Three Breweries To Hop Over To in Charlotte

Perched in the center of the southeast, Charlotte has appealed to many businesses and companies for its ideal location. However, more and more people aren’t coming to the Queen City merely to do business and banking. While Charlotte only very recently launched a brewery scene, it now claims dozens of establishments where you can sample tasty brews and even receive a free tour in the process.

Even if you can’t make one of the many events and festivals in Charlotte revolving around beer, you can still get a taste for the city’s foamy creations. Whether you are in town for business or just passing through, be sure to hop on over to these three Charlotte breweries for a sample of queenly and often hoppy brews.

NoDa Brewing Company: While relatively new to Charlotte, NoDa Brewing Company has quickly gained popularity since opening in 2011. Located in the artsy Charlotte neighborhood of North Davidson, the brewery stays true to its location for its creative beers. Inspired by Northwestern beer styles, you can find plenty of American Pale Ales, India Pale Ales and Porters on tap. The 15-barrel brew house reveals a new beer every Tuesday that you can only sample in the NoDa Brewing Company tap room. This homegrown Charlotte microbrewery invites guests in for pints and also offers free brewery tours. Food trucks are usually on site so that you can sample some of Charlotte’s mobile culinary creations while sipping on beers like Ramble on Red and Hop Drop’n Roll.

Olde Mecklenburg Brewery: For a taste of Germany in the heart of south Charlotte’s warehouse district, the Olde Mecklenburg Brewery fits the bill. As Charlotte’s oldest microbrewery, Olde Mecklenburg keeps their brews traditional by employing intensive brewing methods. The founder of the Olde Mecklenburg Brewer used his stints in Germany as inspiration for creating the taste of the country’s brews in America’s South. Guests can find themselves sipping on pilsners and pale ales in an environment reminiscent of a German beer hall. In addition to the tap room on site, you can also visit the Olde Mecklenburg restaurant and authentic styled biergarten.

Four Friends Brewing: Located in the heart of south Charlotte, Four Friends Brewing places importance on close friendships, as evident with its small batch brewing philosophy. With a focus on a revival of artisan brewing, you can find Four Friends brews on a number of menus across Charlotte and the rest of North Carolina. Established in 2007, you can tour the large brewery or grab a Queen City Red or i77 IPA at the Four Friends Brewing tap room.

Photo: lindseygee