CAROLINA
BREW SCENE Bottle
d Fall 2019
special
awards edition
Big Game Brewing
Tasty taps, fun-loving vibes amidst organic surroundings put Kinston brewery on the map
New e V illag
n o t g n i m l i W . o C g n i w e r B
Asheville
Take a load off at the Our State Public House in Heritage Circle. Enjoy a taste of the Old North State. Â Open Daily at Noon October 17-27, 2019 N.C. State Fairgrounds www.ncstatefair.org/2019/Visitor/Tickets.htm
Open 7 days a week!
Located at the Rocky Mount Mills
Locally owned and operated! We carry a variety of craft beer and cider from all over, featuring a local North Carolina section. Come build your own 6 pack or grab a bottle of wine today! Be sure to try one of our 11 rotating taps, house wine or cider. Find us on Facebook at Goat Island Bottle Shop or give us a call at 252-545-6521 Barley and Burger is a bold and refined kitchen and bar, carefully crafted to nurture the human spirit, one burger, one beer, one person at a time. We serve hand-formed burgers cooked to perfection on a grill, local craft beer, artisan sandwiches, housemade appetizers, handspun milkshakes, freshly chopped salads, and more. Our
speciality
is
our
gourmet, chef-driven burgers and local craft beer created with the ingenuity and passion inspired by the dangerously good
flavors
of
classic
American cuisine. Our burgers are sourced from the highest quality black angus whole muscle cuts of short rib and chuck, produced by world renown butcher and chef Pat Lafrieda. In addition to our authentic food, we strive to provide impeccable service and make every customer feel at home. Come and experience burgers and beer our way.
Great Food. Great Beer. Made Simple.
2921 Zebulon Road • Rocky Mount, NC 27804 • (252) 443-7339 barley & burger BARLEY & BURGER
2921 Zebulon Road • Rocky Mount, NC 27804 • (252) 443-7339
great Food. great beer. Made Simple
4
Mon-Thur: Lunch 11am - 2:30pm, Dinner 5pm-10pm • Fri-Sat: 11am-11pm • Sun: 11am-4pm
Mon-Thur: Lunch 11am-2:30pm, Dinner 5pm-10pm • Fri-Sat 11am-11pm • Sun: 11am-4pm
ingredients
Issue no. 9 • Carolina Brew Scene
Fall Selections Editor’s Draft
ABV % 7
Signature drafts on Tap fishtowne brewing
30
Pick Your 6: halloween candy
32
Garage Out of New Bern
36
NC Beer Guys
36
Homebrew Guys
41
Top Flights - winners Best Beer Town
8
Best Beer Festival
9
Best Live Music
10
best Craft-Friendly Restaurant
12
best Atmosphere
14
Bottled Selections
best Beer
16
Best Brewery
18
Mill Chill
42
Best Homebrew Club
20
Bravo Alpha
44
Best Homebrew Supply
22
Goldsboro GPO
45
Best bottle shop
24
Best beard in brewing
26
Compass Rose
46
Best food truck
28
Metroid Metal Q&A
48 5
6
Carolina Brew Scene
Editor’s Draft
Staff, Credits, & Contributions PUBLISHER
Kyle Stephens
EDITOR
Gene Metrick
CONTENT & PHOTOGRAPHY Lewis Smith Dave Tollefsen Sarah Louya Don Rowell Paul McDermott Karen A. Mann Jenny White Jessie H. Nunery John H. Walker William F. West Kevin Flinn Bart Williams Paul McDermott Kesha Williams Daniel Hand Kaycee Ingram Stephan Pruitt
ADVERTISING Bryan Wilson Lewis Smith
DESIGN & LAYOUT Becky Wetherington
CONTACT
Welcome to Carolina Brew Scene’s
2019 Top Flights
Special Awards Edition. Once again, Brew Scene readers have spoken through their votes on our website and Facebook page to tell us who their favorites are across a range of categories covering North Carolina’s burgeoning craft brewing industry. Whether it was the Best Brewery, Best Homebrew Club, Best Beer or even the Best Beard, the voting revealed the rich diversity of offerings and offshoots that craft brewing continues to spawn and the rich environment of craftsmanship and fellowship behind the endeavors of everyone involved. Some results came as no surprise to our staff, who continue to traverse the state to discover the latest developments and trends among the state’s breweries, brewpubs and bottleshops, which continue to prosper and expand thanks to the patronage and support of people like you. Others pointed us in new directions, offering a glimpse into special people, places, events or activities that reflect the ever-
bwilson@rmtelegram.com lsmith@rmtelegram.com
expanding social, cultural, economic and philanthropic impact
carolinabrewscene.com
it expands across North Carolina.
ON THE COVER Aaron Avery of Big Game Brewing in Kinston, NC Photo by Sarah Louya Carolina Brew Scene is a publication of the Rocky Mount Telegram and Adams Publishing Group. Contents may not be reproduced without the consent of the publisher.
and influence that this once-niche industry continues to exert as But most of all, it all comes down to people — the people whose dreams, desires, dedication and drive are responsible for the creation, expansion, evolution and ongoing success of the craft brewing industry in North Carolina. So here’s to them, with a hearty thank you from the rest of us who get to enjoy the fruits of their labors of love.
Gene Metrick Editor
7
Best Beer Town
I
t won’t come as a
Asheville
surprise to those who follow
the
industry
brewing
in
North
Carolina to learn that Asheville takes home
this year’s Best Beer Town award. Jeff
Anderson,
COO
of
STORY BY KEVIN FLINN P H OT O S B Y S T E P H A N P R U I T T
Nantahala Brewing in Bryson City, says that Asheville and its surrounding areas have for
So it goes with Asheville.
to do whatever they could do.”
People know that the products
decades fostered a sense of
Anderson notes that not only
Anderson says that community
are made well because they’re
seen
are Asheville brewers getting
spirit permeates the culture of
made by a member of the local
“creative types and makers” in
water closer to its natural source
Asheville and is a primary reason
community.”
fields like beer, food and the arts
in the mountains, but there’s also
for the success of the brewing
flock to the mountains of western
an abundance of protection for
industry in and around town.
North Carolina because “the
those sources and springs within
freedom of expression is alive
the community.
entrepreneurship.
He’s
This
collaboration
Because of this focus on community, the Brewers Alliance
has
has begun working in tandem
ultimately helped brewers as well
with the state ABC and Alcohol
That community is, arguably,
as other industries in western
Law
“Asheville has its own feel,”
the most important factor in
North Carolina. Anderson notes
strengthen relationships between
Anderson says. “It’s a unique,
Asheville’s success as a beer town.
that some folks who might have
lawmakers and creators so that
as
come to the mountains to see
the industry can continue to
As for the beer?
marketing chair for the Asheville
the changing leaves or hike the
grow. Anderson cites meetings
He partially credits that, at its
Brewers Alliance, a trade and
mountains discover some great
literal source, to the water. His
in which the ABC and ALE invites
membership
organization
breweries, while beer tourists
analogue is New York City pizza —
ABA members to ask and answer
dedicated to promoting western
often discover something else
how there’s just something about
questions about North Carolina
North Carolina craft beer and
unique to the area — nature, food,
the water that goes into the dough
laws and policies as steps in the
breweries. Since 2009, the ABA
crafts — and the cycle continues.
right direction.
and well.”
welcoming environment.”
in the five boroughs. Even with the same basic ingredients, pizza made elsewhere just wouldn’t be the same without NYC water.
8
Anderson
also
serves
Enforcement
boards
to
has worked to support brewers
Some breweries have even
He says that the ABC and ALE
big and small, and Anderson calls
partnered with local restaurants,
“see what the (brewing) industry
it the perfect organization for the
food trucks and other providers
has done for the community ...
Asheville area: “It puts us all in the
to bring them in-house, thereby
they see that the makers not only
same room to enjoy each other’s
offering customers opportunities
live here but they care about the
company and help each other
to sample even more Asheville-
place where they live. It’s all a
out.”
made fare.
conscious effort. And it makes a
He relayed a story about a
“People care about where
brewery that had an issue with a
their food comes from, the same
keg washer, he said “before we
as with their beer,” Anderson says.
knew it, the phones were ringing,
“A lot of restaurants are moving in
people were stopping by to help,
this more personalized direction.
lot of money for the community.” 2nd - Wilmington, NC 3rd - Raleigh, NC
C
arolina
Brew
Scene
readers
are
in
Best Beer Festival
good
company
in
selecting Brewgaloo as Best Beer Festival, as earlier in 2019 USA Today named the festival the best of its kind in the entire country. While North Carolina can lay claim to some of the best barbecue and college basketball in the United States, this is certainly a feather in the Old North State’s cap. The festival, which celebrated
Brewgaloo
its eighth year in downtown Raleigh this past April, featured over 100 North Carolina breweries as well as local food trucks and music, making it a must-attend for any serious North Carolina
BY KEVIN FLINN
craft beer enthusiast. Jennifer
Martin,
executive
director of Shop Local Raleigh,
she says.
drives Shop Local Raleigh — a
brings in out-of-state beer writers
Martin sees Raleigh as the
nonprofit merchants group that’s
for the festival, which Martin
perfect site for an event like
been around since the 1940s
sees as an investment back to
seeing residents from 44 other
Brewgaloo because of the Capital
under various names — to create
the breweries, helping them
U.S. states attending Brewgaloo
region’s
positive change for the Raleigh
gain exposure on a larger scale
is energizing:
growth over the last decade. This
business community.
through the event.
which puts on the festival each year, says that the effect of
massive
population
“Seeing the people continuing
expansion, she says, “has created
to make plans and travel to
a community, a culture and
Raleigh for the event — they are
some incredible craft beer.” This
the stimulators of our economy,”
community atmosphere is what
“I’m consistently in awe of
“The bloggers in the beer
how fast the state’s craft brewing
industry
scene has grown,” Martin says.
impressed by the beer and the
“The quality and sustainability
large availability of what they see
of what’s being produced, and
and taste at Brewgaloo,” Martin
how the brewing community
says. “They go back home and
show love and support for each
tell others about what they saw,
other” is what makes an event like
tasted and experienced.
