First Sip: Steel String Brewery, Carrboro

Normally it is the policy of CP to visit a new local brewery at least twice before commenting here, but how better to encourage your visitation than to dash off a few bon mots regarding a new opening, particularly one in the vicinity of most of CP's (deliriously assumed) dedicated readers.  Do not worry, intrepid digester of blogs - a thorough discussion of Carrboro's Steel String Brewery is undoubtedly on tap (thanks, I'll be here all year), but it seems a disservice to not quickly introduce this recent addition to the Triangle brewery scene

Steel String holds down a prime spot in downtown Carrboro, directly across from the Open Eye Cafe and next to the Wendy's - and who doesn't enjoy a festive Honeysuckle Saison along with their Triple Cheeseburger - and its friendly atmosphere (not that other NC breweries aren't friendly, but it was almost if at our first visit the staff was trying HARD to be accomodating) should keep it a popular hangout for some time.  Its daunting location, less than 100 feet from Tyler's Taproom, with its impressive beer selection, is ambitious - but shows confidence.  The brewery has lots of natural light (no, not Natural Light) and is highlighted by its custom guitar-shaped bar and high-quality Saisons that portend good things for the future.  Stay tuned for a thorough review in the near future, but in the meantime if you are in Carrboro, stop in (park carefully; this is still sort of Chapel Hill) and have one or two.

 

Word to Your Mother

A quick trip to the coast provided (necessitated?) a stopover in Kinston at one of NC's fastest growing breweries - Mother Earth Brewing.  It's not quite as imposing as this photo suggests - which with the solar panels conjures images of Camden Yards - but its brewing shadow over most everything east of Raleigh is true to this perspective. 

If you have been to a few NC breweries, Mother Earth's interior is surprising - if you have visited Kinston, it's downright shocking.  Beautiful reclaimed plank floors are accented boldly with white fixtures, modern art and neon blue accent lighting. It's not quite "Amber on the main stage!" at 4:30 in the afternoon, but one can imagine their effect once the sun goes down. You have to give ME credit for artistic bent in a genre that is normally dominated by garage/warehouse chic. 

Oh...sorry, the beer.  ME's very solid standard offering of Dark Cloud Dunkel, Weeping Willow Wit and Endless River Kolsch are worth the trip (the Sisters of the Moon IPA, despite its fantastic moniker, seems to be a bit of an afterthought).  On this trip, however, the "Special Drafts" (not sure I'm forgiving the "f" there) were imaginative and well executed. First quaffed was their Pilsner drawn from a Nitro tap, which resulted in a dangerously easy-drinking European Pilsner with a great - warning: one of my favorite beer words coming up - mouthfeel. 

The Smoked Lager was next, and ME has achieved a not-overwhelming infusion of smokiness in that rarity of NC microbrews, a true lager.  A swallow contains hints of good Scotch and balances well with the slight sweetness of European malts.  Balance is the operative word here - a fantastic, different and creative offering. 

Overall, Mother Earth fulfills all the ambitious goals of a small town brewery (and a few of those much larger) - a distinctive setting that defines its space but doesn't obscure its immediate environment (a bourgeoning downtown); extremely solid everyday brews; experimental small batches that are creative but drinkable; and finally a growing reputation throughout the region that has already resulted in collaboration brews with other NC breweries and respect across the milieu. Makes me proud to be an original Down Easter.