Fuquay-Varina newcomer – Draft Line Brewing

By Dathan Kazsuk | July 6, 2014

Twitter: @TriangleAT | Facebook: Triangle Around Town | Instagram: @trianglearoundtown

It seems as if the Triangle is becoming a hot bed for up and rising breweries – especially as of late. One of the newest breweries to enter the scene is Fuquay-Varina's Draft Line Brewing. With Aviator Brewery holding down the Fuquay fort for years, and the all women-owned Bombshell Brewing in the neighboring town of Holly Springs recently celebrating its 1-year anniversary, Draft Line has some catching up to do.

On June 28, Draft Line opened its doors to the general public to an amazing success. The brewery stated on its Facebook page that they handed out over 2,400 wristbands and served over 4,500 glasses of beer. And at $5 a pop, that's an amazing accomplishment for day one.

Jen and I arrived around 5 p.m. and met some friends as we tried pint after pint. We started with the Wilbon American Wheat Ale (5.3%ABV). The beer had subtle hints of orange peels that made this a perfect summer brew. We followed that up with the Graft Pale Ale (5.3%ABV). Then we sampled the SinglePath IPA (6.6%ABV) and the Deep Plunge Porter (5.6%ABV). My friend, Gina, tried the Hemmngs Pilsner (5.1%ABV) as well as the RiverSteam Scotch Ale (7.5%ABV), which she enjoyed. Between the four of us there that afternoon, we tried all six of the beers Draft Line has to offer.

I must admit that I wasn't disappointed in any of the Draft Line beers that afternoon, but I was expecting a little more. With so many craft beers springing up in North Carolina alone, I'm always searching for a brewery to awe me with its ingredients. If you're going for a porter, try adding coconut or curry. If you are aiming for a wheat beer, why not add peaches or Hibiscus flowers.

Draft Line does have the potential, and should keep up with the other breweries sharing its beer with fellow beer-drinkers like me. The next time we're in the F-V, we'll be sure to stop back at Draft Line for another pint or two.

A Tour and Tasting at Williamsburg Winery: Where Wine Meets History

By Jen | June 24, 2014

Twitter: @TriangleAT | Facebook: Triangle Around Town | Instagram: @trianglearoundtown

In search of a summertime weekend getaway, we visited the Williamsburg Winery in Williamsburg, Virginia for their Extensive Tour and Reserve Wine Tasting. Having done this tour and reserve tasting in the past, we knew we would be in for another treat that only the Williamsburg Winery can deliver. This particular tour and tasting is limited to 8-10 people, must be reserved and purchased in advance, and the tasting takes place in the private wine cellar. It’s an experience not to be missed if you are an avid wine lover.

The Williamsburg Winery sits on over 300-acres of land in Williamsburg, Virginia. Jack Crane, above, is one of the staff members that leads visitors through the grounds of the winery during it's daily tours and tastings.

For anyone visiting Williamsburg, you know it's rich in American history and the site of the winery is no exception. Our day began with lunch at the Gabriel Archer Tavern, named after Gabriel Archer. Archer was 2nd in command, when in 1606, three ships were sent to the New World to settle a permanent English colony.

Throughout the winery, the history talks to you through the names of the wines produced. The James River White, Governor's White, Susan Constant Red, Acte 12 Chardonnay and of course, the Gabriel Archer Reserve - to name a few. What better way to experience history than with a glass of wine. 

We have lunch at the Gabriel Archer Tavern just about every time we visit the winery and can honestly say we've never been disappointed. With a glass of our favorite, the Governor’s White, we shared a cheese plate and grilled chicken sandwich before walking across to the winery to check in for our tour.  