Brewgaloo possible. She notes that while brewing in North Carolina is undoubtedly a competitive space, working with brewers to put on the festival means she sees them come together and work as a team to help each other. The quality — and quantity — of beer available at Brewgaloo is
undoubtedly
attendees
what
coming
back
keeps and
opens the eyes and palates of newcomers. Shop Local Raleigh
are
continuously
“For us, Brewgaloo is a way to drive people to taste North Carolina
that
helps
achieve
the goal of creating a national awareness and buzz about the talent that’s brewing — literally — in our state.” 2nd - Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival (Wilmington, NC) 3rd - Live & Local Tryon Palace Beer Festival (New Bern, NC)
9
Best Live Music
N
ew Bern’s BrÜtopia takes
home
the
award for Best Live Music. The brewery, which will celebrate its fourth anniversary next February,
BrÜtopia
is at the center of a burgeoning beer community in Eastern North Carolina. BrÜtopia
co-owner
and
brewer Tim Dryden explains that the growth of the craft beer industry in North Carolina is dependent on brewers “bringing something different to the table.” He
cites
other
like-minded
local outfits such as Brewery 99, Crystal Coast, Fishtown, Mill Whistle, Shortway and Tight Lines as helping craft beer flourish: “Put us all in the same space and you truly will have a great experience.” In
BrÜtopia’s
experience
is
case,
predicated
that on
patrons not only enjoying a finely-crafted the
beer,
environment
but
also
and
the
BY KEVIN FLINN
entertainment. Bringing in that entertainment, however, might not be as easy as
that
entertainment.”
Going to a distributor to buy beer
BrÜtopia
began
as
a
homebrew store in early 2016,
it is in a larger community. and
and Dryden notes that he and
Wilmington all have their own
co-owner/brewer Bryan Conway
beer cultures due to the size of
quickly added a bottle shop and
their populations,” Dryden says.
then the bar.
“Charlotte,
Raleigh
one-on-one
experience.
that was brewed on the other side of the country and then served by a person that doesn’t know beer” isn’t an authentic experience. Dryden foresees even further
“We really hope to grow (New
“After two years of buying
growth for BrÜtopia and for the
Bern’s beer culture) with events
other peoples’ beer, we decided
brewing industry in the eastern
and local festivals. We strive to
to try our hand at brewing our
part of the state.
support local musicians the best
own,” Dryden says. BrÜtopia put out its first beer
we can.” While Carolina Brew Scene
on tap in February 2018 and
appreciate
produced 112bbls that first year.
BrÜtopia’s live music offerings,
This year, BrÜtopia is on pace to
Dryden points out that it’s not
brew between 130 and 150bbls
just a music venue.
of 25 different beers.
readers
10
You need both music and other
clearly
“Our industry services a
Part of this variety — both
very large age group. What
in beer and entertainment — is
our 24-35 year old patrons
due to New Bern’s location and
like our 55-65 year old group
BrÜtopia’s clientele. People want
may not. We try to add several
local, emphasizes Dryden.
things (like trivia) to our week
“They want to talk with
to support everyone’s desires.
brewers,” he says. “They look for
“I think we’re on the right path,” he says. “The state is making changes and the industry is growing. We love how (BrÜtopia’s events) build friendships and make our little spot feel like home.” 2nd - Highland Brewing Company (Asheville NC) 3rd - Pisgah Brewing (Black Mountain, NC)
Best Craft-Friendly Restaurant
BY JENNY WHITE
I
your award-winning craft brews, our 2019 Top Flights
winner for Best Craft-Friendly Restaurant is Beer Army Burger Company in downtown New Bern. It’s located in a super-cool historic and remodeled bank building. Menu items are available for lunch or dinner, Tuesday through Sunday. The
two-story
restaurant
is all about the burgers. Beer Army Burger Company’s flagship burgers are a half-pound of certified Angus beef and have built a reputation in eastern North
Carolina
beef
sandwiches
as for
must-try burger
connoisseurs. Burgers are always made fresh and never from
12
Beer Army
f you like a little food with
Burger Company frozen beef. The menu features a military theme with appetizers listed as “Basic Training” and salads as “Non-Combatants.” Side dishes are dubbed “Side Arms.” If beef burgers aren’t your thing, you can sub a grilled or crispy chicken breast fillet, turkey burger or veggie burger for the beef patty. Each sandwich (priced at about $12) comes with a choice of fries, sweet potato fries or homemade chips. There’s a small dessert menu and a kid’s menu as well.
Company in Charlotte. Typically,
residents
you can choose from a menu of
Carolina. Bravo Alpha Foundation
16 beers on tap.
is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization
Beer Army Burger Company
You may notice while you’re
offers a few of its own house
there a wall dedicated to their
beers and a changing menu
Beer Snipers — enterprising souls
of craft beers from around the
who took the challenge and
country — with an emphasis on
drank at least one beer a day at
North Carolina breweries. At
the restaurant for 30 days. It’s a
the time we wrote this story,
test of dedication and discipline,
you could choose brews from
and if you feel like joining them,
Double Barley Brewing located
there’s plenty of room on the wall.
in Smithfield, Highland Brewing
Beer Army also founded a
Company in Asheville, Firestone
nonprofit group called Bravo
Walker Brewing Company in Paso
Alpha that supports community
Robles, Calif. and Triple C Brewing
outreach
for
veterans
and
of
eastern
North
and its mission is to support veterans and first responders in their efforts to recover from Post Traumatic Stress and prevent Self Destructive Actions. The restaurant is located at 220 Pollock St. in New Bern. 2nd - Raleigh Beer Garden (Raleigh, NC) rd 3 - MJ’s Raw Bar (New Bern, NC)
TASTY DAYS ON THE BREW & ‘CUE CUE TRAIL
m e g n e d d i h r Anothe
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 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
13
Best Atmosphere
BY JENNY WHITE P H OT O S B Y C O R Y B U R T O N
A
aron Avery said he used to see the
cabin-like
building next to Neuse Sports Shop in Kinston when he worked at the big outdoor outfitter store
Big Game Brewing
when he was in high school. “I always thought it was a cool-looking building,” Avery said.
New Bern Road in Kinston, has 15 craft brews on tap.
Today, that cool building is
Avery, Peterman and Houston
site of Brew Scene’s Top Flights
brew their craft beer at a facility
2019 Best Atmosphere winner,
in Trenton. They currently brew
Big Game Brewing — and Aaron
about 10 recipes for their label, in
Avery is one of the owners of the bustling winning taproom. Avery
and
his
partners
Hampton Peterman and David Houston opened the taproom in March. “It’s pretty interesting that after admiring the building for so long — here I am,” Avery said with a laugh. The taproom, located at 225 E.
addition to numerous brews they manufacture for other labels. While Avery, Houston and
“But the outdoor Beer Garden
atmosphere at the taproom is
and outdoor deck is what really
probably because most of the
to the many people who choose
makes this place special. There’s
taproom space is outside.
their taproom as a favorite
a beautiful lake out back with all
gathering locale, they believe
kinds of wildlife and room for
the rustic, mountain lodge like
everyone to find a great spot and
atmosphere
enjoy a brew — and the view.”
Peterman believe Big Game Brewing craft beers are a big draw
at
the
Kinston
taproom attracts people as well. “The
building
itself
is
beautiful with the cedar plank
14
he said. “It’s beautiful.” The taproom is open from noon to 9 p.m. Sunday through
In addition to the view, there
Thursday and from noon to 10
are fire pits, horse-shoe pits,
p.m. Friday and Saturday. The
cornhole equipment, a pergola
taproom has 15 beers on tap; ten
and lush vegetation.
are Big Game Brewing varieties,
walls, exposed beams and
While the taproom doesn’t
rustic floors,” Avery said. “It
serve food, Avery said they try to
makes you feel like you’re
have some kind of food service
tucked into a mountain cabin,
available,
but you’re in the middle of
weekends.
Kinston.
“You just can’t beat it out here,”
Avery
especially said
the
on
the
winning
five are guest brews. They also serve wine. 2nd -Crooked Lotus (Snead’s Ferry, NC) 3rd - Eleven Lakes Brewing (Cornelius, NC)
We are truly humbled by the overwhelming support from our wonderful customers. Due to our infancy as a brewery and taproom, we had no idea that we would place in any category of Carolina Brew Scene’s Top Flights NC, let alone place 1st in Best Atmosphere! We wouldn’t be where we are in business without the fine folks of North Carolina. Many Thankvs
ADD SOME FIERCE TO YOUR LIFE
- Big Game Brewing
Best Atmosphere
Kinston taproom 225 e. new Bern rd kInston, nC
(located beside Neuse Sport Shop)
sun-thurs 12pm-9pm Fri &sat 12pm-10pm
trenton production Facility and tasting room 134 IndustrIal Park dr
trenton, nC Friday 5pm-9pm saturday 3pm-9pm
252-764-1937
WOMEN’S FLAT-TRACK ROLLER DERBY
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FOR MORE INFO & TICKETS CAPEFEARROLLERGIRLS.COM 15
Best Beer
T
ypically,
spouses
appreciate their
when significant
others take notice of their likes and dislikes. In the case of Frank and Lili Bacon, a little creativity, patience and the expansion of a daily habit has led to a product a community of beer lovers can enjoy. Lili’s Breakfast Stout, named Carolina Brew Scene’s 2019 Best Beer, was an idea created by Frank Bacon after he took notice of his wife’s continuous morning habit. Lili Bacon always had coffee (creamer and sugar) and yogurt (with granola and add-ins) to start
Lili’s
Breakfast Stout BY JESSIE H. NUNERY
her mornings, especially those Saturdays before the couple began running a business. “I thought, ‘I can make a stout out of that,” Frank Bacon said. A few years later, the Bacons are owners of The New Village Brewery, located in Oriental, and Lili’s Breakfast Stout is a household name.
brew to a commercial operation
Bacon, who delves into the
“Every village needs a baker
after the couple opened The New
scientific makeup of brewing, said
and brewer,” Frank Bacon said.
