Local businesses to celebrate first annual North Carolina Beer Month

The beer taps will flow endlessly this month as local businesses celebrate the first annual North Carolina Beer Month.

Win Bassett, executive director of the North Carolina Brewers Guild, said the guild chose April as the month of celebration because there were already so many scheduled events related to the celebration of beer.

“For example, Hickory Hops is a beer festival that takes place in Hickory and there is a World Beer Festival held in Raleigh,” Bassett said.

Some local restaurants, including the Carolina Brewery, are focusing specifically on hosting events in honor of North Carolina Beer Month.

“In honor of North Carolina Beer Month, we have brewed our Myth Perpetuator Double IPA for the first time ever. We are also doing samplings at Weaver Street on April 21 and a beer luncheon on the 25th with beers from us that have never been tried before,” said Lauren Macaione, sales manager for the brewery.

Other events taking place in Chapel Hill this month include a Fullsteam Beer Tasting and North Carolina Beer Specials at Bean & Barrel.

While it is important to celebrate beer during the month of April, Basset believes it is also important to support North Carolina beer year-round.

Tyler’s Restaurant & Taproom in Carrboro does this by giving customers a dollar off any North Carolina beer every Monday.

Margo Metzger, public relations manager for the North Carolina Division of Tourism, said North Carolina breweries are thriving in small towns, as well as in cities.

“This state is home to more than 75 active breweries that range in size, distribution and popularity,” Metzger said. “Throughout North Carolina Beer Month, we will share tourism experiences including visits to craft breweries, city tours, unique culinary experiences and more — all tied to the state’s craft beer.”

And Bassett said he hopes people will take the month as an opportunity to celebrate.

“The best way to celebrate beer is to drink it,” he added.