Gold Medal Winner - 2024 US Open Beer Championships

Silver Medal Winner- 2024 NC Brewers Cup

Featured in Craft Beer & Brewings Summer 2024 Lager Issue

"One of the Best Lagers in the World" - Forbes

Pleasing Gene German Pilsner

Best in Show Lager & Double Gold Medal - 2023 Tasting Alliance World Beer Competition

Featured in Craft Beer & Brewing's Summer 2024 Lager Issue

"One of the Best Beers of 2023" - UPROXX

"The Best Lager in the World" - Forbes

Appearance: Brilliant, straw-gold color with a dense, snow-white head that clings to the glass, leaving behind intricate lacing.

Aroma: Crisp and clean, showcasing a delicate balance of bready malt, floral hops, and a subtle hint of lemon zest. Evokes memories of strolling through a Bavarian beer garden on a warm summer day.

Taste: A symphony of flavors unfolds, starting with a crackery malt backbone that provides a solid foundation. A balanced bitterness from noble hops adds a refreshing bite, complemented by a subtle lemon zest character. Despite being brewed with local North Carolina ingredients, Pleasing Gene masterfully captures the essence of traditional Bavarian pilsners.

Finish: Crisp, dry, and incredibly refreshing. The bitterness lingers just long enough to cleanse the palate, inviting another sip.

Food Pairing: Its delicate balance makes Pleasing Gene a versatile companion for a variety of dishes. It pairs beautifully with lighter fare like salads, grilled chicken or fish, pretzels, and bratwurst.

Overall: Pleasing Gene is a remarkable gluten-reduced German Pilsner that defies expectations. Brewed with all-local North Carolina malt, it manages to transport your taste buds to Bavaria with every sip. It's a testament to the skill of its brewers, crafting a beer that's both approachable and complex, earning its accolades and recognition. Whether you're a seasoned beer enthusiast or simply seeking a refreshing and flavorful lager, Pleasing Gene is sure to delight.

2018 GABF Gold Medal

2023 NC Brewers Cup Bronze

Appearance: Pouring a hazy, golden straw color, this unfiltered beauty captures the essence of a sun-kissed wheat field. The creamy, ivory head crowns the glass, promising a delightful experience.

Aroma: The nose is an orchestra of banana and clove, harmonizing with a touch of bubblegum sweetness. Hints of freshly baked bread and a whisper of citrus dance in the air.

Taste: On the palate, the malted wheat takes center stage, delivering a soft, bready foundation. The yeast character shines through, offering banana and clove notes that intertwine seamlessly. A gentle touch of vanilla adds depth, while a zesty lemon zest brightens the profile.

Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied and velvety, it coats the tongue with a gentle effervescence. The lively carbonation enhances the overall refreshment.

Finish: A quenching finish leaves a lingering warmth, reminiscent of sun-drenched wheat fields. The balance between sweetness and spice invites another sip.

Food Pairing: Pair this Hefeweizen with traditional German fare—soft pretzels, bratwurst, or a hearty schnitzel. It’s also a delightful companion to light salads and seafood dishes.

Overall: Civil Rest Hefeweizen captures the spirit of Southern Germany, where wheat beer flows freely, and conviviality abounds. At 6% ABV, it’s a refreshing journey to the heart of Bavaria.

Prost!

Bronze Medal Winner - Denver International Beer Competition

Featured in Craft Beer & Brewing's Spring 2023 Magazine

Appearance: Brilliant, pale gold with a delicate white head that dissipates slowly, leaving a fine lace on the glass.

Aroma: Clean and refreshing, with subtle notes of freshly baked bread, honey, and a hint of floral hops.

Taste: A crisp, clean malt backbone with a touch of sweetness balanced by a gentle hop bitterness. The all-North Carolina Pilsner and Two Row malts create a smooth, approachable flavor.

Finish: Crisp and dry with a lingering hint of noble hops. No heavy aftertaste, just a refreshing invitation for another sip.

Food Pairing: Its versatility and gluten-reduced nature makes User Friendly perfect alongside a variety of dishes. Think grilled chicken or fish, salads, light pasta dishes, or simply some salty snacks for an afternoon treat.

