Concord, North Carolina, has emerged as a vibrant hub for craft beer enthusiasts. This charming city in Cabarrus County boasts a growing number of local breweries, each offering unique and flavorful brews. From Belgian-style ales to hop-forward IPAs, Concord’s craft beer scene caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
Visitors and locals alike can explore the city’s diverse beer landscape, which includes established favorites like High Branch Brewing and Cabarrus Brewing Company. These breweries, along with newer additions such as Southern Strain Brewing Company and Buzzed Viking Brewing Company, showcase the creativity and passion of Concord’s craft brewers. Many of these establishments source local ingredients, further enhancing the connection between the beer and the community.
A tour of Concord’s breweries offers more than just great beer. Many are located in historic buildings or industrial spaces, adding character to the drinking experience. With a mix of traditional styles and innovative creations, Concord’s craft beer scene continues to evolve, solidifying its place on North Carolina’s craft beer map.
The Rise of Concord’s Craft Beer Scene
Concord’s craft beer scene has experienced remarkable growth in recent years. Local breweries have transformed the city’s beverage landscape, offering unique flavors and fostering a vibrant community.
History of Craft Brewing in Concord
Craft brewing in Concord began to take shape in the mid-2010s. The city’s first microbrewery opened its doors in 2017, marking the start of a new era for beer enthusiasts. This pioneering establishment paved the way for others to follow.
Within a few short years, Concord saw the emergence of several craft breweries. Cabarrus Brewing Company and Southern Strain Brewing became local favorites, each bringing their own distinct styles and flavors to the table.
These breweries quickly gained popularity among residents and visitors alike. They focused on creating high-quality, locally-inspired beers that reflected the character of Concord and its surroundings.
Craft Beer Culture and Community
Concord’s craft beer scene has fostered a strong sense of community. Local breweries serve as gathering places for friends and families, hosting events and supporting local causes.
Many breweries in Concord emphasize using local ingredients, collaborating with nearby farmers and businesses. This commitment to local sourcing has strengthened ties within the community and boosted the local economy.
Craft beer enthusiasts in Concord enjoy a variety of styles, from Belgian-inspired ales to hop-forward IPAs. Breweries often experiment with seasonal offerings and limited-edition brews, keeping the scene fresh and exciting.
The growth of Concord’s craft beer culture has also sparked interest in beer education. Tastings, brewery tours, and beer-pairing events have become popular, allowing patrons to deepen their appreciation for the craft.
A Tour of Concord’s Breweries
Concord’s craft beer scene offers a diverse range of flavors and experiences. Local breweries showcase unique atmospheres and innovative brews that reflect the city’s character.
Twenty-Six Acres Brewing Company
Twenty-Six Acres Brewing Company pays homage to Concord’s history. The brewery’s name references the original land grant that established Concord in 1796.
Their taproom features a rotating selection of craft beers. Popular options include the Corban Avenue Honey Blonde Ale and the Red Hill Red IPA.
Twenty-Six Acres hosts regular events, including trivia nights and live music. Food trucks often park outside, providing tasty pairings for the brews.
The brewery’s spacious interior and outdoor seating area make it a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.
High Branch Brewing Co
High Branch Brewing Co resides in the historic Gibson Mill. This family-owned brewery focuses on small-batch, artisanal beers.
Their tap list changes frequently, offering everything from crisp lagers to bold stouts. The Wicked Awesome IPA and Le Petit Mort barrel-aged stout are fan favorites.
High Branch’s intimate taproom creates a cozy atmosphere for beer enthusiasts. Visitors can often chat with the brewers about their latest creations.
The brewery collaborates with local businesses, hosting pop-up events and featuring guest taps from other North Carolina breweries.
Old Armor Beer Company
Old Armor Beer Company stands out with its military-inspired theme. Founded by veterans, the brewery honors service members through its branding and atmosphere.
Their beer lineup includes the Tactical IPA and the Flak Jacket Schwarzbier. Each brew tells a story related to military history or experiences.
The taproom displays military memorabilia and hosts events supporting veteran causes. It’s become a gathering place for both veterans and civilians.
Old Armor offers a beer club membership, providing exclusive access to limited releases and special events.
Buzzed Viking Brewing Company
Buzzed Viking Brewing Company combines traditional brewing with mead-making. This unique approach sets them apart in Concord’s craft beer landscape.
Their menu features both beer and mead options. Popular choices include the Odin’s One Eye IPA and the Thor’s Hammer Mead.
The taproom’s Nordic-inspired decor creates an immersive experience for visitors. Wooden tables and Viking-themed artwork adorn the space.
Buzzed Viking hosts mead-making classes and Viking-themed events throughout the year. These activities attract both beer enthusiasts and history buffs.
Pharr Mill Brewing
Pharr Mill Brewing embraces a farm-to-glass philosophy. This brewery sources many ingredients locally, including hops grown on-site.
Their beer selection emphasizes fresh, seasonal flavors. The Cabarrus Cream Ale and Mill Creek IPA showcase local ingredients.
The brewery’s rustic taproom and outdoor beer garden provide a relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy views of the hop fields while sipping their brews.
Pharr Mill offers brewery tours, giving guests insight into their sustainable brewing practices. They also host farm-to-table dinners featuring beer pairings.
The Unique Offerings at Concord Taprooms
Concord’s taprooms provide distinctive experiences beyond just great beer. These venues showcase local talent, test patrons’ knowledge, and craft exclusive brews.
Live Music and Events
Concord taprooms frequently host live music performances. Local bands and solo artists take the stage, creating a vibrant atmosphere for beer enthusiasts. Genres range from acoustic folk to upbeat rock, catering to diverse musical tastes.
