Charlotte’s beer scene is well on its way to challenging the biggest beer capitols in the US. This is a city hell-bent on dominating the microbreweries in the southeast, and here are its best breweries.
Free Range Brewing
When it comes to creating innovative beers the Alexander Brothers have turned the corner in taste bud technology. Located in Charlotte, Free Range produces artisan brews and with their pub in its final stages of opening It will provide a unique feel like no other in the city. Free Range is bringing a culinary and cultural experience with a homegrown attitude to the table. Make sure you check out what they are brewing.
freerangebrewing.com
Ass Clown Brewing
Founder Matt Glidden is all about creating beers in a responsible way. Maybe thats why his choices in beer are so vast. The Cornelius, North Carolina based brewing company focuses on local ingredients. They also strive to be environmentally sound as well as very clever with the names of their beers.
assclownbrewery.com
Sycamore Brewing
Located In Charlotte, Sycamore Brewing company has been home brewing unique recipes for over the last ten years and are currently working on their new brewery space and look to open this summer. Justin and Sarah were born and raised here in the Queen City and the blood, sweat, and tears they pour into their brewery dream are truly homegrown.
sycamorebrew.com
Olde Mecklenburg
The Beer Haus is designed and decorated to be like the traditional beer halls of Germany. Their beers are all German/Belgium in style which unlike English or most American style ales typically use less hops and therefore dont have the bitter characteristics. You wont find an IPA on the tap list. The high gravity and malty winter seasonals (Dunkel, and various Bocks) are nice on a cold winter evening. Their menu features food that is perfect to pair with the German style beers and includes snacks of cheese platters, pretzels and bavarian meats (wursts, schnitzels, etc.).
www.oldemeckbrew.com
Heist Brewery
Heist features a great bar with a unique atmosphere. The food and beer menu is not risk averse. The Station #7 Red Ale is a great companion to the Ground Brisket or Porterhouse Burger. The I2PA, not the most intense Double IPA, has a lot of hop variety and flavor. Heist also offers a substantial cocktail menu with offerings that include a variety of beer cocktails and well made classics.
www.heistbrewery.com
Triple C Brewing
According to a friend, I salivate thinking about the Greenway IPA while sitting at my desk during the day. The Baby Maker Double IPA is aptly named and delicious, but definitely intense. The outdoor area is very nice for all the good spring and summer weather and dogs are allowed. The inside of Triple C is inviting and features a foosball table, bench seating, and many small tables. The bar is usually well serviced. At Triple C the beer is traditional American; ales with some experimental and are a hit. Good news is the brewery is close enough to walk to the Light Rail if youve had one too many.
www.triplecbrewing.com
Unknown Brewing
Brad Shell, head bossman, as he refers to himself, is a character! His love for adventure and living life to the fullest is a pervasive theme at Unknown. Shells pedigree is unmatched – he has been a major player at both Sweetwater and Rogue. His new brewery, located on South Mint Street, is large and in charge with a nice tasting room and a huge brewery space set up for regional and national production. Their featured beers include the Over The Edge American Pale Ale, Head First Ale, and No Shame Wheat, all of which are must tastes.
www.unknownbrewing.com