Overall: User Friendly is a classic Kolsch, elevated by its use of local ingredients and commitment to being gluten-reduced, making it approachable for all. Whether you're a seasoned beer connoisseur or simply looking for a refreshing, easy-drinking beer, User Friendly is a perfect choice.

Ministry of Truth Pale Ale

Gold Medal Winner - North Carolina Brewers Cup & Denver International Beer Competition

Appearance: A clear, golden amber hue with a fluffy white head that leaves a delicate lacing on the glass.

Aroma: A delightful blend of floral and citrus notes from the Cascade and El Dorado hops, complemented by a subtle sweetness from the honey malt. The Centennial dry-hopping adds a touch of piney resin, while Citra brings in hints of tropical fruit.

Taste: A balanced malt backbone with notes of toasted bread and caramel sweetness sets the stage. The hops take center stage with a floral and citrusy character, followed by a subtle piney bitterness and a touch of tropical fruit. The beer leans towards the English Pale Ale style with its balanced malt profile and moderate bitterness, but the vibrant hop character also nods towards the American Pale Ale tradition.

Finish: Moderately dry and refreshing, with a lingering hop bitterness that invites another sip.

Food Pairing: The Ministry of Truth pairs well with a variety of dishes. Try it with grilled chicken or fish, salads with citrus vinaigrette, or even spicy dishes like tacos or Thai cuisine. Its subtle sweetness also complements desserts like apple pie or bread pudding.

Overall: The Ministry of Truth is a well-crafted pale ale that bridges the gap between English and American styles. It showcases a balanced malt profile, a complex hop character, and a refreshing finish. This award-winning beer is a testament to the quality of North Carolina's craft brewing scene and a must-try for any pale ale enthusiast.

Appearance: A vibrant, ruby-red hue with a fluffy white head that dissipates quickly, leaving behind a delicate pink lace.

Aroma: The nose is a nostalgic trip to the soda fountain, with a burst of sweet cherry candy, bright lime zest, and a hint of tangy wheat.

Taste: The tartness of the Berliner Weisse style shines through, balanced by the sweetness of juicy cherries and the zesty tang of lime. It's like sipping on a liquid cherry limeade, but with a refreshing, slightly sour twist.

Finish: The tartness lingers briefly, leaving the palate clean and refreshed. The cherry and lime flavors fade slowly, encouraging another sip.

Food Pairing: The Cherry Limeade is a versatile food companion. Enjoy it with grilled chicken or fish tacos, a spicy tuna roll, or a summer salad with goat cheese and berries. It also pairs surprisingly well with rich desserts like chocolate cake or cheesecake.

Overall: This Cherry Limeade Berliner Weisse is a delightful summertime treat. It's light, refreshing, and packed with the familiar flavors of cherry limeade. Whether you're a fan of sour beers or simply looking for a unique and flavorful beverage, this beer is sure to please.

Appearance: A bright golden hue, slightly hazy with a fluffy white head that leaves delicate lacing on the glass.

Aroma: Bursts of tropical citrus from the Citra hops dominate – think grapefruit, lime, and a hint of passionfruit. The Simcoe dry-hopping adds a touch of piney resin and subtle herbal notes.

Taste: The tropical fruit party continues, with juicy mango and pineapple flavors balanced by the zesty citrus notes. A touch of bready malt sweetness provides a backbone, but the hops are the star of the show. The Simcoe adds a hint of earthy complexity.

Finish: Crisp and dry, with a lingering hop bitterness that's assertive without being overwhelming. The refreshing finish makes you eager for another sip.

Food Pairing: This session IPA is the perfect sidekick to flavorful dishes. Try it with spicy tacos, grilled burgers, or a summery watermelon and feta salad.

Overall: A fantastically drinkable session IPA that delivers big hop flavor without weighing you down. It's the perfect beer for a sunny afternoon on the patio or at a backyard barbecue. Complex hop flavors with a refreshingly dry finish that will keep hop-heads and session IPA lovers alike coming back for more.

Appearance: Classic hazy pale ale look - a vibrant, opaque orange juice color with a fluffy, persistent white head.

Aroma: This beer's all about the hops! Expect a burst of tropical fruit – mango, passionfruit, and ripe melon from El Dorado and Mosaic. Amarillo brings juicy citrus notes of orange and grapefruit, while Citra and Strata add complexity with hints of pineapple and a touch of dankness.

