Charlotte’s Craft Beer Scene Thrives: A Celebration of History and Community

Charlotte’s Craft Beer Revolution: A Toast to History and Community

Oh, Charlotte! The Queen City is more than just a financial hub; it’s also a paradise for beer lovers. With dozens of local breweries sprouting up like hops in the spring, there’s a buzz in the air that every craft beer enthusiast can appreciate. Whether you enjoy light seltzers or hoppy IPAs, there’s something tailor-made for you in this vibrant beer scene.

The Rise of Craft Breweries

It wasn’t too long ago—well, actually, back in 2013—when the publication “Charlotte Beer: A History of Brewing in the Queen City” hit the shelves. What a time that was! The book showcased all the craft breweries in Charlotte and not a single one was left out, reflecting a rich brewing history. Fast forward to 2024, it’s hard to keep track of all the new spots popping up, making the book feel a bit like a time capsule.

Your friendly neighborhood brewery could offer you a refreshing Altbier today, but did you know that this German-style lager was almost unheard of in Charlotte before The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery brought it to the forefront? Their flagship Copper Ale has become a local staple, but it actually had some stiff competition. Way back in the 1990s, The Mill Bakery, Eatery and Brewery was already serving its well-loved Hornet Tail Ale, even winning a bronze medal at the Great American Beer Festival! Cheers to that!

A Sip of History: Prohibition’s Legacy

Now let’s dive a bit deeper, shall we? We can’t talk about the history of brewing in Charlotte without shining a light on the impact of Prohibition. Mecklenburg County went dry in 1905—15 years before the nationwide ban on alcohol. Can you imagine a world without beer? That’s what folks dealt with back then, and it stayed dry until 1945! Talk about dedication!

During Prohibition, some clever breweries survived by switching up their offerings. The Robert Portner Brewing Co., being the largest brewery in the South, closed most of its locations but managed to keep Charlotte running by producing “near beer” and even bizarre soft drinks like Mayfield’s Celery-Cola—which, believe it or not, had to deal with complaints for its “unhealthful amounts of cocaine and caffeine.” Who would’ve thought?

Community Builders: Today’s Breweries

Today, Charlotte’s breweries have transformed from mere production facilities into community hubs. They host run clubs, yoga classes, and even trivia nights! Take NoDa Brewing, for example, which holds the title for the longest-running run club. Or how about Lenny Boy Brewing Co., which brings together locals for weekly disc golf games?

Another community-oriented approach came from Dilworth Brewing, which launched the Brew Pub Poets Society. This lovely idea welcomed local writers and media personalities to share their works over a frosty brew on the third Tuesday of each month. Isn’t that just the sweetest thing?

Cans, Trends, and the Future

In modern-day brewing, cans are all the rage! The way breweries package their beverages has evolved immensely, and back in the 1950s, Charlotte Atlantic Brewing became one of the rare breweries in the Carolinas with a canning line that could crank out an incredible three cans a second. That was quite the feat for the time!

Before the craft beer explosion we experience today, there was a quirky establishment called Cans Bar and Canteen, which operated from 2006 to 2009. Not only did they serve popular canned beers, but they also brewed their own cans in an ’80s-themed setting!

Join the Festivities on December 12!

If you’re as curious as I am about Charlotte’s drinking history, don’t miss out on the special event at Free Range Brewing on December 12th. As part of the Levine Museum of the New South’s Southern Accents: Charlotte Loves Beer program, we’ll dive deep into Charlotte’s brewing evolution. Grab your friends, raise a glass, and let’s celebrate this incredible journey together!

So, whether you’re a hop head or a malt lover, there’s no denying that Charlotte’s craft brewing scene has something for everyone. Here’s to great beers, fascinating stories, and the amazing community that makes it all possible.