High Point, NC Local Craft Beer Guide
Your Authority on the Best Brews in Town
High Point, North Carolina, is fast becoming a hub for craft beer enthusiasts, with a burgeoning scene that celebrates the rich flavors of local brews. The city's appreciation for finely crafted ales and lagers mirrors the statewide reverence of North Carolina's craft beer tradition. Local breweries, such as Brown Truck Brewery, have garnered attention for their dedication to using seasonal and local ingredients, showcasing the community's commitment to quality and taste.
For visitors and residents alike, navigating the variety of High Point's craft beer offerings is made easier with a comprehensive guide. Establishments like The Brewer's Kettle serve as a conduit for discovering North Carolina's finest, whether one is in search of a rare find from afar or aiming to support neighborhood breweries. The local scene is dynamic and often features tap takeovers, inviting beer lovers to sample the latest creations from the area's talented brewers.
With an array of options to explore, from taprooms like Goofy Foot Taproom & Brewery to the selection at The Brewer's Kettle, High Point serves as a testament to the craft beer movement's vibrancy in North Carolina. The city's craft beer guide is not just a listing of places to drink, but a narrative of High Point's growing identity as a destination for remarkable and diverse brews.
History of Craft Beer in High Point
High Point, NC, has a rich tradition in the craft beer industry, with local breweries contributing significantly to the culture and economy of North Carolina's beer scene.
The Birth of High Point Breweries
The Brewer's Kettle, a prominent establishment on North Main Street beside George's Pizza, signifies one of the foundational pillars in High Point's craft beer journey. David Armstrong began retail operations here in 2009, offering an expansive selection of NC craft beers, even though the establishment is not a brewery itself. Brown Truck Brewery is another key player in High Point's brewing landscape, known for its commitment to craft beer, emphasizing local and seasonal ingredients, and fostering a unique and inviting atmosphere for beer enthusiasts.
Contributions to North Carolina's Beer Culture
High Point breweries have been active participants in crafting the narrative of North Carolina's beer culture. Notably, special events such as tap takeovers showcase the innovation and collaborative spirit amongst local breweries. Examples include:
Wiseman Brewing with tap takeovers that bring Winston-Salem flavors to High Point.
Mother Earth Brewing, representing Kinston, and New Sarum Brewing from Salisbury, all contribute diverse profiles to High Point's craft beer tapestry.
This ongoing evolution of beer offerings illustrates High Point's breweries' role in promoting North Carolina's craft beer industry, currently accounting for a substantial market share within the state's $100 billion beer industry.
The Craft Beer Landscape
In High Point, NC, the craft beer scene is characterized by its vibrant collection of breweries, each offering a unique spin on traditional and innovative brews. The craft beer movement has significantly influenced local culture and economy.
Local Breweries Overview
High Point, nestled in North Carolina, has become a pivotal area for the state's craft beer expansion, with various local breweries contributing to its growing reputation. These breweries capitalize on North Carolina's rich agricultural resources, with many prioritizing local and seasonal ingredients to engineer their diverse array of craft beers.
Notable Breweries in High Point
Several key players in High Point's craft beer scene warrant mention:
Brown Truck Brewery: Focused on high-quality, seasonal brews, this award-winning brewery has become a staple in the local community.
Goofy Foot Taproom: This establishment is known not just for their craft beers but also for their engagement in community events.
Paddled South Brewing Co.: Their craft offerings have garnered attention, attracting both locals and visitors seeking innovative and traditional brews.
Craft Brewery Influence
The influence of craft breweries in High Point extends beyond the beer itself. Craft breweries have played a pivotal role in catalyzing local business growth and fostering a sense of community. These establishments often become gathering hubs, hosting events and supporting local causes. In turn, they contribute to High Point's identity as a destination for those seeking both culture and quality craft beer.
Guide to High Point Breweries
High Point, North Carolina, stands out with its vibrant craft beer scene. This guide is designed to give travelers and locals alike an overview of the breweries, along with tips for touring and highlights of must-visit locations.
