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| Photo via Heurich Museum |
In 1945, Christian Heurich died the world’s oldest brewer at the age of 102. After immigrating from Germany to America with only $200 in his pocket and next to no knowledge on how to speak English, Heurich soon became a mythical figure by creating the epicenter of Washington, D.C.’s craft brewing culture.
The Christian Heurich Brewing Company was founded in 1872 in Dupont Circle. Producing 500,000 barrels a year, it remains the largest brewery in Washington’s history. Until D.C. Brau opened in 2011, the company was also the city’s last existing brewery when it closed in in 1956.
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| Photo via Michelle Goldchain |
But for Charlie Buettner, brewmaster at Lorton, Virginia-based Fairwinds Brewing Company, Heurich’s brewery was D.C.’s brewery. For those who began homebrewing in the ‘90s, Buettner described Heurich as a figure in Washington, D.C. that was well-known and respected.
After building his brewing empire, Heurich constructed a lavish mansion in 1892, known as the Heurich House. Located at 1307 New Hampshire Avenue NW, this brewmaster’s castle is now a museum with monthly events that would make Heurich and his family proud.
Emma Stratton, events and marketing coordinator for the Heurich Museum, said, “What we’re really trying to do a lot more of is focus on the interests that the family had — that’s beer, music, German heritage events, other things like that.”
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| Photo via Michelle Goldchain |
While the museum hosts public tours every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, what the museum may soon be most known for is its eclectic mix of beer events every month. Every third Thursday, the Heurich Museum hosts its History & Hops event. The event allows the public to not only learn about the man behind the castle, but also have the opportunity to meet a local brewer face-to-face with a beer tasting.
Stratton said, “It’s a way for people to put a face to the name. So, when you see these beers in the store, you remember the person you met. It makes it a little more personal, it makes it a little more intimate and it also gives you the chance to try some great beers.”
When Fairwinds Brewing Company was invited to showcase their beer at History & Hops this past July, Buettner said, “I would bend over backwards even if there was a lottery for this or if I had to break windows in my house or do awful things to myself to just get here to pour. I would do them because this is such an awesome venue … It’s a huge honor.”
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| Photo via Michelle Goldchain |
Annual events the public can enjoy at the museum include Oktoberfest, an event with German music, German beer and local beer. Another event is Christkindlmarkt, a recreation of a German public Christmas market with goods from local artisans including jewelry, ceramics, chocolate, coffee, housewares and clothing for infants.
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| Photo via Michelle Goldchain |
For those who would like to learn more about Heurich himself, the brewmaster’s granddaughter, Jan A.K. Evans Houser, will give a tour of the Heurich House on Aug. 14 from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The Heurich Museum isn’t only for those with a taste for beer. It’s also a destination for those who adore architectural beauty. When built, the mansion was way ahead of its time with technology like gas and electric lighting fixtures, an elevator shaft and full indoor plumbing.
After one of his breweries in Dupont Circle burned to the ground, Heurich made sure that the steel and concrete home was completely fireproof. Some of the highlights in the mansion include its 31 ornately furnished rooms and 15 hand-carved wood fireplaces.
If interested in learning more about the museum or its beer events, visit the website here.
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| Photo via Michelle Goldchain |
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| Photo via Michelle Goldchain |
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| Photo via Michelle Goldchain |
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| Photo via Michelle Goldchain |
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| Photo via Michelle Goldchain |
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| Photo via Heurich Museum |
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| Photo via Heurich Museum |
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| Photo via Heurich Museum |
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| Photo via Heurich Museum |
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| Photo via Heurich Museum |
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