Craft Libations Hops, Suds & Frosty Brews

Spirits thrive around Lake Norman

COMPILED BY TONY RICCIARDELLI

D9 Brewing Company

D9 Brewing Company recently celebrated its ninth anniversary, remaining true to its brand tag line — “First in Flavor.” D9 Brewing has won several awards as one of the craft brew industry’s flavor pioneers and is one of the Southeast’s largest and fastest-growing breweries. In addition to its original Cornelius brewery and taproom, D9 now has locations in uptown Charlotte and in Hendersonville in the western North Carolina mountains. Regular events at the Cornelius location include food trucks, live music and trivia nights. A few of D9’s many varieties of beer include Swell Rider Tangerine Session Ale, Orion’s Milk Stout Brown Ale, Hakuna Matata Tropical IPA, Brown Sugar Brown Cow Brown Ale and Orion’s Milk Stout. Thirsty to learn more? Belly up to D9 Brewing Company’s Cornelius taproom bar at 11138 Treynorth Drive, visit www. d9brewing.com or call 704.457.9368.

Royal Bliss

Royal Bliss has become an award-winning presence in the ever-popular craft brew industry. Their products can be found in more than 220 locations in a footprint that stretches from Denver to Charlotte to Boone and Blowing Rock to Winston-Salem. On tap items include Denver’s First Pilsner, Peach Body Berliner Weisse, 73 & Hazy New England IPA and Carolina Girl Pale Ale. Royal Bliss has connected with their community as well. In their first year alone, they donated approximately $26,000 to area charities, including the Coalition Against Domestic Violence, United Way, local veteran’s groups and animal shelters.

Royal Bliss Brewing Co. is at 7532 Royal Bliss Court, Denver. Learn more about the brewery at www.royalblissbrewing. com or call them at 704.951.8388.

760 Craft Works

The soda shop counter stools that line the bar bring an element of old school, while the vintage rugs, upholstered window seats and lounge furniture make you feel like you’re in your friend’s living room. The name is a nod to the 760’ elevation line of Lake Norman at full pond, and the emphasis on craft in all their offerings from what’s on tap, to wine and cider. 760 Craft Works offers a wide selection of ales and lagers including Czech lager and a Munich Dunkel, Hazy IPA, West Coast IPA, fruited Sours and big Stout on tap. With 8,000 square feet indoors and an additional 4,000 square feet of patio outside, there is plenty of space for everyone to enjoy some beverages.

760 Craft Works is at 100 Gilead Rd, Huntersville. For more information, visit its Facebook page or www.760craftworks. com.

Ass Clown

Ass Clown Brewing Company has 32 beers on tap and a rotating menu that changes every two weeks. The beer list boasts staples like Orange Citrus IPA, an easy to drink hazy IPA brewed with orange peel; Ass Clown IPA, a hazy cloudy IPA; and Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Stout. Seasonal beers include Under a Sombrero, a crisp zested lager; Light Wave Orange, a citrusy light lager; and Raspberry Hibiscus Blonde, a crisp blonde ale. The space is both kid-friendly and dog-friendly with a small outdoor patio. Weekly specials include Monday night trivia, Tuesday $4 drafts, Wednesday discounted to-go options and live music on Saturdays.

Ass Clown Brewing Company is at 10620 Bailey Road, Suite E, in Cornelius. Hours of operation are Monday to Thursday from 2 to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to 11 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.

Southern Distilling Company

Family-owned Southern Distilling Company boasts their own Southern Star brand, with several premium bourbons, rye whiskeys, and a bourbon cream liqueur. Southern Star Paragon Cask Strength Single Barrel Wheated Straight Bourbon Whiskey was recently awarded Best in Class (Best Single Bourbon Up to 10 years) and Best Overall Bourbon out of a field of 650 spirits at the New York Wine & Spirits Competition ’22. Visitors to Southern Distilling Company can learn more about the distilling process on a one-hour tour. Their recently completed barn will accommodate venues with up to 500 people (weather permitting).

Southern Distilling Company is located at 211 Jennings Road, Statesville, NC. For more information dial 704.978.7175 or visit www.southerndistillingcompany.com

If you’re looking to create your own beer tour, head to visitlakenorman.org, with a full and comprehensive beer and wine trail map, organized by the neighborhood.