Rocky Mount Beer Fest

CHEERS TO CELEBRATING COMMUNITY & CRAFT BEER ROCKYMOUNTBEERFEST.COM TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE!

SATURDAY

NOVEMBER 13 ROCKY MOUNT

THE FIRST ANNUAL ROCKY MOUNT BEER FEST PRESENTED BY GOAT ISLAND BOTTLE SHOP WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13 AT THE ROCKY MOUNT MILLS CAMPUS IN ROCKY MOUNT. MORE THAN 35 BREWERIES WILL BE BRINGING SOME OF THEIR BEST SELECTIONS TO ENJOY.

LIVE MUSIC

FOOD TRUCKS

VENDORS

2 | Rocky Mount Beer Fest | 2021

ROCKY MOUNT

BEER FEST

By Paige Minshew

The Rocky Mount Beer Fest presented by Goat Island Bottle Shop will make its debut on Nov. 13 at the Rocky Mount Mills.

the festival area once they leave. Dogs are not allowed on the premises.

People wishing to purchase VIP tickets for

More than 35 breweries will be bringing

$75 will receive a one-hour early entry into the

some of their best selections to enjoy. Live

festival, a VIP glass, festival taster cup, unlimited

music, food trucks, axe throwing and raffles and

beer tasting, first access to all beer with shorter

games will also be offered for all to enjoy.

lines, live music during the VIP hour, VIP tent

Goat Island Bottle Shop opened as the first of its kind four years ago in Rocky Mount.

Owner Kristi Ellis, originally from Florida, moved to Rocky Mount with her husband, beer-lover Travis Ellis, to open what is now Goat Island Bottle Shop. Bar Manager Jen Fritsch has been with Goat Island since the day it opened in 2017.

The idea for a beer festival has been stirring around the minds behind Goat Island for quite a while.

“Travis, Kristi and I have had an interest in starting a beer festival for a few years now and had actually discussed it with the Rocky Mount Mills,” Fritsch said. “This was a couple of years ago and we couldn’t seem to get the right flow of things going — and then there was COVID. Once we started coming out of COVID a bit we were still really interested in making something like this happen, and we decided it’s now or never.

access and two raffle tickets.

There are only 100 VIP tickets available for purchase.

General admission tickets are priced $50 presale and $60 at the door. People with general admission tickets also will have unlimited beer tasting, receive one raffle ticket and a festival taster cup as well as enjoying live music and food trucks.

Perhaps the most intriguing of all is the designated driver ticket, which costs $15 and allows entry at 11 a.m. along with the VIP guests.

Designated driver ticket holders will have full access to food, music and the festival and will receive one raffle ticket.

Designated driver ticket holders will not be allowed to consume any alcohol at the festival.

More than 35 breweries will be bringing some of their best selections to enjoy, including The Glass Jug Beer Lab; Tarboro Brewing Company;

“I’ve personally been working on this beer

Steel Spring Brewery, Brewery Bhavana; Space

festival for about six months,” she said. “While

Way Brewing Company; Salud Cerveceria;

I’ve never planned one, I have attended and

Resident Culture; Mythic Brewing; Koi Pond

worked at dozens in multiple states so I’m

Brewing; Crystal Coast Brewing Company;

confident that our festival will be a success.”

Hopfly; DSSOLVR; Ardent Craft Ales; Aleworks;

General admission hours are noon to 4 p.m.

Flying Machine; Casita; Grain Hustle; Burley

Tickets can be purchased the day of the festival

Oak; Troegs Independent Brewing; Brewery

only if they are not sold out before then. The

Bhava; and Cellarest Beer Project.

event is for people 21 years old or older, and festival attendees will not be allowed back into

Non beer drinkers can enjoy beverages from Garagiste Meadery and Ben’s American Sake.

To purchase tickets, visit rockymountbeerfest.com/ buy-tickets. Tickets also will be available to purchase at the door if not sold out.

2021 | Rocky Mount Beer Fest | 3

4 | Rocky Mount Beer Fest | 2021

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TASTY DAYS ON THE REW & ‘CUE CUE TRAIL TRA BREW

m e g n e d d i Another h

Your adventure begins on the Pitt County Brew & ‘Cue Trail. Discover the birthplace of Eastern North Carolina BBQ with mandatory “pit stops” at B’s, Skylight Inn, Sam Jones BBQ and all the places that put whole hog ‘cue on the map. Hungry for more? See one-of-a-kind art sculptures, attend an outdoor jam at Town Common or lose yourself in the Uptown District. NC’s Emerald City is filled with countless hidden gems.

