Gravity Fall Winter 2016 by Gravity Magazine

[A Celebration of Charlotte’s Craft Beverage Scene]

PUPS & Pints Great Growth New Breweries And Notable Expansions

Juan Lozano’s Crafty Collection

Also inside:

Happy Fall, Y’all - Gear up for seasonals That’s The Spirit ... Local Cocktails May The Force Be With You! Gravity-Fed Winemaking

Fall/Winter 2016-17 /// Vol:2 » Issue:5 /// Complimentary News you can use ... from reviews to awards & storytelling

BREWPUBLIK

THE BEST WAY TO GET BEER JUST GOT BETTER.

YEAH, THIS PACKAGING MAY LOOK FAMILIAR, BUT IT NOW DOES SO MUCH MORE. LEARN MORE BY VISITING

WWW.BREWPUBLIK.COM/GET-BEER WWW.BREWPUBLIK.COM

Experience comfort beers

PHOTO BY SCOTT STOCKTON

from the past, present & future

3 Time Silver Medal Winner 2016 US Open Beer Championships

5046 Old Pineville Road | Charlotte NC 28217 www.threespiritsbrewery.com • W/T 4-8pm | F 4-10pm | Sat 12-10pm | Sun 1-5pm

GRAND RE-OPENING

September - Downtown Belmont Owner - Pat Brennan

Head Brewer-Alex Shoenthal • Executive Chef-Cassie Parsons

52 Ervin Street | Belmont, NC 28012 www.rivermenbrewingcompany.com www.gravitymagazinenc.com ««« Fall/Winter 2016-2017 ««« 3

ingredients »»»

[27]

[12] 6 » Publisher’s Letter

For the good of Charlotte

8 » Great Growth

[22]

New Breweries & Expansions

12 » Home Brew

Fall into brew season

36 » Off The Vine

14 » The Beer Counselor

A brew lover’s guide to festivals

16 » Work It Off

[36]

Run, Yoga, Bike = Drink

18 » Location, Location

Our craft beverage guide to Charlotte & beyond

20 » On Tap

Farmhouse and saison styles

Local wines you don’t want to miss

38 » Gravity-Fed Wine

Learn about the force

42 » Craft Seen

What your fellow craft lovers have been up to

[14]

22 » Pups & Pints

Celebrating beer’s best friend

28 » Crazy For Craft

Juan Lozano’s Beericana collection

32 » Local Libations

Cocktails using craft spirits

[38]

On Our Cover:

[28] 4 »»» Fall/Winter 2016-2017 »»» www.gravitymagazinenc.com

Photo By: BARKography by Kim Hollis Model: Steve His People: Rebecca & Nick Fitzsimons

A BEER FOR EVERYONE ON THE SPECTRUM

Moving Fall of 2016

Come see our new location, just down the parking lot. 2180 Carolina Place Drive

803-792-4556 • www.fullspectrumbrewingco.com Thursday 4:00-9:00 PM • Friday 4:00-9:00 PM • Saturday 12:00-9:00 PM 2168 Carolina Place Drive | Suite 108 | Fort Mill SC | 29708

makersmark »»»

For The Good Of

e tt o l r a Ch

here did 2016 go? Somehow, is it almost done! We are headed into the best time of the year, in my opinion. Cooler weather, Halloween, firepits, the holidays and SNOW! I know, I know, there won’t be much and it won’t last, but I still love it. I’m ready for it all. As we wind down the year, I can’t help but look back on all that has happened since our last issue of Gravity. Charlotte is killing it in the craft beverage scene. We have several new breweries, distilleries, a new cidery and more on the horizon. (Check out our expansion story on page 8.) New businesses are popping up and thriving every day because of our city’s growing appreciation for all things craft — and we celebrate this amazing lifestyle in Gravity Magazine. It’s a phenomenon we enjoy both professionally and personally. Jason and I have lived in Charlotte since 1993, and let me tell you, food trucks, wine tours and art shows (like Front Porch Sunday) have never been more accessible in Charlotte. We can thank the brewery culture for that. While there’s an abundance of stories to be told and businesses to highlight, here at Gravity, we had to make a tough decision. Since our last issue, we transitioned our frequency to twice a year, until we can get the right partners in place and enjoy more support from the industry. We are passionate about local storytelling and love providing the map that folks talk about and even carry around in their pocket. From beer and wine reviews to the warm and fuzzy feeling of a good cocktail, Gravity celebrates it all. Speaking of warm and fuzzy, don’t miss our Pups & Pints story this issue. Beer’s best friend is truly part of the fabric of the craft beer culture. Fall and winter also bring on parties, reunions and gifts. That said, everyone appreciates the gift of a good drink. Don’t go to a get-together empty-handed — bring local beer, spirits or wine! Check out our beer and wine reviews for some good choices, and while you’re at it, get a lesson on gravity-fed wines from the NC Wine Guys (page 38). You can come armed with the story behind your gift! There have been reports questioning whether an alcohol-centered industry is a good thing for Charlotte. Is it “good” to be so centered around drinking? What the negative nellies are missing is that the craft beverage scene is all about that … craft. It’s the artistic vibes and playful attitude — and yes, TASTE — that have captured the hearts of Charlotteans everywhere. And so I say, yes, the craft beverage scene is a positive addition to our fair city. Be adult, be responsible, and support local businesses. Explore corners of the city you would never venture into otherwise. It is “good” for folks to gather, experience and celebrate. In Charlotte, that is how we roll.

[

gravity:

Cheers! Kerrie

]

Term “specific gravity” refers to the density of any liquid, and is broken down into “original gravity” (OG) before fermentation, and “terminal gravity” (TG) after.

6 »»» Fall/Winter 2016-2017 »»» www.gravitymagazinenc.com

Volume 2 » Issue 5

Publishers/Founders Jason & Kerrie Boys Research & Taster Jason Boys Maker of Things Kerrie Boys Wordsmith Karsen Price Beer Counselor Ryan Moses Master of Brew Alex Shoenthal

Wine Guys Matt Kemberling Joe Brock

Intern Extraordinaire Emily Spink Socialite Sarah Rice Contributing Writers Sam Rozzi Jackie Andolino Fogartie Contributing Photographers Eric Gaddy Casting Shadows Photography Wendy Raymond Taps and Snaps Scott Stockton Crown Town Craft Contact Gravity: info@gravitymagazinenc.com www.gravitymagazinenc.com @gravitymagnc facebook.com/ GravityMagazineCharlotte Copyright 2016 by DJK Media, LLC Gravity Magazine is published two times per year. Gravity Magazine cannot assume responsibility of statements made by advertisers. In addition, though editorial pieces are heavily researched, Gravity Magazine cannot guarantee their accuracy. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part without express written permission from the publisher.

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great

Growth New Breweries & Notable Expansions By Jason Boys & Sam Rozzi

Blue Blaze Brewing Co.

ERIC GADDY

ince the last issue of Gravity last spring, the already brewery-booming Queen City has gone bonkers with new breweries, distilleries and several notable expansions. But we aren’t complaining! Here’s a handy rundown of what’s new, and what’s to come.

