DC Brau Unveils Its Latest Beer: Dueling Grounds Vienna Lager

WASHINGTON, D.C. – April 7th, 2025 – DC Brau, the pioneering craft brewery that has been redefining the beer scene in the nation’s capital since 2011, is thrilled to introduce its latest creation: Dueling Grounds Vienna Lager. This bold new addition to the DC Brau lineup brings rich malt character and a perfectly balanced finish, offering beer lovers an exciting new way to experience local craft brewing at its finest.

Just a stone’s throw from DC Brau lies the infamous Colmar Manor Dueling Grounds, where Washington’s elite once settled scores with pistols in hand. Known as 'The Dark and Bloody Grounds,' it saw duels rage on—even after Congress outlawed them in 1839—until the eve of the Civil War. Honor demands satisfaction, and so does your thirst!

Dueling Grounds Vienna Lager is a meticulously crafted lager that boasts rich and malty notes, with pronounced toasted bread crust flavor and subtle background hints of brown sugar and toffee. Perfectly balanced, it features a light pop of peppery hop spice and a mild bitter backbone. Not too sweet, not too bitter, with a crisp finish that’s dry enough to keep you wanting more. At 5%, it’s perfect for any occasion, whether you're unwinding after a long day or raising a toast to history.

“We couldn’t be more excited to introduce a Vienna Lager to our lineup,” says Brandon Skall, CEO of DC Brau. “This was a very strategic decision for us. Vienna Lagers have long been a beloved style among beer drinkers, yet there are still relatively few local offerings. We saw an opportunity to bring a well-balanced, flavorful, and historically inspired beer to the market, and we know our fans are going to love it.”

“Dueling Grounds gives us a chance to produce something so rare in craft brewing that's always been very near to my heart - a beer in perfect balance” says DC Brau Head Brewer, Alex Spencer “Just enough malt, just enough hop, clean and refreshing, really just the best of everything. As the popularity of highly-adjuncted extreme-flavored craft beers starts to wane, and lagers and "beer flavored beer" make a comeback, Dueling Grounds is the perfect fit both for who we are as a brewery, and where the beer market is heading.”

Dueling Grounds Vienna Lager will be available starting Friday, April 11th with a special release event at the brewery taproom, featuring the Mayor of Colmar Manor. It will also be available at

select retailers, bars, and restaurants throughout the D.C. area. DC Brau takes pride in celebrating the unique stories that shape our region. This commitment makes it even more special to have the support of Colmar Manor, a town central to the legacy of the dueling grounds.

“As Mayor of Colmar Manor, I’m thrilled to see DC Brau honor our town’s rich history with this new brew!" says Monica Casañas "The dueling grounds are a legendary part of our past, and this launch is a creative way to celebrate our unique story. Cheers to history, community, and great beer!”

For more information on Dueling Grounds Vienna Lager and other DC Brau offerings, visit www.dcbrau.com or follow @DCBrau on all social media sites.

About DC Brau: Founded in 2011, DC Brau is Washington, D.C.’s first packaging brewery since 1956, dedicated to crafting innovative and high-quality beers that celebrate the spirit of the nation’s capital. With a commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and brewing excellence, DC Brau continues to be a leader in the craft beer industry.