Craft Beer is booming in North Carolina – and specifically in the Cape Fear region to such a degree that an industry association has set up shop. The Cape Fear Craft Beer Alliance formed last year and has nearly 20 members.
Our State magazine just published a Brewery Guide – billed as a Directory of Carolina Craft Breweries from the Mountains to The Coast. Wilmington boasts eight of them in that guide – but there are, at last count, eleven in operation. Since 2014, the Cape Fear Craft Beer Alliance says the breweries have been joined by a spike in bottle shops from three to ten. According to the Greater Wilmington Business Journal, Wilmington could have 15 or 16 breweries by later this year. Four that are known to be in the works: Waterman's Brewing, Prestige Brewing, Mad Mole, and Flying Machine Brewing Company.
The boom is creating jobs for entrepreneurs and employees. And it could be boosting local tourism.
In advance of North Carolina Beer Month, which is April, the local industry kicks of Craft Beer Week March 24th.
Guests:
Michelle and John Savard, co-owners of Wilmington Brewing Company and Wilmington Home Brew Supply
Caleb Churchwell, co-owner, Bombers Beverage Company; Vice President, Cape Fear Craft Beer Alliance
David Sweigart, co-owner, Flying Machine Brewing Company
Cape Fear Craft Beer Week runs through April 2nd: http://capefearcraftbeerweek.com/