Blue Blaze Brewing Co. Opened in Summer 2016 528 S. Turner Ave • Charlotte Even though the revitalization of Charlotte’s Historic West End is in the early stages, this brewery is blazing a path for new businesses and up-and-coming neighborhoods. The brewhouse sits at the end of the 100-yearold Savona Mill redevelopment project. Co-founders and longtime friends Craig Nunn and Sven Giersmann were looking for a space that would allow them to expand, while also representing their love of the outdoors. The taphouse itself feels like you’ve just stepped off the Appalachian Trail: There’s reclaimed wood everywhere and lots of windows. The brewery is conveniently located next to the Stewart Creek Greenway, which leads to Frazier Park.. The brewery’s five flagship beers, crafted by master brewer Steve Turner, are named after the different trail markings. These approachable beers range from the Yellow Blazer Kölsch to a creamy Black Blaze milk stout. Music is also important at Blue Blaze. Nunn and Giersmann’s love of homebrewing often led to nights on the front porch playing music and enjoying beer. They intentionally tried to recreate those moments by offering musical instruments to play and a row of

Thirsty Nomad Brewing Co.

WENDY RAYMOND

New Sarum Brewing Co.

SCOTT STOCKTON

ERIC GADDY

Twenty-Six Acres Brewing Co.

New openings Breweries

8 »»» Fall/Winter 2016-2017 »»» www.gravitymagazinenc.com

WENDY RAYMOND

rocking chairs outside. On any given night, you might find a few artists jamming together outside the taproom. Thirsty Nomad Brewing Co. Opened in Summer 2016 4402 Stuart Andrew Blvd., Suite A • Charlotte Thirsty Nomad might be one of the most unique breweries to join the ranks of new additions to hit Charlotte … and we’re not just talking about the beer they brew. Located off Stuart Andrew Boulevard, the brewery is nestled in a little business park a short drive from Sugar Creek and OMB, adding to that area of great breweries. Walk in the door at Thirsty Nomad, and you immediately pick up on the steampunk vibe, complete with eclectic décor. The beer is as distinct as the taproom. Expect the usual suspects, such as the Seeker IPA, the Noble Saison, a Valkyrie Chocolate Sweet Stout and the Femme Fatale Brown … but watch for their launch of new beers on Sundays. The 1,000-squarefeet brewhouse features a 3-barrel system, and president, founder and brewer Brad Ledbetter hopes to produce as many inventive styles as possible. Beyond that, the goal at Thirsty Nomad is to bring life to the beers, literally. Each beer has a persona. Ledbetter wants these beers not only to portray a style, but to eventually make each beer part of a larger game. Instead of bottle caps or markings on a board, the owners want to hand out trading cards with each beer’s statistics, evolving into a collectible game … because who really wants to save a stack of stickers when you can have a one-of-akind trading card collection! Ghostface Brewing Opened in Spring 2016 427 E. Statesville Ave. • Mooresville A stone’s throw from downtown Mooresville, Ghostface Brewing shares space with Davidson Pizza Co. After 11 years of homebrewing, Mike Cuddy aims to brew beer for all different palates. With up to 20 taps, there will be a style for everyone, including gluten-reduced beers and even mead.

The DreamChaser’s Brewery Opened in Spring 2016 115 East North Main St. • Waxhaw Despite several setbacks, Neil and Anita Gimon finally opened a beautiful taproom in the heart of historic downtown Waxhaw, in a former firehouse station. Many of the American Style beers are based on Gimon’s 20 years of homebrewing experience. Head brewer Skyler Lachenmayr also has been hired to add his award-winning talents to the brewery. Twenty-Six Acres Brewing Co. Opening in Fall 2016 7285 Westwinds Blvd. • Concord Located in a business park near Concord Regional Airport, Twenty-Six Acres will open its doors to a 15-barrel, 8,800-square-foot brewhouse in September. The brewery was born from a collaboration of three friends who are longtime homebrewers: Joel Padgett, Wes Ports and Eric Troutman. Troutman will be the head brewer and plans a wide variety of styles, including his famous Oatmeal Stout. And here’s an interesting historical fact: The name TwentySix Acres comes from the compromise between the Germans and Scots-Irish settlements in the late 1700s, when they founded the city of Concord on a 26-acre site. York Chester Brewing Co. Opening in Fall 2016 1500 River Drive, Suite 250 • Belmont Like many, York Chester Brewing Co. started out as a homebrewing operation. The goal is to bring craft brewed beer to the city of Belmont, using locally grown ingredients. York Chester Brewing is taking over the space formerly owned by the Rivermen Brewing Co.

Distilleries

Dragon Moonshine Company Opened in Summer 2016 516 E. 15th St., Suite 14B • Charlotte The company’s Silver Rum is now available in select ABC stores.

Seven Jars Distillery Opening in Fall 2016 6148-A Brookshire Blvd. • Charlotte Visit the website to schedule a tour.

www.gravitymagazinenc.com ««« Fall/Winter 2016-2017 ««« 9

Expansions & Relocations

SCOTT STOCKTON

the old 5,000-square-feet spot. The sheer size of the taproom gives Lenny Boy the ability to accommodate a lot more people and events with, of course, more beer. They’ll have 24 taps for their assorted brews, ranging from kombucha and wild beers to more traditional styles. The brewhouse has expanded from a 3.5-barrel system, which they’ll keep for small batches, to a 10-barrel system (previously owned by Birdsong Brewing). If that doesn’t excite you, they’ll also be adding a 20-barrel foeder to help take their sour beers to a whole new level. The new location sports an enormous parking lot, which is becoming somewhat of a rarity in Charlotte. With approximately 85 parking spots, Lenny Boy can now host plenty of food trucks, live music and other events. Owner Townes Mozer wants the brewery to be a cultural center for the local community. New Sarum Brewing Co. Opened in Spring 2016 109 North Lee St. • Salisbury Tucked away in a wonderful old building in the heart of Salisbury, N.C., you’ll find New Sarum Brewing. For the first few years, New Sarum was on a very small-scale system and only distributed to a handful of local restaurants. You might not want to call them small anymore … they’re now on a massive 30-barrel system. New Sarum cans also are hitting the 10 »»» Fall/Winter 2016-2017 »»» www.gravitymagazinenc.com

market with a handful of options, ranging from the 142 Blond Ale (brewed with Southern grits) to the Robust Porter. One of their best-sellers, the Blood Orange Wheat, is sometimes hard to find on the shelves. Brewmaster Andy Maben aims to combine old favorites with new styles using modern ingredients … resulting in a unique blend of bold flavors.

Rivermen Brewing and Cafe Re-opening in Fall 2016 52 Ervin St. • Belmont Downtown Belmont now has its own brewery. Pat Brennan moved his brewery from its previous small location outside of Belmont to a brick warehouse complex in downtown Belmont. The brewery will include a 10-barrel production system and serve up to 24 taps. Alex Shoenthal is taking over the head brewer duties, and plans to offer a variety of styles. Expect LOTS of IPA variations! Rivermen’s restaurant

will share space with the brewery and will be run by executive chef Cassie Parsons. The menu will emphasize local ingredients with an international twist. Southern Grace Distilleries Re-opening in Fall 2016 130 Dutch Road • Mt. Pleasant, NC Makers of the award-winning Sun Dog 130 plan to move into a truly one-of-a-kind location, the former Cabarrus Correctional Facility. Their new home will be over 20,000 square feet, including a 1,500-square-foot visitors’ center. Public tours begin in October and can be booked at Southerngracedistilleries.com.