At 1 p.m., we were promptly met by our tour guide, Jack Crane, as well as two other ladies who were also on our tour. Jack took us out to the vineyard on the 300-acre farm, known as Wessex Hundred, where he discussed the history of the winery, the land it resides on and of course the seven different types of grapes grown on the estate.  From there, we were taken to the crush pad where Jack explained the process the grapes go through up to fermentation.  Next up, the museum where Jack taught us about the evolution of the wine bottle, the history of the estate and other tidbits of information worth saving for your own visit one day!

We toured the wine cellar and Jack explained the bottling process and alas, we have arrived at our private wine cellar for our private tasting of the winery’s finest – the reserve and premium wines. Don’t get me wrong, the tour is not to be missed, but I was anxiously awaiting the tasting and with a group of four, it made it even more intimate … and fun!

The four of us sat at the tasting table, and with Jack leading the way, we were presented with a cheese plate and 9 bottles of wine calling our name as we waited for our first taste. We started with the Wedmore Place Cremant de Loire which is made especially for Williamsburg Winery by their partners at Chateau de la Presle. Being a sparkling wine fan, this one was one of my favorites of the day.

We went down the list from whites to reds and finishing with a Late Harvest Vidal Blanc. We were able to taste a side-by-side 2010 Merlot Reserve followed by a 2006 Merlot Reserve as well as a 2010 Gabriel Archer followed by a 2009 Gabriel Archer. A favorite of mine, retailing between $75-$100 per bottle, was the 2009 Adagio, which is a blend of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. This year, the 2010 Adagio was awarded the Virginia Governor’s Cup as the overall winner of the competition.

Included in this tour, guests receive a large etched reserve wine glass, however, on this day they were out so we were given vouchers to come back for their regular tour and tasting. Being from out of state, but also keeping our wine and beer club in mind, we decided to return the next day for the additional tour so we may give our members a “side-by-side” comparison. So, the next day, we returned and began our visit once again with lunch at the Gabriel Archer and then off to the tour and tasting. This tour typically is $10 per person.

We were pleasantly surprised to learn that Jack, from the day before, would be our tour guide once again!  The tour begins with a 5-minute video of the history of the winery.  Next, Jack took us down to the wine cellar where he talked about the barreling, aging and bottling process.  Up the spiral staircase we landed back in the museum and then onward to the tasting room. Once in the tasting room, we sampled 7 wines, ranging from whites to reds to a choice of Vin Licoreux de Framboise or the Jamestown Cellars Spiced Wine. The Framboise was to die for, while the spiced wine is great for the holidays. These wines all retail from $9 to $18 per bottle.

The difference between these tours are on the reserve tasting you are able to go to the vineyard, see the grapes, learn about them and hear the history, whereas on this other tour, the video took the place of the personal touch.  On the reserve tasting you are trying the better produced wine – the reserve and premium – and in a private wine cellar with atmosphere and intimacy. On this tasting and tour, you are fortunate to try wines, that some might say, are more affordable.

Do I have a preference? I like “atmosphere” so I would choose the reserve.  However, being budget-minded, the tour and tasting on the second day did allow us to decide what we liked and could walk out the door with a case of Williamsburg wines. To each their own, I say!

The winery offers a total of 5 different tours, including these two. The others are a Fine Wine Tasting for $6 per person. A Reserve Wine Tasting for $15 per person and a Tour and Tasting with Lunch for $35 per person. Next time you’re in Virginia, check them out! You won’t be disappointed!

Raleigh's Sub Noir Brewing celebrates year one with a bang

By Dathan Kazsuk | June 15, 2014

Twitter: @TriangleAT | Facebook: Triangle Around Town | Instagram: @trianglearoundtown

Celebrating its 1-year anniversary party on June 14, I have to give respect to Sub Noir Brewing Company's Michael and Amy Stagner for blessing us with some fantastic craft beers during its first 365-days in existence.

When you first walk into Sub Noir Brewing, one would think that the gang has a lot to do when it comes to decorating. The brewery has no bar or extravagant barstools and the beer comes out of a chest freezer which has been crafted into a kegerator. They don't have that charming allure of some of the other local breweries – but don't let this fool you! The beer crafted here can stand up next to some of the heavy-hitters in the craft beer world.

