Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) has finally snagged a true position of power in this town: a spot on the Washington Post’s coveted “Beer Madness” tasting panel.

The group, which comprises nine judges (five expert and four amateur tasters), will preside over a Final Four-style vetting of the most vaunted craft brews.

Would-be judges needed only submit a one-sentence pitch for their candidacy (can you guess which paean to corporate-sponsored drinking yours truly floated to the Posties?) and a brief drinking résumé. Although Portlandia is a bit outside DeFazio’s district, we’re sure his ties to the beer-friendly Pacific Northwest played a role in his selection too.

Hats off to DeFazio for showing Sorachi Ace some love (it’s one of our faves too, Congressman).

The gourmet-suds-guzzling referees begin their work in earnest tonight at ChurchKey.