MICHAEL A. ANDERSON

SAM ROZZI

Lenny Boy Brewing Co. Re-opening in Fall 2016 3000 S. Tryon St. • Charlotte Lenny Boy has called Charlotte home since 2012, starting with kombucha, then adding a microbrewery in 2013. The new location at 3000 S. Tryon St. is coming in at 31,000 square feet, which dwarfs

original location, and is growing from 1,700 square feet to 6,000 square feet.

Full Spectrum Brewing Re-opening in Fall 2016 2180 Carolina Place Dr., Suite 101 • Fort Mill In just one short year after opening, Full Spectrum is expanding from a one-barrel system to a 30-barrel system. Their taproom and brewery space is just down the street from their

Coming Soon ...

Barking Duck Brewery Co. Re-opened in Summer 2016 4400 Morris Park Dr. Mint Hill Barking Duck moved to their new space during the summer. They now have 12 taps, and the taproom/ brewery space is over 4,000 square feet. The brewery hopes to upgrade to a 3 or 5 barrel system in the near future.

Cavendish Brewing Co. Coming in Winter 2017 207 N. Chester St. • Gastonia Scott Cavendish plans to open a 16-barrel brewhouse in Gastonia later this winter.

Bold Missy Brewery Coming at the end of 2016 610 Anderson St. • Charlotte Owner, founder and head keg washer Carol Waggener plans to open her 15-barrel brewhouse and patio by the end of 2016 in the NoDa area, right near the Sugar Creek light rail station.

GoodRoad CiderWorks Coming at the end of 2016 117 Southside Dr. • Charlotte Brian Beauchemin and Kevin Martin are aspiring to bring artisan ciders and small batch meads to South End by the end of 2016.

The Commoners Brewing Co. Coming at the end of 2016 1048 Copperfield Blvd. NE, Suite 101 • Concord Jonathan Woodward, Marty Jackson and Thomas Murry plan to open by the end of 2016.

Temple Mojo, Carolina Beer Temple and Seaboard Taproom and Wine Bar Coming in Summer 2017 Rob Jacik, the founder of Carolina Beer Temple, has announced plans to open a new bar and growler shop called Temple Mojo in Matthews, as well as a second Carolina Beer Temple location in Ayrsley. He is also bringing another restaurant to Matthews called Seaboard Taproom and Wine Bar. It will boast 24 taps, and 1,200 bottles of wine. He hopes to add Matthews’ first local microbrewery inside Seaboard by the summer of 2017.

On Tap at Home and at CHP! We make having beer on tap easy. Over 700 kegs available for delivery In-home service plan/line cleaning service 12 beers on tap Tons of local bottles and cans CO2 filled on site Charlotte’s Draft Beer Experts Hours: 11-7 M-W | 11-9 Thur-Fri | 10-9 Sat | Closed Sundays

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www.gravitymagazinenc.com ««« Fall/Winter 2016-2017 ««« 11

homebrew »»»

Fall Into Seasonals

Brew Season Is Here By Alex Shoenthal

ello, there! Hope everyone had a fun and thirsty summer. Although I will miss long summer nights, BBQs and beach trips, I always look forward to fall because, plain and simple, it’s brewing season. Sure, summer’s higher temps make it the optimal time to brew certain styles of beer that like to ferment warmer, such as Belgian Ales, Hefe-Weisse and Sours. But the heat is a hindrance for most homebrewers for a couple of reasons. One, unless you keep your AC at 68 degrees, your house is too warm for styles like IPAs, Pale Ales and most American and British styles. And secondly, it’s hot — especially this year! Nothing like hovering over boiling liquids in a 110-degree garage for five hours to make you cheer fall’s arrival. Fall is a great time of year to use North Carolina’s amazing selection of cultivated and wild fruits and vegetables in your craft beverages. Fruit beers, meads, ciders and fruit wines are fun to make and delicious to enjoy. Wild blackberries, persimmons, figs, sour cherries, peaches and pumpkins are just a few of my locally grown favorites that end up in my fermenters. Using fruit is fun but can be tricky. If you don’t process and sanitize it properly, 12 »»» Fall/Winter 2016-2017 »»» www.gravitymagazinenc.com

it can spoil your entire batch. Knowing how much to add can also be challenging. Subtle fruits like strawberries and blueberries will require a larger amount for the flavors to come through. I generally recommend a ratio of one to two pounds of fruit per gallon of beer for most fruits. Pumpkin beer is undoubtedly one of the most popular fall seasonals. Store shelves will be inundated for the next few months with every brewery’s interpretation of this historic style. While many homebrewers reach for that can of processed glop from the grocery store to use in their pumpkin brews, I strongly urge against it. Instead, wait until pie pumpkins are available at your market. These small beauties are infinitely more flavorful in the final product. I half mine, sprinkle with pie spice and brown sugar, and bake, caramelizing the sugars and making the flesh sweet. Then I add to the mash, where they contribute flavor, body and fermentable sugars. As many of my readers already know, I am transitioning from homebrewers to pro brewer. I’ve taken the role as head brewer for Rivermen Brewing Company’s new brewery and restaurant located in historic Belmont. I am beyond thrilled to finally be able to share my passion for brewing (and my beers) with the community. It’s a giant leap, and as things progress, I look forward to sharing my experiences in this new adventure. Rivermen is also a farm-totable restaurant featuring exclusively local produce and meat. Our new brewery is like nothing you’ve seen before, and will be open to the public in early fall 2016. Which is just one more reason for me to be happy that fall is upon us. Can’t wait to see you there! Alex Shoenthal is an award-winning homebrewer and the head brewer of Rivermen Brewing Company. An all-grain brewer 10 years strong, he loves all styles but has an affinity for hops.

winner winner chicken dinner At the World Beer Cup, Heist Brewery was awarded a bronze medal for Brockwell, its English mild ale. Sugar Creek Brewing Co. won gold medals for two of its brews at the US Open Beer Championship: a Belgian ale called Sugar Creek Biere De Garden, and Sugar Creek Raspberry White, a Belgianstyle fruit beer. Three Spirits Brewery won silver medals at the US Open Beer Championship for its brown ale Agate Have It, Honey Porter and Red Moon Rising, an American amber-style. River Rat Brewery won a bronze medal at the 2016 World Beer Cup for its Bohemian Pilsner.

Time to try your hand at making your own beer or wine!

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Winemaking h o m e b r ew i n g su p p l i e s

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beercounselor »»»

A3 Things Brew Lover’s Guide You — Yes, You — must do

QCBF Photos by Eric Gaddy, Casting Shadows Photography

BOUT BEE GA R, IN H ER LK TA

being asked to drink a full pint. It’s a free, 4-ounce pour. You’ve wasted money on worse! While you’re at it, don’t just follow the crowd. If you see a line that is 20-people deep, go find another few beers you’ve never had and come back later. While you are out there mingling, tasting, and otherwise having a blast, remember to talk to the people pouring. If the brewery was able to send someone from their establishment — especially if it’s the brewers themselves — they will be happy to talk to you about their beer. They’ve probably brewed something special for the festival and they’ll want to tell you about it. To be honest, pouring at a festival can get kind of boring, and talking to someone who actually cares about beer is always fun. So there you have it. I hope this fall you’ll find a festival, drink beer, have fun, and remember, take a taxi or Uber home.

