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North Carolina beer

Hi-Wire Brewing Rolls Out Hazy Pitch IPA and Unveils More Fresh Releases for 2024

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ASHEVILLE, N.C.— North Carolina-based Hi-Wire Brewing is shaking things up again with the introduction of its latest family member, Hazy Pitch IPA, to a lineup that’s already bursting with character. Not stopping there, 2024 is set to be a year of exhilarating updates for the Asheville brewery, including a refreshing twist on a fan favorite and the debut of two new 12-packs that are anything but ordinary.

A Big Hazy Joins the ‘Pitch’ Family

Hazy Pitch IPA, a bodacious New England-style IPA, promises to shake up the family tree with a hefty 7.2% ABV. This haze-craze newcomer is joining Hi-Wire’s beloved ‘Pitch Family’ in 6-packs of big 16-ounce cans, making its grand entrance in mid-March. The Pitch Family brings together the gamut of IPAs – from Hi-Wire’s most popular beer, the West-Coast Style Hi-Pitch Mosaic (6.7% ABV), to the easy-drinking Lo-Pitch Hazy (5.5% ABV) to the seriously hopped Double Hi-Pitch (9% ABV).

Bryna Frosaker, co-owner of Hi-Wire Brewing, shared the inspiration behind this vibrant addition to the brewery’s flagship selection, “Though we’ve played in the hazy IPA space for years… Hazy Pitch is our latest and greatest adventure, and we’re thrilled to add it to our core year-round lineup.”

By meticulously layering juicy American hops post-fermentation, Hi-Wire has harnessed a symphony of tropical punch, chewy pineapple, and bright citrus hop flavors, creating a very unique hazy IPA. Hazy Pitch receives over twice as many hops in the dry hop stage compared to Lo-Pitch creating a bigger, hazier IPA to round out the beloved family.

Mountain Water Gets a Peachy Update

Fan-favorite Mountain Water Easy Drinking Ale is welcoming a new flavor to its ranks – Pomegranate Peach (4.5% ABV). After a successful taste test across Hi-Wire Brewing’s eleven taproom locations, this stone fruit and sweet-tart sensation that pours bright pink is set to replace the original Citrus Splash flavor. Brian Laggis, Director of Sales at Hi-Wire, commented, “After many rave reviews, it was clear that Pomegranate Peach was our winner. We’re excited for fans of Mountain Water to try this refreshing new twist.”

Vibrant and slightly tangy notes of ripe pomegranates are complemented by the juicy essence of peaches in this Southern-inspired concoction that’s made like a beer but drinks like a seltzer. Hank Marshall, Hi-Wire’s Head Brewer, highlighted its unique qualities, noting, “We wanted to capture the natural sweetness of these fruits while ensuring that the overall flavor was not too sweet with a slightly tart finish that provides the perfect balance.”

Mix it Up with Big 12-Packs

For those who love a bit of everything, Hi-Wire is also rolling out two new 12-packs of 16-ounce cans – Rad-Mobile and Pitch Pack. Rad-Mobile unites Hi-Pitch Mosaic IPA, Lo-Pitch Hazy IPA, Mountain Water Pomegranate Peach, and Leisure Time Lager into one big, convenient box, while Pitch Pack brings together the entire Pitch Family for a hoppy reunion.

Whether it’s for sampling, entertaining, or simply stocking up, bigger cans mean more to love, and these 12-packs promise variety and fun in every sip. “When we converted to 16-ounce cans, we doubled down to offer 12-packs exclusively with big cans too, which was unheard of at the time for craft beer,” Frosaker added, highlighting the significance of these offerings in the market.

New Branding for Old Favorites

As we stride into 2024, Hi-Wire Brewing is also giving a fresh twist to its core beer artwork, adding a dash of nostalgic flair to the brewery’s already eye-catching cans. Look for updated packaging on the ‘Pitch Family’ and Hi-Wire Lager over the coming months.

“We will continue to push boundaries, trying new methods and new products, in a calculated and intentional way,” Marshall affirmed, promising the brewery’s ethos of quality and innovation remains steadfast. “In this time of change for craft beer, innovation will define success,” Frosaker reflects.

