NC's Best Drinking IPAs/ DIPAs

Drinking one now and it's pretty damn solid.

 

I had Blurred is the Word tonight. Freaking delicious!! Heist is killing it!!

 

Sounds like NC is finally catching on to just how in-demand New England style IPA's are. Just wish production capacities and distribution radius's were a bit greater. For example, I don't believe too many would hate a scenario where LBC's Hubris was available in the Charlotte area and some of Heist's offerings were available up here in the Triangle area.

@PaleCale , looks like Carpetbagger is a Deep River / Trophy Collaboration. Regardless, thanks for the lead.

http://trophybrewing.com/deep-river-brewingtrophy-carpetbagger/

 

Heist has only had a few kegs leave their tap room, that's including Charlotte. Don't expect it out and about anytime soon.

 

No

 

I personally hate the WW brewpub experience. Overly crowded and filled with gobs of tourists, and a lot of frat boy type bachelor/bachelorette parties and Bros going on an Asheville trip to get wasted drinking Craft beer hanging in the mountains. I did used to enjoy going there after work mid week after 8 when the basement was dead and you could casually sit at the bar, but it's just too crazy these days.

Do wooden robots hoppy beers seem overly grassy to anybody? I was back visiting family beginning of March and all the IPAs and the pale were extremely grassy. Smelled like a bag of hops (in a bad way) and you could even get little Hop pellet residue in the mouth feel.

Also did Heist get a new Brewer or something? My brother said their beer used to suck but it's gotten a lot better over the last year. Cool to see they are making some new CLT favorite IPAs from what I've heard from family (their opinion).

 

Sounds like the last time I visited there on a Friday night. There was a wait just to go downstairs and a long line at the bar. Not to mention some burnout who tried to weasel into line next to me right as I approached the bar. Are weeknights any better?

Fulls disclosure: I was one of those tourists.

 

Night time is definitely not the time to go to the WW pub. I've never found it to be that bad during the day. As far as the "experience" I think it's great, but now that we get most of their beers that I want everywhere around the state anyway it's not quite as much of a novelty.

 

I first went to the brew pub for my 23rd birthday and that was my exact experience. Hated it. Havent been back to the brewpub since. I am going to give it another shot next month though, because I am taking someone who has never been to Asheville.

But on topic. I had Southern Pines "Stay Grounded" last night. Was a fantastic coffee IPA. I need to look for more offerings from them.

 

For everyone complaining about the brewpub scene....Go downstairs in the off tourist season for a good time. The locals are awesome and welcoming. Everyone is having a good time. Hell, I was there on Halloween night. Was fun and not super packed. I am 24 and enjoy a few folks around to ppl watch and/or talk to. hoorah

 

I was not aware of the downstairs when I went the first time, I will definitely check that out in a few weeks.

 

Now you really have to check dates on Weed IPAs. They signed a 7 digit distribution contract with Barringer from what I heard. I hate the Forced 3D party distro they usually screw it up. Luckily they date their stuff.

 

If I am hitting up the WW Brewpub it is most likely during the day on a weekend or for an early dinner during the week. I typically stay clear of that place as it starts getting dark because it gets too crowded.

 

Tried a sample tonight at Sam's Q-Shop and the thing that initially struck me was a pilsner-esque type taste. Then opted for Trophy's Double Death Spiral.

 

Heist's IPAs have been great for a while. I remember they had an awesome DIPA called Clound 9 (I think) that was one of the first few beers they put out after changing brewers and I've had many great IPAs there since. I tried Blurred is the Word last night and while it was really good, I think I've had better IPAs there in the past.

They have a lot of catching up to do with their belgian stuff to rival Wicked Weed though. Also, while I do think their food is excellent, I kind of hate the layout of the place. It is hard to top WW's downstairs bar/patio area.

 

I picked up a 4-pack of Carpetbagger based on your comment (I sincerely appreciate the recommendation, by the way) and I couldn't have been more disappointed with it. It's one of the priciest IIPAs around right now and wasn't even on par with some of the more mediocre IPAs I've had lately. It's almost brown in appearance, malty and grassy. To me, it tasted like it has been sitting around for months. I had one can last night and probably won't touch the others. Anyone else have this experience with Carpetbagger? I hate to knock a local brewery, but based on my experience, I'd avoid it and spend your $18 on something (anything) else.

 

Drank "several" of the Lynwood mosaic pales last night, stuff is very solid. Would be nice to have that available in a can regularly.

 

Tried Double Death Spiral yesterday, would definitely order again.