The Beer Counselor, Ryan Moses, has juggled bartending with work in the nonprofit fundraising sector. His beer pet peeves include forgetting that beer is a business and taking the business too O L U N S E seriously. Visit his blog at Beercounselor.net. -

the

BEER

When you walk into the venue, you will be handed a map — or at the very least, a list of the brewers in attendance. You can also check out the list on

No matter the size of the festival you attend, there will be breweries and beer you have never heard of … much less tasted. Take a chance on them! This is the reason to go to festivals: to find new and interesting beers and brewers. Keep in mind, you’re not E

Make a plan, Stan.

Take a chance on the unknowns.

You will be drinking a lot of beer. Let me reiterate: a lot. That’s the point of going to a festival. You will need to prep your body by drinking water and eating food before you walk into the venue. Most festivals offer water stations and free pretzels (Snyder’s gets a lot of free advertising by handing out free snack bags of pretzels). At the really big festivals, you might also find places to buy actual food at food trucks or concession stands. However, it will be much cheaper if you eat beforehand.

Hydrate and eat before you go.

the event’s website in advance. GABF lives up to the “great” in its name by providing a free phone app listing all of the brewers and a map of the venue. It pays to take a few minutes when you first get there to figure out your plan of attack. At GABF, I usually have a two-pronged approach. First, I look for breweries that don’t distribute in North Carolina. Second, I pick a beer style to highlight for the day. That gives me a chance to try a lot of truly different things I’ve never experienced before. Which leads me to my final bit of advice.

-W E’R E

eer festivals can be overwhelming. Especially if they are as big as the Great American Beer Festival in Denver. This year’s GABF will feature over 800 brewers. Even if you do not go to a festival as big as GABF, there are three things you should do to make your experience more enjoyable:

14 »»» Fall/Winter 2016-2017 »»» www.gravitymagazinenc.com

To Festivals Mecktoberfest

Sept. 23-25 The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, Charlotte

Cabarrus Brewing Co. Oktoberfest Sept. 30-Oct. 2 Cabarrus Brewing Co., Concord

Laketoberfest Brew & Music Festival Oct. 15 Bailey Road Park, Cornelius

Brewer’s Ball

Oct. 15 Discovery Place, Charlotte

World Beer Festival Durham 2016 Oct 16 Durham, NC

Beer Quest 2016

Nov. 19 BB&T Ballpark, Charlotte

Queen City Brewers Festival 2017

Feb. 4 The Fillmore, at AvidXchange Music Factory, Charlotte

You gotta eat!

PRESENTED BY

eer A B ling p ! sam nture e v d a

Fun pre-festival activity ... make a pretzel necklace!

at the BB&T Ballpark

Tickets & info online at:

WorldBeerFestival.com

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR 2012 FESTIVAL SPONSORS

BeerQuestFest.com www.gravitymagazinenc.com ««« Fall/Winter 2016-2017 ««« 15

workitoff »»»

Exercise, Drink, Repeat

Kudos to the runners from the Heist Beer Run that joined in our Gravity 6-Pack Marathon: 6 days — 6 breweries — 26.2 miles.

RUNS MONDAY

Grapevine (Baxter Village): Run Club with Fleet Feet 6:30 p.m. (1, 2 & 3 mile) Heist Brewery: 6:30 p.m. (1, 3 & 5 mile) Good Bottle Co.: 6:30 p.m. (3 mile)

the Heat and humidity is GONE! Time to find your favorite run, bike or yoga session.

Cabarrus Brewing Co.: 6:30 p.m. (3 & 5 mile) Legion Brewing: 6:30 p.m. (4.4 miles) FRIDAY Three Spirits Brewery: 6:30 p.m. (various dist.) SATURDAY Sycamore Brewing: 12 p.m. (1, 3 & 5 mile)

TUESDAY SUNDAY Legal Remedy Brewing Co.: Lenny Boy Brewing Co.: 6:30 p.m. (various dist.) 12 p.m. (1.5 & 3 mile) Carolina Beer Temple: 6:45 p.m. (3 mile)

YOGA/PILATES

MONDAY Running For Brews: Brazwells Pub (Montford) Hattie’s Tap & Tavern: 6:30-7:30 p.m. 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY NoDa Brewing Co.: 6:30 p.m. (1, 3 & 5 mile) Sycamore Brewing: 6:30 p.m. (1, 3 & 5 mile) THURSDAY Bayne Brewing Co.: 6 p.m. Triple C Brewing Co.: 6:30 p.m. (3, 4 & 5 mile)

Sycamore Brewing: 6:30 p.m., $5 TUESDAY The Olde Meck Brewery: 6:30 p.m., Yoga On Tap, $5 (includes beer)

WEDNESDAY Unknown Brewing Co.: 6:30 p.m.

BIKE

TUESDAY Common Market: Sugar Creek Brewing Co.: Plaza Midwood 6 p.m., Taproom Fitness Tuesday Night Ride w/Metro Fitness 7:30 p.m. (10-15 miles) Sycamore Brewing: 6:30 p.m., $5 FRIDAY THURSDAY Triple C Brewing Co.: 6:30 p.m. Free Range Brewing: 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY Bayne Brewing Co.: 10:30 a.m., Pilates, $10 Lenny Boy Brewing Co.: 10 a.m., $5

High Branch Brewing Co. & Cabarrus Brewing Co.: Pedals & Pints 6 p.m. SATURDAY Unknown Brewing Co.: 2:30 p.m. Bike & Brew (10, 25 and 35-mile loop)

SUNDAY Bayne Brewing Co.: 11 a.m., Yoga Brewski, $10

SUNDAY Okra (Plaza Midwood): Sunday Slow Riders 2 p.m.

Three Spirits Brewery: 1:30 p.m., $10 (incl. beer)

The Olde Meck Brewery: 2:30 p.m (1.5 hour ride)

D9 Brewing Co.: 6:30 p.m., Detox To Retox, $10 Spoke Easy: 6 p.m.

16 »»» Fall/Winter 2016-2017 »»» www.gravitymagazinenc.com

Note: Activities are first come, first served, and times and dates can change, so check each location’s website before you go. If you’d like your event listed, please email all the details to info@gravitymagazinenc.com.

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Mooresville

Cornelius

Lake Norman

Huntersville

Mountain Island Lake

Shelby 34

Bessemer City 33

Mt Holly

18 17

Dallas

Gastonia

31 5

Belmont

3 4

5 6 7 1 South End

NoDa

CHARLOTTE 12

Plaza Midwood

2 8 1 9 2

Catawba River

York

Lake Wylie

Matthews

Pineville

Rock Hill

39 40

18 »»» Fall/Winter 2016-2017 »»» www.gravitymagazinenc.com

Lancaster

Waxhaw

1 Rock Bottom Restaurant

& Brewery

Kannapolis

528 S. Turner Ave.

Mt Pleasant

Concord

10620 Bailey Road • Cornelius

26 Bayne Brewing Co.

Mooresville

6 Sycamore Brewing

7 Triple C Brewing Co.

3000 S. Tryon Street 2161 Hawkins Street

2900 Griffith Street

9 Sugar Creek Brewing

215 Southside Drive

427 E. Statesville Ave.

Spittin’Distance from Charlotte 29 New Sarum Brewing Co.