Map of High Point Breweries
The breweries in High Point are dotted throughout the city, offering an array of styles and atmospheres. A dynamic map of High Point breweries would typically include:
Paddled South Brewing Co.
Brown Truck Brewery
Goofy Foot Taproom & Brewery
Joymongers Brewery Co.
Gypsy-Road Brewing Company
Hidden Gate Brewing
Oden Brewing Company
SouthEnd Brewing
Kernersville Brewing Company
Little Brother Brewing
Each pin on the map signifies a spot where craft beer enthusiasts can find local, innovative brews.
Brewery Touring Tips
When touring High Point breweries, one should consider the following tips:
Plan Your Route: With multiple breweries to visit, mapping out your stops beforehand maximizes your experience.
Transportation: Prioritize safety with a designated driver or use local transportation services between locations.
Ask Questions: Brewers and staff are generally passionate about their craft. Engage with them to learn more about their brewing processes and signature beers.
Food Pairings: Check which breweries offer food, as pairing beer with local cuisine can enhance the tasting experience.
Must-Visit High Point Breweries
In a thriving craft beer market, several High Point breweries standout:
Brown Truck Brewery: Offers meticulously crafted American-style lager that's a crowd-pleaser.
Oden Brewing Company: Known for its range and quality of craft beers.
Little Brother Brewing: Provides an intimate setting and a selection that has something for every craft beer enthusiast.
Each of these breweries brings its own unique flair to the art of beer-making, contributing to the robust craft beer culture in High Point.
Brewery Experiences
High Point, NC is home to a variety of breweries, each offering something unique in terms of atmosphere, service, and community involvement. Patrons can expect to find a blend of traditional Southern hospitality paired with innovative brewery culture.
Unique Atmospheres
Each brewery in High Point boasts its own distinctive charm, with Brown Truck Brewery leading the way with locally sourced ingredients and a distinct setting that invites relaxation. Patrons looking for a lively outdoor experience often visit breweries with spacious patios or outdoor seating, where the blend of nature and craft beer create a refreshing ambiance.
The Importance of Quality Service
The staff at High Point breweries are known for their exceptional service, combining professionalism with a friendly, welcoming demeanor. They consistently strive to make every visitor's experience memorable, with knowledge about their craft beer offerings and eagerness to recommend brews based on customer preference.
Events and Community Engagement
Weekly events, like tap takeovers from regional breweries like Wiseman Brewing and Mother Earth Brewing, demonstrate a robust community engagement. Live music and seasonal festivities frequently dot the calendar, creating a brewery experience that's about more than just beer — it's about fostering a spirit of community and shared enjoyment.
Beer Types and Styles
As the craft beer scene in High Point, NC, continues to flourish, understanding the diverse beer types and styles available is key for enthusiasts looking to explore the local offerings. With an array of flavors from rich stouts to refreshing saisons, there's something to satisfy every palate.
Understanding Beer Flavors
The flavor profile of beer is a complex interplay of ingredients, including hops, malt, yeast, and water. Additional flavors may be introduced through the brewing process, such as caramel notes from malt or citrus undertones from specific hop varieties. Craft beer enthusiasts should note that flavors can range from bitter and hoppy in IPAs to roasty and rich in stouts.
Popular Beer Styles in High Point
High Point's craft beer selection showcases a variety of styles, with some standing out for their popularity:
IPA (India Pale Ale): Renowned for its hoppy and often citrus-like flavor, IPAs continue to be a favorite among craft beer aficionados.
Stouts: Offering dark and robust profiles with notes of dark chocolate and coffee.
Ales: This broad category includes beers with fruity and yeasty tones, where nuances like vanilla or biscuity can often be detected.
Saison: A refreshing, traditionally summer style that has found year-round favor for its light, fruity, and sometimes spicy characteristics.
Signature Craft Beer Flavors
High Point's craft brewers often leave their mark with signature brews highlighting distinctive local flavors:
Cinnamon and Vanilla: Warm spices are frequently found in seasonal releases, especially in ales and porters, offering a comforting taste that meshes well with the malt base.
