Apr/May 2015

free

We Are taking flight a few new brews

Taking Flight

greensboro’s newest craft beer

made in greensboro

the magic of mack and mack clothing

Stop That Destructive Thing You Do A message from Jasmine Nehilla

april/may 2015

We Are More Than Where... It’s Who We Are

Volume: 03

ISSUE: 08

EDITORIAL

wearegreensboro.com

Managing director /editor

Tony Bates | tbates@wearegreensboro.com

creative director

Arthur Bates Jr. | abates@wearegreensboro.com Non-profit coordinator

Veronica Bates | vlb@wearegreensboro.com staff writers

Jasmine Simmons-Nehilla | jasmines@wearegreensboro.com Carol Bates Morris | cmore@wearegreensboro.com

ADVERTISING advertising manager

John Graham | jgraham@wearegreensboro.com

Published by: We Are Greensboro 415 Pisgah Church Rd. #186 Greensboro, NC 27455 www.wearegreensboro.com 336.987.3545

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Š We Are Greensboro 2012-2014 All material is strictly copyrighted and all rights are reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without the written permission of We Are Greensboro is strictly forbidden. The greatest care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine at the time of going to press, but we accept no responsibility for omissions, errors, products, services, information or statements made by contributing editors or advertisers. We Are Greensboro reserves the right to deny advertising or any other type of submission that does not meet our standards.

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A Word (or two) From

the editor As it has been throughout the ages, when a new generation of young adults come into their own, new trends invariably come with them. While we will always have those who appreciate a good glass of Chardonnay, craft beer seems to be emerging more and more as a drink of choice, for more discerning palates.

Some may scoff; those that don’t fully appreciate the nuances between different styles of beer will most likely never truly get it.

However, for many, the days of hanging in the parent’s basement with a TV and a “commercial” six-pack have evolved into a trip to a local microbrewery with friends or to pick up a growler for home.

In this issue, read about some of Greensboro’s newest breweries, then visit them for yourself and find out why craft beer is really taking flight!

Please remember to ALWAYS drink responsibly, ALWAYS have a designated driver and NEVER drink and drive!!

(Left) - Kidzone owner Nicole Ray stands in front of her Battleground Avenue location. Kidzone is one of our favorites and an abousolte MUST for parents... See her ad in this issue and stop in to check out the incredible deals for yourself.

invest in greensboro • keep it local cover - a pig pounder flight this page - kidzone - 3728-c battleground Avenue photos by t. bates 03

04 04

Contents Taking Flight 06

Stop That Destructive Thing You Do

06

Taking Flight We took a look at a few of the area’s newest craft breweries... If you like a good beer, you’ll love what we found.

The magic of

08

mack and mack

08

That Destructive Thing You Do Or rather STOP doing that distructive thing you do. Jasmine

explains how easy it is to make the small changes we all need to make...Today

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Friendly Photos

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The Magic of Mack and Mack

For well over a decade, Mack and Mack Clothing has been an institution in downtown Greensboro. Take an inside look at what it truly means to be Made in Greensboro

27 GREENSBORO SCIENCE CENTER AQUARIUM MUSEUM ZOO

4301 Lawndale Dr • (336) 288-3769 greensboroscience.org

Photos

Most of these photos of our friends (well, all except one), were taken at either Gibb’s Hundred Brewery of Pig Pounder... Next time we’re there, maybe we can get a photo of you too!

2400 16th St • 336. 373.3272 greensborosportsplex.com

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Taking Flight

Tony Bates

A Few New Brews

I

t’s being called an explosion; as of 2014 there were a total of 3418 microbreweries/brewpubs in the U.S. With 615 opening last year alone, there’s no end in sight to the steady increase that’s been happening each of the past several years. So aggressive is the shift in the habits of beer drinkers across the country that brewing giant Anheuser-Busch felt it necessary to spend a small fortune on a Super Bowl ad perpetuating the myth of macro breweries, while taking a swipe at micros and the millions of people who enjoy craft beer.

