Brewed especially for the jubilant occasion of the the inauguration of Barack Obama, Ale 2009 is probably better known by its working title, "Obamagang". What started as a quirky one-off label on a gift-bottle has, by all indications, turned into a sensation. Available only on draft, "Obamagang" is being shipped out to dozens of enthusiastic bars and restaurants for celebrants and beer lovers in Washington DC (we hope Mr. President will have a glass!), Baltimore, Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago and a few cities in Upstate NY.

The beer itself is a dark ale close to a stout, but hinting at a porter. At 6.2% and full of robust roasted malt and chocolate flavors, "Obamagang" is fortifying yet highly drinkable. Using the Ommegang house yeast and just a touch of Belgian Kriek, an underlying fruitiness adds to a full-bodied and well-rounded celebratory ale.
Enjoy Obamagang, I mean, Ale 2009, at the following fine establishments:

DC AREA
WASHINGTON DC
Pizzeria Paradiso, Georgetown
Pizzeria Paradiso, Dupont Circle
RFD Bar
The Brickskellar
BALTIMORE
Max's on Broadway
Mahaffey’s
Alonso’s
Frisco Burrito’s
Racer’s Cafe

PHILLY AREA
DOWNTOWN
Beneluxx, Philly
Bishop’s Collar, Philly
Eulogy, Philly
Grey Lodge Pub, Philly
Race Street Café, Philly
Side Car Bar and Grille, Philly
St. Stephen’s Green, Philly
Tria, Rittenhouse Square, Philly
Tria, Washington Square, Philly
London Grille and Bar, Philly
SURROUNDING AREA
Blue Dog, Chalfont
Blue Dog, Lansdale
Ortino’s, Schwenksville
Stephanies Restaurant & Lounge, Doylestown
Teresa’s Next Door, Wayne
TJ’s Drinkery, Paoli

NYC
BXL  
George Keeley’s
Gingerman
Greenwich Village Tavern
Half Pint
House of Brews II
House of Brews
Jimmy's
Lenora's Way
Puck Fair
Rattle & Hum
Spring Lounge
The Black Rabbit
The Blind Tiger
Vintage Irving
   
BOSTON
Armsby Abbey, Worcester
Cambridge Commons, Cambridge
Christopher’s, Cambridge
Deep Ellum, Allston
Green St Grill, Cambridge
Grendel’s Den, Cambridge
Redbones, Somerville
Sierra Grill, Northampton
Sunset Grill, Allston
The Independent, Somerville
The Publick House, Brookline
The Road House, Brookline

CHICAGO
CITY
Binny's
  Garrett Ripleys
Jak's Tap
Justins
Local Option
Map Room
Murphys
  Paramount Room
Sheffields
Small Bar
Twisted Spoke
Village Tap

UPSTATE NY
UTICA
Nail Creek Pub

BUFFALO
Consumers' Beverages*
Allen Street Hardware
Cole's Bar
Pizza Plant; promo on Weds 21 @ 8 pm
Village Beer Merchant *; promo Thurs 22nd 6-9 pm
* filling growlers

ROCHESTER
The Old Toad
The Tap and Mallet
Lovin' Cup

SYRACUSE
Blue Tusk
Empire Brewing
more to come

COOPERSTOWN AREA
Autumn Café, Oneonta
Black Oak, Oneonta
Stella Luna, Oneonta
Hofman Bistro. Cooperstown