Modern breweries are focusing on designing beer and an ambiance.
More than simply a factory that produces beer, breweries and the taprooms that accompany them are the new watering hole of choice. Often kid and dog friendly, they provide a place for friends to share a craft beer during daylight hours, offering a refreshing contrast to the late-night bar scene. We visited six new breweries throughout the region who are setting themselves apart not only with their unique beers, but by utilizing interesting design to create photo-worthy interiors…
Catawba Brewing Co.
Named for the Catawba Valley, the Catawba Brewing Co. has been crafting beers since 1999 in Morganton, NC. We stopped by the recently opened South Slope location in Asheville, NC, to take a peek. Formerly a paper mill in the 1920s, the 5,600-square-foot space is bright and beautiful, complete with a 20-foot living wall cascading with vines and greenery. Reclaimed materials are used throughout, with the seven-barrel system glistening in the background. Off the main area, there is the Rickhouse, or “barrel room,” offering whiskey barrel aged beers on tap. Bartender Brian served us a flight of their most popular beers: Farmer Ted’s Cream Ale, Ridiculous Red IPA, Brown Bear Brown Ale, and Black Dome Stout. catawbabrewing.com
Wilmington Brewing Company
What began as a homebrew store has quickly become the beloved Wilmington Brewing Company. The homebrew store still exists (learn more about the owners on page 44), but the space has grown dramatically. Now located in the middle of Wilmington, NC, the 11,800-square-foot building houses the homebrew store, the three-barrel brewing system, a taproom, an event space, and an outdoor beer garden. The laid back atmosphere is comfortable and inviting—a perfect place to pull up a stool and sample a pint. Choose from the 15 taps of signature and seasonal beers. Their saison game is strong. The Lemon Ginger Saison is bright and refreshing and the Jalapeño Saison offers the perfect kick. Choose your favorite and grab a “crowler” (can + growler = crowler) to go. The 32-ounce cans are filled and sealed right in front of you with a snazzy contraption that looks more retro than modern. You can now find their beers on draft at various local bars throughout Wilmington. Cheers! wilmingtonbeer.com
PRO RE NATA
It’s hard to believe that the gorgeous Pro Re Nata Farm Brewery was once a Moose Lodge and then a truck stop. Now home to a seven-barrel system, the farm brewery in Charlottesville, VA, is doing something pretty unique—the hops that are used in the beers are grown right on their property. The result is beer almost as clever as the name—Pro Re Nata, Latin for “as needed,” a common dosage instruction from doctors. To accompany your prescribed beer, grab food from the Over The Counter (OTC) food truck that resides on the property. The dog-friendly, kid-friendly atmosphere is great for the whole family. The outdoor patio is hard to beat—seating areas, cornhole boards, and fire pits that keep toes toasty into the cooler months. prnbrewery.com
New Belgium Brewing
The highly anticipated opening of New Belgium Brewing in Asheville, NC, finally happened in May 2016. This marks the second brewery for New Belgium, who built the East Coast facility for both efficiency and environmental reasons. A shorter distance to stores and bars means less trucks on the road and less gas being used. The original brewery in Fort Collins, Colorado, has always maintained a core focus on environmentally friendly production, and that responsible building has carried through to their North Carolina location. Trusses from old barns are used for tables in the Liquid Center tasting room, water reduction and diversion measures are in place, and pollinator-friendly landscaping surrounds the 18-acre former stockyard. But enough about the good they are doing for the planet…let’s talk about the good they are doing for your tastebuds. More than 14 signature beers along with seasonals, sours, and ciders can be enjoyed by the pint in the beautiful, dog-friendly Liquid Room. newbelgium.com
Rising Silo Brewery
The Rising Silo Brewery is a fresh new concept for Blacksburg, VA. The three-barrel brewing facility is situated on the Farm at Glade Road. The small-batch brews are served in an outdoor taproom, where you can enjoy a pint as you shop for dairy, meat, and veggies that are grown on the farm. The reclaimed wood bar, barn-red corrugated steel building, and wood slat ceiling add up to a charming and inviting atmosphere. Our favorite time to visit is the Masa Monday Fundraiser & Old Time Jam—a community fundraiser meal is shared while local musicians gather for an old fashion jam session. Check the website for hours and events. risingsilobrewery.com
Spencer Devon Brewing
Owner Shawn Phillips explains that the beer making process at Spencer Devon Brewing in Fredericksburg, VA, is one part art, one part science. Well, his recipe certainly seems to be working. The six beers on tap come directly from the sparkling steel tanks where the beer is brewed, eliminating a common transfer step that causes the beer to be slightly jostled. This attention to detail and technical precision has made for some stellar craft beers. The Sunken Road Belgian-style blonde paired perfectly with their classic burger—a ridiculously juicy burger made with Monrovia Farm beef that is dry-aged for 20 days. The bacon jam, sharp white cheddar, and brioche bun didn’t hurt either. spencerdevonbrewing.com
We shared this story with you in our Fall/Winter 2016 Issue of NEST Magazine. To view the full issue, click here!