11 Three Spirits Brewery

12 Legion Brewing

13 Birdsong Brewing Co.

14 NoDa Brewing Co.

1016 N. Davidson Street 2921 N. Tryon Street

15 Free Range Brewing

2320 N. Davidson Ave.

16 Heist Brewery

2909 N. Davidson Street • Suite 200

17 Salud Brewery

3306 N. Davidson Street 610 Anderson Street Opening Winter 2017

109 N. Lee Street • Salisbury

30 Rivermen Brewing Co.

52 Ervin Street • Belmont

31 York Chester Brewing Co.

1500 River Drive • Belmont

32 Cavendish Brewing Co.

Opening Winter 2017 207 N. Chester Street • Gastonia

33 Ole Dallas Brewery

136 Durkee Lane • Dallas

34 Bessemer City Brewing

201 W. Pennsylvania Ave. • Bessemer City

35 Newgrass Brewing Co.

213 S. Lafayette Street • Shelby

36 Barking Duck Brewing Co.

4400 Morris Park Drive • Mint Hill

37 The DreamChaser’s Brewery

115 East North Main Street • Waxhaw

South Carolina

19 Twenty-Six Acres Brewing Co.

7285 West Winds Blvd.

159 Barley Park Lane, Unit B

28 Ghostface Brewing

4402 Stuart Andrew Blvd., Suite A

19507 W. Catawba Ave. • Cornelius

27 Lake Norman Brewing Co.

10 Thirsty Nomad Brewing Co.

20 Cabarrus Brewing Co.

5 Lenny Boy Brewing Co.

329 McGill Ave.

21 High Branch Brewing

11138-C Treynorth Drive • Cornelius

25 Ass Clown Brewing Co.

1440 S. Tryon Street • Suite 110

Concord Mint Hill

4 Wooden Robot Brewery

18 Bold Missy Brewery

16432 Statesville Ave. • Huntersville

24 D9 Brewing Co.

1906 Commonwealth Ave.

23 Primal Brewery

5046 Old Pineville Road

1327 S. Mint Street

4150 Yancey Road

Harrisburg

3 The Unknown Brewing Co.

8 The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery

401 N. Tryon Street • Suite 100

2 Blue Blaze Brewing Co.

20 21

Huntersville/Cornelius

Charlotte

Salisbury

325 McGill Ave.

22 Commoners Brewing Co.

38 Full Spectrum Brewing

2180 Carolina Place Drive, Suite 101 • Fort Mill

39 Legal Remedy Brewing

129 Oakland Ave. • Rock Hill

40 Benford Brewing Co.

2271 Boxcar Road • Lancaster

Opening Winter 2017 1048 Copperfield Blvd. NE, Suite 101

Distilleries

Doc Porter’s Distillery

Great Wagon Road Distilling Co.

232 E. Peterson Drive 227 Southside Drive

Dragon Moonshine Co. 516 E. 15th Street Suite 14B

Seven Jars Distillery

Muddy River Distillery

Southern Grace Distilleries

Cideries

GoodRoad CiderWorks

Red Clay Ciderworks

Windy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill

Opening Winter 2017 117 Southside Drive 245 Clanton Road

1860 Black Hwy. • York, SC

6148-A Brookshire Blvd. 1500 River Drive • Belmont, NC Moving Fall 2016 130 Dutch Road • Mt. Pleasant, NC www.gravitymagazinenc.com ««« Fall/Winter 2016-2017 ««« 19

ontap »»»

By Ryan Moses The Beer Counselor Beercounselor.net

4 6

Sip Your Way

Into Cooler Days

We live in the Carolinas, which means it can feel like summer long into fall. But that’s OK … we have a beer (actually, six) for those in-between days, when the sun is setting sooner but it’s still hotter than blue blazes. [1] Fullsteam Southern Basil Farmhouse Ale ABV: 5% IBU: 30 Reminiscent of a good pesto, this is a great light and crisp summer beer brewed with local basil. It changes taste as the beer warms up, and is perfectly paired with a salad or grilled hamburger in all its charcoal goodness. [2] Haw River Mille Fleur Rustic Saison ABV: 5.8% IBU: 21 A crisp lemony taste and subtle hoppiness pair well with the floral aroma and taste of a “thousand” flowers, making this a good light beer for yeararound enjoyment. It has a nice dry finish that begs for another sip.

[3] Hi-Wire Hibiscus and White Grape Saison ABV: 8% This saison is more reminiscent of wine than beer. You get a white wine acidity and dryness, but it has more sweetness than most saisons due to the hibiscus and white grape barrel aging. This is an interesting take on the saison that beer lovers will not want to miss. [4] Blackberry Farm Native Series: Blackberry Rye Farmhouse Ale ABV: 6.3% IBU: 15 Another late summer/fall saison, this one offers sweetness from the blackberries and barrel aging, which helps balance the spiciness from the yeast and the rye malt. The fruitiness makes it a good entry beer for those new to saisons.

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[5] Highland Saw-Whet Saison ABV: 6% IBU: 50 This new saison is a little spicy and a little crisp. It’s a wonderful edition to Highland’s portfolio of beers, as the brewery recreates itself in this new era of American craft beer. Its maltiness makes it a good saison. [6] Wicked Weed Watermelon Saison ABV: 4.7% This is a light, crisp beer with a subtle touch of watermelon, making it perfect for those “Is it freaking fall yet?” days. You get a slight funkiness from the Belgian yeast to remind you this is a saison, which makes it a great beer to close out the last hints of summer at the pool or the beach.

You dream it. we build it. visit us online to see all of our custom builds

W W W.AT T I T U D E BYA LC H E M Y.C O M custom projects of all shapes and sizes! hot rods, custom cars, custom bars, tap handles, flight paddles and more!

@attitudebyalchemy 9020 e. franklin st | mt. pleasant, nc 28124 | 704-436-9952

& s p Pu

PINTS

By Karsen Price

Photo: BARKography by Kim Hollis

Move Over PB&J, This Combo’s Got You Beat

hat do you get when you take a wiggle-happy, slightly pungent, energetic fur-ball of a dog and add a glorious glass of the freshest, craft-made amber nectar found in the Queen City? Throw in a collection of dog and brew lovers — you know, the kind of people who will put down their beer to walk over and say hello to your pup — and what have you got? A brewery. But not just any brewery. A craft brewery.

Meet Griffin, a 1-year-old Doberman rescued through Doberman Rescue of the Triad. Her People: Rory & Richard Topping.

22 »»» Fall/Winter 2016-2017 »»» www.gravitymagazinenc.com

Photo: BARKography by Kim Hollis

this is Cash. His people are Whitney and Kyle Brekke.

There’s an attitude of acceptance in the craft beverage world that matches Fido’s “I love you, man” mentality.

Cheers To Dogs

Where did it originate, this connection between pups and pints? Perhaps it simply comes down to this: The type of people who can truly appreciate the art of craft beverages are typically (allergies aside) the type of people who understand the love and soulful satisfaction of a great pet. And dogs are the luckiest of all pets. Dogs, unlike most animals, can go nearly anywhere their parents go. (Have you ever tried to take a cat into a bar? Or a guinea pig? Maybe your puffer fish?) Bringing the dog along for the ride tends to be important to the craft-beverage crowd. Maybe that’s because beer lovers are in touch with their emotions, and likewise know it’s the little things that count. They know that animals are the best friends around.

