Recap: Detox to Retox: Yoga + Beer Tasting at Hellbender Brewing Company

Last weekend I had the opportunity to attend the Detox to Retox (D2R): Yoga + Beer Tasting event at Hellbender Brewing Company in Northeast, Washington D.C. Led by the amazing yoga instructor Amy Rizzotto (E-RYT), the monthly series consists of one hour of pretty intense yoga, followed by a free beer tasting at Hellbender Brewing Company. This is a “bring your own mat” event, although there are mats on hand just in case you don’t have one. Tickets are $25 per person and include yoga, a four-beer tasting and 20% off of all beers, merchandise and growlers.

As a novice yogi, I was intimidated to learn that out of more than 20 participants, I was the only person who wasn’t experienced. However, I was able to keep up and worked up a nice little sweat. It’s definitely an alternate workout I will incorporate into my existing regimen. Directly following yoga, we were able to help ourselves to some freebies from Reebok as well as some healthy snacks.

Now on to the good part, the part you really care about…THE BEER! Upon entering the tasting room, there were long wooden picnic style benches with snacks such as pretzels and other treats to accompany the beers as you drink. Another bonus was the large flat screen TVs showing all of the college football games. Yoga, beer, football, and snacks…how can you beat that?!

Left to Right: Coffee Stout, Saison, Red Ale

We were able to taste four beers: three that were pre-selected, and then we could pick our fourth beer from the menu on the wall.

Here is what was on the menu:

Bare Bones Kolsch

A traditional German Kolsch style ale brewed with all American ingredients. Cold conditioning lager temperatures gives it a brilliant, crisp pilsner quality. Slightly bitter with floral and spicy hop aromas and finishes clean and dry. 5% ABV, 21 IBU

Red Line Ale

A full-bodied American red ale that showcases a deep ruby red color and rich toffee aromas. Floral notes with hints of orange and citrus. 6% ABV, 35 IBU.

North x Northeast

This stout is a collaboration with D.C.’s Compass Coffee. It’s a combination of their cardinal blend with Hellbender’s base, dry stout to create this chocolatey, roasty beer reminiscent of a great cup of cold-brewed coffee. 5% ABV, 35 IBU

Southern Torrent Saison

A unique yeast strain gives this Belgian saison a fruity, floral aroma with hints of citrus and pear. Hazy, gold hued, rich body. Finished dry with spicy notes from late noble hop additions. This is a specialty only served during summer months that we were able to try because there some left over.

My favorites are probably a tie between the Bare Bones Kolsch and the Southern Torrent Saison with the Red Line Ale following close behind. While there weren’t any suggestions on which foods/snacks to pair with each beer, I took the liberty to try all of the different salty and sweet things on the table to see which brought out different notes and flavors in each.

I really enjoyed this beer. I am not a coffee or chocolate lover, but I took one for the team (you, the readers) and tried the coffee stout anyway. While it was not horrible, it really tasted like an iced coffee. So if that is your thing, then this is a beer up your alley.

Bare Bones Kolsch

About Hellbender Brewing Company

Hellbender Brewing Company was created out of a true love for the art, culture, history, and science of craft brewing. We have created every recipe as an artistic interpretation of an existing style, and refined it with years of fine tuning and tasting. Lots of tasting. Combined with our use of a cutting edge, mash filter brewing system, our beer is more water efficient and environmentally sustainable than other craft breweries, creating truly one-of-a-kind beer in the Nation’s capital.

I really enjoyed this event and loved the pairing of the seemingly unrelated activities.  The combination made for the perfect afternoon. Hellbender Brewing Company will be celebrating their one year anniversary with a party on Saturday, November 14th. You can purchase tickets here and tell them we sent you.  Cheers!

– Candice Coleman

The 8 Types of Passengers You’ll Encounter on a Flight

Have you ever been on a flight with someone who can’t seem to sit still? Or someone who is inconsiderate of the people around them?  We all know these types of passengers.  On my recent return trip from Vegas, I am almost positive there were each of these types of passengers on the plane, so I can’t be the only one who has run into these people!

1. The Busybody

You know the busybodies.  As soon as the seatbelt sign is turned off, they’re up talking to friends, opening the overhead bin to get God knows what, or walking to the bathroom every 15 minutes.  I understand we all need to get up and stretch our legs from time to time, especially during long haul flights.  But I don’t want you walking by me every 15 minutes. Find your seat and relax!

2. Mr. Ants in His Pants

He (or she) has a nervous energy that can rub off on you.  They’re constantly shaking their legs, twisting from side to side, and making their agitation known to everyone around them.  Their antsiness tends to have a ripple effect on me and soon enough, I can’t sit still either.

3. The Sleeper

This person was up late packing or partying the night away.  Either way, they’re asleep before the plane even takes off.  And a really bad ‘Sleeper’ somehow ends up resting on their neighbor.  I must admit, I fall somewhere in this category.  While I never lean on my neighbor, I am definitely asleep before take off.  There’s something about trains, planes and automobiles that always makes me sleepy!

4. The Onlooker

This person may not fall asleep on their neighbor, but they are looking over their neighbor’s shoulders, checking out the book they’re reading or watching their movie.  Air travel isn’t a group exercise.  Bring your own activities to keep yourself entertained!

5. The Overwhelmed Parent

I have the most sympathy for this traveler, especially when they are traveling without any help.  Not only are they traveling with a stroller, a car seat, and several carryons, but they are ultimately responsible for their child’s (un)happiness.  They do everything in their power to keep their child quiet and calm during a flight, but sometimes kids just have their own agenda.  The parent always looks so overwhelmed and apologetic.  If they’re sitting near me, I always try to offer a helping hand.

6. The Complainer

No matter what the flight attendant does, ‘The Complainer’ is always unhappy.  And if they’re sitting in first or business class?  Forget it! Their drink is never made properly, the temperature is always too cold and they’ve experienced better on a different airline.  My suggestion is to put your headphones in and tune them out.

7. The Scared Flyer

You can spot this traveler a mile away.  These people have an innate fear of flying, which means they have their own coping mechanisms.  As soon as the plane begins taking off, they’re closing their eyes, praying, taking deep breaths, and wishing they were somewhere else.  These flyers can actually be pretty amusing to watch.

8. The Rusher

This person is the worst of the bunch.  As soon as the flight lands, they’re up in their seat, getting their carryon down from the overhead bin, jumping over little old ladies and stepping on small children in order to deplane first.  I usually give these passengers dirty looks.  Calm down, have a seat and wait your turn!

Most normal people fall somewhere in between these categories.  We all have our moments of being uncomfortable or anxious to deplane, but I try hard to remember that we’re all going the same place.  And it’s better to be a nice, considerate person than a jerk to your fellow passengers.  Can you think of any other type of passengers you’ve seen?  Sound off!