[Archived] Port City Beer Tasting Event-Oct. 14

“Long Black Veil” Brew Release Event,

Inspired by Gadsby’s Tavern’s Female Stranger Tale

 October 14

Port City Brewing Company has partnered with Gadsby’s Tavern Museum to launch its newest beer, Long Black Veil.  This black India Pale Ale was inspired by the famous and mysterious tale of the Female Stranger, who died at Gadsby’s Tavern on October 14, 1816.  Be one of the first to taste this special beer on the Female Stranger’s death day and visit the room where she died!

This special release event will include a tasting of the Long Black Veil, as well as tavern inspired food, a special presentation by Port City Brewing Company Founder Bill Butcher, and tours that unravel the tale of the Female Stranger. Other beers available for purchase include Monumental IPA and Optimal Wit.  This event will take place in the courtyard of Gadsby’s Tavern – a great place to enjoy the delicious brews, the mystery of the Female Strange, and the crisp fall air.  Doors open at 6 p.m. with special remarks at 7 p.m. and tours at 7:30, 7:45, 8:00, and 8:15 p.m.  $25 advance registration, $30 at the door.   Registration includes one beer, food, a tour, and a special Port City glass; cash bar for each additional beer purchase. Tickets can be purchased at shop.alexandriava.gov.

Long Black Veil is only available in draft and will have limited release beginning Friday, October 17^th.  It was crafted by Port City Brewers Josh Center and Adam Reza, under the supervision of Head Brewer Jonathan Reeves.  This handcrafted IPA was brewed using Citra, Centennial and Magnum hops.  The Long Black Veil is jet black in color, has a bitterness of 65 IBU and is brewed to 6.8% alcohol by volume.

The name was based on the tale of the Female Stranger, who arrived to Alexandria by ship.  Having become ill, she was taken to the finest tavern in town – Gadsby’s Tavern – and was given a room, a doctor, and two nurses to care for her.  Her identity, however, was kept a mystery.  Days passed by and her condition worsened.  On October 14^th, she died at the age of 23.   She is buried at St. Paul’s Cemetery and a table-top tomb bears the inscription “In the memory of the Female Stranger…”

As America emerged as a nation in the late 18^th and early 19^th century, Gadsby’s Tavern was the center of social and political life in Alexandria as well as the new Federal City of Washington.  The tavern served as the premier gathering place for residents – including George Washington – and visitors to eat, drink, learn, and influence history.  Tavern keepers John Wise and John Gadsby hosted balls, performances, and meetings, and their accommodations were known as the best by travelers near and far.  Today, the tavern continues the tradition of opening its doors to the community through a variety of special events. 

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum is located at 134 North Royal Street in the heart of Old Town Alexandria and is owned and operated by the City of Alexandria. For more information, please call 703.746.4242 or visit www.gadsbystavern.org.