Dogs don’t care if you lose your job … if you haven’t showered in a month … if you talk too much or you’re simply a bit weird. Dogs love you if you love them. And there’s an attitude of acceptance in the craft beverage world that matches Fido’s “I love you, man” mentality. The heart of the industry is a unique “indie-rules, lovethy-neighbor-and-thy-dog, let’s-appreciate-the-good-stuff” mentality that makes a brewery more than just a place to enjoy a beer. It makes it home away from home. And what’s a home without your favorite pet (A.K.A. best friend)?

Triple The Love

Need proof of this warm and fuzzy connection? Head into Triple C Brewery in South End, and take a look around. If you don’t see dogs hanging out at the bar with

their owners, waiting patiently for you to pet them, their cool neck-kerchiefs tied just so, then you’ll see evidence of dogness … including water bowls, dog treats, two outside “poop stations” and perhaps a collection of customers with more than a few dog hairs on their clothes. As Charlotte Beer Babes leader Bethany Burr puts it, Triple C is “probably the most dog-centric brewery in town.” Chris Harker (yes, rhymes with barker) is one of the owners of Triple C. He admits, “We love dogs. I have two labradoodles that come to work each day — Maggie and Barley. And head brewer Scott Kimball’s dog is named Ace. He is an awesome rescue mutt.” Harker says most visitors seem to have an affinity for dogs, but notes, “Obviously, some dogs are better behaved than others.”

www.gravitymagazinenc.com ««« Fall/Winter 2016-2017 ««« 23

g o D w e r Meet our B

[Cairo]

Cover Contenders!

@ Olde Mecklenburg Brewery Cairo’s person: Faith Ellerbe

[Ax el]

[JoJo]

[Zell

ie]

@ Birdsong Brewing His person: Lisa Haynes @ Wooden Robot Brewery His person: Mollie Blair Demott

[shadow]

[riggs] @ Craft Growler Shop His person: Logan Sutton

Triple C is known throughout the community for its dog charity efforts, and the brewery is proud of the effect they’ve made on Charlotte’s dog community. The brewery even made it into the Great Dogs of Charlotte book (Greatdogsclt.com; $29), a 160-page, hard-back book that

highlights Charlotte’s canine community and benefits the Humane Society of Charlotte. “Our annual 5K raised $17,500 for Project 2 Heal this year,” Harker says. “We have done a lot with the Humane Society, too. We host a charity dog walk called Barktoberfest each year. Charlotte

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@ Lenny Boy Brewing Co. Her person: Kimberly Simmons

@ NoDa Brewing His people: Heidi & Cody

@ Legion Brewing His person: Alexa Long

[buddytheb rewe

[louie]

@Full Spectrum Brewing His person: Loran Sekely

w/ Sycamore Brewing’s Southern Girl His person: Liz Ferguson

[brun o]

FEELING FRIENDLY? Want to bring your pup along wherever you go in life? Take a look at Dogphrendly.com, a cool site in development that features an interactive map of pet-friendly restaurants, hotels, and other businesses. The site was started in Charlotte, and is currently “seminationwide.”

Love Looks Like This

Modern Dog Photography | Schedule a session at kim@barkography.com | BARKography.com | 704.340.4105 www.gravitymagazinenc.com ««« Fall/Winter 2016-2017 ««« 25

Off-leash fun for your pooch, while you have a craft beverage THE DOG BAR ----3307 N Davidson St Fee of $10.00 for each dog Proof of vaccination/No Children IKE’S DOG PUB ----142 Consumer Square Drive Mooresville, NC Unleashed dogs can romp on soft astro turf, leashed on patio LUCKY DOG BARK & BREW ----Cornelius: 19607 Statesville Road Charlotte: 2220 Thrift Road Bar, boutique & doggie daycare Ages 21 and up ONLY.

Pride also has a doggie fashion show here each year.” Harker has a simple reason pups and pints go together so well. “Man’s best friend and man’s favorite drink!” he says.

Here, Boy

Townes Mozer is owner and brewer of Lenny Boy Brewing Co., and both his brewery’s name and logo have a connection with dogs. But not just any dog — his dog. “The name Lenny Boy is named after my dog, Lennox,” Mozer says. “It was a name that rolled off the tongue: ‘Hey, let me get a Lenny Boy.’ It felt like it was natural.” Mozer developed his logo to represent the deep connection between dogs, men and craft beverages. “The logo of a

man and a dog is universal, and usually evokes a sense of companionship and bond that we all have for dogs. Hence the quote, ‘A man’s best friend: the beer, the kombucha and the dog.’” At Lenny Boy Brewing, you’ll find dog treats for furry visitors. Visitors will also find a new brew pup, Luna, on site daily because, as Mozer notes, “Lenny unfortunately passed away in January.” The company is very involved in dog charities. “We are donating our yoga proceeds to Spay and Neuter Charlotte for the month of September,” Mozer says. “We are also hosting an adoptionready dog show this winter at the brewery. All of the dogs in the dog show will be up for adoption.”

Not Just For Men Brew lover Lindsay Olson would like to point out that the phrase “man’s best friend” is missing one important component – women. Case in point: Olson’s dog, Huey Lewis, is an adorable blackand-white rescue pup with huge clumsy paws and a penchant for breweries. The laid-back, lovable pooch was rescued by Olson from the Humane Society when he

y] e u [h @ Blue Blaze Brewing Huey’s person: Lindsay Olson

[porter] was just a few months old (he turned 3 years old in June 2016). Olson says her dog is more than just an important part of her life. “I’d say Huey is my life,” Olson says, with a smile. “He goes pretty much everywhere with me. All of my favorite spots are places that Huey is allowed to go.” Olson is one of the managers of VGBG Beer Hall & Garden in the NC Music Factory, where she’s worked for over four years. She’s also involved in the company’s new concept, a restaurant/ bar known as 8.2.0; likewise, she works long hours. When Olson is off work, she likes to bring Huey along when possible. “Which segues into why the breweries are perfect for us,” she says. “I love beer, and Huey is allowed to go to

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445 S. Main St. Davidson, NC 704-765-1171 davidsonvet.com • davidsonvet@gmail.com Dr. Nicole Sheehan

Dr. Carrie Uehlein

26 »»» Fall/Winter 2016-2017 »»» www.gravitymagazinenc.com

Pamper Your Pup

most breweries, so it’s a winwin! All of my friends know I prefer dog-friendly places. Huey is a sweet-mannered, easygoing boy, so he makes it easy to bring him along. He loves people, other pups and the attention he gets from both. I’m pretty sure he’s convinced he is a human … probably because I spoil him rotten and treat him as such.” Olson is a fan of Birdsong Brewing and Wooden Robot, but she appreciates all of Charlotte’s breweries, noting, “Each brewery brings something different to the scene.” Huey even has his own best brewery bud to hang with in town — a pup named Porter. Olson says, “Porter’s parents are also lovers of craft beer, so whenever we head to the breweries, the boys always come along.” Olson truly appreciates the connection between dogs and brew, and the way craft breweries perpetuate that connection. “I love how accepting the brew scene is of our fourlegged friends,” she says. “Most of the breweries we go to are super friendly and welcome the pups with a treat or two. It’s just a great culture, and one I’m glad I can support.” 1 8/4/2016 1:21:29 PM gravity_5.5x3.12.pdf

HopDog Collars

Stylish dog collars tough enough to let your dog be a dog. Crafted in Charlotte. Find them on Etsy, HopDogCLT (www.etsy.com/shop/HopDogCLT)

