Cabarrus County’s craft beverage scene is booming and there’s no better time to check it out than Spring Break, which coincides with NC Beer Month this April.
For help navigating Cabarrus County’s breweries, wineries and one of a kind distillery, our self-guided tasting tour, #RaceToTaste, is a coaster set that serves as a functional list of participating locations. Complete with all the details you need to plan and share your visit, coaster sets are free at the Cabarrus County Visitor Center.
Here’s a list of breweries included in #RaceToTaste:
Cabarrus Brewing Company’s is Concord’s first full-scale craft brewery. Celebrating it’s past as a textile warehouse, the taproom is connected to a 3,000 sq. ft. outdoor patio with industrial garage doors, and visitors and can see the beer being made through windows surrounding the brewhouse. Many of CBC’s beers are named after Cabarrus County’s history, such as Reed’s Gold Ale, a tribute to the first gold discovery in America.
Commoners Brewing Company encourages everyone to “become part of the story.” Opened in 2017, the taproom and patio offer plenty of space to spread out with friends while the balcony upstairs is the ideal spot to watch the sunset by the fire. Brew Master, Thomas Murray keeps the taps full of flavorful choices. Commoners also serves wine and regularly has a food truck onsite.
High Branch Brewing Company was the very first brewery in Concord. This family-run artisanal brewery is located in the historic Gibson Mill. Owner TJ Creighton began as a homebrewer. Today, he focuses on Belgian inspired and hop forward ales, with an emphasis on fermentation profiles. The tap room is family-friendly, and dogs are welcome on their deck. Regular live music, events and food trucks draw visitors in for a true local experience.
Red Hill Brewing Company is named after the Red Hill Plantation House, a tavern and inn where George Washington once stayed located on Poplar Tent Road just minutes from Downtown Concord. While keeping local history alive with its name, the brewery is also giving life to good beer. Several local restaurants deliver to Red Hill, and downstairs you can grab a cone of famous Moon Pie ice cream at Cabarrus Creamery.
Twenty-Six Acres Brewing Company is steeped in local history. A collaboration between three friends, Twenty-Six Acres is an 8,800 square foot brewery near Concord Regional Airport and many area race shops. Named after the original 26-acre plot of land where the town of Concord was founded in 1796, two of its flagship beers are named after streets in Concord. The taproom has a laid-back, neighborhood vibe and is kid and dog-friendly.
Other locations include: Lil’ Robert’s Place, Cabo Winery, Cougar Run Winery, Douglas Vineyards, Rocky River Vineyards, Dover Vineyards, and Southern Grace Distilleries ─ the only distillery in America located in a former prison.
In addition to #RaceToTaste, here are some more events going on in Cabarrus County during NC Beer Month you won’t want to miss:
- Concord Brew Ha-Ha Tour: Visit four breweries in Cabarrus County with deluxe motor coach transportation on April 7 from 10:45am-4pm. For $49.95 per person, get complimentary Brooklyn South Pizza, three free beer tastings at each brewery, two “behind the scenes” brewery tours, two souvenir pint glasses, and the chance to win five door prizes.
- CABREW Pint Flight: In collaboration with the Cabarrus Homebrewers Society (CABREW), Cabarrus County breweries will showcase beer recipes submitted by local homebrewers. This event will span the whole month of April, with a kickoff party at Lil’ Robert’s Place on April 7. Receive a card to be punched at each brewery visit. Visit each participating brewery and redeem the punch card at a monthly CABREW meeting for a commemorative beer glass.
- New Beer Releases: Don’t miss Irish and Scottish beers from Red Hill Brewing Company, seasonal releases from Twenty-Six Acres Brewing Company including a Blood Orange De’Rye’Ta and Grapefruit IPA, and a bottle/can release at High Branch Brewing Company’s Live Art event on April 14, featuring local artists and makers displaying and selling their work.