Village Brewery in 2017.
he believes a combination of the
“For us, it’s not about the sales or
“There were growing pains,”
dryness and residual lactose taste
technology. It’s about producing
Frank Bacon said. “We dumped
makes him want to have that next
a beer that inspires production
the first three batches, which is
sip.
of the next beer. We brew for
The Bacons are from Oriental,
never a fun day.” Lili’s Breakfast Stout has been
and they are fiercely loyal to
Frank Bacon had a great
a favorite of locals and those
their home. New Village Brewery
idea, but he soon found out that
visitors for the past two years
doesn’t distribute its popular
translating it into a strong drinking
who flock to Pamlico County just
beer. Those wanting a sip will
product wasn’t as easy.
for a sip.
have to, at the very least, visit a
He tinkered with the right
Frank Bacon said he hears
surrounding county to have a sip
amount of ingredients, and most
differing
important, worked on gathering
makes the 6.1 ABV stout stand
New Village operates on a
the proper yeast strand.
opinions
on
what
of the popular brew.
out among others. Some like the
one-barrel system, where the
Making his job even more
maltiness over the sweetness.
Bacons can touch, smell and
difficult once he found the right
Others romanticize about the
put their best into beers like Lili’s
mix was translating it from a home
background of the idea. Frank
Breakfast Stout.
16
the folks of Oriental, and we appreciate when people make a pilgrimage to try our beer. This is one of the best communities I’ve ever lived in.” 2nd - Tropical Lightning IPA (Wilmington Brewing Company, Wilmington, NC) 3rd - Crystal Coast IPA (Crystal Coast Brewing Company, Atlantic Beach, NC)
INLAND WATE
on 100 Ce ta + N leb p s C ra in b tin ce re g Ju we ne rie 20 s 17 !
COMPANY ION
AY PROVIS RW
ORIENTAL, NC
305 Hodges St. ICW MM 182 Oriental NC www.inlandwaterwayprovisioncompany.com (252) 249-1797 Best Beer Lili’s Breakfast Stout
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!
Relax & enjoy a beer in the heart of Oriental, NC! Sample our locally-inspired craft ales & sodas.
Guest taps featuring NC’s best craft breweries, rotated weekly. Family & pet-friendly!
702 Broad St. Oriental NC (252) 249-6132 newvillagebrewery.com Open Thu 3-9pm, Fri/Sat 12-10pm, Sun 12-7pm
Best Beer Crystal Coast IPA
17
Best Brewery
STORY BY JESSIE H. NUNERY P H OT O S B Y B R I A N L A N T Z
M
ichelle and John Savard
were
once just college
kids with a dream. The
Wilmington
natives
both went to the opposite end
Wilmington Brewing Company
of the state to attend UNC-
themselves
their
customers. There’s a giant Jenga
Asheville, but even with degrees
minds, perhaps they wouldn’t
set along with board games to
in hand — Michelle in mass
have been a success.
enjoy while you sip a beverage.
to
change
communications and John in
Tourism-type venues open
business administration — neither
all the time in their hometown.
and
was impressed with the job
Wilmington Brewing Company
“Everything
market upon returning home.
has not only survived since its
organically here. The beer is
inception, but Michelle says the
excellent, and that’s the No.
said.
business has been fortunate
1 priority. We’re very family-
learning and purchasing tools for
“We decided to go for it. We
enough to continually expand
friendly and pet-friendly. The
the trade.
took our savings and ordered
from its first days as just a
taproom is laid back.”
homebrewing supplies.”
homebrew store.
“There were really no jobs to
be
had,”
Michelle
Now, the married couple has
“We’re
not
polished,”
very
shiny
Michelle
said.
happens
pretty
“We felt like one day we’d do
Wilmington
Brewing
this,” Michelle said. “There has not
a
Company has 18 staff members
two children, and in just five
been a quiet moment. I feel like
homebrewer and learned from
and is in the process of expanding
years, their start-up, Wilmington
we’re riding the wave and hanging
some of Asheville’s professional
a lot next door into outdoor space
Brewing Company, has been
on. John made smart business
and
for public and private use.
named Carolina Brew Scene’s
decisions as far as business goes.
college, is now surrounded by a
2019 Best Brewery.
strong brew team that churns out
continuing to churn out a new
popular drinks including a Tropical
release every other week or so
Lightning IPA and Blair’s Breakfast
-- 15 beers stay in rotation — and
Stout.
showcasing their products at food
If the Savards had thought too long and possibly convinced
John,
who
became
homebrewers
while
in
doing
this
while
Brewing
truck events on the weekends.
Company is located in the heart
Their beer is also distributed
of the city, not far away from
throughout the city and to those
UNC-Wilmington. Michelle said
who drive down to purchase the
WBC attracts a wide variety of
products.
Wilmington
visitors — young, old, families.
18
They’re
The
couple’s
Wilmington
Music is played on a record player
Homebrew Supply is still going
donated by one of WBC’s first
strong for those interested in
He is the big picture guy, and I handle day-to-day. Wilmington keeps making spaces for different types of things, even though there are a lot of restaurants. I think breweries were needed, and I’m thankful we took a shot at it.” 2nd -New Village Brewing Company (Oriental, NC) 3rd - BrÜtopia (New Bern, NC)
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Best Homebrew
ATF
Club BY JESSIE H. NUNERY
D
ick
Weiss
was
on
to
something
special when he founded the HomeBrew Hause in 1999. Twenty years later, Weiss is the founder and a lifetime member of ATF Home Brew Club, which is in its 20th year, has been named Carolina Brew Scene’s 2019 Best
Alcohol Through Fermentation
HomeBrew Club. Located in New Bern’s hub of brewing activity, ATF (Alcohol Through
Fermentation)
information and insight. “We’ve shifted our club toward
has
education and taking in new
taken on the role of helping
their creations. The talks range
education, and a lot about being
from the development of flavors
together. It’s family-friendly and
to trading ideas.
something we like to do.”
brewers under our wing,” Brutopia
Along the way, ATF meets
The owners of BrÜtopia were
homebrewers learn and become
Brewing Company Operations
for a Stouts and Stogies event,
both homebrewers with ATF prior
educated
craft.
Manager Dawn Jones said. “It’s
Christmas parties, potlucks and
opening the business in 2017.
ATF has also partnered with
a great place to ask different
many other gatherings where the
Much of that beer was born out
questions. Brewing is like cooking,
group can socialize.
of homebrew recipes.
Craven
about
the
Community
College’s
beer brewing program where members can talk to students and give them another avenue of
There’s an event held once
It’s in that spirit that ATF finds
Every month, approximately
a year allowing new brewers
itself a place for camaraderie, beer
50 members meet and share
to purchase equipment at an
development and a signature
affordable rate that isn’t being
brand that the community can
used.
support.
and there is no one way to do it.”
ATF’s Facebook page is filled
The formula lends itself to at
with posts by members who
least another 20 years of good
want to share something they’ve
beer and good times.
found about the brewing process.
“We’re educating each other,
There are also plenty of posts
adding new members and they’re
letting others know about extra
learning from each other,” Jones
ingredients they can have if they
said. “And around we go.”
choose. “There’s endless knowledge, which is first and foremost important,” Jones said. “Some are young, some are old, and some are just getting started. It’s mostly
20
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21
Best Homebrew Supply Store
B Y W I L L I A M F. W E S T
T
he old saying in business about wisely not putting all of the eggs in one
basket can certainly apply to a brewery, homebrew supply store, bottle shop and tap room located along the beach route in the New Bern area. BrÜtopia opened for business in 2016 just off a busy stretch of U.S. 70 in James City, opposite the Neuse River from the picturesque Craven County seat. BrÜtopia began mainly by emphasizing homebrew supply, but quickly expanded. BrÜtopia Operations Manager Dawn Jones describes the location as a place offering a little bit of everything. “They can buy a beer, drink it here, get a box of bottle shop items, get their grain bills filled,” Jones said, noting she believes customers
appreciate
having
BrÜtopia is in the front and sells the ingredients and kits needed for
home brewing supply business. The BrÜtopia location was established
Dryden
Supply decided to bid farewell to
front includes the bottle shop and
and Bryan Conway in what had
the Tar Heel State and move to
the tap room.
previously been a tattoo shop.
California.
by
Tim
The other business is BrÜtopia
“They (the previous occupants)
Jones said Dryden and Conway
Brewing Co. The brewery is in the
needed less space,” Jones said.
at the same time were looking to
back and provides beer to sell in the
“We needed a lot of space. “So
front on tap and also distributes
they had moved down two doors
open a shop to provide for the
beer to other establishments in
and that opened up this spot —
the New Bern area and along the
and Tim and Bryan were able to
beach to sell on tap.
secure it pretty quickly, which was
BrÜtopia Homebrew Supply
awesome."
Store is the 2019 Readers Choice
Jones, Dryden and Conway
Award Winner in the category of
had been in a home brew club
Best Homebrew Supply Store.
together.
As for the ingredients supply part of the BrÜtopia operation,
“And we just got to know each other that way,” Jones said. As for the BrÜtopia name, she
brewers, not just in New Bern, but
said that dates back years before
And Jones is upbeat about the
in the surrounding areas. There’s
the location became a reality.
location’s future, saying, “New
a local home brew clubs here in
Specifically, she said she, her
Bern is growing a lot in every
town. There’s one in Greenville.
husband and Conway came up
direction. I’ve been here 25 years
There’s one in Jacksonville.
with the name one night while
and it has grown up a lot since I’ve been here.” Technically,
the
BrÜtopia
location is home to two separate businesses.
“And they all kind of converge
enjoying a campfire.
and get their supplies, either from
“It just sat on the back burner
us or from Atlantic Brew Supply,”
until Bryan and him (Conway)
which is in Raleigh, Jones said.
were able to open this business,”
While Jones is excited about
she said.