All releases will be available at Hi-Wire’s eleven taproom locations and across nine states of distribution, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Ohio, Kentucky, Alabama, Virginia, and Indiana.

About Hi-Wire Brewing

Hi-Wire Brewing is known for producing approachable and balanced lagers and ales, most notably Hi-Pitch Mosaic IPA, Lo-Pitch Hazy IPA, and Mountain Water Easy Drinking Ale, and it boasts an award-winning sour and wild ale program. Founded in Asheville, N.C. in 2013, Hi-Wire has locations in Asheville, Birmingham, Ala., Charlotte, N.C., Cincinnati, Durham, N.C., Knoxville, Tenn., Louisville, Ky., Nashville, Tenn., and Wilmington, N.C. and is proud to pay a Living Wage to all of its employees. Hi-Wire Brewing’s Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup award-winning beers can be found on draft and in exclusively 16-ounce cans across North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Ohio, Kentucky, Alabama, Virginia, and Indiana.

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Foothills Brewing to Bring Back Iconic Carolina Blonde Ale

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WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina— Winston-Salem’s Foothills Brewing is relaunching the iconic Carolina Blonde Ale in time for this year’s 30th annual Carolina Renaissance Festival in Huntersville, NC.

In a time before the craft beer revolution took flight in North Carolina, Carolina Blonde was many people’s first exposure to small-batch beer. Originally created in Mooresville, NC in 1997 by the Carolina Beer & Beverage Company, Carolina Blonde became a popular beer across the region, the largest craft beer brand, and an early example of craft beer in cans.

“Blonde ales have a lot going for them” says Bill Manley, Sales & Marketing Director at Foothills Brewing. “They are light, crisp, and easy to drink, but still have a lot of flavor. They hit a sweet spot that appeals to light beer fans, and craft drinkers alike.”

Foothills Brewing acquired the Carolina Blonde brand in 2011 and produced the beer as a standalone product. Now, Foothills is wrapping Carolina Blonde into its core portfolio. Following its debut at the upcoming Carolina Renaissance Festival, Foothills will launch the beer in its on-site locations in Winston-Salem, and then region-wide in Spring of 2024.

“The Carolina Blonde brand is such a symbol of the region” says Manley. “Born in North Carolina, and featuring the iconic Cape Hatteras lighthouse on the label, it creates an instant connection with our home state. It was one of the first craft beers I ever tasted, and I remember it well. It’s exciting to be able to breathe new life into a North Carolina classic.”

The choice to debut the beer at the Carolina Renaissance Festival is no coincidence. Carolina Blonde was an original beer sponsor of the annual festival, and then Foothills took-over as the primary craft beer partner in 2012.

“We are excited to help kick off the return of Carolina Blonde. The relaunch is a tribute to rich traditions and creative spirits which makes Carolina Blonde a perfect pairing with the arts and entertainment presented at the Carolina Renaissance Festival.” says Matt Siegel, director of marketing and entertainment at the Carolina Renaissance Festival.

“Foothills is thrilled for the opportunity to partner with the Renaissance Festival” says Jamie Bartholomaus, president and brewmaster of Foothills Brewing. “Supporting community events has been part of Foothills’ mission since day one, and the Renaissance Festival is one of the Carolinas’ best events, drawing crowds from all over the region. It’s a great representation of our state.”

The Carolina Renaissance Festival is celebrating its 30th season and runs Saturdays and Sundays from September 30th through November 19th. www.carolina.renfestinfo.com

About Foothills

Foothills believes that “Life Needs Beer.”

Proudly brewed in Winston-Salem, North Carolina since 2005, Foothills are the makers of Hoppyum IPA, Hazyum IPA, Happyum Imperial IPA, Jade IPA, Torch Pilsner, People’s Porter, and the award-winning Sexual Chocolate Imperial Stout. In addition to brewing world-class beers, Foothills also serves award-winning food at its downtown brewpub and crafts signature cocktails and coffee drinks using house-roasted, responsibly sourced coffee beans at Footnote Coffee and Cocktails. Visit them in Winston-Salem or find their beers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, or anywhere where great beer is sold.