Nice try Bud, but we’re a little older now and today, perhaps, our approach to life and the complexity of our palates have grown past sitting around with the fellas (or the girls) knocking back a few cans of whatever suds were on sale at the corner store. Not to say that spending time enjoying a few beers with friends is a bad thing, we both know that’s not true, but if your idea of a good time now includes the actual taste of the beer and the ambiance of where you choose to enjoy it, finally we have options. However, having options wasn’t always the case when it came to microbreweries in Greensboro. What started with Red Oak continued with Natty Greene’s and while they still brew excellent beer in several varieties, with Red Oak moving to a larger production facility in Whitsett, Natty’s remained the only game in town for almost a decade.

All of that began to change last June when local developer and restaurateur Marty Kotis added Pig Pounder Brewery to his already notable resume. Specializing in English Style Ales, Pig Pounder strives to be different, as manager Kendal Corrington explains, “Our agenda is to produce something unique, by not following what’s trending at that given moment”. In addition to various seasonal brews, they maintain constant production of their five signature ales, production which

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Tony Bates

begins with the brewer. In this case that would be Sam Rose, recruited from Highland Brewing Company in Asheville, Pig Pounder’s Brewmaster and Director of Operations’ commitment to quality is evident as he uses only the finest quality ingredients in his beer, going as far as to have their fresh water hauled in from a farm in Summerfield for each batch produced.

Between its tasting bar and patio, Pig Pounder is a great place to host a small gathering of up to 50 people (130-140 with their patio), while providing personal and group tours of their brewing facilities as well. But it’s the beer that will bring you and the beer that will keep you coming back. Kendal isn’t the least bit shy about the quality of her products, as she tells me; “in our first year of operations, Pig Pounder’s English-style ales are already gaining notoriety in a crowded North Carolina field. At the State Fair in September 2014, four brews won medals in the NC Brewer’s Cup: Plain Pig with a bronze, Mild Mud and Extra Special Pig with silvers and Boar Brown with a gold medal in the English Brown Ale category”; not bad at all for one of the new kids on the block.

Like all of the area’s newest microbreweries, Pig Pounder does not have a kitchen. Instead, they have a regularly scheduled food truck courtesy of sister establishment Darryl’s Wood-fired Grill. Aptly named the Pulled Piggy, it offers standard BBQ fare and assorted specialty dishes (the loaded tater-tots, while diet busting, were amazing) and is available just outside the door Thursday thru Sunday, starting at around 4:30 pm. If your tastes are running outside of the Pulled Piggy’s offerings, Pig Pounder is just a short walk from two of their sister restaurants Marshall Freehouse and Burger Warfare, in addition to Red Cinemas, all of which offer Pig Pounder beer. (cont. on pg. 20)

A Gibs Hundred Half-Flight (Front to Back) Cherchez La Femme (Milk Stout) Blind Man’s Holiday (Pale Ale) The Guilty Party (ESB) 07

Stop

That

Destr

ucti ve T hing You D o Jasmine Nehilla Staff Writer

pring is here in full bloom. And with transition seasons like fall and spring, the whole underlying message is change. The time changes, the weather changes, your wardrobe changes— you know, "April showers bring May flowers." In my house, spring cleaning is an all-inclusive Fabuloso, Swiffer, black Hefty bag extravaganza.

I love creating in a fresh clean space.

Spring cleaning shouldn't just be a physical activity that involves scrubbing each and every crevice of your home. While everything is changing all around you and decluttering is at a Pinterest board pinnacle, go with the flow of Mother Nature and make some habitual changes for yourself. Decluttering your space is just the inception. Have you wanted to make positive changes in your life but couldn't muster up the motivation?

You're definitely not alone. If you're grieving, unhappy or stressed, I'm sure you've wallowed in the funk of self-destructive behavior—I have.

