North Carolina’s beer scene is one of the most exciting in the country, with a scene that’s expanded faster than you blink. Breweries from different states are tapping in–which is the case with Texas-natives Weathered Souls, and some other NC-locals like Hopfly and Southern Strain are opening new locations here in Charlotte. Others are getting their first brick and morter–like 7 Clans–and some brew amazing beer as well as having inspiring stories to go along with it–like Tru Colors. Here are 8 of our favorite new breweries that you should keep on your radar for the first half of 2022.
1. HopFly. Brewing Co.
One of North Carolina’s fastest growing breweries, Hopfly, has officially expanded to Charlotte, its South End neighborhood to be exact. Since February, Hopfly has been blessing South End with their wide assortment of IPAs, Lagers, and Sours–with a unique menu that’s much different than their Rocky Mount location. You can try their newest Cherry Cheesecake Blender Smoothie Sour or their new fruity Bazooka IPA to get a taste of what they have to offer if you’re new to Hopfly.
Where: 1327 S Mint St, Charlotte, NC 28203
2. Gilde 1546
This 16th century brewery has been highly anticipated for quite some time now. Gilde has opened its very first brewery outside of Germany (located in Hannover) and Charlotte gets to be its lucky host. Try traditional and legit German lagers, kolschs, and more in their contemporary taproom or enjoy your beer outside in the biergarten when the weather permits. They’re also serving up german cuisine like pretzels and schnitzels for that full German experience without having to catch a flight.
Where: 3530 Dewitt Ln, Charlotte, NC 28217
3. Legion Brewing
Legion, founded in 2015, has just got its newest location in South Park after serving quality beer in Plaza Midwood since its opening. Their popularity comes from their beer selection, ranging from flagships that are around all year long and their seasonals, which rotate every season. Their Slainte is a Dry Irish Stout, their Penguin Pils is an American pilsner, and their Juicy Jay which is an East Coast IPA. Try their seasnals, which, right now, are their Winnie the Brew, a brand new honey double IPA and the Supernova, a fruited sour.
Where: 5610 Carnegie Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28209
4. Southern Strain Brewing
Plaza Midwood will be getting a new addition–Southern Strain Brewing whose original roots are in Concord. Their new taproom, which they’ve invested $220,000, is a 21-foot concrete bar with murals by Southern Tiger Collective and the bar’s backsplash by Tuxedo Cat. Give their signature beer, the West Coast IPA Hop Helix a try or try their brunch–planned for Sundays. They’ll be opening their doors this weekend so stop by and say hi!
Where: 1800 Central Ave A1, Charlotte, NC 28205
5. Weathered Souls Brewing Co.
Texas-based brewery, Weathered Souls Brewing Co. flipped a coin and sealed their fate here in North Carolina. Between California and NC, Weathered Souls was looking to expand their reach. Now, a new taproom is headed to Charlotte complete with a taproom, a coffee house, and 7 BBL incubation brewhouse. Weathered Souls got to be a state favorite in Texas for its community and social good initiatives plus their expertly and locally sourced and crafted beer. We can’t wait to see what they have in store for Charlotte this summer!
Where: 255 Clanton Rd. Charlotte, NC
6. Burial Beer Co.
From Asheville to Raleigh to Charlotte, Burial Beer has got all of its bases covered. Pictured above is their Forest Room, but Charlotte is going to get a modern, funky taproom of its own very soon. For now until their opening, they’re doing weekly release pickups every Wednesday through Friday from 4-8pm and Saturday through Sunday from 1-8pm out of their Beer Boutique for pick up only.
Where: 1214 Thomas Ave. Charlotte, NC 28205
7. TRU Colors Brewery
For anyone who likes their brewery with a feel good mission, Tru Colors Brewery has a story that’s hard not to be invested in. By creating new opportunities and bringing people together, they’re hoping to put a stop to gang violence that’s prevalent across America. Their cans usually carry the tagline, ‘Brewed by Rivals’ to highlight the unique fact of their brewery: they hire members of rival gangs to brew beer, run the business, and give back to the community, and they’re hoping to bridge divides along the way.
Where: 715 Greenfield St, Wilmington, NC 28401
8. 7 Clans Brewing
Owner Morgan Crisp wanted to represent her heritage through beer and did so by creating tasty beer with labels that gave information. Her tribe, The Eastern Band of Cherokee in North Carolina, is represented in the images depicted on the can labels. Currently brewing from Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville, NC, they’ll be opening their first taproom in Asheville in late Spring 2022.
Where: 66 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville, NC 28803