N※N

Top and Current
Source : (remove) : Winston-Salem Journal
^{RSS • JSON • XML • CSV}

Top and Current
Source : (remove) : Winston-Salem Journal
^{RSS • JSON • XML • CSV}

National Gingerbread Competition returns to Asheville - and registration is now open

Exploring Winston-Salem's Vibrant Craft Beer Scene: A Toast to Local Breweries and Their Unique Offerings

In the heart of North Carolina's Piedmont region, Winston-Salem has quietly emerged as a burgeoning hub for craft beer enthusiasts, blending its rich industrial history with innovative brewing techniques that pay homage to both tradition and modernity. The city's craft beer landscape is a testament to the creativity and passion of local brewers who are transforming old warehouses and historic buildings into lively taprooms, fostering a community where locals and visitors alike can savor unique flavors while supporting small businesses. This growing scene not only boosts the local economy but also serves as a cultural bridge, connecting the area's tobacco heritage with contemporary tastes.

One of the standout players in this arena is Foothills Brewing, a pioneer that has been crafting beers since 2005. Founded by Jamie Bartholomaus, Foothills started in a small space but quickly expanded due to the popularity of its flagship beers like the Jade IPA, which boasts a bold hop profile with notes of citrus and pine, appealing to those who crave a West Coast-style bitterness. The brewery's taproom, located in the bustling downtown area, offers a welcoming atmosphere with exposed brick walls and communal tables, making it a perfect spot for after-work gatherings or weekend outings. Beyond their core lineup, Foothills experiments with seasonal releases, such as the Hoppyum IPA infused with local honey, which adds a subtle sweetness that balances the hops' intensity. Visitors often rave about the brewery tours, where guides explain the brewing process from malt selection to fermentation, providing an educational twist to the tasting experience.

Not far from Foothills, Incendiary Brewing Company adds a fiery flair to the scene. Housed in a former fire station—hence the name—Incendiary opened its doors in 2018 and has since become known for its experimental brews that push boundaries. Their signature Metric IPA, with its tropical fruit aromas derived from New Zealand hops, has garnered a loyal following. The brewery's co-founder, Brandon Branscome, emphasizes sustainability, sourcing ingredients locally whenever possible and implementing eco-friendly practices like water recycling in their brewing operations. The taproom features a spacious outdoor patio adorned with string lights, ideal for summer evenings, and hosts events like trivia nights and live music, drawing crowds from across the Triad region. Incendiary also collaborates with local food trucks, pairing their beers with diverse cuisines, from barbecue to vegan options, enhancing the overall experience.

Venturing into the more artisanal side, Wise Man Brewing stands out for its commitment to quality over quantity. Established in 2017 by a group of friends with backgrounds in engineering and homebrewing, Wise Man focuses on small-batch productions that allow for meticulous attention to detail. Their Mountain Calling IPA, inspired by the nearby Appalachian Mountains, incorporates piney hops that evoke the freshness of a forest hike. The brewery's philosophy revolves around community involvement; they frequently donate portions of proceeds to local charities, such as environmental conservation groups. The taproom, with its industrial-chic design featuring reclaimed wood and metal accents, serves as a gathering place for beer lovers to discuss everything from flavor profiles to the latest industry trends. Wise Man's seasonal sours, like the tart cherry-infused variant, offer a refreshing alternative for those seeking lighter options amid North Carolina's humid summers.

The craft beer boom in Winston-Salem isn't just about the brews themselves; it's deeply intertwined with the city's revitalization efforts. Many breweries are located in repurposed spaces within the Innovation Quarter, a district that was once dominated by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company facilities. This transformation symbolizes a shift from the area's manufacturing past to a future driven by creativity and entrepreneurship. For instance, Hoots Roller Bar & Beer Co. occupies a historic roller mill, where the original machinery is preserved as decor, adding a nostalgic touch to the modern brewing setup. Hoots specializes in lagers and ales with a nod to German traditions, such as their crisp Pilsner that uses imported malts for authenticity. The venue often features themed events, like Oktoberfest celebrations complete with polka bands and pretzel pairings, fostering a sense of cultural exchange.

Food pairings play a crucial role in elevating the beer experience, and Winston-Salem's breweries excel in this regard. At Radar Brewing Company, which opened in 2019, the emphasis is on farm-to-table integrations. Their beers, like the Radar Love Golden Ale with hints of lemongrass, are designed to complement dishes from on-site kitchens or partnered chefs. Radar's head brewer, Sarah Johnson, highlights how they incorporate local produce, such as heirloom tomatoes in summer brews, to create seasonal specialties that reflect the region's agricultural bounty. The brewery's events calendar is packed with beer dinners, where multi-course meals are matched with specific pours, educating patrons on how flavors interact—for example, how a stout's chocolate notes enhance a dessert course.

Diversity in the craft beer world is another highlight, with breweries like Lesser-Known Beer Company championing inclusivity. Founded by a diverse team including women and minorities, Lesser-Known aims to make craft beer accessible to all demographics. Their approachable lineup includes low-ABV session beers like the Everyday Ale, perfect for casual sipping without overwhelming the palate. The taproom hosts workshops on homebrewing, encouraging newcomers to experiment and demystifying the process. This focus on education and representation is helping to broaden the appeal of craft beer beyond traditional enthusiasts, drawing in families and younger crowds.

As the scene continues to evolve, collaborations between breweries are becoming more common, leading to innovative limited-edition releases. For example, a recent partnership between Foothills and Incendiary resulted in a double IPA that combined Foothills' hop expertise with Incendiary's bold flavor experiments, creating a beer that sold out within days. These collaborations not only generate buzz but also strengthen the sense of camaraderie among brewers, who often share resources and knowledge to navigate challenges like supply chain issues or regulatory hurdles.

Winston-Salem's craft beer offerings extend beyond taprooms to festivals and tours that showcase the city's liquid assets. The annual Crafted: The Art of the Taco event pairs local beers with gourmet tacos, attracting thousands and highlighting how beer can elevate street food. Guided brewery crawls, organized by local tourism boards, allow visitors to sample multiple spots in one afternoon, complete with transportation to ensure safe enjoyment. These experiences underscore the economic impact: according to local reports, the craft beer industry contributes significantly to tourism revenue, with visitors spending on lodging, dining, and merchandise.

For those looking to dive deeper, homebrewing clubs in the area provide resources for aspiring brewers. Groups like the Winston-Salem Brewers Guild offer monthly meetings where members share recipes and troubleshoot techniques, fostering a grassroots level of innovation that feeds back into the professional scene. This community spirit is evident in the way breweries support each other during tough times, such as the pandemic, when many pivoted to canned sales and outdoor seating to stay afloat.

In terms of trends, Winston-Salem breweries are embracing non-alcoholic options and low-calorie brews to cater to health-conscious consumers. Foothills, for instance, recently launched a non-alcoholic IPA that retains the hoppy essence without the buzz, appealing to designated drivers and those abstaining. Sustainability remains a key focus, with many adopting solar power and waste reduction programs to minimize their environmental footprint.

Ultimately, Winston-Salem's craft beer scene is more than just a collection of taprooms; it's a vibrant ecosystem that celebrates local flavors, history, and innovation. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or a curious newcomer, the city's breweries offer something for everyone, inviting you to raise a glass to the spirit of the Piedmont. As the industry grows, it promises to continue enriching the community's cultural fabric, one pint at a time.

(Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full Winston-Salem Journal Article at:
[ https://journalnow.com/life-entertainment/local/food-drink/article_df3d5d0c-33bd-47cc-9b3f-0acef5850eb5.html ]