WELL-TRAVELED BEER

from Carolina Brew Scene - Fall 2018

by Becky Wetherington

TIGHT LINES

A variety of beer and mead at Well Travelled Beer in Goldsboro.

Story by Lindell John Kay Photos by Alan Campbell

North Carolina's first craft beer shop can be found in downtown Goldsboro.

Well Travelled Beer, a bar and bottle shop, has everything from a growing assortment of craft beer, wine, sake and soda. Anything and everything for someone who enjoys a little adventure in their glass.

Located at 201 S. Center St., the shop is locally owned and operated by veteran John Hodge and his brother Sam.

Along with its mass assortment of beers, what sets WTB apart from other establishments is its easygoing atmosphere, Sam Hodge said. "We have a very inviting bar," Hodge said. "People come to our bar to meet people."

Hodge said they're still looking to do everything better. "We want more live music, more original local music," Hodge said. "We're looking at a gaming night and other events. We don't want to do the same things everyone else is doing."

They're off to a great start with their popular Bottle Share. The bar can't sell any beer from outside the state unless it's through a distributor. But patrons who grab an extra six pack while out-of-state can share a tasting of the beer with other patrons.

It's just another example of how WTB patrons are a community, Hodge said.

Well Travelled Beer offers a $99 annual membership that allows drinkers to taste more of what the world is brewing.

Each month, the owners hand pick tasty beers from North Carolina, the United States and around the world.

Styles of beers change but the owners promise it's well worth the price of the trip to Well Travelled Beer.

Whenever limited beers come in,

16 | Carolina Brew Scene | Fall 2018

Carolina Brew Scene Military Issue

members get first choice. "It's a common occurrence that we can only get 12 or 24 bottles of a given beer and we want to make sure our members are covered," the owners said.

Members also get all WTB merchandise at cost.

An annual membership makes a great gift for a beer drinking friend or loved one. The membership is perfect for folks who like to explore, taste what's out there and can't make up their minds.

Members get a new beer to try each month. The beers come in six packs, four packs, bombers or otherwise, depending on the manufacturer. "We have the best selection at the best price," Hodge said.

Named for the brothers' love of travelling and trying new beers — WTB occupies a historical building constructed in the 1870s. In its heyday, the building housed a fine dining restaurant. The site has also been home to several other businesses, including a corner grocery and an appliance store.