In the summer of 2016 my job offered me an opportunity to move to Raleigh, NC. I had just turned 24 and knew very little of life outside the Baltimore/Washington metropolitan area. Still living with my parents, I realized this was my chance to get out, to explore, to live on my own. Since I was young I wanted to leave. Not that I didn't like Maryland... I love Maryland. But, the urge to see knew places and move somewhere else had always existed inside of me. So I accepted the offer with my girlfriend Brittany, and we bought our first apartment right inside of the city limits of Raleigh. "What is Raleigh known for?" I wondered. Shortly after arriving, we figured out an answer for that question. Beer. And not just Raleigh, but the entire state of North Carolina. Beer, beer, beer.
North Carolina currently has over 200 breweries in production, brewing over 675,000 barrels of delicious beer a year, according to the Brewers Association. In only 5 years, 150+ breweries have opened up in the state, making it the craft beer mecca of the South. Coincidentally (or not), the job that moved us down here was a brewhouse, and what better time in history is there to be working with beer in the Southern beer capital than right now?
Coming from my home state, whose craft beer scene is average at best due to unfavorable brewing laws and a preference for wine/spirits, to beer heaven has been an eye opening experience. Not only are the brews great in quality and quantity, but my definition of a brewery has been redefined. Yes, you can buy beer at the store and take it home to drink. This is actually a much cheaper option, and with bottle shops at every turn you can find just about any beer you want. So why go to a brewery to drink your beer? The experience!
Before I thought of a brewery as a place where beer is brewed, and that's about it. However, I now see a brewery as a neighborhood hangout, a place to enjoy freshly brewed beer with friends and family! Parents playing with their kids, multiple dogs drinking from a community water bowl, a guy studying for his engineering exam, a couple who just got done working out. This isn't a daycare. This isn't a library. No, but it is a spot where everyone is welcome, and you see just about every kind of person here. The vibes are great, and the drinks are greater. I'm inspired to find the finest breweries around, not only for excellent beer, but for great food and top-notch atmospheres also!
I'm a thirsty man on an endless mission.
North Carolina currently has over 200 breweries in production, brewing over 675,000 barrels of delicious beer a year, according to the Brewers Association. In only 5 years, 150+ breweries have opened up in the state, making it the craft beer mecca of the South. Coincidentally (or not), the job that moved us down here was a brewhouse, and what better time in history is there to be working with beer in the Southern beer capital than right now?
Coming from my home state, whose craft beer scene is average at best due to unfavorable brewing laws and a preference for wine/spirits, to beer heaven has been an eye opening experience. Not only are the brews great in quality and quantity, but my definition of a brewery has been redefined. Yes, you can buy beer at the store and take it home to drink. This is actually a much cheaper option, and with bottle shops at every turn you can find just about any beer you want. So why go to a brewery to drink your beer? The experience!
Before I thought of a brewery as a place where beer is brewed, and that's about it. However, I now see a brewery as a neighborhood hangout, a place to enjoy freshly brewed beer with friends and family! Parents playing with their kids, multiple dogs drinking from a community water bowl, a guy studying for his engineering exam, a couple who just got done working out. This isn't a daycare. This isn't a library. No, but it is a spot where everyone is welcome, and you see just about every kind of person here. The vibes are great, and the drinks are greater. I'm inspired to find the finest breweries around, not only for excellent beer, but for great food and top-notch atmospheres also!
I'm a thirsty man on an endless mission.
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