“

I'm actually just now sloughing off my cloak of diffidence. This year, and what seems like every year before it, has been difficult. But, life is fickle. It can be jubilantly bountiful or gut wrenchingly arduous in the matter of a millisecond. My easy breezy part-time job became a wicked and toxic environment—so unhealthy that my twentyfive-year-old manager had a stroke, temporarily lost dexterity in her right hand and leg, and they laid her off a month later. My aunt passed away leaving behind one pregnant daughter and a recently widowed daughter. And while I hadn't seen this side of my family in long time, burying my auntie was like burying my childhood. Upon my return, I too was laid off and about a week later my grandfather was in the hospital. Honestly, for the remainder of February and the beginning of March it was a struggle to keep focus. I had been working really hard on some projects and I just couldn't anymore. I did, however, have enough energy to be hard on myself about being distracted. For-

get the fact that I'm human or that I was terrified, grief-stricken, exhausted—in my kamikaze impractical world of Stepford wife perfection, I was failing.

"This could be the day that you stop that destructive thing you do."

Quit standing in front of the mirror and picking yourself apart.

Quit shaming yourself for not being whatever your mind has visualized you to be. As soon as you notice yourself groaning in disappointment and saying, "I used to talk to my sister every day." "My butt used to be rounder; my stomach was flatter." "I would love to eat healthy but..." Make a change right then and there. Pick up the phone and call your sister. My Uncle told my husband and I, "all it takes is 20 seconds to check in with your family." Right there in the bathroom, wall sit for 60 seconds or bust out 25 good healthy squats. WHO CARES if someone walks in on you, you're looking out for you, you're taking care of you. Just do it—You're making you feel better.

“

S

Image of Jasmine by Heather Lashun Facebook.com/pages/Heather-LaShun-Photography/257952385411

make a change right then and there

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Understand this: changing a behavior isn't a nose-wiggling, snap-of-the-fingers type of thing. It is an extensive process that only occurs when you're open to changing. No one can force you into wanting to change. Zenhabits.com describes it as "a greased slope — right now, the slope is greased toward your self-destructive behavior, so even if you fight against it, you’re likely to keep doing the behavior." The sleazy incline is adjustable though, and as you struggle to move away from the self-destruction it's inevitable you'll slip, more than once. Learn from those stumbles! The experiences will teach you what you need and how to modify your environment to be successful in your next attempt to climb the slope. Great things never came from comfortable places. Growth is painful. Change is painful. But nothing is as painful as staying stuck in a dark place. It is not where you belong.

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State Street Footwear, Apparel & Accessories 501 State Street • 336.274.4533 • YamamoriLtd.com 507 State Street • 336.275.7645 • lillobella.com

Vera’s Threads 511 State Street • 336.288.8772 • linneasboutique.com

500 State Street • 336.574.0100 pinkribbonchic.com

307 State St •279-1124 www.tylerwhitegallery.com

515 State St • 336. 545.3003 linneasboutique.com

309 State St. • 336.230.2266 • Find Us On Facebook 10

Monday-Friday 10:00-5:30 Saturday 10:00-3:00 Also by Appointment 501 State Street Greensboro, NC 27205 336.274.4533 YamamoriLtd.com

Eclectic by Nature experience the magic & escape the ordinary

414 State Street • 336. 373.0733 • eclecticbynature.com

414 State Street • 336.609.4207 • vidapourtea.com

All This, and More

When was the last time you visited State Street? No, not just a quick drive through, but a nice relaxing look. If it’s been a while (or if you’ve never been), then you have no idea what you’re really missing. The shopping, the dining, the spas, salons and yoga... things here are better than ever and keep evolving and growing. Here is where you find that wonderful spot right between the tried and familiar and the new and exciting. With new places opening all the time and the vibe here better than ever, isn’t it time you took...

a stroll down State Street

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sb o ro re en g in

m ad e 14

“

It’s all about the fabric

the magic of

Mac k and Ma c k

A

Tony Bates

simple statement, “it’s all about the fabric”, has been the mantra and one of the guiding principles that Robin Mack Davis, owner of Mack and Mack Clothing, has used to successfully bring her vision to fruition. That vision, designing, producing and marketing her line of clothes through her downtown showroom - not only continues to greatly enhance the Greensboro fashion scene, but has the added benefit of epitomizing the concept of “keeping it local.”