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Hi-Wire Brewing to Open Tiki Bar and Speakeasy in Asheville

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ASHEVILLE, North Carolina— Hi-Wire Brewing, known for crafting unique and approachable craft beers, is excited to announce the opening of ‘The Tiki Easy Bar,’ a new tiki bar and speakeasy hidden behind Hi-Wire’s South Slope Specialty Brewery in Asheville, North Carolina. The tropical-themed bar is set to open to the public in July 2023.

“I have become obsessed with tiki bars and drinks since the Covid-19 pandemic began,” said Chris Frosaker, co-owner of Hi-Wire Brewing and the driving force behind Hi-Wire’s new concept. Frosaker continued, “Our world seems to be getting crazier every day, and I love the escapism a tiki bar provides, where you can enter a new world and forget about your day-to-day life with a strong drink in hand.” Combining this new passion with some newly-acquired space at the craft brewery’s original location, ‘The Tiki Easy Bar’ was born.

The Tiki Easy Bar aims to be Western North Carolina’s only true tiki bar, transporting visitors to an island oasis filled with danger, mystery, and lots of rum. Expect traditional tiki decor, one of the largest rum selections in the state, and a rotating tiki-only cocktail menu with more than thirty varieties of tiki drinks.

The speakeasy’s menu combines a slew of classic tiki cocktails, modern tiki drinks designed in-house, and a selection of island-inspired mocktails. Chris Frosaker’s go-to drink will, of course, make an appearance or two. “I am obsessed with the Mai Tai, which happens to be the most misunderstood and bastardized cocktail in history,” said Frosaker. To celebrate the co-owner’s passion for a proper Mai Tai, The Tiki Easy Bar will feature two Mai Tai options at all times, and every Monday, bartenders will experiment with rums from around the world paired with a variety of curacao liqueurs for the bar’s ‘Mai Tai Mondays.’

Hi-Wire Brewing is no stranger to opening new, fun-filled drinking establishments with soon-to-be eleven locations across the Southeast and Midwest dedicated to serving Hi-Wire’s award-winning craft beers. However, The Tiki Easy Bar will be unlike anything the brewery has done before with exotic jungle decor, tiki drink concoctions, and a secret entrance. “What is related, though, is one of our company’s non-negotiables of creating fun – The Tiki Easy Bar will definitely not be short on fun,” said Frosaker. With mesmerizing flames and occasional lightning and thunder, this Asheville oasis will transport thrill-seeking explorers to paradise and leave them filled with wonder and enticing island nectar.

The tiki bar will occupy a 2500-square-foot space through the back door of Hi-Wire’s South Slope Specialty Brewery, an area of the building that has not been previously open to the public. “We have operated our South Slope brewery as a specialty facility since 2016, making the bulk of our beer down the street at our Biltmore Village Production Brewery,” said Frosaker, “but when our landlord decided to retire last summer and offered us the chance to purchase the building where Hi-Wire first started ten years ago, it was a no brainer to cement our roots where it all began.”

To access The Tiki Easy Bar, guests must venture through tanks and barrels of the brewery until they uncover the secret passage which will lead them through the jungle to an island oasis beyond. There will not be an exterior sign on the building pointing the way, so only adventure-seekers and curious cocktail-lovers will discover the bar’s secrets hidden behind the brewery.

The Tiki Easy Bar is set to become one of the most innovative and exciting additions to the Asheville drinking scene, attracting visitors from around the region. The bar will open in the summer of 2023 and will be located at 197 Hilliard Ave, Asheville, N.C. Frosaker teased, “We’ve put a lot of thought and planning into every detail, from the decor to the drink menu, and we can’t wait for people to discover it for themselves.”

Construction of The Tiki Easy Bar has already begun.