And it doesn't hurt to have somewhat of a "cult" following behind the brewery. While only producing small barrel runs, fans of Sub Noir have to pay close attention to Twitter or Facebook as to when the next special beer will be flowing, such as the sour Flanders Red Ale in a cask barrel, which lasted under an hour before it was all gone during it's 1-year anniversary.

Jen and I arrived early to have a pint of Zee Count, a chocolate stout brewed with Count Chocula and aged over cocoa nibs courtesy of Raleigh's own Videri Chocolate Factory. I also tried a pint of the ginger tripel named, Eccentrica. Unfortunately I didn't get an opportunity to try the double IPA, aptly titled "D-Bag" for the trouble Michael and my friend David had with the hops during brewing. Maybe next time, guys.

On that rather humid afternoon, many people gathered in lawn chairs drinking beer outside under canopies, while food trucks supplied the nourishment. Uban Entree, Dump Pho King and Not Just Icing Cupcakes were available through the day, bringing everything from fried pork-chop sandwiches to pork dumplings.

Cheers to the gang at Sub Noir Brewing Company ... I hope to be there when you celebrate year number two.

Bombshell Beer Company

Bombshell Beer Company is located in Holly Springs.

By Dathan Kazsuk | May 26, 2014

Twitter: @TriangleAT | Facebook: Triangle Around Town | Instagram: @trianglearoundtown

Our first visit to Bombshell Beer Company came courtesy of a Living Social special - but then did half the people on the tour that afternoon when we made our trek over to Holly Springs. 

The night before our tour, Jen and I met Bombshell's head brewer, Steve O'Neill, while at Wine 101 Wake Forest. I told him I would keep my drinking to a minimum, so I can enjoy more beer the next day. He agreed, and so I ordered a pint of Bombshell's Lemongrass IPA. I'll save the rest for tomorrow, I told him.

At the brewery, we sat at the bar looking over the beer menu for several minutes before they announced the start of the 3 pm tour. Bombshell's co-founder Ellen Joyner led the group of 20 people through the doors leading to where the magic happens. Joyner discussed in detail how Bombshell came to fruition to buying steel made here in the USA for brewing materials. After a 30 minute tour of the facility, and another pint of Lemongrass IPA, the tour ended. The group then made it's way back to the bar to pick up the rest of the swag that came with the Living Social special: 2 pint glasses and a growler filled with your favorite Bombshell suds.

Prices range from $4.50 to $5.00 for a pint to as low as $1.50 for a 5-ounce sample. With Bombshell having a selection of 8 beers on tap, we decided to sample a flight of beer, which consist of five 5-ounce pours for $6.50. For our flight, we selected the Polished Pilsner, Hey! Honey! Hefeweizen, Pick-Up Porter and Dirty Secret Stout (both the oatmeal and dry Irish batches).

Our favorite was a toss up between the pilsner and the oatmeal stout. While the hefeweizen was my least favorite, towards the end of the sample it actually started to grow on me. As far as filling up our growler – it was the light-bodied pilsner that wound up in there.

Bombshell is open Thursday 4pm-9pm; Fridays 3pm-11pm; Saturdays 12pm-11pm and Sundays 1pm-6pm. The bear has live music on Fridays and Saturdays, and food trucks out front will supply you with nourishment.

Ellen Joyner, co-founder of Bombshell, leads a tour.

Asheville Breweries: Part I

Wicked Weed had 25 beers on draft the day we visited Asheville.

By Dathan Kazsuk | April 23, 2014
Twitter: @TriangleAT | Facebook: Triangle Around Town | Instagram: @trianglearoundtown

Beer. It’s what makes men tick. Creating or drinking it … it can be a driving force. Do you strive for that ultimate combination of ingredients that puts your brewery on the map? Or are you a traditionalist who doesn’t want to stray far from the four basic ingredients: water, yeast, malts and hops?