A Greensboro native, after completing her degree at UNC Chapel Hill, Robin moved to the New York where she obtained a certificate at the Traphagen School of Design followed by seven years working with renowned designer James T. Clarke. Under Clarke’s tutelage, she learned, among her many lessons, “a great deal about dress designs that have a slimming effect and about innovative construction methods for clothes.”

Returning to Greensboro in 1991, Robin started exploring her options, ultimately deciding to begin her own line. She began incubating her business in 1995 at the Nussbaum Center and after five years perfecting her techniques, opened Mack and Mack’s current showroom and production facility in 2000. Knowing that the heart of downtown on South Elm Street was the ideal location, Robin has never looked back.

With her extensive background in the fashion industry, of course Robin acknowledges the importance of distinctive designs and quality fabrication; after all, styling, comfort, wearability and superior construction are the trademarks of great clothing and she incorporates them all. Yet, like the foundations of great architecture or the skeleton of the human body, it all begins with the framework and in this case that framework is the fabric. At Mack and Mack the fabric of choice and the backbone of all of their basic pieces (tops, tunics, pants, skirts, and dresses) is a Japanese polyester tissue crepe that Robin has dubbed “Magic.” Breathable, flowing, elegant and extremely durable, Magic truly lives up to its name. (cont. on pg. 24) 15

Downtown Greensboro 220 South Elm St. • 800.279.6480 • mamclothing.com

loafgreensboro.com 227 South Elm St. • 336.271.3344

Mechelle’s Boutique Everything a girl could want!

229 South Elm St. 336.422.1879 chakrasinc.com

227 South Elm St • 336.574.4496

342 S Elm St. #100 • 336. 272.1800 • shopdesignarchives.com

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verything a vibrant downtown should be, Greensboro is alive and South Elm St. is it’s pulse. And for those of you who have forgotten (or have yet to discover), the flow doesn’t stop at the railroad tracks. South End (S. Elm St., south across the railroad tracks to Lee St.), is one of our favorite locations to shop, dine and explore. Invused among the city’s highest concentration of amazing antique shops are beautiful art galleries, furniture and home decor shops, a theatre, brewery, museum and a wide assortment of dining options. And thats only the beginning; ice skating in the winter, the GSO City Market spring, summer and autumn, and an all around fun time the First Friday of each month, all year long. In fact, the only way to experience it all is to head downtown and experience ALL of it for yourself.

Ambleside Gallery

Original Paintings • Sculpture • Custom Framing • Restoration

5 28 S. Elm St • 336.275.9844 amblesidearts.com 530 South Elm St • 336.389.9934

julesantiques.com

600South Elm St • 336.279.8525

table16restaurant.com

524 S. Elm St • 336.274.1010 triedandtruetattoocompany.com

212 S. Elm St • 336.285.7360 tavonc.com.com

The Sweet Shop Homemade Pound Cakes by Margaret Elaine, LLC

Lion’s Crown

An i t que s

607 S Elm St • 336.378.8877

631 South Elm St • 336.790.0242 facebook.com/sweetshopnow

104 Barnhardt St. 336.275.5765

Welcome to

South End 17

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GREENSBORO

CHRISTIAN BUSINESS GUIDE

Connect with businesses within the local christian community

“Faithfully Serving the Community ” www.facebook.com/GreensboroCBG

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(cont. from pg. 06) Newer to the fray, Mark and Sasha Gibb opened what is in essence the first production brewery in “downtown” Greensboro last October. Demonstrating their love of community, Gibb’s Hundred Brewery derives its name from an old colonial term referencing a geographic subdivision large enough to hold 100 or so homesteads. That feeling of history and commitment to

signature beers while rotating in several seasonals and special editions. Of course, some of those limited editions could quite possibly find themselves added to the list of core offerings. If my arm was twisted for a prediction as to the next on the signature list, I’d have to do with their Waterloo Wheat, a wonderful Belgian Tripel and Sasha’s personal favorite (for the record, Mark really loves variety, preferring to change up often).

