Business

Sierra Nevada invites 50 breweries to pour hearty beers

By Bill Moss, Published: February 9, 2015

MILLS RIVER — More than 50 breweries from across the country will converge at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. on March 28 as the brewery hosts the first Burly Beers and Barleywines Festival.

Cosponsored by the North Carolina Craft Brewers Guild, the festival invites craft brewers to pour a selection of their heartiest beers including Barleywine, Stout or Imperial Stout, Barrel-aged beer or Spiced beer. Featured breweries at the festival include Allagash Brewing Company (Maine), Epic Brewing Company (Utah), Dogfish Head Brewery (Delaware), Flying Dog Brewery (Maryland) and Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery, of Farmville, in Eastern North Carolina.
Festival tickets, on sale now, include a commemorative tasting glass, unlimited tasting pours, live music and food provided by the soon-to-open Sierra Nevada Taproom and Restaurant. Proceeds benefit the NCCBG, a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote the interests of the craft breweries of North Carolina and to promote North Carolina craft beer.
"You can always cut the chill of winter with a big beer, and the options from American craft brewers are endless," said Brian Grossman, second-generation brewer and co-manager of Sierra Nevada's Mills River brewery. "Here in North Carolina, winters are a little longer and a little colder than we were used to in California, so we're breaking out the Barleywines to celebrate that. We're excited to see what our brewing friends bring for beer fans—what new twists they'll use to give their brawny releases an extra edge."
Tickets are $65 ($30 for designated drivers) for the noon-4 p.m. event. Buy them here.