North Carolina has become a haven for craft beer and spirits enthusiasts, thanks to its thriving brewing and distilling community. With over 250 breweries and 60 distilleries, the state has something for every taste bud. Here’s our guide to North Carolina’s top breweries and distilleries.
Asheville
Asheville is a haven for craft breweries, with over 30 operating within the city. Here are some of the top picks:
Wicked Weed
Wicked Weed Brewing is a well-known name in the craft beer scene, with a host of awards under its belt. The brewery is known for its barrel-aged sour beers and hoppy IPAs. Visitors can try out over 20 beers on tap and grab some delicious pub food.
Highland Brewing
Highland Brewing has been around since 1994 and is the state’s oldest brewery. The brewery offers classic European-style beers as well as creative seasonal brews. Visitors can try a range of beers in their taproom, which has a rustic-chic vibe.
New Belgium
New Belgium, originally from Colorado, opened its second brewery in Asheville in 2016. The massive facility offers tours and tastings of their classic and seasonal beers. The taproom also has a dog-friendly patio, perfect for enjoying a cold brew on a sunny day.
Durham
Durham is located in the heart of the Research Triangle and is home to some of the state’s top breweries.
Fullsteam
Fullsteam is known for its Southern-inspired brews that use local ingredients. The brewery focuses on creating unique beer that is both flavorful and approachable. Visitors can enjoy a range of beers, from classic ales to experimental brews.
Durty Bull
Durty Bull is a relatively new brewery that has quickly gained a following for its creative and experimental brews. The brewery offers everything from classic IPAs to sour beers and meads. Visitors can enjoy a pint in their spacious taproom or on their outdoor patio.
Charlotte
Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina and has a vibrant craft beer scene. Here are some of the best breweries to check out:
Birdsong Brewing
Birdsong Brewing is known for its “no-bull” approach to brewing craft beer. The brewery creates a range of classic and seasonal brews that are approachable and flavorful. Visitors can enjoy a pint in their taproom or on their outdoor patio.
NoDa Brewing
NoDa Brewing is a hip brewery that has been gaining a following for its creative and delicious brews. The brewery offers classic IPAs as well as unique sour beers and barrel-aged stouts. Visitors can enjoy a pint in their taproom or on their outdoor patio.
Distilleries
While North Carolina is well-known for its craft beer scene, the state also has a thriving community of craft distilleries. Here are some of the top picks:
Great Wagon Distilling
Great Wagon Distilling, located in Charlotte, creates small-batch craft spirits using organic, local ingredients. Visitors can try out their range of gins, rums, and whiskeys in their tasting room.
TOPO Distillery
TOPO Distillery, located in Chapel Hill, is known for its award-winning vodka and gin. The distillery uses 100% organic grains and botanicals to create their spirits. Visitors can book a tour and tasting to learn more about their distillation process.
Durham Distillery
Durham Distillery creates gin, vodka, and liqueurs using a custom-made still. The distillery focuses on creating high-quality, small-batch spirits that are both complex and delicious. Visitors can enjoy a tour of the distillery and sample their range of spirits in their tasting room.
Conclusion
North Carolina’s craft beer and spirits community is thriving, with new breweries and distilleries opening up every year. Whether you are a fan of classic brews or unique experimental beers, or are interested in artisanal spirits, there is something for everyone in the state. So why not plan a trip to North Carolina and check out some of these top picks for yourself?