When all is said and done, it is their diversity that could very well be what ultimately defines Gibb’s Hundred, for as Sasha puts it “we will not be defined by a niche”. Yet in the short time they’ve been open, Gibbs’s has already established that their openness to different brews could become “their thing”. The variety of beer, the eclectic assortment of live music and the comfortable relaxed vibe that the taproom exudes, all point to an inviting atmosphere where everyone can find something to enjoy.

The lack of a kitchen is no hindrance to Gibbs Hundred Brewery either. Located Downtown in what is now referred to as South End; Gibbs Hundred is but a short walk to area eateries.

However, if you’re not in the mood for a stroll, they regularly schedule an assortment of food trucks, while happily allowing you to bring in your own food or accept deliveries inside, giving you virtually unlimited beer/food pairing options.

community extends to the taproom itself as Mark and Sasha have maintained the historical feel of the building’s interior and made Gibb’s Hundred a relaxed, family friendly environment in which to enjoy an evening out. As parents themselves, Mark and Sasha are keen on maintaining that family vibe, which is refreshing and different, in the best possible way. Kids and even well behaved, leashed dogs are welcome inside where any given night patrons can be found enjoying diverse styles of live music, playing one of the European style board games always on hand, or simply relaxing while enjoying a pint (locally made soda for the youngsters).

“

Once again though, it’s really about the beer. Choosing not to settle into one particular style (i.e. the English ales of Pig Pounder or the lagers of Red Oak), Mark (a certified beer judge with six years in the brewing equipment industry and more than twenty years of home brewing experience), together with his wife Sasha, opted instead to run the gamut, spreading their offerings over a wide range of styles.

Wanting only the best for their customers they brought on board award winning Brewmaster John Priest, formerly of Bell’s Brewery, who studied at famed brewing school Siebel Institute in Chicago as well as in Germany.

Believing in maintaining their varietal options Gibb’s began by offering three 20

Already the chosen location for several groups and clubs, with seating for 99 plus a large covered deck, Gibb’s is designed to be at the same time wide open yet intimate, with plenty of room for whatever type of evening you’d prefer; be it a festive community event, an smaller group meet-up or a private conversation for two.

So what does this all mean? Well first, this is seriously good news for beer lovers’; especially considering the “explosion” is still in effect. There are as many as 3-4 more microbreweries in the works for Greensboro within the next year or two. Next up is the Preyer Brewing Company which could be opened as early as within the next few weeks.

…local craft brew is returning a higher percentage of money back into the local economy

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Although they plan on opening with 4-6 beers (most likely ales), they are keeping a closed lid on giving away too much, too soon. Suffice to say that since a Red IPA that Calder brews is Nicole’s favorite, there’s a good chance that it could become one of their signatures, but hey, that’s just a little reasoning on my part. As to the rest, Nicole is adamant about “leaving that up to the public”. She will say that “our customers are definitely in for a few surprises”.

As with the others, Preyer Brewing doesn’t serve food and has no kitchen, however, sharing their building (although operated completely autonomously), will be the new Crafted! restaurant. Owned and operated by Kristina Fuller, this incarnation of Crafted! will have a different theme than that of her current hit (and one of my favorites) restaurant, Crafted! The Art of Taco on South Elm St. Of course, should they choose, customers can bring in their own food, or have it delivered from other area eateries.

The Preyer Brewing Company is a true “family affair”, all five of the owners and department heads share the Preyer name, which makes this as much a labor of love as what is certain to be a great place to spend time. With Nicole and Calder both being born and raised in Greensboro, they have deep roots in the area (those of you who know the area will get that slightly intentional pun). Being young and new parents themselves, they have solid connection to Greensboro and a younger demographic. That, in concert with their willingness to adapt to what their customers prefer, would appear to place them right on the pulse of the ever increasing craft beer drinking public (a good portion of whom are younger up and coming professionals who happen to be new parents themselves). (cont. on pg. 24)

For a full glossary as well as additional information about craft beer, visit craftbeer.com, brewersassociation.org, and/or beeradvocate.com

As they are not yet opened, I wasn’t able to taste their beer (rest assured, I will), however I did have the pleasure of chatting with Vice President Nicole Preyer. As we toured their nearly completed ninety-nine seat Battleground Avenue brewery and taproom, it became immediately clear that a great deal of thought and preparation had gone into this venture. From their custom made furniture to their use of fabrics and reclaimed barn wood, the décor spoke subtly of upscale comfort and relaxation.

