North Carolina Beers: Discovering the Best Brews of the Tar Heel State

ByKarl S

North Carolina is renowned for its thriving craft beer scene, boasting a wide array of breweries and beers that showcase the state’s diverse brewing talent.

From hoppy IPAs to rich stouts and unique sour ales, North Carolina’s beer offerings cater to all tastes.

Here are ten of the best North Carolina beers you absolutely must try.

1. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.’s “Pale Ale”

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., though headquartered in California, has a significant presence in North Carolina with its popular Pale Ale.

  • Style: Pale Ale
  • ABV: 5.6%
  • Description: Known for its well-balanced hoppy profile, with notes of pine, citrus, and a touch of caramel malt.

2. Highland Brewing Co.’s “Cold Mountain”

Highland Brewing Co.’s Cold Mountain is a seasonal favorite that embodies the spirit of the Appalachian region.

  • Style: Winter Ale
  • ABV: 5.8%
  • Description: Malty and smooth with flavors of caramel, toffee, and a hint of spice from the seasonal ingredients.

3. Wicked Weed Brewing’s “Pernicious IPA”

Wicked Weed Brewing’s Pernicious IPA is a popular choice for those who enjoy a bold and hoppy beer.

  • Style: IPA
  • ABV: 7.3%
  • Description: Juicy and aromatic with flavors of pineapple, grapefruit, and a smooth bitterness.

4. Bell’s Brewery’s “Two Hearted Ale”

Bell’s Two Hearted Ale, though not brewed in North Carolina, is widely enjoyed in the state and worth noting.

  • Style: IPA
  • ABV: 7.0%
  • Description: Well-balanced with a strong hop character, featuring notes of pine, grapefruit, and a hint of caramel malt.

5. Olde Hickory Brewery’s “The Man Who Would Be Beer”

Olde Hickory Brewery’s The Man Who Would Be Beer is a complex and flavorful stout.

  • Style: Stout
  • ABV: 10.0%
  • Description: Rich and robust with notes of chocolate, coffee, and a touch of vanilla.

6. Catawba Brewing Co.’s “White Zombie”

Catawba Brewing Co.’s White Zombie is a well-known Belgian-style White Ale.

  • Style: Belgian White Ale
  • ABV: 5.1%
  • Description: Light and refreshing with flavors of orange peel, coriander, and a touch of wheat malt.

7. Foothills Brewing’s “Hoppy Camper IPA”

Foothills Brewing’s Hoppy Camper IPA is a popular IPA with a balanced hop character.

  • Style: IPA
  • ABV: 6.0%
  • Description: Aromatic with notes of pine, citrus, and a smooth malt finish.

8. The Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery’s “Milk Stout”

The Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery’s Milk Stout is a creamy and flavorful stout that stands out.

  • Style: Milk Stout
  • ABV: 5.7%
  • Description: Smooth and sweet with flavors of chocolate, coffee, and a hint of lactose.

9. Sycamore Brewing’s “Southern Girl”

Sycamore Brewing’s Southern Girl is a well-crafted pale ale with a balanced profile.

  • Style: Pale Ale
  • ABV: 5.2%
  • Description: Crisp and light with notes of citrus, floral hops, and a clean malt finish.

10. Birdsong Brewing Co.’s “Jalapeño Pale Ale”

Birdsong Brewing Co.’s Jalapeño Pale Ale is a unique beer with a spicy twist.

  • Style: Pale Ale
  • ABV: 5.5%
  • Description: Refreshing and spicy with flavors of jalapeño peppers, citrus, and a smooth malt backbone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the flagship beer of Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. in North Carolina?
Answer: Sierra Nevada’s Pale Ale is a well-balanced beer known for its hoppy profile with pine and citrus notes.

What makes Highland Brewing Co.’s Cold Mountain special?
Answer: Cold Mountain is a winter ale with a malty flavor profile, featuring caramel, toffee, and seasonal spices.

What are the key characteristics of Wicked Weed Brewing’s Pernicious IPA?
Answer: Pernicious IPA is known for its juicy and aromatic flavors of pineapple, grapefruit, and a smooth bitterness.

What distinguishes Olde Hickory Brewery’s The Man Who Would Be Beer?
Answer: The Man Who Would Be Beer is a robust stout with rich flavors of chocolate, coffee, and vanilla.

What is unique about Catawba Brewing Co.’s White Zombie?
Answer: White Zombie is a Belgian-style White Ale with refreshing flavors of orange peel, coriander, and wheat malt.

Summary

North Carolina’s craft beer scene offers a diverse and exciting range of brews that highlight the state’s brewing talent.

These top picks represent some of the best beers North Carolina has to offer. Enjoy discovering the rich and flavorful world of North Carolina’s craft beer!

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