Dark Chocolate: Stouts and porters may include a dark chocolate essence, lending a sumptuous depth best enjoyed slowly.
Caramel and Biscuity: Ales sometimes carry a caramel sweetness or a biscuity, almost bread-like malt flavor that provides a well-rounded drinking experience.
By engaging with these styles, enthusiasts can appreciate the breadth of High Point's craft beer landscape and the skillful innovation of its local brewers.
Craft Beer Tasting
Embarking on a craft beer tasting adventure in High Point offers an opportunity to explore rich flavors and unique brews. For both novices and enthusiasts, brewing tastings can illuminate the complex profiles present in local North Carolina craft beers.
How to Approach Beer Tasting
One should start with a clear palate and a mindset open to the diverse spectrum of craft beer flavors. Tasting in a proper sequence—typically from lighter to darker, or less to more intense—is essential to appreciate the nuances without overwhelming the senses. Observing the beer’s color, aroma, and head prior to sipping gradually introduces the beer's characteristics. Taking small sips and letting the beer sit on the tongue allows the full range of flavors to make their impression. It's helpful to take notes during the process, especially if trying multiple beers, to remember personal preferences and flavor profiles.
Craft Beer Flights Explained
Craft beer flights provide a structured way for individuals to taste and compare different craft beers. A flight is a selection of several small glasses, each filled with a different beer. These are presented on a tray in a sequence that complements their flavors and strengths. Flights are an ideal option for those wishing to sample multiple beers without committing to full pints. They serve as an educational tool, helping one understand the scope of a brewer's skills while enjoying a variety of what the local scene has to offer. Each glass in a flight typically holds just enough craft beer to taste and savor before moving on to the next.
Brewing Process and Education
In High Point, NC, craft beer enthusiasts can gain insight into the meticulous process of brewing and take advantage of educational resources. Local breweries open their doors to reveal the intricate journey from raw ingredients to the finished pint and offer opportunities to learn about beer crafting.
From Grain to Glass
The journey of craft beer begins with the selection of grains. High Point breweries typically start with barley, wheat, or rye that undergo malting, where grains are germinated then dried in a kiln to convert starches into fermentable sugars. The grain is then mashed, immersing it in hot water to extract these sugars. During the boiling stage, hops are added for bitterness, flavor, and aroma. Afterward, the wort is cooled and yeast is introduced for fermentation, where it transforms sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide, giving beer its potency and effervescence. The final steps are conditioning, where beer matures and develops flavors, and packaging, where it's prepared for consumption.
Educational Resources and Brewery Tours
To deepen their understanding of craft beer, individuals can explore the educational resources offered by local breweries and related organizations. The North Carolina Craft Brewers Guild offers advocacy, resources, and education for breweries and beer enthusiasts alike. Many High Point breweries also provide tours, combining tasting sessions with education about the brewing process, ingredients, and the science behind fermentation. These tours are pivotal in showcasing the craft and dedication behind every pint of beer.
Pairing Beer with Local Cuisine
In High Point, North Carolina, the art of pairing craft beers with local cuisine has become a refined practice that highlights the depth of flavors in both the brews and dishes. Local breweries and culinary establishments have embraced this to offer unique dining experiences.
Matching Beers with High Point Dishes
High Point's local cuisine, with its Southern roots, matches exceptionally well with the diverse range of craft beers produced by the town's breweries. For example, a stout or porter with its rich, roasted flavors can complement the smokiness of barbecue pulled pork, a local favorite. Conversely, the hoppiness of an IPA can cut through the richness of classic Southern-style mac ‘n’ cheese, making for a refreshing combination.
Smoked Meats:
Beer Suggestion: Smoked Porter – pairs well with the char on smoked and barbecued meats. (What wine goes well with barbecued meats?)
Seafood:
Beer Suggestion: Wheat Ale – its light, citrus notes offer a palate cleanser for fried catfish.
