Photo by mosley.brian.

In preparation for D.C. Beer Week, we will be highlighting some exciting beers and events to attend every day throughout the week.

What: D.C. Beer Week 2011 Craft Beer Cruise

Where: Boarding at 600 Water Street SW

When: Sunday, August 14, 5 p.m. (VIPs), 5:30 p.m. (General Admission). Cruise from 6-9 p.m.

Tickets: $85 (General Admission) and $200 (VIP).

Kick off D.C. Beer Week 2011 in style with a Craft Beer Cruise and Dinner on the Potomac. You’ll have the chance to sample over 40 craft beers, a dinner buffet, DJ, dancing and a view of the Potomac aboard the Odyssey yacht. The Odyssey will leave at 6 p.m. from the SW Waterfront. Boarding begins at 5 p.m. for VIP Washington City Paper Suds Club members and 5:30 p.m. for general admission.

This event is a “must-attend” for anyone who wants to try a huge selection of amazing craft beers from all over the world. Local staples like Starr Hill, Flying Dog and Heavy Seas meet up with newcomers DC Brau and 3 Stars to make this a premiere local beer shindig. If you want to try something different, Pretty Things, Elysian, and Maui are all new to the market and will be pouring a number of their offerings. Want something imported? International classics like Dupont Saison and Duvel will give you a little slice of Belgium on the Potomac.

In addition to the listed beers, there will be numerous rarities that won’t be announced until the event. Combine this with a buffet with oversight from Granville Moore’s Teddy Folkman, and this may be a D.C. Beer Week celebration talked about for a long time.

While there are many fantastic beers being served, perhaps the most exciting pour may be the long-awaited New Belgium Fat Tire. While the official release won’t be until August 22, the folks at Premium Distribution will be serving this long-awaited ale (along with the Ranger IPA and Hoptober) for our drinking pleasure.

Our friends over at DCBeer.com have all the information for this event. If the buzz on twitter is an indication, you may want to secure your tickets before it sells out. After all, what better way to celebrate D.C. life and D.C. beer than dancing, eating and drinking craft beer on a yacht passing by some of the best views our city has to offer?

This may be summer at its best. See you there.