The sun is out and the adventurous ales have returned! From watermelon pale ale to mango-infused IPA, fresh summer brews in Cabarrus County can quench the thirst of any craft beer enthusiast.
Cabarrus Brewing Company
The summer lineup at CBC features some seriously refreshing flavors along with their staple Spring Street Wheat. Cool off with a Weaver’s Watermelon Pale Ale and the Cabarrus Summer Shandy. With past releases like the Poolside Kölsch and a piña colada milkshake IPA, there’s no question that head brewer, Jason McKnight knows how to craft summer suds. Follow along on social media to stay in the loop on the latest seasonal creations. We hear the Carolina Peaches Ale is up next!
Commoners Brewing Company
The balcony at Commoners Brewing is the ideal destination to enjoy any of their storied brews. But watching the summer sun sink with a Lucky Rock Pineapple Pale Ale in your hand is a little slice of paradise. Make sure you have time to stay for the view and a story—This brew is named for a rock that sits above the taps. Did you know this rock saved a life? If you can’t stick around, take home a few growlers or cans and bring this light bodied beer along on all your summer adventures.
High Branch Brewing Company
High Branch has delighted us all with several new releases this summer. Your taste buds are in for a vacation with everything from sour ales like Mingo to a pale ale aged on passion fruit and guava. And you’ll want to stay tuned. TJ Creighton and the High Branch team keep glasses, growlers and cans full of expertly crafted beer. Two more debut in August: Honey Drip, their annual IPA made with local honey, and Picture Me Rollin’—a kettle sour aged on peaches, apricots and chamomile.
Red Hill Brewing Company
Fruity, tropical flavors are always the most satisfying in the heat of summer. When you’re craving a glass of something juicy, reach for a Blown Fuse at Red Hill. This re-released mango-infused IPA was the speakeasy-style brewery’s most popular pour last year. Other small-batch beers including plenty of sour ales, fruit-forward beers, and a few sweet stouts (Iced Coffee Stout, anyone?) will debut every Wednesday throughout the summer.
Twenty-Six Acres Brewing
From backyard barbecues to races at Charlotte Motor Speedway, beer from Twenty-Six Acres pairs perfectly with laid-back summer fun. Colorful, illustrated cans embody the fun flavors inside like the wildly popular, award-winning Unicorn Milk Cream Ale, a slightly sweet ale featuring blueberry and vanilla. Looking for an easy-drinking go-to brew? Reach for a light and refreshing Four Left Turns Kölsch. In the taproom, the ever-changing “Tater Tap” highlights seasonal, limited and experimental releases like a small-batch mango and mint Saison.
Try all of Cabarrus County’s seasonal craft creations with Race to Taste! Start your free self-guided tasting in the Visitor Center. Cheers!