Taste: The aroma translates beautifully! Waves of sweet tropical fruit wash over your taste buds, followed by a zesty citrus kick. The Mosaic and Citra dry-hopping adds a layer of bright pineapple and a hint of resinous pine. A subtle malt sweetness balances the hop onslaught.

Finish: Moderately dry, with the lingering tropical and citrus hop flavors fading slowly for a refreshingly clean finish. A subtle hop bitterness keeps it interesting.

Food Pairing: This beer's fruitiness can handle bold flavors. Fire up a plate of spicy chicken wings, enjoy it with a cheesy pizza, or try pairing it with a Thai curry.

Overall: A true hazy pale ale lover's delight! This beer is explosively juicy with vibrant tropical and citrus hop character. It's dangerously drinkable thanks to the balanced flavor profile and refreshing finish. A must-try for hopheads seeking a juicy, hazy fix.

Appearance: Deep gold in color, with a frothy white head that leaves delicate lace patterns as you sip.

Aroma: A pungent blast of West Coast hop goodness. Classic pine and resinous aromas from the Centennial hops are complemented by the zesty grapefruit and lemon peel notes of Citra and Cascade. Dry-hopping amplifies the citrus character, adding bright orange and melon notes from Amarillo and El Dorado.

Taste: Intensely bitter, yet remarkably balanced. A rush of piney resin and grapefruit zest hits the palate first, followed by waves of juicy orange and tropical melon flavors. The malt backbone is restrained, allowing the hop bitterness to shine. A hint of caramel sweetness rounds things out, but make no mistake – this is a hop-forward beast.

Finish: Dry, lingering bitterness with a resinous pine and citrus peel character that makes you crave another sip.

Food Pairing: This West Coast DIPA can stand up to bold flavors. Pair it with a spicy carne asada burrito, grilled fish tacos, or a loaded nacho platter. For something lighter, try a fresh salad with citrus vinaigrette or a tangy goat cheese appetizer.

Overall: Cali Don is a love letter to the classic West Coast Double IPA. It's unapologetically bitter, yet bursting with complex citrus and pine flavors. A must-try for hopheads and fans of traditional West Coast brews. Prepare yourself for a flavor journey up and down the California coast.

Appearance: Little Brother pours a crystal-clear, pale golden hue with a bright white head that quickly settles, leaving a delicate lace on the glass.

Aroma: A gentle, inviting aroma of freshly baked bread and honey greets the nose, with subtle notes of lemon zest and floral hops.

Taste: The bready malt character shines through, balanced by a light sweetness reminiscent of honey and biscuits. A touch of citrus zest adds a refreshing counterpoint, while the hops provide a subtle bitterness that keeps the beer from being too sweet.

Finish: Crisp and clean, with a lingering hint of bready malt and a touch of citrus.

Food Pairing: Little Brother's approachable flavor profile makes it a versatile companion for a wide range of foods. Pair it with lighter fare like salads, grilled chicken or fish, or even spicy dishes like tacos or Thai cuisine. Its subtle sweetness complements desserts like apple pie or vanilla ice cream.

Overall: Little Brother is a well-balanced blonde ale that's easy to drink and enjoy. Its light, refreshing character and subtle complexity make it the perfect beer for a casual get-together or a relaxing afternoon in the sun.

Heavy Hands Strong American Lager

2024 NC Brewers Cup Silver Medal Winner

Appearance: Pours a clear, deep golden hue with a bright white head that dissipates slowly, leaving behind a delicate lace pattern on the glass.

Aroma: A clean and crisp aroma of freshly baked bread, honey, and a subtle hint of corn sweetness. A touch of noble hop spiciness adds a layer of complexity.

Taste: The bready malt character shines through, with notes of honey and a subtle corn sweetness. A touch of bitterness from the hops balances the malt sweetness, while a slightly warming alcohol presence adds a comforting note.

Finish: Smooth and clean, with a lingering malt sweetness and a subtle hop bitterness. The warmth from the alcohol adds a comforting finish.

Food Pairing: Heavy Hands pairs well with hearty dishes that can stand up to its higher alcohol content. Try it with grilled meats, hearty stews, or spicy Mexican cuisine. It also complements salty snacks like pretzels and potato chips.