One business is the BrÜtopia
the honor, she also emphasized
Jones said the history of the
Homebrew Supply Store, which
BrÜtopia is much more than a
location can be traced back to
22
nearby New Bern Homebrew
one to make beer at home. The
Jones said, "There are a lot of home
everything in the same spot.
when the owners of the then-
needs for the many homebrewers in the New Bern area. The
place,
upon
opening
in 2016 in homebrew supply, includes the bottle shop offering containers of varieties of beers brewed elsewhere and the tap room. The location is open from noon to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, noon to 10 p.m. on Fridays, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The location can be reached by phone at 252-631-5142 or online at http://www.brutopiabeer.com. 2nd -Wilmington Homebrew Supply (Wilmington, NC) rd 3 - Atlantic Brew Supply (Raleigh, NC)
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23
Best Bottle Shop B Y J O H N H . WA L K E R
S
tarting
a
business
is
enough,
but
new tough two
months after opening the doors of the Crooked Lotus Craft Beer & Wine in Snead’s Ferry, Nicole Schmidt had to deal with the arrival of Hurricane Florence and the damage the storm left behind. Nicole and her husband, U.S. Marine Brandon Schmidt, had done their homework. They knew what they wanted to do and what they wanted to create when they finally opened their bar. But Nicole said the actual manner in which The Crooked Lotus came into being wasn’t quite as direct. “I had played roller derby and broke my ankle and lost my job,” she said. “I went on interview after interview and no one wanted to hire someone in a walking boot. Finally, I interviewed at a mortgage company and he asked, ‘What are your goals?’ “I told him my husband and I wanted to open a bar and shared my vision. He told me he wasn’t
24
Crooked Lotus going to hire me, but that I should just jump off the mountain and do it,” she said. Fast forward a week to the time when Brandon was deploying. “He got in-country and called and asked me what was going on,” she said. “I told him I was going to open the bar we had talked about. He said, ‘Why don’t you wait until January, when I’m back’ and I told him I couldn’t, He wanted to know why and I said because I just signed the lease papers.” Brandon was still deployed when the doors opened … when Florence hit and when the doors reopened post-Florence … and Nicole never missed a beat. The end result? The Crooked Lotus is the winner of the Best Bottle Shop category in the 2019 Carolina BrewScene competition. “It’s surreal,” Nicole said of the award. “I didn’t think that many people loved us like that … I mean, the magazine goes all over.” Nicole, who has a background in interior design, said, “I didn’t want it to look like any of the other bottle shops.” It doesn’t. “I wanted it to have a wow factor,” Nicole said. It does.
A floor of polished concrete and subdued lighting set the stage for a bar that stretches along the left side of the room. Elevated on the wall behind the bar are three screens, with a pair of digital menu boards flanking an HD television. As in other bars, the menu board lists the beer by name with its ABV and IBU. It also includes name and location of the brewery and, of course, the price. In the middle of the bar, and on the wall at the end of the bar, one spots the business end of the house — the beer taps. At Crooked Lotus, there are 18 and Nicole says the mechanics of rotating brews is “a really good system.” She said the kegs are numbered, as are each of the taps. On the tap, the little piece of paper with the number also carries the date. “It makes it easier on my girls,” she said. Like cookies on a website, Nicole says she makes buying and inventory decisions based on customer feedback. Like cookies track your keystrokes, Nicole tracks her customer feedback. “The customer is the most
important part of this business,” she acknowledged. “When we started, I told them (customers) that this wasn’t my place … but that it was their place. We wanted them to be comfortable and we wanted them to tell us what they liked and didn’t like.” Apparently, it is working. The Crooked Lotus is located at 1283 NC-210, Unit G in Sneads Ferry, just down the strip center from the huge shark in front of Shark Attack, a local tourist shop. It is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from noon to 9 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call 910-741-0692. 2nd - BrÜtopia (New Bern, NC) rd 3 - Bruin Craft Beer & Wine (New Bern, NC)
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25
Best Beard in Brewing
B Y J O H N H . WA L K E R
R
ob Jones says he’s had a beard “Ever since I could grow one.”
Rob Jones
Well, he grew a good one,
because readers of Brew Scene have named his beard as the “Best Beard in Brewing” in the latest Reader’s Awards competition. “That’s great,” Jones, who is multimedia coordinator at New Bern’s Tryon Palace, said with a chuckle. “Really, there have been very few times in my adult life when I can remember not having a beard.” Jones said that on his wedding day, his then-future wife, Dawn, told him she wanted him clean shaven. “So I did and that was that,” he laughed, adding that the beard soon started to grow again. Jones has a full, reddish-color beard that can’t be missed. It is neatly trimmed and even.
but that got expensive,” he said.
Jones said he would advise
started brewing, information was
“So I learned how to do it myself.”
someone just starting to grow a
garnered from brewer to brewer
beard to be patient.
in person. Today, there is a wealth
Jones said the most common
“Don’t touch it for three
question he gets is, “How long did it take (to grow)?”
months, as it is growing to grow at
He said he really couldn’t
different speeds at different spots
answer that, because he started
on you face. Give it a chance to fill
growing his beard about four
in before you decide you don’t
years ago and that the effort is
like it and cut it off.” When he’s not brewing his own
more a work in progress than anything. And just like bad hair days, there are bad beard days as well. “Those days, I just try to keep it in check and keep it trim.” Jones said he makes his own
beer or working at Tryon Palace, Jones might be found spending
Jones, who has been brewing for
25
years,
teaches
the
state, so it’s a requirement of the
on my skin and it eliminates
owner Tim Dryden at Craven
job, but I want it to be neat and
dandruff, too.”
Community College at part of
longer hairs as well as stray hairs and curly ones. “There was a time when I went to the barber to get it trimmed,
26
a beer from a microbrewery, such as Brutopia and from a megabrewery is that instead of the money going to buy another
“It’s buying local, and it really
their own beer.
class
itchy skin as well as dandruff.
purchasing
braces or dance lessons.
oils that work,” he said. “It’s good
He said he trims out the
in
teaching newbies how to brew
a week,” he said. “I work for the
maintained well can result in dry,
difference
CEO, it goes to help pay for
Introduction to Home Brewing
a Saturday night hobo.”
the
children, coaching baseball or
messed with several different
That’s right. A beard that is not
Jone said he tells people
vacation home or yacht for the
“I trim it every week, once
trimmed. I don’t want to look like
can it totally be trusted?”
time with his wife and their four
beard oil to help with grooming. “I have sensitive skin, so I
of information on the web, but
with
Brutopia
Brewing
Craven’s Workforce Development department. “I
wanted
to
share
the
Jones said he began making
knowledge that I have gained
his own mixture because, just like
over the last 25 years of brewing,”
the trims at a barber shop, the
Jones said in a Craven Community
costs add up.”
College news release. “When I
does make a difference and it really does impact people and their lives.” Finishing in second place was Aaron Avery of Big Game Brewing in Kinston while Jones’ teaching partner, Tim Dryden of BrÜtopia, took third. 2nd - Aaron Avery (Big Game Brewing, Kinston NC) 3rd - Tim Dryden (Brutopia, New Bern, NC)
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27
Mari’s Hella Fat Food
A
B Y DA N I E L H A N D
nyone
who
visits
breweries and bottle
shops has seen a food truck or two
Wilmington, Greenville, Surf City and Roxboro. Mari’s thinking is that they never want to be in one place
in the past. common
too often, because people have a
occurrence since most of them do
tendency to get burned out on the
not have kitchens and it’s easier to
same thing over and over. They
It’s
Best Food Truck
actually
a
have a variety of food trucks come to their location. The food truck that has made a mission out of traveling around to breweries and bottle shops throughout North Carolina. Mari’s Hella Fat Food is just one year old has already setup and served food at dozens of
decided to branch out and travel
This resulted in eating delicious
free
to a variety of places instead of
food from a variety of food trucks.
Florence to residents of New Bern,
staying local. The response has
“I have a passion for food
Pollocksville and Trenton. Mari’s
been overwhelming with over
and obviously beer,” she said, “so
also gives a portion of all proceeds
125 “5” star reviews on Facebook,
when we link up with these killer
to a select charity each quarter.
not to mention Yelp and Google
breweries, it’s a match made in
reviews. They are booked through
heaven.”
all of 2019 at this time and is booking for 2020 already.
during
Hurricane
The first choice was a nobrainer because the team recently
Mari said she wanted a menu that spoke to everyone.
Mari says there are always
food
Good
lost family members to Parkinson’s, so they hooked up with Bethany
food you can eat, and not some
Richards and
Pedaling
for
breweries and bottle shops since
breweries
shops
theme that focuses on a sole style
starting. Mari’s is based out of New
Parkinson’s The Bike Box Project
inquiring about their availability
that would exclude some people.
Bern, but you’ll rarely see them
to help her cause fighting against
but unfortunately right now they
Mari’s Hella Fat Food settled on
Parkinson’s disease.
there because they are always on
are booking many months out, so
sliders. Everything is hand made
the road to places like Raleigh,
last minute booking are next to
from
hand
was Eastern North Carolina Stop
impossible to do.
pattied, slow cooked pulled pork,
Human Trafficking and last quarter
Why Mari’s Hella Fat Food?
bacon jam and crisp slaw. The
was the Colonial Capital Humane
Mari is a craft beer junkie and has
only items they say they can’t take
Society.
visited tons of breweries and bottle
credit for are the tots and the buns,
shops and attended numerous
though “not for lack of trying.”
and
bottle
the
hamburgers
“Yes we are a business, but it’s important to remember there are
beer festivals, to include The Great
They were approached by
American Beer Festival in Denver
those in need and we want to do
Salty Turtle Beer Co. to come out
a couple of times over the years.
our part whenever we can”. Mari’s
and serve brunch. What is better
also has given a portion of all
than Nutella pancakes or bacon
proceeds during events when they
grease biscuits paired with STBC’s
are supporting a local cause.
Breakfast Stout? A few other
You can visit Mari’s Hella Fat
places have caught on and now
Food at www.MarisHellaFatFood.