Many venues feature outdoor patios or beer gardens where guests can enjoy music under the stars. Some taprooms organize special events like beer release parties or food truck festivals, pairing live entertainment with new brews and local cuisine.
These gatherings foster a sense of community, bringing together beer lovers and music fans alike. Visitors can check taproom websites or social media pages for upcoming performance schedules.
Trivia Nights
Trivia nights have become a staple at several Concord taprooms. These events challenge patrons’ knowledge while they enjoy craft beers. Topics often include pop culture, sports, history, and local lore.
Teams compete for prizes, bragging rights, or discounts on future purchases. The competitive yet friendly atmosphere encourages social interaction among patrons. Trivia nights typically occur on weekday evenings, providing a fun midweek activity.
Some taprooms partner with professional trivia companies to ensure high-quality questions and smooth gameplay. Others create their own beer-themed trivia, testing participants’ knowledge of brewing processes and beer styles.
Exclusive Local Lagers
Concord taprooms take pride in crafting unique, locally-inspired lagers. These crisp, refreshing beers often incorporate regional ingredients or pay homage to local history. Brewers experiment with traditional lager styles, adding creative twists.
Some taprooms offer small-batch seasonal lagers, available for a limited time. These exclusive brews give patrons a reason to visit regularly and try something new. Flavor profiles may range from light and malty to more robust and hoppy variations.
Many local lagers are only available on tap, encouraging visitors to enjoy them fresh at the source. Some taprooms offer guided tastings or beer flights, allowing guests to sample multiple exclusive lagers in one visit.
Beyond Beer: Exploring Ciders and Meaderies
Concord’s craft beverage scene extends beyond beer, offering unique ciders and meads for those seeking alternative flavors. Local producers craft these delightful beverages using traditional methods and locally-sourced ingredients.
Craft Cideries in Concord
Concord boasts a growing craft cider scene. Local cideries use apples from nearby orchards to create refreshing and flavorful hard ciders. These range from dry to sweet, with some featuring fruit infusions or spices.
One notable cidery in the area produces small-batch ciders using locally grown apples. They offer a variety of styles, including traditional dry ciders and creative flavor combinations.
Visitors can often tour these cideries, learning about the cider-making process and tasting different varieties. Some cideries also host events and live music, creating a vibrant community atmosphere.
Local Meaderies and Their Offerings
Mead, an ancient fermented honey beverage, has found a home in Concord. Local meaderies craft this unique drink using honey from regional beekeepers.
These meaderies offer a range of styles, from traditional honey meads to fruit-infused varieties called melomels. Some even experiment with herbs and spices to create complex flavor profiles.
Tasting rooms at local meaderies provide an opportunity to sample different meads and learn about their production. Many offer guided tastings, pairing suggestions, and bottles for purchase.
Some meaderies in the area have gained recognition for their craftsmanship, winning awards in national competitions. This highlights the quality and innovation of Concord’s mead producers.
Where to Buy Local Craft Beverages
Concord’s craft beverage scene offers diverse options for enthusiasts. Local bottle shops and specialty stores provide curated selections of regional beers, wines, and ciders.
Vortex Bottle Shop: A Hub for Craft Lovers
Vortex Bottle Shop stands out as a premier destination for craft beer aficionados in Concord. Located in the heart of downtown, it boasts an impressive selection of 20 draft options. Visitors can sample local brews, wines, and ciders on tap.
The shop’s knowledgeable staff guides customers through their extensive bottle selection. Vortex offers a mix of regional favorites and hard-to-find specialty beers. Patrons can enjoy their purchases on-site or take them to go.
Regular events, including tastings and tap takeovers, keep the experience fresh for regulars. Vortex also serves kombucha and coffee, catering to non-alcoholic preferences.
Exploring Local Wine and Bottle Shops
Concord’s wine and bottle shops cater to diverse tastes. These establishments offer curated selections of craft beverages from North Carolina and beyond.
K Craft Beer and Wine provides a wide range of local and regional options. Their knowledgeable staff helps customers navigate their selection. The shop often hosts tasting events, allowing patrons to discover new favorites.
Sip City Market & Bottle Shop combines a retail space with a tasting room. Visitors can sample wines and beers before purchasing. Their focus on local producers supports the regional craft beverage industry.
Many shops offer growler fills, allowing customers to take draft beer home. This option provides fresh, taproom-quality beer for at-home enjoyment.
Experiencing the Craft Scene in Downtown Concord
Downtown Concord boasts a vibrant craft beer scene that attracts both locals and visitors. The area features several noteworthy breweries and taprooms, each offering unique flavors and atmospheres.
Southern Strain Brewing stands out as a popular destination for craft beer enthusiasts. This local brewery produces a variety of innovative beers, from hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts.
Cabarrus Brewing Company, another key player in Concord’s craft scene, offers a welcoming taproom where visitors can sample their latest creations. Their beers often incorporate local ingredients, reflecting the region’s agricultural heritage.
Craft beer events and festivals frequently occur in Downtown Concord, showcasing the best of local and regional brews. These gatherings provide opportunities to taste new offerings and meet fellow beer lovers.
Many restaurants and bars in the area also feature craft beer selections, allowing patrons to pair local brews with delicious food. This integration of craft beer into the culinary scene enhances Downtown Concord’s appeal as a destination for food and drink enthusiasts.
Visitors can explore the craft scene on foot, as many breweries and taprooms are within walking distance of each other. This proximity creates a lively atmosphere, especially on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to Downtown Concord to enjoy its craft offerings.