Pet Food Made to Order

Guaranteed the freshest food possible for your pet. www.petwantsclt.com Pet Wants Charlotte: The Urban Feed Store 2324 B Distribution St., Charlotte

Bowser Beer for Dogs

Beefy Brown Ale™ & Cock-a-Doodle Brew™ Available at Canine Cafe • 125 Remount Road

Painting & Things by Carla When she’s not running NoDa Brewing beer runs, Carla GarrisonMattos is also a talented muralist and pooch painter. To request a commission, message Carla at www. facebook.com/PaintingsAndThings/

CMY

www.gravitymagazinenc.com ««« Fall/Winter 2016-2017 ««« 27

Crazy For Craft A Peek At The Beericana Collection Of Juan Lozano

By Jackie Andolino Fogartie Photos By Wendy Raymond • Taps And Snaps

here’s no denying that craft beer has taken over Charlotte in recent years (lucky for us Queen City residents!), but there’s one man who has been a super-fan way before it was all the rage ... and he’s got the collection to

prove it. Juan Lozano, a banker by trade, has been into craft beer (or as he puts it, craft beer has been “into him”) for about 24 years. His passion has morphed into quite an impressive “Beericana” collection of craft beer paraphernalia that includes over a thousand items.

Brew Lover

In 1995, Lozano expanded his beer knowledge as part owner of a Charlotte equipment store. He remembers when Dilworth Brewing and The Mill Bakery and Brewing were some of the first Charlotte breweries in the 1990s. But almost before they began, the glory days seemed to be over. Lozano says, “After that, the craft beer scene in Charlotte went dormant for a long while. The time for craft beer in Charlotte had not arrived.” During this quiet time, beer-lover Lozano 28 »»» Fall/Winter 2016-2017 »»» www.gravitymagazinenc.com

frequently traveled to cultivate his love of craft beer. During each trip he would pick up some memorabilia. Sometimes it was a tap handle. Maybe a neon sign. Occasionally, he would add a full bottle of beer to his collection. Before long, Lozano’s collection was impressive, including over 1,500 full bottles of beers! These days, his bottle collection is on display at several of the local Duckworth’s restaurants. Lozano’s home collection (known as “Bitter Times”) is perhaps shortsightedly referred to as a man cave by some. Lozano says, “It goes beyond that. It is a place of history, of sights and scents. It is a place to reminisce as well as to create new memories. It is a place for friends and family to enjoy a nicely hopped, mildly chilled, craftily designed, wonderfully pleasing and deliriously aromatic beverage. It is the perfect place.”

Hopped Up

Lozano’s favorite items in his collection relate to hops. A true “hophead” before the term was even coined, Lozano and his wife traveled to the hop regions of the world, including Yakima, Washington, Kent, England, Plzen, Czech Republic, Hallertau and Germany to visit hop farms.

{

“It is a place of history, of sights and scents. It is a place to reminisce as well as to create new memories. It is a place for friends and family to enjoy a nicely hopped, mildly chilled, craftily designed, wonderfully pleasing and deliriously aromatic beverage.” ~Juan Lozano

www.gravitymagazinenc.com ««« Fall/Winter 2016-2017 ««« 29

“Many times we would spend days in the region visiting and sometimes working as unpaid volunteers at the farms,” Lozano says. “We met many families for whom hops has been a way of life for centuries.” Lozano’s collection includes a room dedicated solely to hops … including hop china from the late 1800s and an early 1900s English hoppickers basket. With his love for hops, it would seem that his favorite beer must be a hop-heavy choice, but asking Lozano to pick just one type of beer is cruel and unusual punishment. “I am asked that question many times, but honestly I cannot give an answer,” he says. “Can you really

select? Beer is such a perfect companion to life and life’s challenges. If you ask me the question prior to my first beer of the day, versus the last beer, my response will change. If you ask me the question after a long day at work or during my weekend, my response will change. My favorite beer is the one that is bold, that allures and pleases not just the palate but the mind.” Lozano is amazed at the ever-growing craft beer scene in Charlotte and loves that he no longer has to travel afar to get his hands on great beer. He says there is a challenge to

continue the growth, not just in number of breweries but in the quality of beer. He also speculates that breweries that do not produce comparable quality of beer may not survive. And while Lozano is aware people are concerned about a potential “beer bubble,” and even worse, the bursting of that bubble, frankly, Lozano doesn’t seem all that concerned. As Lozano puts it, “Over the next few years, the only bubbles about to burst are the ones at the top of everyone’s pint glass.”

Jackie Fogartie is a wedding and event planner who loves to brewery hop in her spare time. Her favorite local beers are OMB’s Captain Jack and NoDa’s Jam Session.

Handcrafted Ceramic Growlers

CUSTOM GROWLERS 32 OZ & 64 OZ

Please allow 4 weeks for custom growlers. Questions? Contact james@qcgrowlers.com or 585-410-4055

www.qcgrowlers.com 30 »»» Fall/Winter 2016-2017 »»» www.gravitymagazinenc.com

Drink One, Don’t Be One

Parkway Commerce Park 10620 Bailey Rd, Cornelius, NC 28031 M-Th. 3 p.m. - 9 p.m. • Fri. & Sat. 12 p.m.-10 p.m. • Sun. 12-8pm 704-995-7767 - www.assclownbrewing.com - #tapsomeassclown www.gravitymagazinenc.com ««« Fall/Winter 2016-2017 ««« 31

inthespirits »»»

Local

Libations Photo & recipe by Sam Rozzi

Whether you are at home or ordering out, give local flavor a try! Consider these cocktails made with spirits from area distilleries.

[silver sip] 2 shots Dragon Moonshine Co. Silver Rum 3 to 4 strawberries muddled Mint leaves Muddle a few mint leaves with the strawberries. Add pomegranate juice and club soda to your liking. Top off with ice cubes and garnish with a strawberry and mint leaf.

[Windy Ginger Mule] Tito’s Vodka, Canton Ginger Liqueur, Windy Hills Ginger Cider & lime juice. Available at Good Food on Montford.

[clear your schedule]

Mix equal parts cranberry juice and lemonade with 1.5 ounces of Southern Grace Sun Dog 130 Corn Whiskey over ice and mint. Finish with a squeeze of lime juice and enjoy.

32 »»» Fall/Winter 2016-2017 »»» www.gravitymagazinenc.com

Capture the essence of food & beverage

Wendy Raymond 704-626-8051 @tapsandsnaps

www.tapsandsnaps.com

n a e t Crea

[ATTITUDE] irst, you must create good beer. Second comes the vibe in your taproom. A lot of thought goes into what mood a brewery or taproom wants to evoke. Many times, the handcrafted, reclaimed vision is the path people take. Whether it is a professional brewery or a fabulous home bar, we want to surround ourselves in goodness. Check out what Attitude by Alchemy, a Mount Pleasant, N.C.-based company that specializes in custom cars, is handcrafting for local businesses. This is just one more example of what effect the craft beverage industry is having on the Charlotte area – a car shop has expanded their talents to cater to the needs of breweries. What a beautiful thing.

