Let's Hit the Road

Let’s Hit the Road:

CHARLOTTE,

NORTH CAROLINA

BY DENNIS MALCOLM BYRON, AKA ALE SHARPTON

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY CHARLOTTESGOTALOT.COM / KYO H HAM

As a freelance beer journalist residing in Atlanta, Georgia, I make it a point to find cities within a decent driving distance—usually less than four hours away—when I want to make a quick getaway to quench my out-of-state thirst. While the South continues to establish itself as a recognized destination for sipping craft ales and lagers, I recommend taking a trip to another state that is currently sharing the same passion: North Carolina. Specifically, Charlotte, also known as the Queen City, is a highly recommended beer destination. Here’s why...Charlotte is making it a priority to be a legitimate beer town.According to Charlotte’s Regional Visitors Authority, between 2012 and 2018 the city went from seven craft breweries to nearly 50, an astounding 600 percent boom. Proof enough? In order to cover a lot of ground in one article, let’s take a ride on the new Blue Line LYNX Light Rail, introduced in March of 2018. One of its main functions is to provide Charlotte residents and visitors with easier access to many of its standout breweries. From South to North Charlotte, here are the stations and breweries within close proximity.

SCALEYBARK STATION

The German-inspired Olde Mecklenburg Brewery is regarded as the brewery that started the boom in 2009 and now has an 8-acre biergarten that constantly rocks. Their neighbor, Sugar Creek Brewing Co., is all about Belgian tradition with their solid lineup. The new Brewers at 4001 Yancey is a joint venture with heavy hitters Southern Tier Brewing Co. and Victory Brewing Co., boasting a strong focus on pairing delectable eats with their nationally renowned beers. Thirsty Nomad Brewing Co., also new to the scene, brings a chill vibe and dope artwork, while Three Spirits Brewery continues to build their fanbase with their proudly brewed unfiltered sippers.

NEW BERN STATION

Triple C Brewing Co. is a Queen City favorite and has recently expanded. Lenny Boy Brewing Co. is a great choice for a group, as they serve up everything from single-hopped IPAs to gluten-free wild ales, organic kombucha and sours. Hyde Brewing is based in the hip The Suffolk Punch – a coffeehouse, eatery and brewery combination –and boasts one of the most extensive beer lists in the city, including many in-house creations.

BLAND STATION

The nationally renowned Wooden Robot Brewery kills it in the beer game, and now they have the Kre8 Gastropub serving up mouthwatering fare to seal the deal. Unknown Brewing Co. was the first brewery I ever visited in Charlotte and will continue to be at the top of my list. They have a dedication to creating off-the-wall brews and also host the best tailgate parties, especially for the nearby Carolina Panthers.

25TH STREET STATION

Started by brothers Jason and Jeff Alexander, Free Range Brewing is all about family and community. They reach out to partner with various locals on produce, products, charity initiatives, art–you name it. They make damn good beer, too.

36TH STREET STATION

I have to hit up Salud Cerveceria whenever I’m in the North Davidson Arts & Entertainment District, aka NoDa. My initial visit welcomed me with a live DJ, coolers of hard-to-find craft beers and numerous taps

pouring liquid bliss. Now there are two floors, a talented kitchen, event space, bar games and a variety of beers they brew on-site. A short ride away is NoDa Brewing Co. with their award-winning Hop, Drop ‘n Roll IPA. Birdsong Brewing Co. brings the heat with their revered Jalapeño Pale Ale and a happening taproom that often hosts live music. Now boasting 30-barrel production on-site, Heist Brewery steadily attracts both craft beer imbibers and cocktail sippers with more than 100 whiskeys, plus tapas to add to the appeal.

SUGAR CREEK STATION

I have yet to thoroughly explore this area, but I hear Bold Missy Brewery not only slings great beers, but defies the industry norm with a founder and brewmaster who are both females. If sours and wild beers are your thing, Divine Barrel Brewing Co. is quickly earning its reputation of producing the best.

Take a ride on the Charlotte Blue Line LYNX Light Rail and do all the brewery hopping you can handle.

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