Here’s the thing about joining the House and/or Senate Small Brewers Caucus: Work apparently leaves precious little time to fully explore the burgeoning local beer scene.

Members of Congress have plenty of new refreshment options to consider given the rash of regional brewing outfits that have cropped up this year, including Port City Brewing (debuted in January), D.C. Brau Brewing Co. (April), 3 Stars Brewing Co.(May), Lost Rhino Brewing Co. (June), Corcoran Brewing Co. (July) and, most recently, Chocolate City Beer (August).

Sadly, none of the caucus members we contacted had yet to savor a single drop of hometown beer.

Staffers suggested Senate Small Brewers Caucus co-founder Max Baucus prefers to unwind at microbreweries back in his native Montana — Blackfoot River Single Malt IPA and Bayern Pilsener are evidently personal favorites — but they noted the Democrat has been known to bend the elbow at Tunnicliff’s Tavern.

Rep. Peter DeFazio (D) didn’t dare try to pick a favorite from the plethora of award-winning breweries scattered around Oregon. When in town, he tends to spread the love around.

“When I am in D.C., I typically go for Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA,” DeFazio said, listing Meridian Pint, ChurchKey and Bullfeathers as well-stocked watering holes. “Maybe after rebuilding, the Tune Inn will add microbrews and join that list.”

Rep. Jim Moran (D-Va.) appeared to be the most proactive of the bunch; the Congressman and his staff were heading to Alexandria, Va., for a tour of Port City today.