Custom made beer flight paddles made from reclaimed barn wood

Custom made dark walnut tap handles with CBC logo burned and custom printed medallions

Custom bar built from reclaimed floor boards from an old mill building with ¾” deep epoxy finish. The old rough cut edging and tin were reclaimed from an old tobacco farm in Mt. Pilot

Traditional Styles with Modern Ingredients

109 N. LEE STREET | SALISBURY NC | WWW.NEWSARUMBREWING.COM

34 »»» Fall/Winter 2016-2017 »»» www.gravitymagazinenc.com

WEEKLY SPECIALS MONDAY 7.50 BEER FLIGHTS TUESDAY 3.00 LOCAL PINTS WEDNESDAY 6.00 CHEESE AND CHARCUTERIE BOARDS THURSDAY LIVE LOCAL MUSIC

1320 S. CHURCH ST • CHARLOTTE NC 28203 • WWW.CRAFTGROWLERSHOP.COM

presentation matters

704-916-9470 @beardbeerbard castingshadowsphotography.com www.gravitymagazinenc.com ««« Fall/Winter 2016-2017 ««« 35

3 offthevine »»»

Wines To Try For Fall

Reviewed By The NC Wine Guys

! p i r T d a o R Silver Fork Winery 5000 Patton Road Morgantown, NC 28655 Silverforkwinery.com (828) 391-8783

North Carolina Wineries

McRitchie Winery & Ciderworks 315 Thurmond Post Office Road Thurmond, NC 28683 McRitchiewine.com (336) 874-3003

36 »»» Fall/Winter 2016-2017 »»» www.gravitymagazinenc.com

Shelton Vineyards 230 Cabernet Lane Dobson, NC 27017 Sheltonvineyards.com (336) 366-4724

Silver Fork Winery 2015 Stainless Chardonnay

McRitchie Winery & Ciderworks 2012 Ring Of Fire

Shelton Vineyards 2011 Petit Verdot

Fall is the perfect time for Chardonnay. The 2015 vintage from Silver Fork Winery is one of the best. Unlike heavily oaky counterparts, this wine is fermented and aged all in stainless steel, which results in a fresh and crisp wine. Tropical notes of coconut and pineapple are present on the nose. The flavors start off with green apples before moving to a creamed honey mid-palate. The finish is dry with a touch of candied citrus peels. Pair this wine with a soft champagne cheddar-and-fig spread and you’ll be set for a great afternoon.

“Ring of Fire” is a wellknown song by Johnny Cash. This red wine follows suit in popularity. Each year, the blend is slightly different. The 2012 vintage is Petit Verdot, Merlot and Sangiovese. This wine is big and bold with hints of cocoa on the nose. The color is deep, almost opaque and ruby red. The flavors are well rounded and incredibly smooth. Dried fruits come to mind such as plums and figs, and a light leather note graces the finish. This is one blend we will keep buying year after year because it’s one that initially got us interested in North Carolina wine.

Petit Verdot, often used in blends to add a rich color and deepen flavors, has found a home in North Carolina. The 2011 vintage from Shelton Vineyards is an excellent example. As a stand-alone wine, it is a brilliant garnet color. The nose offers vanilla tones with a delicate spice in the background. The flavor is expressive, starting with fresh cherries and a mild raspberry. Toasty vanilla and a mild oaky mid-palate fade into a long and gentle finish.

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offthevine »»»

A Force To Reckon

Here’s the sorting and crushing machine. Grapes are added into the sorter (far right), then loaded into the hopper on top of the crusher and fall into the presser. There they mingle until ready to drain. Check out the tank room itself. The long pipe in the middle of the photo is where the wine enters the room. The gravity-flow wine can be diverted to any of the tanks in the room.

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With >

Gravity-Fed Winemaking

After fermentation and aging, the wines flow from the tank room into the bottling room.

By Matt Kemberling & Joe Brock The NC Wine Guys

ravity. When you first hear the word, most people think of the force that keeps their feet firmly affixed to the ground. Fermentation fanatics might also know it as specific gravity — the measure of relative density of wort or must compared to water. But did you know

that gravity (the force) also plays an important role in winemaking? When it comes to wine, we sometimes take gravity for granted. In a winery though, gravity can make a difference in a wine … not just in the quality, but in the final cost of the wine.

www.gravitymagazinenc.com ««« Fall/Winter 2016-2017 ««« 39

After the wine goes into the tank, some will end up in barrels like this. Gravity & Grapes

Let’s start with one fundamental problem of winemaking: the grapes. Wine grapes are small berries in a cluster hanging from a central branch that grow on a vine. One thing these grapes share with everyday grocery-store grapes is they are incredibly delicate. Do you pack grapes next to milk in a grocery bag? No. You pack them on their own or with a loaf of bread. Why? Because bruised grapes don’t taste the same. The same goes for winemaking. Tender loving care is given to each cluster of grapes. Winemakers are constantly looking for ways to treat the grapes more delicately, which is ironic because they eventually end up squeezing the living juices out of them. What does this have to do with gravity? The answer lies in the winemaking process. The typical steps are, in order: sort, crush, press, ferment, bottle. Most wineries are on one single level. This means

they have to pump the wine from one step to the next. Pumping wine isn’t delicate. Pumping can really shake up a wine. To combat this, some wineries use gravity to their advantage. Case in point, and located right in our backyard, is Shelton Vineyards. The winery at Shelton is built deep into the hillside. This allows for multiple levels, one for each stage in the winemaking process. Grapes start out on the crush pad. There, gentle sorting takes place, including the removal of stems and leaves so only grapes remain. Then they are loaded into the crusher. Juices and grape skins fall down into the first tank, where the skins are allowed to mix (or are pressed) with the juice for a short time. The skins are discarded and the flavorful juices flow freely out of a pipe

and into the tank room below. Here, fermentation takes place under close supervision. Some wines are transferred into oak barrels, while others remain in the steel tanks. Gravity plays a major part in each step. After fermentation and aging, the wines are ready for bottling. At Shelton, even this part depends on using gravity. The result is a flavorful wine that is more expressive and requires a little less work when compared to the typical pumping operation. Did we mention it costs less, too? No pumps means less energy consumption, and that generally means a lower electric bill. Wineries can pass the savings on to the bottle. Still not convinced? Shelton offers tours of their winery on a regular basis. Stop in and see it with your own eyes and taste the difference.

Matt Kemberling & Joe Brock are two guys who love wine, local breweries, farm to fork and all things local. Follow their adventures at http:// ncwineguys.com or on Twitter @NCWineGuys.

40 »»» Fall/Winter 2016-2017 »»» www.gravitymagazinenc.com

the fillmore, C HARLOTTE, NC save the

date!

feb. 4th, 2017

BENEFITING ACEING AUTISM

Charlotte

Craft beer & special Guest breweries Gravity Magazine will Present the Coveted

Limited tickets

Of QCbf’!

tickets on sale dec 1

‘best bReweRy

fOR MORe INfORMatION

QCbrewfest.com

craftseen »»»

Did you hear? An important conversation was held at Sugar Creek Brewing late summer 2016: the Women Behind the Beer Conversation, featuring Alexa Long from Legion Brewing, Bethany Burr of the Charlotte Beer Babes, and Andrea Glagow, from Unknown Brewing Co. The whole thing was a blast, and moderated by Amanda W. with Girls Pint Out.

Gravity Magazine’s own brew dog Bruno caught in the act delivering at Noda Brewing Co.

Congrats to the brewery swag winners, Danielle, Krista, Haydan and Debra for completing the Gravity Magazine Beer Run Marathon.

Insurance for Craft Beverage Enthusiasts Home. Auto. Business. Life.

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CRAFT YOUR PATH

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