Have you guys been to any out here in Montgomery County? I like Seven Locks. There's also Saints Row, True Respite and Silver Branch, to name a few. Just curious your thoughts since you're much more into it than me.
I've hit a few:
Denizens, in Silver Spring - I usually don't like Red Sales but there are a very few they are done right and not too malty that I really like, and theirs is one of the best
Astrolab and Silver Branch are both within walking distance of Denizens. Before a Nats game last year I met a friend and hit all 3 but really only had time for one beer at each so I can't say much. I had been to Denizens before. I have a friend who is pretty much an IPA freak and doesn't like much else and he has found one or two from SB that be really likes. I get the impression Astrolabs has a bunch of different styles and isn't so IPA centric.
I made a trip to Brookeville Farms and had several beers, liked them a lot. It was in late June and basically my first meal in public since March. They had oysters, great outdoor seating, live music. I'll definitely go back.
A couple of years ago I hit three brewers in the Rockville/Gaithersburg area. True Respite was excellent. Then I want to a really all brewer that was probably less than 2 miles from TR, I just can't recall the name right now. They called themselves a nanobrewery. And finally I went to Three Locks. I think I only had one there because I had to drive home so I can't say how I rated that one.
But I really liked True Respite and Brookeville and will definitely go back. And I'll probably revisit the 3 in Silver Spring within walking distance of each other again when I get a chance. Denizens had some good wings too.