About Hi-Wire Brewing

Hi-Wire Brewing is known for producing approachable and balanced lagers and ales, most notably Hi-Pitch Mosaic IPA, Lo-Pitch Hazy IPA, and Mountain Water Easy Drinking Ale, and it boasts an award-winning sour and wild ale program. Founded in Asheville, N.C. in 2013, Hi-Wire has locations in Asheville, Birmingham, Ala., Charlotte, N.C., Cincinnati (April 2023), Durham, N.C., Knoxville, Tenn., Louisville, Ky., Nashville, Tenn. (May 2023), and Wilmington, N.C. and is proud to pay a Living Wage to all of its employees. Hi-Wire Brewing’s Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup award-winning beers can be found on draft and in exclusively 16-ounce cans across North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Ohio, Kentucky, Alabama, Virginia, and Indiana.

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Incendiary Brewing Partners with Bevana

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WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina— Incendiary Brewing Company, one of the most highly-rated breweries in North Carolina, has joined beverage platform Bevana. The latest in a growing list of highly-regarded companies partnering with the platform, Incendiary will see a dramatically increased reach for their beers through an online store capable of shipping to 42 states, including North Carolina. Now able to reach craft beer enthusiasts across the country, many for the first time, it represents a step forward in not only increasing awareness of, but access to, their award-winning beers.

The top-rated brewery in North Carolina’s Piedmont Triad region, Incendiary has built their reputation on a range of offerings including their popular SHIfT series of Hazy IPAs, bold Imperial Stouts, and twists on classic lager styles. Founded in 2018 by locals Brandon Branscome and John Bacon, the brewery quickly became a local favorite, as well as attracting the notice of critics and beer drinkers from across the region. With demand continuing to grow, the pair has since opened a second location in nearby Lewisville, allowing them to serve more customers and continue to deliver the high-quality experience that they have become so well-known for.

“We are so excited to work with Bevana and get our beers to fans in other markets, particularly here in North Carolina,” explained Brandon Branscome, co-founder of Incendiary. “ It’s a request we get all of the time, and we couldn’t be happier to finally make it happen!”

Through their partnership with Bevana, Incendiary’s new releases will be available online for delivery directly to customers’ homes or businesses. This joins a selection of top beers and other beverages from across the world, making the platform the ultimate one-stop shop for drinkers everywhere.

“Working with the top breweries and beverage producers in the world is one of the parts of our job that we take the most pride in at Bevana,” said Aaron MJ Gore, Bevana’s Senior Director of Business Development. “Brandon, John, and their entire team at Incendiary have been creating world-class beers since day one, and we’re excited to be able to bring those directly to craft beer fans like ourselves who otherwise wouldn’t have access to them.”

Craft beer enthusiasts can find Incendiary’s beers online through the Bevana storefront, or at either of their two taprooms in central North Carolina, in Winston-Salem and Lewisville.

About Bevana

Bevana is a platform that connects artisan beverage makers with eager customers that they would otherwise be unable to reach. We partner with the best independent beverage makers across the globe to keep the craft in Craft Beverage, and to provide enthusiasts with the world’s best drinks, no matter where they are. Through Bevana, a new world of incredible beverage experiences are just a few short clicks away. Local passion, delivered globally.

Customers in forty-two states can order all of their favorite Bevana beverages online at Shop.Bevana.com for delivery directly to their door. For more information go to https://www.incendiarybrewing.com/

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Protagonist Beer Announces Distribution to South Carolina

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CHARLOTTE, North Carolina – Protagonist Beer is pleased to announce that they will be expanding their fast growing beer distribution to South Carolina this month. They will be partnering with Comer Distributing to bring their beers into the Palmetto State for the first time starting mid-April 2023. Beers will be available first in the Fort Mill, Tega Cay, Rock Hill, and Clover markets, with plans for more markets in the future.

“We’re extremely excited to partner with Comer and their incredible team to finally bring our beers into the Palmetto state”, says CEO and Co-Founder Mike Salzarulo. “Because of the demand and proximity to our friends in South Carolina, it’s the natural next step for our retail beer expansion.”