Nicole’s husband Calder is not only the President; he’s also their head brewer. A home brewer for more than ten years, Calder also attended Seibel Institute to further hone his craft. Being owner and head brewer is a distinction that both Calder and Nicole feel gives them added latitude when it comes to the decision making process, especially in terms of giving their customers what they want. He can go directly from absorbing customer feedback to making new brews without having to wait for additional approval at each step.

Images 1) Ryan demonstrates his technique on a Gibbs Hundred flight 2) There’s a suprise hiding in the wood barrels at Gibb’s Hundred 3) Friendly conversation at Pig Pounder 21

2

“

(cont. from pg. 15) Utilizing her exclusive Magic fabric (many of the colors are seasonal or available in limited quantities), Robin has created an entire system of dressing. Built on three pieces, what Robin calls “The Threesome" (pant, tank, and top with 3/4 sleeves) can stand alone or mingle with other separates in any closet. Wearing a column of one color makes getting dressed easy for everyday and especially for travel, just as

... pajama comfy with elegant sophistication. exchanging toppers, wraps, jackets and accessories, allows the threesome to work extremely well for any occasion.

With the foundation in place, Robin and her in-house design and fabrication team incorporate an ever changing assortment of specialty fabrics that add layers of texture to the soft solid Magic colors. With depth, durability and an elegant feel, Magic is integrated into a wide variety of timetested designs, varied enough to appeal to the younger as well as more mature women for whom quality fashion is important.

Robin is proud of her creations, wearing her designs confi22

dently and stating with certainty that her fashions “possess the ability to stand alone or mingle seamlessly with almost any existing wardrobe, all while being crafted to last for decades.” Robin describes her apparel as “simple, lightweight, elegant, and comfortable,” pointing out that “while we don’t do sportswear, we do offer a full range of classic designs made with modern fabrics; or rather simply, pajama comfy with elegant sophistication; items that are perfect for a wedding, an evening out, or a day at the office.“

While the clothing at Mack and Mack is not “custom made”, the fact that they do make all of their clothing in-house offers them a versatility not easily found elsewhere. Utilizing their basic pieces in many of their outfits allows for the easy addition or subtraction of style elements. For instance adding sleeves to a top, or maybe removing the collar or cuffs, are elements that can easily be incorporated into your garments before they are actually sewn, not to mention the much shorter lead time for standard alterations such as the letting out or taking in of a waist or hem line.

The word is spreading and so is the reach of Mack and Mack. It is not uncommon for customers to discover them after buying their first piece in New Orleans or Palm Beach, even if they live in High Point or Winston-Salem. With customer after customer extolling the virtues of shopping at Mack and Mack, it might be easy to get lost in all of the reasons to visit them frequently, but then according to Robin Mack Davis “it’s all about the fabric.” A simple concept to be sure, but after visiting their downtown showroom and having a good look at her offerings, seeing their style, sophistication and elegance or feeling the silky texture and quality, one could only conclude that when it comes to the clothing at Mack and Mack, it’s really about so much more.•

Images: Robin Mack-Davis In her showroom (left) In her workshop (right)

23

(cont. from pg. 21) Then there are the advantages of a little friendly rivalry. Healthy, genuine, open competition is always a good thing for the public, and locally brewed craft beer is no exception, then again, this isn’t a competition at all, but rather a celebration of differences. All of the brewers I spoke with seemed to have the same attitude when it came to their “competitors”; what’s good for one is good for all, as raised awareness can only increase visitors. They all have their special brews, just as there will always be variances, even among similar styles. But those varying tastes (of even the same style), not to mention the different one-offs or limited editions of each brewery as well as the distinctive locations and atmospheres of each tasting/tap room, all add up to an enhanced experience for an ever increasing and more discerning portion of the public.

