In recent years North Carolina has become a mecca for craft beer lovers everywhere. Charlotte plays home to 22 craft breweries alone, several of which have won awards locally as well as internationally. To be so new to the craft beer seen, the queen city is making a name for herself in a large way. The oldest brewery in Charlotte has only been open since 2009, and is truly the highlight of today’s review.
The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery (O.M.B for short) was the first to open up shop some eight years ago. Within 6 years of opening their doors, they were so successful that they had to relocate and expand. Currently located at 4150 Yancey Road in Charlotte, NC the space boasts a stunning German style Brauhaus with warm rich wood accents, family style seating, and a full service kitchen. It also features an impressive outdoor bier garten with a warming fire pit, additional beer taps, ample seating, and corn-hole sets to satisfy everyone’s interest. They offer 5 beers year round, while supplementing their tap list with a variety of seasonal offerings. Each seasonal release is a grand event that brings a new opportunity to interact as a community and share our love of great beer. Let’s face it, these days common ground and happiness are things to be cherished.
Beer for Breakfast
Saturday January 28 th arrived beautiful and chilly. The cold crisp air was one of the few cold mornings we saw in Charlotte this winter, and it was refreshing. O.M.B opened their doors at 9a.m. for their annual release of their Bourbon Barrel Aged (BBA) Fat Boy Baltic Porter. The release was a ticketed event that included a commemorative glass, a full buffet breakfast, a beer for there, and one for later.
The Fat Boy Baltic Porter is a beer that is available year round. It is delicious, dark and smooth. This finish is slightly sweet, with tasting notes of caramel, chocolate and toffee. An all-around delicious dessert of a beer boasting an 8% ABV that packs quite a punch.
The BBA version is something quite different in its own right. The aging in bourbon barrels makes the beer even smoother. The fact that the bourbon mash (the milled grain that gives the bourbon its start) was provided to the distillery by O.M.B, and is extremely similar to the mash for the Fat Boy beer makes this a unique BBA beer. The bourbon barrel imparts some great flavors into the liquid, while really allowing the beer to shine through. If the traditional Fat Boy Porter is a slap in the face, her BBA big brother is a total knock out. Too manyat 10+% ABV will have your head reeling, and you wondering where you day went. Heed the warning,feel free to enjoy this phenomenal beer, but be careful. Salud!
Check out what’s new at OMB on their website. (Hint, hint: they’re building another new location in Cornelius, NC!)
Also be sure to support your local craft breweries and help them build a better business for you by signing the Craft Freedom Petition here!
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