“Our entire crew here at Comer Distributing are very excited to bring such great local brands to our customers and consumers. Protagonist Beer is first class, and all their staff have been absolutely wonderful to help map out their vision and expansion plans into South Carolina. Thank you, Mike and Lindsay, for choosing us as your partner,” says Chip Comer of Comer Distributing. “We would encourage anyone to please visit their facility in the Lower South End and enjoy great food and brews and an awesome atmosphere! Coming to local stores, bars, and restaurants near you in Rock Hill and surrounding areas very soon, Protagonist Beer!”

Protagonist Beer was founded in the NoDa neighborhood of Charlotte in May of 2019 by three childhood friends. Quickly outgrowing their original space, Protagonist opened a production facility and pizzeria in the LoSo neighborhood in Charlotte in November 2020. In their short time as a brewery, Protagonist Beer has won four Great American Beer Festival Medals, along with a North Carolina Brewers Cup Gold Medal.

Protagonist Beer will launch in South Carolina with five year-round offerings: Queen Charlotte, a German-style Pilsner; Dolly, a Honey Blonde Ale; Gwen, a Honey Hazy Pale Ale; Mercury, a Hazy IPA; and Hank, an American Light Lager. Their recent collaboration with Fort Mill-based Replay Brewing named Tony Bock, a 7.3% Strong Lager, will be the first seasonal offering available in select markets.

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Sycamore Brewing Unveils Details of New Charlotte Taproom

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CHARLOTTE, North Carolina –Sycamore Brewing, Charlotte’s biggest independent brewery, today unveiled details of its brand-new South End taproom, providing a destination for beer drinkers, families, foodies and now coffee lovers alike. Located at2151 Hawkins Street next door to Sycamore’s original taproom, the expansive 10,000 square-foot space is slated to open this May.

Drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of North Carolina from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Carolina Coast, the taproom will span two stories with a 6,000-square-foot second-floor patio and bar overlooking Charlotte’s rail trail and city skyline. Complete with a ground-level beer garden, a full-service taproom with robust food offerings and the brewery’s new coffee shop – the space offers a 4-in-1 experience. Sycamore’s custom-built Airstream food truck will also be stationed upstairs as a nod to the original taproom space.

“At Sycamore Brewing, we believe in good times and great beer. That’s why we designed the brand-new taproom as a space not just for grabbing a drink but for kicking back, relaxing and connecting,” says Sycamore Brewing Owner Sarah Brigham. “Our bigger and better taproom has so much more to offer our customers including regular weekly specials, unique events and our new coffee shop. Its free-spirited aesthetic exudes a welcoming and laid-back vibe, and we look forward to welcoming everyone very soon!”

Located on the ground floor of the taproom, the new coffee shop Sycamore Café will serve house-brewed coffee, a selection of house-made cookies as well as pastries supplied by community bakers and chefs.

“We started to house roast small batches of our own coffee to add to select coffee beers, and we fell in love with the house-made cold brew coffee that went on tap at our production facility,” continued Brigham. “After perfecting our roasting process, we knew we had to make coffee a part of the new taproom and that’s how Sycamore coffee was born.”

Along with coffee and beer, the taproom will serve other beverage options including froze, cider, a curated wine list, cocktails on tap (some coffee inspired), boozy popsicles and beer floats with soft serve. Sycamore’s full food menu will include tasty pairings for featured beverages each week. Grab-n-go breakfast, lunch and dinner options will be available at the coffee shop or in the beer garden daily, and brunch will be offered on weekends. To follow along for updates regarding the taproom, visit @SycamoreCLT on Instagram.

About Sycamore Brewing

Owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Justin and Sarah Brigham, Sycamore Brewing has been creating award-winning craft liquids since 2014. The brewery has grown and expanded at whirlwind speed since opening its doors, becoming Charlotte’s top beer producer in 2022. Sycamore’s bustling taproom and beer garden has consistently been ranked as one of the top Uber stops in Charlotte serving delicious craft beer each day alongside live music, food trucks and more. In November 2022, the brewery opened a bar concept at Charlotte Douglas International Airport and is expanding even more in early 2023 by moving its 2161 Hawkins Street location next door to a significantly bigger space,further establishing itself as a gathering place for good times and great beer. From year-round mainstays and IPAs to seasonal offerings and café inspired brews, Sycamore beer is available at major retailers in NC, SC, VA, TN, GA, and OH, with additional states to be added this year. For more information, visit www.sycamorebrew.com. Stay connected with Sycamore Brewing on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook (@SycamoreBrewing).