I consider myself a little of both. But probably sway more towards the experimental side in my beer drinking. This past weekend, Jen and I decided to take a very short trip to Asheville to do some research on several of the breweries around town. It was pretty much 24-hours in the city. It should have been longer – but unfortunately it wasn’t.

The research is for the wine and beer club that we conduct in north Raleigh. We’re coming up on our 1-year anniversary, and recently concluded a winery tour of the Yadkin Valley, which saw members visit nine different wineries over the course of a perfect sunny weekend.

Now, it’s time to plan ahead for a tour of Asheville.

We arrived in town around noon and after passing the Biltmore and the Grand Bohemian Hotel, I finally got my bearings and arrived at our first destination, Wicked Weed. This was our first time at Wicked Weed and my first impression was, “Wow! Cool!” Upstairs the restaurant served up dishes such as fish & chips, middle neck clams, fried chicken and a kimchi sandwich, as well as a bison burger with blue cheese coleslaw.

But on this day we made our way directly downstairs to the tasting room. The room was filled, but we found two spots at the end of the bar. Taylor was our bartender for the day, and he helped guide us along sample after sample. A sample here. A 10-oz. pour there. Another sample or two. Then a couple more 10-oz. pours. Favorites included the Black Angel Cherry Sour, Freak of Nature DIPA, Le Peche Blanc, Coffee Saison and Dark Age Bourbon Stout (Jen absolutely loved this one).

Next we walked over to Burial Beer Co. down the road – but when a Raleigh couple next to us mentioned Burial was going to have a Saison festival later that day, we decided to check out the Lexington Avenue Brewery instead.

LAB is a little bit of everything. A Brewery. A Restaurant. A music venue. Being on a “beer mission” we ordered a flight to share. The flight of six contained the following: 1st Gear (Cream Ale); LAB American Pale; Waves of Grain (Amber); Eleanor’s Rye (Red Ale); Buck Mild (Experimental) and Three Threads (Porter).

Each beer had its distinct taste, and for $8.75 a flight, it wasn't a wallet breaker. Our personal favorite was the Buck Mild, with its notes of toasted coconut and a lingering taste of cayenne peppers that hits the back of your throat at just the right time. By this time we decided to head over to Burial and take part in the festival.

On our way to Burial we walked right past Greenman Brewery (we’ll hit you guys up next time). At Burial, the raindrops began to fall, so we quickly made our way inside, but so many others had that same idea, and the room was packed. So we decided to head back outside, where the Sharpen the Blades Saison festival was happening.

Burial had several different saison beers lined up, and featured others by breweries such as Fullsteam, Greenman, Hi-Wire, Wedge, Pisgah and many more. We were standing in line when we met Larry with Charlotte’s The Unknown Brewing Co. There he did a great job at promoting his special keg saison – the Lemon Drop. Instead of using the candied sugar that is used in saison beers, this Charlotte brewery used the fun-loving candy that all us growing up in the 80s have had before – Lemonheads. So of course we had to try it, and we were not disappointed. We also tried Burial’s Southeast Saison, which was also a good beer.

Next to report on is Asheville Brewing Co. on Coxe Avenue. Another brewpub, Asheville Brewing Co. features some well-known pub food in the likes of wings, fries, chicken fingers, nachos and around 15 different sandwiches on its menu. Again, on a mission for beer, we ordered a flight which featured their Escape Artist (ESP); Rocket Girl (lager); Ninja Porter and Love Ninja (Raspberry Porter) and Scout Stout. With well-priced beer and food and a nice bar atmosphere, there’s a good chance we’ll be back here again.

Other breweries we tried to visit before our ride home was Hi-Wine, Greenman and Wedge on Saturday afternoon ... but we wanted to hit the road by 2 pm, and pretty much all opened at 2 or 3 pm on Saturdays. Maybe next time.