Find yours at VisitGreenvilleNC.com 6 | Rocky Mount Beer Fest | 2021

B rewery B havana

By Paige Minshew Located in the historic Moore Park Square in downtown Raleigh, Brewery Bhavana has certainly left its mark.

Since opening in March 2017, the brewery has received numerous awards including being named one of the 10 Coolest Places to Eat in the World in 2018 by Forbes and one of Bon Appetit's 10 Best New Restaurants in America.​ The restaurant was also named a semi-finalist for a James Beard Award in 2018.

“Inspired by our team's years of travel, education and personal experience, each beer reminds us of a moment, a person or a place that we’ve loved,” Brewery Bhavana spokeswoman Courtney Osgood said. “Some are more playful in nature and some a bit more sentimental, but all are a reflection of an experience that our team has had throughout the years that have been meaningful in one way or another. Our beer is and has always been a way for us to connect to our guests in a different, more unique way.”

Part brewery, part dim sum restaurant, Brewery Bhavana was the first of its kind in Raleigh. The original founders knew they had something special when their love of food and culture, coupled with the beer world, broadened a perspective not yet seen.

Osgood said the beer served at Brewery Bhavana reflects a lot of the Asian culture with styles like Glean and Bloom. Glean is a mango peppercorn Saison and Bloom is a dry, Cardamom Tripel.

“Our best seller is definitely Grove, our citrusy double IPA,” she said. “People love it. It’s been a fan favorite since we launched it about three years ago. And actually, it was a beer that we worked on for nearly three years prior to

Our beer is and has always been a way for us to connect to our guests in a different, more unique way. launching. It took a lot of finesse for us to nail it — and once we did, we rolled it out and were thrilled with the

“We knew that at some point, we’d be able to get back out there and mingle with our customers and guests, so at this point, we’re taking every opportunity to do so, and the Rocky Mount Beer Fest is one that we’re really looking forward to. We love supporting local — they’re our lifeblood.

They’re what keeps us going. So it’s a win-win.”

Brewery Bhavana is open from 4 to 10 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays.

reception.”

The latest beer launched this summer by Brewery Bhavana is a Rose Ale called Petal. It’s quickly become a fan favorite because of its drinkability and effervescent nature.

“One of the most special and fun parts of the beer business is the social aspect of coming together and enjoying a great beer," Osgood said. " Once COVID hit, like all other breweries and restaurants, that connection component of our business completely stopped. It was really hard on everyone and we had to pivot.

2021 | Rocky Mount Beer Fest | 7

Thirst In Flight

By Lewis Smith Greetings fellow wing-people, and welcome

seem cool and probably have a lot going on.

to Thirst In Flight, a simple sampler of tempting

For the first flight of a column about. .

tastes of our favorite hoppy beverages. The

.uhm, flights, I decided to check in at a spot on

focus of this column is to drink a lot of beer in a

Highway 70 in New Bern NC called The Garage,

short amount of time in very cool locales all in our corner of the state and, when a set number of words fall out of my brain (usually through a process we call “typing”), and are printed on a page that is attractively designed and printed, that you subsequently read and think “hey, I

which, as you may have guessed, is a dairy.

No, I’m kidding—it’s a converted auto garage, and there’s tons of automotive paraphernalia around, along with the usual cozy comforts a good taproom/brewery/event venue can be

need to try some of these!” and you go and

counted on to have. And to really sell this new

drink some of them, and. . .I dunno, probably

column as a going entity, I decided to do TWO

write a column about them yourself, maybe.

flights, so buckle in: it’s time for some double

I mean, I don’t know you personally, but you

Garage Days, Visited

drankin’

Flight One: 1. Formed On The Edge/ DSSOLVR (Rice Lager) I’d heard many good things about DSSOLVR and the idea of finally getting to try one of their beers was exciting, especially in a style I don’t usually get to drink. And it sure didn’t disappoint: Initially light and a little crispy, but not pilsner-style crispy with a dry finish to it. A great, unique and refreshing beer.

2.

Hurley

Orange

Park

Blood

Wheat/New

Sarum

(Wheat Beer) I’ll never say no to trying something with blood orange in it, as I find it really pairs well with any beer and makes for an interesting flavor combination, and this was no different. Light, crushable wheat beer flavor meets a tart splash of blood orange for a crisp and fruity taste with a dry finish. Just the thing for the summer months in NC.

8 | Rocky Mount Beer Fest | 2021

3. Oh Noooo!/Bhramari

4.