Of course there are those that say too much of a good thing is bad; that too many microbreweries, no matter how good they are, will flood the market and ultimately be harmful to everyone. Thankfully, at least in my humble opinion, those people are wrong. Craft beer, even if twenty new microbreweries were to open, would still be only a small percentage of what people drink. What’s also important to consider is that every single patron who changes from a national macro brewed beer to a local craft brew is returning a higher percentage of money back into the local economy. Craft breweries, like all other locally owned, independent businesses are VERY good for our community.

24

How apropos that when ordered together several sample sized glasses of beer are referred to as a flight, because after all, craft beer is truly taking off. With brews ranging from IPA’s that have been described as “an ideal beer” to well thought out seasonals that can actually have you wishing for winter, craft beer has become a force to be reckoned with. So let the explosion continue while we prepare for more “anti-craft/pro macro beer TV commercials, because from what I’ve seen and tasted, Anheuser-Busch has more than a few new brews to be nervous about.• Images clockwise from top - left -The 30’ sofa, hand-made furnitue and roll-up garage door are just a small part of the allure of Preyer Brewing Company -Patrons enjoy the large deck at Gibb’s Hundred -It may have been a little cold this winter’s night, but by spring, Pig Pounder’s deck will be full and fun

A Test Flight Needing (ok, wanting) to sample the beer firsthand, we had a couple our resident experts (ok, maybe not experts, but they do enjoy a good beer) visit Gibb’s Hundred and Pig Pounder to see for ourselves. What they sampled were a flight of each brewery’s signature beers.

For AJ (LT) and Kareem (RT) it was hard work, but someone had to sample the beer

Pig Pounder Brewery

Gibb's Hundred Brewery

Extra Special Pig (ESB, 5.3% ABV), Pig Pounder’s best seller (but tied for our tasters second choice) that they found sweet with hints of caramel and a very slight fruity accent.

Guilty Party (ESB 5.1% ABV): If you’re a fan of bitters, this should definitely be on your list. But don’t let this ESB fool you. The bitter highlights are gentle yet flavorful with hints of caramel and a slight fruitiness.

Boar Brown (ESB, 5.0% ABV), strong without being overpowering with a distinctive coffee flavor that “could easily substitute for a dessert coffee (although I was told to calm down when I suggested breakfast as well)”. They also found this to be an excellent “sipping” beer as the flavors were so pronounced.

Blind Man’s Holiday (GPA 6.0%): There will always a beer of choice at every brewery, and Blind Man’s Holiday is our taster’s choice at Gibb’s. It starts strong, easing into a smooth finish. This is a “must try” that’s easy to drink with a light citrusy flavor that remains enjoyable throughout.

Snout Stout (Milk Stout, 4.8% ABV), a very mild beer, it is slightly sweet and very smooth with a heavy mocha flavor and a hint of what tasted like licorice,

Cherchez La Femme (Milk Stout 5.3%): A more complex brew that is at the same time bitter yet creamy leading to a strong mocha flavor with a smooth finish. Great for all stout lovers, but this is definitely a coffee lover’s brew.

Mild Mud (English Style Mild, 3.6% ABV), smooth yet still assertive with tastes of chocolate and fruit, this is tied for our tasters second favorite.

Plain Pig (Golden Ale, 3.8% ABV), our tasters favorite at Pig Pounder, they used terms like “mellow” and “easy” to describe what they felt was a delicious example of what’s expected in an ale.

Pig Pounder Brewery 1107 Grecade St pigpounder.com

Remember, drink responsibly and always use a designated driver!!!

NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE!!!

Gibb’s Hundred Brewing 117 W Lewis St, gibbshundred.com

Preyer Brewing Company 600 Battleground Ave preyerbrewing.com 25

More friends at Gibb’s 26

Pig Pounder manager Kendal

Family fun at Pig Pounder

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