Mari’s has added brunch items to
com and click on “Events” to see
the menu. On top of serving food, Mari’s Hella Fat Food also focuses on giving back and has done so in a variety of ways, such as providing
28
The second quarter of 2019
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Fishtowne Brew House B y K aren A. M ann There was a time when people who inhabit the coast of North Carolina wouldn’t dare eat a green gill oyster. According to local lore, a green gill, which gets its
inferior,” McClure says. Next thing you know, the lowly Green Gill was the starring
wanted to do
ingredient
a brewery for years,”
in
the
brewery’s
“Atlantic Emerald Oyster Stout.”
distinct color from algae in local
“We power washed them,
waters, would almost certainly
got them all nice and clean. Of
make the consumer sick. All the
course you put them in boiling
while, the same species of oyster
water so it’ll kill whatever’s in
was eagerly sought after across
there
the ocean in France, where the
Schuyler Munden. “We separated
bivalve’s distinct, briny flavor made it a delicacy. Joey McClure, one of the owners of Beaufort’s Fishtowne Brew House, was among those
anyway,”
says
brewer
them out into three onion sack bags and put them in the last 10 minutes of the boil. You just ease them down in there.” The result is a balanced beer
Carteret County natives who
with a good mouthfeel that’s
were taught not to eat green gills,
not overly roasty and a non-
but changed his mind after a local
aggressive salinity. It’s guaranteed
marine biologist, who had created a company selling the “Atlantic Emerald” oyster, told the oyster’s story and explained why they are actually the cream of the crop of local shellfish. “I was fascinated because I grew up thinking they were
to impress craft beer afficionados while
satisfying
the
random
tourist who finds his or her way into the tiny brewery, centrally located in America’s favorite small town.
30
says McClure, who owns the
Fishtowne came to life after
re.
tripped to
Clu
c dM
n na
e
nd
Mu
Deep River in a
camper and helped brew
a 15-barrel milkshake IPA.
restaurants Aqua and Clawson’s
Though the brewery has only
in town. Then McClure’s business
been open since May 2018,
partner found out that the owners
they’ve already built a solid
of a local seafood restaurant had
following. Business climbed over
decided to sell their centrally
the winter, signifying a strong
located building and get out of
local following. Meanwhile, the
the business. After crunching
brand new Beaufort bridge and a
some numbers and realizing they could rent two-thirds of the space to Turner Street Market, the group decided that the idea was viable. For McClure, there was only one choice for a brewer. “It
was
natural
to
have
Schuyler be the brewer,” McClure says about his partner. “That’s what he wanted to do. We still do things together but Schuyler is the one who brews and runs the brewery.” McClure, for his part, helps with the recipes.
new upscale hotel down the street are bringing tourists into town to tour the sights and sample the beer. Signature brews include the Munden Fog, a hazy New England style IPA and the Three Sheets tripple. Even people from outside the county are beginning to notice. The Oakwood Pizza Box and Daily Pint in Raleigh are carrying the brewery’s beers. Having the beers available to an outside audience is especially meaningful to McClure. “Being
in
the
restaurant
McClure and Munden, two local
A large part of Fishtowne’s
homebrewers who got to know
success can be attributed to the
business, people come and eat
each other over Facebook, took
camaraderie many North Carolina
and enjoy your food, and that’s
first prize at the annual Mill
brewers feel toward each other.
neat,” McClure says. “It’s different
of
when people are like, ‘I want to
with their “Love the One You’re
us opening up was like this
take your product and sell it in my
Wit.” Mill Whistle, of course, was
brotherhood of brewers,” says
business.’ It’s just different — not
the first brewery in Beaufort,
McClure, noting help from Deep
only do you want to come and
and its annual competition has
River Brewing, Mother Earth
have something, but you want
become
awaited
Brewing, Atlantic Brew Supply
to take it and showcase it in your
showcase of local homebrew
and Crystal Coast Brewing. At one
business. That’s kind of special to
talent.
point, the Fishtowne team road
me.”
Whistle Home Brew competition
Atlantic Emerald Oyster Stout
“I had
an
eagerly
“The
whole
process
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31
By Lewis Smith Once a series gets to the third installment, one is
the Crypt detailed horror icons, then followed with ghost
tempted to get a little adventurous with the format in an
stories, this time, we’re doing things different: we’re
effort to keep interest. Either that, or they just do it in 3D.
bridging Halloween fun from the realm of childhood to the
Since the latter option isn’t available to us, we here
realm of adulthood. That’s right — this time we’re pairing six
at Carolina BrewScene decided to pivot a little for our
classic Halloween candies with six beers. Spooky fun will,
third time round. After our first installment of Ales from
no doubt, ensue!
THE BEER: Surf Wax IPA (Burial Beer Company, Asheville)
THE CANDY: Candy Corn I’ve always felt like candy corn is one of those
From North Carolina’s much-beloved Burial comes this West Coast IPA,
dividing lines between childhood and adulthood.
which is … not bad. It’s hoppy as hell, of course (comes with the territory)
When you’re a kid, you can’t get enough of it — you
but has a gentler, sweeter finish, which makes for a more pleasant drinking
eat huge handfuls of it at a time and stick them on
experience, and a welcome break from my usual
the ends of your teeth to pretend you have fangs, etc.
experiences with hyper-hoppy IPAs, where it
Then, at a certain age, you eat a single piece of it and
feels like I’ve tried to chug an entire Douglas fir
you’re asking yourself why you’re chewing a sickly-
tree. I don’t think I’ve found the perfect Burial
sweet Yankee Candle. I can’t say your hair immediately
beer for me just yet, but I found this eminently
starts going gray once you experience this moment,
crushable.
but I’m also not not saying that.
32
THE CANDY: Smarties Smarties were some of the most highly-prized Halloween candy back in the day because they’re basically 99 percent sugar and 1 percent some vague tart flavoring. A kid who’d gotten particularly lucky on Halloween could use a surplus of Smarties to barter for higherticket candy from a sibling or a friend and also prepare themselves for a career later on in life as a commodities trader. Either that, or just hoard all of them and go around with a sour face and a sugar high that lasts until Thanksgiving.
THE BEER: Margarita Gose (Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Boone) This was far too perfect a match to pass up. This selection of AMB brings the tartness, with a hint of the sharp flavor you’d expect from something named after margaritas, but finishes out with a nice sweetness that makes it very crisp and pleasant to drink. A nice refreshing beer perfect for late summer, or any time really. This was my first taste of AMB’s offerings, but this was a solid start from them, for sure.
THE CANDY: Atomic Fire Balls For those of you who wondered what we did
THE BEER: Hot Pistol Chocolate Raspberry Habanero Stout (Noda Brewing, Charlotte) This was an utterly crazy mixture that if you had told me
before “eat the ghost pepper” challenges, meet the
prior to starting I would have imagined would be a disaster on
Atomic Fire Ball. The great thing about Atomic Fire
the palate, but it’s quite amazing. A rich sweet initial chocolate
Balls comes in big bags for cheap. A few bucks gets
taste yields a little tartness, followed by the peppery fire of the
you a lot of long lasting cinnamonny mouth-burning
fury
habaneros, finishing with a little sweet and savory chocolate
that
at the end. It’s amazing how perfectly Noda managed to hit
you can hand out one
every note, but it’s a very impressive effort from them. It’s
or two at a time
not what I’d call crushable (unless you have a cast-iron gut, of
to unsuspecting
course), but if you like intricate tastes, this is worth a look.
trick-or-treaters.
THE CANDY: Mary Jane No, not the ones you get from the CBD store — those are actually edible. Mary Janes are — well, if there’s such a thing as candy that doesn’t try very hard, Mary Janes is candy that doesn’t try at all. They were basically an inedible lump of glop that can only be chewed by those with much grit and determination. Despite this, I’m told people enjoyed these, and when they tell me this, I usually stare at them for a good long time as if to determine where and when their lives went so badly wrong.
THE BEER: Chapel Hill Toffee Stout (Carolina Brewery, Chapel Hill) Well, it wasn’t quite the toffee overload I imagined it would be, but this special offering from our pals at Carolina Brewing was quite a ride all the same — there’s a roast flavor all the way through it, with a sweet finish. You can get notes of toffee (along with some caramel and chocolate) flavoring through the sip, and the overall flavor feels somewhere between a coffee porter and Crunch N’ Munch. It’s not bad at all, but don’t go in expecting something overly gooey and sweet. In this, it is much like the Mary Jane. But far easier to chew.
33
THE CANDY: Hershey's Miniatures If ever you despair for the state of democracy, I ask you to consider the beautiful plurality of the Hersey's Miniature's bag. An
THE BEER: Midnight Brue Stout (Bruprint Brewing, Apex) Robert Frost was acquainted
assortment of the most popular candies in the Hershey chocolate
with the night, and I am well-
galaxy, the Miniatures contain, plenty of plain ol' chocolate for the
acquainted with the powerful
middle of the road folks, a few Mr. Goodbar's for those that like nuts
dark magic that is Brueprint’s
in their chocolate, a couple Krackles for those eccentric souls who
Midnight Brue. A magnificent
like a little crispy in their cocoa, and about four Hershey's Special
American Stout that pours dark
Darks, for those highbrow discerning types who want nothing but
and has rich, roast flavoring
the best. The point is, there's something for everyone, assuming
throughout before finishing with
everyone at least loves some kind of chocolate.
some syrupy sweetness. It’s a perfect stout for those times when you want big stout flavor, but maybe you have plans for the rest of the day and can’t afford to sit out the next few hours while you recover from your brain feeling like someone clubbed it with a Volkswagen.
THE CANDY: Candy Necklace The candy necklace was like the winning lottery ticket on Halloween night. Sure, the candy was hard and barely flavorful, but in terms of sheer candy-to-treat-volume ratio, the candy necklace was some high-tier stuff, even if it was more for show than for feasting upon. Should you find the concept of a candy necklace to be ostentatious and inapplicable to a craft beer magazine, I invite you to count the number of pretzel necklaces at the next beer festival you attend.