Lime

Agave/Ginger’s

Revenge

(Sour/Berliner

(Ginger Beer) The first time I tried a

Weisse) The fella at the Garage

ginger beer, I the hitherto undreamed of

said it’ll taste a bit like Kool-

concentration of ginger blew the top of my

Aid, and he wasn’t really wrong

head right off my skull (I’m still waiting for that

at all—it starts tart enough, but

to come back down) So I figured I was about

has that sweet and very dry

ready for a new turn at this, and gave this a

finish that makes you go “OH

shot, and it’s really good. You taste the lime

YEAHHHH!” and run straight

first, then there’s a little ginger burn (not too

through a brick wall. But only

much) and then a sweet and syrupy finish.

if you drink too much, which is

This was a real surprise, and I’m curious to

why every beer you partake is a

see what else Ginger’s Revenge can do with

reminder to always know your

ginger beers. With that circuit completed, it

limitations.

was then time for Flight Two.

Brewing

Flight Two: 1. Turtleback Brown

2. Cherry Point Stout/Shortway Brewing Company (Stout) If

Brewing

you’re like me, you have a lot of time for Newport’s own Shortway Brewing.

(Brown Ale) This was

The promise of a stout brewed by them was very enticing and it didn’t

my first run-in with Pisgah

disappoint. There are notes of black

Brewing’s offerings, and it

cherries in the very last bit of the finish to

was a solid choice. Mighty

this, but more than anything, this is full-on

and malty and roast as all

roasting overdrive. And yet, it’s not heavy,

hell, with a few notes of

which you’d expect it to be, but that’s

caramel and chocolate to

why Shortway is so good. Just the thing

be found. Took a few sips

for dark beer season, or when you want

to really unlock all of the

stouts but don’t want to feel like you’ve just

flavor profile, but I was

been kissed full on the lips by a Peterbilt

pretty pleased with it.

semitrailer going about 80 MPH.

/

Pisgah

3. Vienna Lager/Devil’s Backbone (Vienna Lager) An outlier, as DB’s in Virginia, but

working

with

what’s

there at the moment is the name of the game. Not bad at all—extremely malty, has a bit of a sweet finish. I wasn’t disappointed necessarily but it was surrounded by so many other beers that were really pushing the envelope it . . .kinda got lost a bit.

4.

Southern

A’Peel/

Shortway Brewing Company (Wheat Beer) Yes, that’s right— TWO Shortway beers. We went THAT big. Southern A’Peel is a light, sweet, and ever so slightly syrupy

wheat

interesting

beer

flavor

with

profile,

an that

was an interesting contrast to their stout, but more in keeping with their stock in trade, which is delightful, drinkable beers with little flavor surprises like this.

And there we go! Thirst In Flight is off the ground, in the air, and outta sight! Thanks for taking some of your time to read this fun little feature, fried up special for the Festival. May all your favorite flavors be fondly found in flight!

2021 | Rocky Mount Beer Fest | 9

Band Profile

Will West & The Friendly Strangers Whether they're performing for 1000's at a summer music festival or a handful of listeners at an intimate house

11 years old. First finding a love for Old-Time Blues and Heavy Metal music.

concert, Will West and company create a comfortable

In 2002, he loaded up his guitar, his dog and a handful

vibe and energy with their friendly fusion sounds. It's

of original tunes and moved to Portland, Oregon. From

hard to describe this band's style with just a few words.

his humble beginnings busking on downtown sidewalks

Their shows continue to evolve and change from night

and exploring open-mics, Will West has been on a steady

to night depending on the band configuration. Will West

rise in this rich Northwest music scene.

has just started to get into the NW Festival Circuit with

He is joined by a collection of stellar musicians called

recent performances at Wildwood Musicfest, Juniper Jam,

The Friendly Strangers. Together they create a signature

Pinefest, Brewcamp & Manzanita Music Festival. They've

blend of Modern Folk, Bluegrass, Pop and Groove

shared the stage with Ryan Montbleau, Sallie Ford & The

elements. Will West & The Friendly Strangers live shows

Sound Outside, Vintage Trouble, The Lumineers, Fruition,

can be wildly different from night to night. They perform

Dirty Revival, Scott Pemberton, Cascade Crescendo, Poor

in a variety of Trios, Quartets and Big Band line-ups for

Man's Whiskey, The Druthers, Lewi Longmire and many

special events.

more over the past 8 yrs.

The son of a fiddle player, Will West grew up in rural eastern North Carolina. Inspired by his parent's vast record collection, he began playing guitar when he was

They released their latest album "Transitions" (side a) in July 2019.

A collection of songs touching on Rock, Pop, Groove and Big Horn sounds.

