: watch yourself—these ales pack quite a bit more punch than Busch Lite. The average alcohol content is between six and nine percent. You’ll be drunk and dumb-founded at what just washed over your tongue.
Pizzeria Paradiso is located at 3282 M Street N.W. 202.337.1245