THE BEER: Sticky Situation Cinnamon Bun Stout (Legal Remedy Brewing, S.C.) Interesting little beer, this. Not QUITE the sugary overload promised by the name, but there is a through-line of sweetness from the first sip to the finish, but there’s also some hints of roast flavor and a hint of malt and nuttiness was detected as well. I can’t say the effect was a one-to-one match with eating an actual cinnamon bun, but it wasn’t bad enjoyed on it own merits, really. Legal Remedy’s become a favorite brewery of mine thanks to their deftness with flavor profiles, and this was no exception. I’m looking forward to sampling more of their beers. And there you go — a well-filled pillowcase full of candy and beer to close out this hallowed evening, and not a hidden razor blade in the bunch! Join us next time, when we cast yet another hex (in that there’s six of them. We’re not witches — we don’t have the hats for that) on your pure brewing satisfaction!
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35
The By Daniel Hand
The Garage is New Bern’s brand new taproom. People who live in this charming little
very reasonable as well.
town on two rivers actually call the location
When you enter The Garage, you’re inside
James City. Everybody seems very excited at
the virtual reality and arcade area. Here
having a new place to hang out on “this side
you might see the local CrossFit members
of the bridge.”
playing VR all egging each other on, laughing
The Garage actually is a garage. It was
at all the antics. You might even see a set of
originally Township 7 EMS and used to be
parents and kids playing Pac Man or a couple
Convalescent Transports Ambulance service and most recently, a car wash. A lot of hours went into transforming the spot by the small staff. Have you ever experienced walking into a taproom or seeing someone else walk into a craft beer place asking for a Coors, Miller or Budweiser? You can literally hear a pin drop. You’ve seen it. You’d think said person killed your little sister. The bartenders faces can’t hide the disgust, the other patrons are scoffing. “You drink beer that isn’t craft? What is wrong with you?” The Garage realizes you’re a grownup and can drink whatever brings a smile to your lips.
on date night engaged in a pinball war. Up a short set of stairs you walk into the bar itself. The bar-top and floor are absolutely stunning. They’ve only been open a short period of time but already have their regulars. Friendly bartenders are pouring ladies monster-sized glasses filled with Quilt. Guys are throwing darts enjoying their macro beers. Beer geeks are chatting about some Hi-Wire Salted Maple 10W-40 or Maneater IPA. There are four big screen TVs behind the bar. You’ll find the “Beer It Forward” sign with a slew of names that friends have purchased their beer in advance, kind of like paying it
cooking competitions, Robes & Mimosas. They have planned a long drive contest for Father’s Day. Dads only with the winner getting a really sweet prize. They host food trucks on the weekends and Wednesday nights. Live music is starting to fill up some weekend days on the calendar. They are starting up a jam session night as well as Hymns & Beers. The Garage also recently agreed to sponsor the New Bern Rugby team.
There are 10 craft beers on tap, three macro
forward. The board stays full of names and
beers and an amazing wine selection. Cans
it’s awesome seeing someone’s face light up
Make sure next time you’re headed to or
and bottles of beer and wine are chilling in a
when they realize someone has prepaid for
from the beach to stop on in. Have something
cooler for on premise drinking, the prices are
a beer for them.
refreshing to drink, grab food from a food
When you get your beverage of choice,
truck and enjoy yourself in an atmosphere
you’ll receive a ticket to place in one of two
that is beer geek, beer snob, family- and dog-
charity jars. Quarterly, a portion of proceeds
friendly. You can’t miss them. They’re right
will go to the charity with the most tickets.
underneath their own giant billboard.
Go out back and get away from the highway traffic in the nice yard. Play some giant Jenga or Yard Yahtzee. Or simply just enjoy a nice day under the shade of the giant pine tree with the family or friends. The Garage is trying to bring people together through beverages, virtual reality, arcade games and other events on a monthly
36
rotation like Sunday Reggae Yoga, friendly
You can visit The Garage at www. TheGarageNC.com
We are closed on Monday & Tuesday Wednesday-Thursday: 4-10pm Friday: 4pm-12am Saturday: 2pm-12am Sunday: 1-7pm
www.koipondbrewingcompany.com
37
Everyone Has An Opinion By Dave Tollefsen
B
ack in the day when the NCBeerGuys
then we weren’t cicerones or BJCP certified
Unfortunately, it’s the early consensus
first started, there were only 56
judges so who were we to be an authority on
that may be damaging to a beer’s reputation
breweries in North Carolina. We thought
that?
if it gets off to a bad start. The NCBeerGuys
we would do a weekly series of North Carolina
There were so many beers that we tried
created a beer that is at NoDa Brewing called
beer reviews to enlighten our audience to the
that claimed “this or that” was in it yet we
Hot Pistol, which is a chocolate raspberry
beers that were available.
couldn’t taste it. Does that make it a bad beer?
habanero stout — there’s a lot going on but
Since our scope was limited to only beers
If we broadcast that out and then viewers try
it’s awesome. It had a lot of good reviews
in our state, it didn’t seem like a big daunting
it and think the flavor was prominent, what
task with the exception of actually getting the
are they going to think of our reviews? We
though we saw reviews for one star because
beers. There were already beer review sites,
have all the respect in the world for people
blogs, podcasts and videos out there but it
who are blessed with amazing palates. They
wasn’t overwhelming — yet — and we figured
can detect off-flavors we’ve never heard of
we’d join the ranks to offer our opinion.
and if a beer had 10 different hops, they could
We decided to create a “unique” rating
probably deduce which hops and when they
system for what we liked: A Growler meant
were added during the brewing process. That’s
the beer was exceptional and worthy to
great to make sure the beer is the best quality
enjoy a full growler; a Pint meant the beer
but can they tell you what you like? A master
is OK — passable but didn’t really reach our
cicerone or master BJCP judge can rate an IPA
expectations; and then the Trash Can, which
as flawless and superior and then you run out
was obvious that we weren’t pleased with the
to get it but think “well, it’s OK” We saw the growth of social media apps
beer.
one person didn’t like pepper beers, another thought it was too hot yet another thought it wasn’t hot enough. That follows along with one star reviews for IPAs because they’re bitter or not bitter enough. It’s like seeing a beautiful sunset in Key West and you hear “ooohs and ahhhhs” from the crowd yet one person says “I’ve seen better.” It brings back subjectivity because everyone is unique, with their own opinions, likes and dislikes. We took lessons learned and our next few hundred videos were all about informing our
We had our own opinions on each of them
regarding beer reviews and the reliance upon
and weren’t afraid to say what we thought.
them. Everybody now has an opinion they can
audience about a beer and the brewery that
We got to around our 150th review and we
post instantly and some really should have
produced it. We still pursued beers from all
started to think about what we were doing.
thought a little bit more before hitting the
over the state, discussed what we thought
Everyone has a different palate and we felt
“submit” button. When there are a lot of reviews
about them but emphasized that the viewer
that reviewing a beer — dissecting it based on
for a beer, it eventually averages out good or
should make their own opinion when they
the brewery’s description — was a little bit too
bad, letting you get a good idea of the beer, but
try it for themselves. Use reviews as light
subjective. Now, if a beer has an off-flavor or
there are some reviews that just shouldn’t be
suggestions — but the best judge for a beer is
other issue, that’s a different story but even
and all the breweries have seen them.
the person drinking it.
Drink Loca l and Keep Your Beer Dollars in North Carolina 38
39
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40
By Don Rowell & Paul McDermott
YOU USUALLY PAY
DOUBLE F O R T H AT COTTON Part 2
In the last article we discussed how to get more variety out of your brew day. In this segment we will focus on getting more volume out of your brew day. This can be achieved one of two ways. One takes more time and the other takes more money. For homebrewers, time is cheaper than equipment, so most people will think more about taking the time route. As with most of our articles, this can be applied to both extract and all-grain brewing. After you’ve been brewing for a while, you quickly learn that five gallons of beer really isn’t that much beer. By the time you give bottles away to family and friends to show off your brewing skills, you might be lucky to have a case (24 bottles) left for yourself. Seeing that it takes at least a month to produce a new beer, a case of beer is not much beer for you after all the effort you’ve put in. The first and easiest way to get more volume out of your brew day is to obviously do bigger batches. This is the money route. Other than using your current fermenters, you will have to buy or make a new larger brewhouse and get additional fermenters. If you have the money, this is the way to go. Keep in mind that as you go bigger, you may also need to change your setup by adding pumps to your brewhouse. It’s not as easy picking up large vessels of 10+ gallons of water, wort, etc. to drain into another as it was at five gallons. Time is on your side when it comes to saving a little cash. The other way to get more volume is to simply brew more batches. Before you put that equipment away on brew day, do a second batch. You don’t need a new brewhouse for this, but you will still need to get more fermenters. Good thing is, fermenters are a lot cheaper than a new brewhouse unless you are able to build a
brewhouse out of other vessels (see Fall 2018 issue). If you’re like most homebrewers, you do a deep cleaning of all your equipment after you’re done brewing for the day. When you do back-to-back brewing on the same day, you just need to do a quick rinse of the equipment and brew the next batch. There is very little added cleaning to your process. If you’re an all-grain brewer, you can have your second mash going as your boiling and cooling your first batch. The advantage of this route is that you can do two completely different beers on brew day. You could do a light beer and a dark beer, hoppy beer and a wheat beer, etc. In time you may be able to do both routes and achieve even more volume. As with most things homebrewing, you get and add things to your home brewery over time to absorb the cost. We started off doing five-gallon batches, moved to 10-gallon batches and now do double 10-gallon batches. We have a very small brew space and have to completely set up and tear down all the equipment on brew day. Start to finish it takes us at our very best five hours to do a 10-gallon batch of an all-grain beer. We are now doing 20 gallons in about seven-and-a-half to eight hours consistently by brewing two batches. As you can see with a little extra time, you get twice the volume. If we combine both parts of how to get more out of your brew day (parts 1 and 2 to this article), we could have up to four different beers in an eight-hour brew day. If you are doing five-gallon batches, it will take even less time because it takes less time to heat and cool five gallons. Extract brewers could do it at a fraction of that time. We’ve heard of extract brewers doing as many as four five-gallon batches in one brew day. Now keep in mind that with more volume comes more bottling. This is where kegging becomes more practical and just another added benefit to why a lot of homebrewers eventually move in that direction (we’ll discuss kegging in our next article). Getting more volume out of your brewing is kind of a no-brainer, but we believe a lot of people may feel they don’t have the time to put into it. As you can see from this article, the time is minimal compared to the results you get and more importantly, the more beer you get to keep for yourself. We hope you enjoyed this two-part series and we thank you for your support. Til next time … keep the burners lit, the spoons stirring and most importantly, remember the words of the great homebrewing pioneer, Charlie Papazian, “The best beer in the world is the one you brewed.”
