Brewery Tours

Thanks to some great friends and a babysitting swap, Chris and I toured some of our local breweries with a few other couples. Our first stop was the Carolina Brewing Company in Holly Springs (photo on right). We got there about 15 minutes before they opened, and there was already quite a line forming. Once they opened the doors, the taps were flowing and we were free (literally!) to taste any of their beers on tap. Chris and I opted to each taste their anniversary beer first which was a Belgium triple (over 8% alcohol). It was delicious (we bought a six-pack of this one), as were most of their other beers. I was already feeling the first beer, so I opted out of round 2, but everyone else we were with got back in the line for another free pint before the tour began. The taps were shut off for about 1/2 hour while the tour was going on, and as soon as the tour was done, the taps were turned back on again for another hour or so. Enough to get down a few more free pints, and by this time I was thankful we were not driving!

Stop number two was the Aviator Brewery in Fuquay Varina. They have quite a few beers on tap (for purchase) that you can try - most of their beers were good, and their Saison was fabulous (we filled our growler with this one). We went on a tour of their brewery (much smaller than the first), and had a free sample on that tour as well. Luckily there was popcorn in the tasting room so we could get something in our stomachs besides beer!

To end the night, we all headed back to Debra/Jamie's house for a fish fry with a bunch of friends and the kids. It was a great time, and a special thanks to Nikol/Collins for watching our kids all day, and to Debra/Jamie for driving us around!