Local Cuisine-Based Events at Breweries
Many High Point breweries host events that showcase their craft beers alongside local cuisine. Food trucks often park at these breweries, giving patrons a perfect opportunity to experiment with pairings. Beer Co, for instance, might introduce a seasonal ale specifically designed to go hand-in-hand with a food truck's spicy shrimp tacos, elevating the dining experience. Another local brewery may collaborate with regional chefs to curate a beer dinner, guiding guests through a series of courses paired with the perfect beer, demonstrating the harmony between local flavors and craft brews.
Community and Culture
High Point's burgeoning craft beer scene contributes significantly to community vibrance and economic vitality, while craft beer month activities curated by High Point CVB underscore the city's celebration of local breweries and small businesses.
Craft Beer's Role in Local Economy
Craft beer plays a pivotal role in High Point's local economy. The industry not only provides a platform for entrepreneurs and beer enthusiasts to thrive but also fosters a culture of artisanal craftsmanship. Local breweries, such as Wiseman Brewing and Mother Earth Brewing, contribute to the economic landscape by creating jobs and marketing authentically local products that entice visitors and residents alike. Craft Beer Month, typically celebrated in April, encapsulates this economic contribution by drawing attention to the local establishments, which in turn stimulates economic activity.
Local Economic Drivers:
Job creation in brewing, sales, and hospitality
Increased tourist footfall during events and tap takeovers
Supporting High Point's Small Businesses
The emphasis on craft beer directly supports High Point's small businesses by attracting a steady stream of customers - from casual drinkers to dedicated aficionados - to locations such as The Brewer's Kettle and Small Batch. Such boutique establishments serve as pivotal community meeting spots, where the appreciation for finely crafted brews translates into robust support for these local enterprises. Events held by the High Point Convention & Visitors Bureau (High Point CVB) play a crucial role in promoting these businesses, ensuring they remain a staple within the local community. Small businesses, intertwined with the craft beer industry, benefit from a collective strength as they are not just stand-alone enterprises but part of a wider, mutually supportive network.
Support Networks:
High Point CVB promotional efforts
Collaboration between local breweries and small businesses
Craft Beer and Lifestyle
The craft beer scene in High Point, NC beautifully intertwines with local lifestyle, offering venues that cater to pet lovers and social butterflies alike.
Dog-Friendly Brewery Options
High Point respects the bond between beer enthusiasts and their pets, particularly dogs. Brewer’s Kettle stands out as a pet-friendly establishment where owners can enjoy a flight of North Carolina brews alongside their furry friends. This venue personifies the dog-friendly atmosphere prevalent in the area's craft beer culture, welcoming pets to join in the social experience.
Breweries as Social Hubs
In High Point, breweries transcend mere drinking spots to become central social hubs. They often feature a range of games and events that engage the community and foster connections. These places are not just about the beer; they're about the collective experience, often pulsating with vibrant conversations and laughter, making them integral parts of local social life.
Awards and Recognitions
High Point's craft beer scene boasts numerous awards and festival recognitions, underscoring the quality and innovation of its local breweries.
High Point Breweries in the Spotlight
Brown Truck Brewery has emerged as a notable name in High Point, with its American-style lager, No. 10, appealing to both novices and enthusiasts. They describe No. 10 as their highest-volume seller, indicative of their ability to craft a brew that stands out in the expanding craft beer marketplace.
Recognition in Craft Beer Festivals
Breweries from High Point have caught attention on the national stage as well. The Pineapple Vanilla Milkshake IPA, for example, has accrued an impressive collection of accolades:
Gold in the 2022 North Carolina Brewer's Cup
Gold in the 2020 US Open Beer Championships
Silver in the 2021 NC Brewers Cup
Bronze in the 2022 Best of Craft Beer Awards
Bronze in the 2022 New York International Beer Competition
The continued success of High Point breweries in prestigious competitions like the Great American Beer Festival is a testament to their commitment to quality and expertise in the brewing arts.