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Cheerwine and NoDa Brewing Company Introduce Cheerwine Ale

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SALISBURY, North Carolina – Two of North Carolina’s most popular family-owned beverage companies are giving Carolinians something to ‘cheer’ about when Cheerwine Ale hits retailers’ shelves today.

Cheerwine, the iconic 106-year-old cherry soda from Salisbury, N.C., and popular Charlotte-based brewery NoDa Brewing Company’s Cheerwine Ale (5.2% ABV | 18 IBUs), is a crisp, refreshing wheat ale infused with the South’s favorite cherry soda.

“Cheerwine makes the perfect ingredient in food and beverages because its unique cherry flavor complements so many different tastes,” says Joy Ritchie Harper, vice-president of marketing for Cheerwine and fifth-generation founding family member. “For years, people have incorporated Cheerwine into barbecue sauces, cocktails, desserts and more, and now we’re adding beer to that list.”

Cheerwine Ale, which is great for craft beer novices and experts alike, is a smooth-drinking, well-balanced brew with a perfect amount of Cheerwine that doesn’t overpower the beer’s flavor. Cheerwine Ale will be part of NoDa Brewing Company’s year-round lineup.

“Cheerwine and NoDa are synonymous with North Carolina, and both our fan bases have fond memories of enjoying our beverages during their most cheerful times – from summer vacations to the holidays and all points in between,” says Jacob Virgil, director of strategic development for NoDa Brewing Company. “Similarly, Cheerwine Ale can be enjoyed year round – it’s an approachable craft beer perfect for all occasions. We’re excited to bring fans the perfect marriage of these two North Carolina staples.”

“Like Cheerwine, NoDa is an iconic Carolina original. As one of Charlotte’s first craft breweries, it’s a classic brand led by passionate people and the perfect partner to produce a Cheerwine-infused beer,” says Harper.

Cheerwine Ale, which comes in 16 oz. four-pack cans, is now available at select North Carolina retailers. It’s also available on draft at a number of Charlotte and Triangle restaurants and bars, as well as the brewery’s Charlotte and Chapel Hill taprooms.

Over the coming weeks, Cheerwine Ale will roll out in additional North Carolina retailers and throughout South Carolina.

For more information, please visit: nodabrewing.com/cheerwine.

Cheerwine: Uniquely SouthernCreated in 1917 by L.D. Peeler, Cheerwine is a one-of-a-kind soft drink with a unique cherry flavor. It is an iconic brand from Salisbury, North Carolina. Owned by the Carolina Beverage Corporation, the 106-year-old company is still privately owned and managed by the same founding family, five generations of whom have worked there. Cliff Ritchie leads Cheerwine as president and CEO. Available in supermarkets, restaurants, mass merchandisers and convenience stores in select states nationwide and cheerwine.com. For more information, follow Cheerwine on Facebook at facebook.com/cheerwine or on Twitter and Instagram @drinkcheerwine.

NoDa Brewing Company

With a collective passion for home brewing and exemplary craft beer, Suzie Ford (President & Co-Founder), Todd Ford (Vice President & Co-Founder), and Chad Henderson (Head Brewer & Co-Owner) teamed up in 2011 to create NoDa Brewing Co, a craft brewing identity that would connect to and grow alongside their beloved city of Charlotte. In 2014 NoDa Brewing Co.’s Hop Drop N Roll IPA won gold in the IPA category at the World Beer Cup, putting NoDa Brewing Co. on the map. Today you can find NoDa Brewing Co. in all major retailers, and local bars and restaurants throughout the Carolinas. For more information visit nodabrewing.com or follow them on Instagram and Twitter @nodabrewing and at facebook.com/NoDaBrewingCompany.

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