SweetWater Brewing Co. | The Pit & The Pendulum: Cherry

Things of late have been eventful for me, dear readers. A new home, a newborn nephew, and now my first foray into SweetWater Brewing Co.’s The Woodlands Project. The Woodlands opened its doors around this time last year (October 2016) and ever since has served as HQ for SweetWater’s barrel-aging program where they produce small-batch “funky, sour, or otherwise awesome beers.”

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The Unknown Brewing Co. | 3.5ish

The next stop on North Carolina’s sour beer train takes us to Charlotte, home of The Unknown Brewing Co. This summer they released 3.5ish, a gueuze-inspired lambic-style ale, to celebrate three-and-a-half years (more or less) of beer brewing. Read More

D9 Brewing Co. | Systema Naturae 4th Edition

D9 Brewing Co. hits on all cylinders with their Systema Naturae program. As a reminder, Systema Naturae “emphasizes the exploration of scientific processes and ingredients exhibited throughout the natural world.” What that means in practical terms is they embrace a … Read More

Terrapin Beer Co. | Blueberry Thyme Saison

ABV: 9.1% | IBU: 22

We’re well into summer in the southeast United States. That means it’s hot, sticky and, depending on your locale, it can be pretty miserable outside. What better way for a beer fan to fight the oppressive heat and humidity than with a bright new brew? Let me assure you, there is no better way. This one comes all the way from Athens, Georgia, and the famous Terrapin Beer Company.
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Beer & Book Club | American Gods

Fellow readers and PorchDrinkers, I apologize for my extended absence. You see, I’ve been reading a big book; more than 500 pages of fantastical mythology weaved with American sensibilities. I’m talking, of course, about Neil Gaiman’s American Gods.

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Ponysaurus Brewing Co. | Bière de Garde

Featured image courtesy of Ponysaurus Brewing

ABV: 6.3%

How many of you have tasted a bière de garde? I bet not many. Up until recently, I was included in that bunch. Truthfully it’s not the most common of beer styles in the U.S., and in North Carolina, it’s even rarer. As a matter of fact, I can think of only one brewer (no doubt there are more) who produces this style of beer: Durham’s own Ponysaurus Brewing Co. Read More

Big Boss | Oak-Aged “Strange Cargo” Trio

We at PorchDrinking are no strangers to Big Boss. They’re one of Raleigh’s best and brightest breweries. But we are strangers to their new oak-aged “Strange Cargo” trio. At least we were, until now. Read More

Beer and Book Club | A Voyage to Arcturus at the Speakeasy

PorchDrinking is starting a beer and book club! Each installment will discuss a particular book along with a beer, a bar, a brewpub or what have you. The first meeting of Chapel Hill’s little chapter of Beer and Books (that is, my friend Ben and myself) convened at The Speakeasy in Carrboro, NC, and we discussed “A Voyage to Arcturus.” Read More

Lonerider Brewing | Sundance Grapefruit Saison

ABV: 6.0% | IBU: 34

Imagine you’ve just received an email from a local brewery notifying you of the imminent release of a new spring seasonal. Compelling, right? Who doesn’t love to see new beer on the scene? So, you keep reading. “If you would like a sample, please provide your mailing address…” How do you respond? If you’re me in that moment, you play it cool. Read More

Hi-Wire Brewing | Ringmaster’s Reserve Series – Raspberry Wheat Wine

ABV: 13.0% | IBU: 40

I just enjoyed the strongest beer I’ve ever had. Coming from one who actively seeks out high gravity beer, I feel like that’s something of an accomplishment. Even more so considering it’s from North Carolina, a state where the statutory limit of alcohol in beer is 15.0%. And while I don’t see much point in setting a legal limit at all, it’s very much preferable to the previous limit of 6.0% (I mean, really?). Thankfully this was lifted in 2005 when former NC governor Mike Easley signed NC HB 392 into law. I feel safe speaking for beer aficionados across the state when I say, “Thanks, Mike.”

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Event Recap | The 2nd Sour Barn Bash

December 10 promised to be cold but clear, and it made good on that promise. Truthfully, it rarely gets all that cold in The Old North State, but it never fails to bring an icy chill to a North Carolinian’s … Read More

Hi-Wire Brewing | Twice as Nice Doppelbock

Thanks to winter and its falling temperatures, I find myself indoors more than out. I’m sure those of you in the cold-prone states are no different. And what do we want while we’re stuck inside? Comfort and entertainment, that’s what. Fortunately for those of us in North Carolina, we can venture to the beer store and take home an entire circus in the form of beer.
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Event Preview | Sour Barn Bash

Consider this your formal invitation to the second Sour Barn Bash (brought to you by Steel String Brewery). On December 10th from 2:00-6:00 PM, a dozen or more breweries from all across North Carolina will bring their finest sour and … Read More

Hi-Wire Brewing | Gose

ABV: 4.2% | IBU: 5

Recently, I’ve shared North Carolina brews that are particularly suited for the fledgling NC craft beer enthusiast. Today, I continue in that vein with Asheville-based Hi-Wire Brewing’s Gose.
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PorchDrinking Visits Iceland, the Land of Fire & Ice

This summer, I realized a decade-long dream: visiting Iceland. My wife and I spent two weeks exploring and experiencing waterfalls, glaciers, geysers, craters, lava fields, tiny towns with tiny restaurants, cracks in the earth, puffins, whales, lots and lots of blonde people, wide-open vistas, and, most importantly, Icelandic beer. (All of which has been chronicled here.) Read More

Southern Pines Brewing Company | Blanche de Pines

ABV: 4.9% | IBU: 13

Co-owned by three Army Special Forces vets, Southern Pines Brewing Company officially opened its doors two years ago this month. Since then, they have garnered a loyal following and high ratings (as of this writing 4.5/5 on Yelp and 4.9/5 on Google). Commitment to the community, a pleasant taproom environment, and clean, accessible flavors will do that. Read More

D9 Brewing Company | Systema Naturæ 1st Edition

ABV: 6.3% | IBU: 0

North of Charlotte, along the lovely Lake Norman, lies Cornelius, North Carolina, home to D9 Brewing Company. I am tempted to describe D9 as “up-and-coming” but after tasting their Systema Naturæ 1st Edition — a wild sour ale brewed with sweet Devilwood blossoms and musky, tart apricot — they might have already arrived. Read More

Raleigh Brewing | Moravian Rhapsody

ABV: 5.2% | IBU: 37

For North Carolinians (and adventurous travelers) who are new to the craft beer scene, and for those same North Carolinians who love hoppy beers, but don’t know it yet, a brewery at the heart of the state has the perfect introductory beer for you. Read More

Brüeprint | Whiskey Barrel-Aged Midnight Brüe (2015)

ABV: 8.5% | IBU: N/A

Apex’s own Brüeprint has been making a name for themselves in the greater Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area since opening their vats in the summer of 2014. They produce several year-round brews and a handful of seasonals. In addition, they … Read More

Steel String Brewery | Der Schneid Berliner Weisse

ABV: 3.8% | IBU: 4.6

Carrboro’s Steel String Brewery has grabbed my attention once again. This time, for their Berliner Weisse, Der Schneid. From what I can muster, “der Schneid” translates into something like guts or courage. It’s difficult … Read More