s! r e e h C 41
BY KESHA WILLIAMS
DECEMBER 8, 2019
MILL CHILL 42
December is just a few calendar pages away. Michael Forrester is focused on the second Sunday, Dec. 8, when hundreds of visitors and locals will gather at Rocky Mount Mills for the Mill Chill. This year marks the fourth year the event has drawn participants for a day of friendly competition and benevolence. Some participants will opt for the 1.5 mile walk/run while others will select the fourmile race. That four-mile trek will lead them through the scenic route of Rocky Mount’s Battle Park. Prizes are in store for the winners of the four-mile race that include runners from the teen years and runners over age 70. Forrester, coordinator of the event, said proceeds will again benefit the Greater Carolina Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Forrester’s wife, Ursula, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2014 but has maintained an active lifestyle that included multiple races and marathons. She remains his inspiration and will assist as event coordinator. “I love to do this event. We are passionate about this and raising awareness of multiple sclerosis. The funds we raise contribute toward the research and hopefully one day a cure for MS,” Forrester said. “Right now the numbers (of registered participants) are about where they were this time last year. People tend to register over time and more will register nearer the date of the event. “It’s good to know many of the
breweries who come to this event bring some of the runners needed to form teams for the race. Other runners will come on their own or in small groups.” The breweries bring a refreshing blend of craft brews to soothe thirsty runners after the race and the fans who come to support of the event. Forrester notes a luscious selection of craft brews is just the fundraiser bait needed to lure a crowd of Carolinians who have witnessed an increasing number of breweries rise across the state. Twenty guest, craft breweries will complement the selection of beers served daily by breweries located at Rocky Mount Mills. The chance to sample craft beers is a simple, but measured pleasure after the race. “I make it clear that it is not our objective for people to come here and get drunk. People can go elsewhere and find beer fests where they will drink rounds of beer. With this event, we show that people can run then responsibly drink and celebrate,” Forrester said. “It’s common for breweries to have running clubs associated with them so having breweries sponsor the race brings more people to the event. Some breweries attending this year are new to the Mill Chill. We’re looking forward to a crowd of hopefully 600 to 800 people that Sunday.” The race begins at 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 8. Forrester said he expects to see some runners returning to the event after participating in past years. The minimum number
of people needed to form a team is five girls, five guys but it is not uncommon for teams to include more than 10 runners. Forrester estimates 80 percent are not residents of Rocky Mount. They come from Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Roanoke Rapids and many other communities where runners are active. Some run for exercise and enjoy a few events per year. Others are building on a career of races that began in their in their high school or college years. Participants in this race receive a Mill Chill race shirt, a customized race number and a commemorative glass. Although competition churns the wheels of the Mill Chill, the thrills of the day aren’t limited to walkers and runners. Forrester is confident the restaurants of Rocky Mount Mills and two, guest topnotch food trucks — Wandering Moose and CockADoodleMoo — will win more fans to this event. The band of the day, Matty Begs, has roots in Wilson and Rocky Mount. They will entertain the crowd from 2 to 5 p.m. All registered runners have free access to the post race celebration. Guests come for free or can become a supporter. For $18, donors age 18 and over, will receive an event shirt, a commemorative tasking glass and two craft beer samples. Registration for the competition is underway and will continue through Oct. 31. Visit https://www.millchill.com for all the details.
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.
Wed.-Fri.: 5:00 - 10 p.m. Saturday: 12 - 10 p.m. • Sunday: 12 - 6 p.m.
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43
Bravo Alpha Initiative
There is more work to do
B
By Jessie H. Nunery ravo Alpha has done so much good
to
the
Bravo
Alpha
houses the beer, trivia nights and donates
in the New Bern community and
Foundation has awarded 54 scholarships,
beyond, but founder and retired Marine
nearly $300,000 in aid and support to
Even with all the success, Canestorp has
Dustin Canestorp cannot bring himself to
charitable causes and has helped with
his mind on greater things. He is an open
settle on the past.
nearly $5 million in economic impact.
book when it comes to discussing his battle
He knows there is more work to do. Bravo Alpha started as a beer idea, grew into sharing tasty beverages with those in Canestorp’s circle and ultimately has become a nonprofit entity that has grown into sending kids to college, helping public citizens and organizations and bringing together
communities
through
beer,
physical fitness and more. “We have been hugely successful, and our events have represented the best of what New Bern is — but I honestly had lost some fulfillment,” Canestorp said. Originally started as Beer Army, the 501c(3) took shape when Canestorp served in the Marine Corps in Iraq and dealt with the loss of his friend, Capt. Todd Seibert.
Bravo Alpha has done it through
to a variety of charities.
with Post-Traumatic Stress.
community engagement that has included
He refuses to use the word “disorder,”
its Pathfinders program that uses physical
saying that it is an injury. He doesn’t want to
activity events such as running and biking
do a disservice to those, who like himself,
to bring together people and communities.
who have put their lives on the line for the
It also raises funds through beer festivals
country.
and a commercial beer competition named Beer Wars.
But this isn’t about Canestorp, so he and Bravo Alpha Director Cristi Smith are
Beer Army’s beer has been featured in
redirecting the organization’s mission to
events across the state, the region and the
do more for veterans, first responders and
United States. Beer Army Burger Company
othrs. The statistics that show 22 military veterans per day take their own lives is something that will now push the Bravo Alpha Foundation. Yes, they will smile and celebrate during
In a YouTube video listed on bravoalpha.
events where beer is served, but true
org, Canestorp talks about leaving Iraq in
satisfaction will come in aiding those who
pursuit of his “American Dream,” which
literally have put their lives at risk.
was enjoying the beer brewing process and doing something impactful with it. The outcome of following Canestorp’s dream has been measurable. According
44
bravoalpha.org,
“I really don’t need any affirmation,” Canestorp said. “I like to see people pay it forward. I’m more concerned with making things better.”
Goldsboro Goldsboro
Girls Pint Pint Out Out Girls By Kaycee Ingram Girls Pint Out is a national craft beer
earned from the recycling of the cans and
organization for women. Our mission is to
from the donations went to benefit Cures for
build a community of women who love craft
the Colors. Through this event, Well Travelled
beer and who are an active, contributing
Beer and Goldsboro Girls Pint Out raised
part of the greater craft beer community.
$300 for Cures for the Colors. Cures for the
Through social media, blog posts, and local
Colors is a non-profit organization which
events hosted by chapters, Girls Pint Out
supports eastern NC cancer patients and their
offers a forum for discussion, education, and
families in the form of assistance with food
fun. Events are educational, charitable, and/
costs, rent, and transportation costs. February
or social. The majority of events are women-
featured a Galentines Day event at Goldsboro
only, but sometimes men are invited. There
Brew Works and March was a private event
is no membership process – just join us for a pint! Girls Pint Out originated in Indianapolis, Indiana in early 2010. The Girls Pint Out movement quickly spread to Arizona and Texas. Today Girls Pint Out has more than 100 chapters in over 30 states and Washington D.C. The Goldsboro Girls Pint Out Chapter was founded in October 2019 by Kaycee Ingram. Ingram first became involved with Girls Pint Out through the Greenville chapter while in graduate school at ECU. Girls Pint Out had provided her the opportunity to meet new friends and to share her love of craft beer, so it only seemed right to bring this same opportunity to the women of Goldsboro!
R&R Brewing in Mt. Olive. The event hosted at R&R was a private event for the ladies, which included a tour of the facility to learn more about the story behind the brewery and the brewing process. Just this past weekend we wrapped up our latest event at Well Travelled Beer, which was a women's consignment sale. During the month of March, Goldsboro GPO collected gently used women's clothing, shoes, and accessories, for a clothing sale, where everything was sold for $1. All remaining clothing donations and the $320 raised from the clothing sale will go to benefit the Wayne Uplift Resource Association Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program. This association offers
Their first event was held in November at
domestic violence, sexual assault, and rape
Well Travelled Beer in downtown Goldsboro
crisis services that promote safe, health
with over fifty women in attendance. This
families and communities. Services include
event featured beer from Bombshell Brewing
but are not limited to a domestic violence/
Company, to highlight the only all female
sexual assault shelter, a 24 hour hotline,
owned brewery in North Carolina, with
court and victim advocacy, and counseling.
an added bonus of a pint glass giveaway.
Goldsboro GPO is looking forward to our
January's event was back at Well Travelled
upcoming scheduled events, which includes
Beer and featured a can recycling drive.
a fundraising event at Brewmaster's of
Women were asked to bring in any cans for
Goldsboro and a Wine & Design Mother's Day
recycling or make a donation. All money
event at R&R Brewing.
45
46
Compass Rose Brewery craft
in manufacturing with lower pay and less
brewery in northeast Raleigh featuring an
Compass
Rose
Brewery
is
a
benefits was one of the toughest choices
11,000-square-foot space with half of
he had ever faced — though it was quickly
the footprint dedicated to a beautifully
simplified upon realizing the rarity of the
unique taproom and the other half serving
opportunity and the certainty of living life
as production space for operation of the
regretting the unknowns, if he were to let it
10-barrel brewhouse.
pass by.