Overall: Heavy Hands is a deceptively smooth and flavorful strong American lager. Its higher ABV is well-hidden behind a complex malt profile and balanced hop bitterness. This beer is perfect for sipping on a cool evening or enjoying alongside a hearty meal.

Silver Medal Winner - 2024 US Open Beer Championships

Appearance: A deep, opaque black color with a creamy tan head that lingers, leaving a beautiful lacing on the glass.

Aroma: A complex and inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee, dark chocolate, and roasted malt fills the air. Hints of caramel and toffee add sweetness, while a subtle earthy hop presence provides balance.

Taste: The roasted malt character dominates, delivering a symphony of flavors including dark chocolate, espresso, and a touch of burnt toast. The Vienna malt adds a hint of caramel sweetness, while the Crystal malt contributes a touch of dried fruit complexity. A gentle hop bitterness balances the sweetness, leading to a clean, dry finish.

Finish: The roasty notes linger on the tongue, accompanied by a subtle hop bitterness and a whisper of sweetness. The finish is smooth and satisfying, with a warming alcohol presence that's comforting without being overpowering.

Food Pairing: Jim's Lunch pairs well with hearty dishes that can stand up to its rich flavors. Try it with grilled steak, braised short ribs, or a creamy mushroom pasta. It also complements desserts like chocolate cake or bread pudding.

Overall: Jim's Lunch is a classic Foreign Export Stout that delivers a complex and satisfying experience. Its rich malt character, balanced hop bitterness, and warming alcohol presence make it the perfect beer for a cold winter night or a special occasion. This award-winning stout is a testament to the brewer's skill and a must-try for any fan of dark beers.

Appearance: A clear, deep amber hue with a fluffy, off-white head that lingers, leaving behind delicate lacing on the glass.

Aroma: Rich and inviting, with notes of freshly baked bread, toasted bread crust, toffee, and a hint of caramel sweetness. The aroma evokes the warmth and comfort of a traditional Bavarian festival.

Taste: The bready malt character takes center stage, with flavors of toasted bread crust, toffee, and a subtle sweetness from the caramel malt. A gentle hop bitterness balances the sweetness, creating a smooth, well-rounded experience.

Finish: Clean and crisp, with lingering notes of toasted bread and a hint of caramel. The finish is satisfying and leaves you wanting another sip.

Food Pairing: Grahamtoberfest complements a wide array of traditional German fare. Think bratwurst, pretzels with mustard, roasted pork, and sauerkraut. It also pairs well with hearty dishes like goulash or creamy mushroom pasta.

Overall: Grahamtoberfest is a classic Oktoberfest-style Marzen that embodies the spirit of the season. Its rich malt character, balanced sweetness, and subtle hop bitterness make it a perfect beer for celebrating with friends and family. Prost!

Brewed for the NC Folk Fest Music Festival

Appearance: Like a hazy summer sunset, this Pale Ale pours a vibrant golden-orange with a thick, pillowy white head that promises a mellow, good-time vibe.

Aroma: Let the music wash over you with a bouquet of bright citrus and tropical fruit notes from the generous helping of New Zealand Turkeys Pick hops. Expect juicy grapefruit, zesty lime, and hints of pineapple and mango that'll have you tapping your toes.

Taste: A symphony of flavors unfolds on the palate, starting with a soft, pillowy malt backbone. Then the hops take center stage, delivering a burst of citrusy goodness and tropical fruit sweetness. The dry-hopping amplifies the flavors, leaving a lingering, hazy finish that echoes the festival's laid-back energy.

Finish: Refreshing and smooth, with a gentle hop bitterness that's more like a friendly encore than a harsh finale. It leaves you feeling uplifted and ready for another round.

Food Pairing: Get Folk'd Up pairs perfectly with the festival vibes. Think grilled cheese sandwiches with a side of tomato soup for a comforting classic, or go for something a bit more adventurous with a spicy chicken curry or a vibrant veggie burger.

Overall: This Hazy Pale Ale is a celebration of good music, good company, and good times. It's approachable, flavorful, and leaves you feeling as sunny as a Carolina afternoon. So grab a glass, kick back, and let the music and the beer carry you away. Cheers to the NC Folk Fest!