4238 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28403 • (910) 726-9115

seeyouatbills.com/bills-brewing

10 | Rocky Mount Beer Fest | 2021

TARBORO RIVERFRONT

Kid Friendly Event Benefitting Tarboro Development Corporation Food Trucks On Site 2021 | Rocky Mount Beer Fest | 11

Band Profile

The Dogwoods The Dogwoods are one of those bands

music and harmony perfection, he’s the

that just had to happen. The few months

proverbial rudder of the band. Olsen (drums,

they have been together does not truly

vocals) brings to the table a bit of local music

tell the story of the many years they have

royalty as the son of Speakeasy guitarist,

been a part of the local music scene here in

Gerald Bunn. Olsen, beats the drums into

Rocky Mount. These Four homegrown fellas; (Jordan Powell, Brian Mull, Olsen Bunn, Robert Davis) cut their teeth separately in various local bands, regional acts and solo gigs from Rocky Mount, NC to Nashville, TN, all the way down to Atlanta, GA. Jordan (guitar, vocals) fronts the band center stage, a walking jukebox full of crowd pleasing hits.

submission night after night and engages with the crowd like a veteran frontman of old. Rob Davis (lead guitar, vocals) finally makes his home town return after a 10 year hiatus in Music city. The Guitar is behind his head, sequin jacket on his back and the blues in veins, he remains a showman and a great

He has the voice of an angel, sporting a jet

lead guitarist. These guys have locked arms

black mullet and the stage presence liken to

in talent and vision to bring to the local area

a wild bobcat waiting to pounce. Brian (bass

the band we have been waiting for. Simply,

guitar, vocals) the fan favorite keeps the

they are a rock and roll band here to help

crowd dancing with low end grooves and

this great city have good time! They are, The

cheery banter. Raised by his parents on banjo

Dogwoods.

Serving Local Brews and Good Vibes.

Thursday 4:30-9 Friday 4:30-10 Saturday 1-10 Sunday 1-6

112 Madison St. Warrenton, NC 27589 12 | Rocky Mount Beer Fest | 2021

Sylvan Heights Bird Park’s annual BBQ competition returns! Local cooks will compete to be BBQ cook-off champion - try them all and vote for your favorites while sampling beverages from NC craft brewers and distillers. Your ticket also includes admission to Sylvan Heights Bird Park, plus games, music, and more!

Ticket sales begin January 12th at shwpark.com

Relax & enjoy a beer in the heart of Oriental, NC! Sample our locally-inspired craft ales.

Guest taps featuring NC’s best craft breweries, rotated weekly.

Family & pet-friendly!

INLAND WATE

For more info., contact events@shwpark.com or (252) 826-3186.

AY PROVIS W R

COMPANY ION

on 100 Ce ta + N leb p s C ra in b tin ce re g Ju we ne rie 20 s 17 !

MARCH 12, 2022 5 P.M. - 8 P.M.

ORIENTAL, NC 305 Hodges St. ICW MM 182 Oriental NC www.inlandwaterwayprovisioncompany.com (252) 249-1797 WE ARE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 9:30 TO 5:30 M-SA • 10 TO 4 SUN Come check out our ever-growing selection of craft beers!

Best Beer Lili’s Breakfast Stout

702 Broad St. Oriental NC • (252) 249-6132 • newvillagebrewery.com Thursday 4-8; Friday 4-9 and Saturday 2-9pm. • Food trucks 4-8 every Fri. & Sat. 2021 | Rocky Mount Beer Fest | 13

40 Draft Lines 350+ Bottles Dog-friendly

We sell kegs We sell growlers Beer & Wine Private Event Room

Your friendly neighborhood taproom Featuring Local Draft and Craft Brews From Area Breweries 650 E Firetower Rd Winterville, NC 28590 (252) 689-6455

tapped650.com

MON 1-8:30pm TUES-WED-THUR 1-10pm FRI 1-11pm SAT 12pm-12am SUN 12pm-9pm

526 N. Main St.,Tarboro

1121 Falls Road, Rocky Mount

252.563.6522

252.231.3399

Wed.-Thurs.: 5:00 - 9 p.m. • Fri.: 5:00 - 10 p.m.

Saturday: 11 - 11 p.m. • Sunday: 12 - 6 p.m.

14 | Rocky Mount Beer Fest | 2021

Wed.-Fri.: 5:00 - 10 p.m.

Saturday: 12 - 10 p.m. • Sunday: 12 - 6 p.m.

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2021 | Rocky Mount Beer Fest | 15

2021 GOOSE ISLAND BOURBON COUNTY STOUT

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