Compass Rose opened its doors for
Justin joined Compass Rose Brewery as
business in May 2015 and began producing
general manager in August 2016, overseeing
beer on site roughly six months later. Owners
the taproom and working to build an outside
Jose Luis Martinez and Gary Kohake have a background in agricultural trading — with operations for Mercator Inc. based in Wake Forest. Years ago, they saw an opportunity to fill a demand for local craft beer in the northeastern side of the city. Since opening, Compass Rose’s spacious taproom — adorned with industrial décor, long beer hall style wooden tables and large windows opening into the brewery — has served as a gathering place for the area neighborhoods surrounding it. Head Brewer Justin McConkey began homebrewing as a senior at Florida State University in 2003. Brewing at home slowly developed into a passion for McConkey, but it would take years before it led to a professional role. After
graduating
with
a
degree
in
information technology, McConkey changed course and began working in commercial kitchens, building upon a longstanding love for cooking since growing up and working in
sales program then transitioned into the role of head brewer in April 2017. The spacious and rustically decorated taproom is managed by Bryan Grace — the company’s longest-tenured employee. Bryan started at Compass Rose as a bartender shortly after the opening in 2015 and moved into the role of taproom manager in early 2018. One of Bryan’s main focuses each week is maintaining a constant flow of events to keep the regulars entertained — there’s a constant rotation of food trucks on site, and weekends are often packed with live music, oyster roasts, wing eating competitions and other seasonal festivities drawing large crowds to fill the communal tables. The brewery’s production volume has continued to climb steadily, and Scott Andujar joined the team as assistant brewer in December 2018 to support that growth. Compass Rose reached a milestone in late May of this year as its released its first cans
kitchens for beer money as a college student.
of the three flagships in 16-oz four-packs:
Several sous chef positions and one head chef
Crema de Coa cream ale with agave nectar,
position later, he transitioned to the world
Scott’s View Scottish export ale and Tidal
of B2B sales, pushing IT products, copiers
Break west-coast IPA. More can releases are
and printers and document-management
planned for the year and beyond — and the
services.
brewery sells to-go 32-oz crowlers of its draft
It was through networking as a salesperson
releases at the taproom.
that Justin eventually connected with Jose
The company’s next goal will be to expand
and Gary, which led to a job offer. At the time,
its brand by opening smaller taprooms
the decision to leave the relative security of
around the Triangle and beyond — beginning
a white collar sales job for a blue collar job
as early as 2020.
47
NO
W
YO
Y A L
G IN
W
ITH
E
THE STORY OF
Metroid Metal WHAT
WERE
YOUR
out a unique genre--giving a harder rock and metal sheen to the beloved bleeps and boops of a beloved touchstone of generation X: the
Power Chords
R U’
P
Spinning out of the early 2000s, bands like The Minibosses and The Advantage carved
grew and matured, generating events like MAGfest, the remix websites Overclocked Remix and Dwelling of Duels, and, in one corner of western North Carolina, a project called Metroid Metal. Beginning in 2003 as a modest attempt to remake the soundtrack to the NES classic with a fierce, bone-crunching edge, in the 16 years since, Metroid Metal has yielded multiple albums, an all-star touring group, and an enduring fanbase, and led its creator to a long and varied career of creating game music and playing guitar on the Emmy-nominated show Steven Universe. We sat down with Grant Henry aka Stemage, the guitarist and originator of the project, to talk about the connections between craft beer, classic NES music, North Carolina, SR-388, and cask-strength heavy metal.
P H OT O S B Y A DA M LY O N
INFLUENCES
MUSICALLY, AND HOW DID THEY
Nintendo Entertainment System. This movement
And, if he has time, maybe tell us where we can find the Spring Ball, because that’s been driving us nuts.
LEAD YOU TOWARDS METROID AS A FOCUS FOR THE PROJECT?
I’ve
definitely
had
video-game-band
influences and regular band influences.
HOW DID THINGS EVOLVE FROM
WHEN THE RETRO-GAME MUSIC
A ONE-MAN PROJECT TO A LIVE
REVIVAL CAUGHT FIRE IN THE
ENSEMBLE?
2000S, IT WAS HAPPENING
The Minibosses, The Advantage, and The
Right after I finished the arrangements of the
NESkimos were the reasons I considered
original NES Metroid, I moved from a cassette
doing a video game cover project to begin with.
8-track setup to recording on the computer.
With regular band influences, it was a lot of the same metal bands that people were enjoying in the early 2000s: Opeth, old Meshuggah, etc. I was inspired by a lot of strange 90s space rock bands like Failure and Hum, so they were a big influence with my chords.
That allowed me to bring in contributors, and one of my favorite people and biggest Super
OF CRAFT BEER, ESPECIALLY IN ASHEVILLE. DID MM LIVE PLAY A LOT OF CRAFT BREWERIES AND RELATED VENUES?
Metroid fans was my buddy Dan Taylor. We
We’ve played a number of local places
were playing music together, and he lived just
that served craft brew, but a lot of the
outside of Asheville NC where I was. We have collaborated on every song from that point on. Once we visited MAGFest up in Alexandria VA in 2008, we realized there were other amazing players that were also video game fans. We put the work in and built out a
48
CONCURRENTLY WITH THE RISE
nerd music in the mid 2000s had not made its way into local places in smaller cities. Much of the celebration took place at gaming conventions and larger sanctioned events. The Asheville Comic Expo has always
live version of Metroid Metal to perform
been good about throwing after parties
at the next MAGFest and later at PAX and
that include nerd bands, and we have
other conventions. We have been playing
enjoyed those a lot. Video game music
live on and off ever since and threw a 15th
nerds are the most fun people to drink
anniversary show last summer in Houston.
beer with.
DO YOU DRINK A LOT OF CRAFT
AS METROID METAL AND MM
BEER, AND WHAT'S YOUR
LIVE BECAME A SUCCESS, WHAT
FAVORITE?
OPPORTUNITIES HAVE OPENED UP
I adore craft beer, but my tastes have
FOR Y’ALL?
WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
I am really looking forward to the new Devin Townsend and Town Portal albums. Both of
tapered off over the years. I am sort of
Well, now I make music for video games, so
those hit in just a few weeks, and it’s been
waiting for the “hopsplosion" to die off just
it has come full circle. Other band members
a long time since I’ve been this excited for
a bit in the hopes people will experiment
have started other projects, and we have all
new albums from bands!
with more refreshing and chill beers. The
gotten better at what we do. We have met
I’ve veered into strange territory regarding
high gravs are great in small amounts, but
a number of prominent figures in the game
my taste. I love funky, superhuman stuff like
the 40-year-old headache ain’t the same as
industry, and our music has made it into the
Vulfpeck, but I also love vaporwave
the 21-year-old one. Ha!
hands of Hip Tanaka, the original composer
electronic music and a lot of really tasteful
I’ve been enjoying hoppy pilsners the most
of Metroid. It’s been a wonderful experience.
metal bands. I love guys like David Maxim
recently. I’m a west coaster now, and there
When you’re taking music made for a
Micic and Plini - two super talented guys
are a number of good breweries out here.
system with a handful of sound channels
writing what I call “elevator djent”. I love
Northcoast Brewing has some great stuff.
and fleshing it out to a full song, what are
music that captures rhythmic complexity
Their Scrimshaw is the most refreshing thing
the challenges you face, and what are you
but ends up being catchy. I’ve also been
you could ask for after a work day, and their
trying for with the final product?
listening to a band called Aeges that
Rasputin will knock you over. Deschutes
I think everyone that does this has a
reminds me a lot of the 90s bands I still
Brewery has some tasty ones including
different goal. Some people try to perform
love.
their Fresh Squeezed IPA and Black Butte
them as close to the original as possible.
Porter. Discretion Brewery is right down the
Some completely eviscerate them and
WHAT’S NEXT FOR
street here in Santa Cruz, and I enjoy their
make something new. For the Metroid
METROID METAL?
Shimmer Pils.
Metal songs, I try to take the melodies and
Dogfish Head has made its way out here,
write something else underneath them. You
and while expensive on this side of the
end up with a mashup of what people find
country, I still enjoy a good 90-minute IPA.
familiar but also some original songwriting
I was in Asheville when Highland Brewing
as well.
was just underneath a pizza place. It’s crazy
Some people don’t appreciate that method,
to see what has happened since then.
but I’m doing this project for me and the band, so we don’t care. It’s fun, and we all
WE'VE SEEN MANY A TAPROOM
celebrate game music in our own ways.
WITH VIDEO GAMES, AND EVEN MORE BREWERIES WHO HOMAGE
SIXTEEN YEARS ON, WHAT HAVE
CLASSIC GAMES WITH THEIR
YOU LEARNED THROUGH DOING
LABEL DESIGNS AND RELATED
THIS, AND WHAT ARE YOU MOST
SWAG. WHY DO YOU THINK
GRATEFUL FOR?
I think we’ve fallen into the same category as the Minibosses, where we just play when we want or can. We are spread across the country, so it takes an event to get us together. I’m not doing a lot of new Metroid arrangements, but I hope to. We did one show last year, and maybe we’ll do one this year? We’ll see. Hopefully the venues serve good beer.
THERE'S AN ABIDING LOVE FOR OLD VIDEO GAMES?
I owe a lot to Metroid. Where I live now, my wife, my best friends - I can trace it all
I think you can draw a direct comparison
back to the first Metroid Metal track some
between video games in music and video
how. I’ve been meaning to get that Metroid
games in beer. With music, a bunch of
tattoo, but I haven’t gotten there yet! I’m
musicians grew up! Now we have a chance
grateful for everything.
to use our craft to honor something we are super fond of. With beer, it’s the same thing. We have a chance to use that craft to honor and appreciate fond memories and entertainment that we hold dear. It’s great, because not only do music and beer bring people together, but so do old video games. It’s the perfect synergy.
You can find Metroid Metal on Facebook, Twitter, Bandcamp, and most especially at their website, MetroidMetal.com. You can follow Grant Henry’s work at Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Bandcamp (search for Stemage) and at his website, stemagemusic.com
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