Local Flavor: Charlotte Breweries
Find out where your local brews come from
ASS CLOWN BREWING COMPANY
Founder Matt Glidden uses only local organic ingredients to craft quality beer using alternative energy at his brewing company, which opened in 2009 and touts planet over profits. With five year-round selections and a wide variety of rotational and seasonal options, you’re sure to find one that suits your taste, whether you’re a fruit fan (Peach Fig Pale Ale) or prefer something a bit more serious (Bourbon Oaked Porter). Tasting room open Mon-Fri 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., 17039 Kenton Dr. #102, Cornelius, 704-995-7767, assclownbrewery.com
BIRDSONG BREWING
A recent addition to Charlotte’s budding brewing scene, Birdsong, launched in late 2011, boasts innovative West Coast styles and unique recipes with its three signature ales. Brewer Conor Robinson is the man behind such delights as the English-American hop hybrid Free Will Ale, which balances toasty, honey flavors. Taproom open Thu-Sun, hours vary. 2315 N. Davidson St., 704-332-1810, birdsongbrewing.com
SPOTLIGHT: THE OLDE MECKLENBURG BREWERY
Not taking shortcuts is the mantra at this Charlotte staple, started in 2007. The brewery’s flagship, OMB Copper, is an authentic Düsseldorf-style Altbier made with Bavarian hops. Boasting many seasonal brews, Olde Mecklenburg adheres to Germany’s strict golden rule of beer, Reinheitsgebot, which allows for only barley or wheat malt, hops, yeast, and pure water in the production process.
Tour the taproom or enjoy an OMB Mecklenburger (light, Bavarian-style lager) in the beer garden. Taproom open Tue-Sun, hours vary. Free tours Saturdays. Photo by Chris Edwards. 215 Southside Dr., 704-525-5644, oldemeckbrew.com
FOUR FRIENDS BREWING
These pals pride themselves on the revival of artisan brewing. By focusing on small batches that produce the best beer, the foursome took steps in 2007 to differentiate themselves from conglomerate international breweries. Take a brewery tour and sample their six-beer selection ranging from the easy-drinking Gold Rush Belgian-style Blonde to the Queen City Red, a deep mahogany Irish Red Ale that blends six malts. Seasonal tasting room, 10913 C Office Park Dr., 704-233-7071, fourfriendsbrewing.com
HEIST BREWERY
Passion is what’s on tap at this nascent brewery, opening in the spring and founded by Kurt Hogan, who is dedicated to crushing corporate best practices. Located in the newly renovated, historic Highland Mill in NoDa, Heist focuses on beers you can’t find in grocery stores and boasts a Belgian Tripel, Pumpkin Ale, and other styles on tap. Grub will be available at the brewpub. 2901 N. Davidson St., heistbrewery.com
NODA BREWING COMPANY
NoDa Brewing Company crafts small-batch premium beers with plenty of options. The fifteen-barrel brewery opened in 2011, and showcases seven beers, comprising American Pale Ales, India Pale Ales, and Porters. Taproom open Tue-Sun, hours vary. 2229 N. Davidson St., 704-451-1394, nodabrewing.com
TRIPLE C BREWING CO.
Brewer Scott Kimball gains inspiration from Pennsylvania breweries like Troegs and Victory to bring original, brewed-to-taste beers to South End. Look for doors to open early this summer. Taproom open Tue-Sat, hours vary. 2900 Griffith St., triplecbrewing.com
