Blackbeerded
No, that's not a typo in the title. But it is the WiFi password at Edward Teach Brewing in Wilmington, NC.
The life and times--including the ignominious and rather gory end of Edward Teach--a.k.a. Blackbeard The Pirate-- is the stuff of legend in North Carolina. And it's not surprising, considering the guy used to set his own beard on fire to intimidate those aboard the ships he plundered.
I had a meeting to attend there (gotta love a publisher who schedules meetings in a brewery), so I figured I'd go early and "capture the vibe." (Translation: sample some of the beers I hadn't already had.)
Like Teach's flaming beard, the massive, imposing doors to this one-time firehouse, police station and other iterations, make a mighty impression on both the unwary and the wary who enter. And one of the first things you'll notice is that you're sitting directly under a ship, giving you a kinship with those Teach sent to watery graves.
I struck up a conversation with Head Brewer Erik Peterson, who appeared from the cavernous back rooms. Having already sampled the 5% ABV Edward Teaches Peaches Wheat (I'd have used an 's there, but that's just me) and the excellent Pontus DIPA (7.5%) I asked Erik to pick one of the rest--he has ten altogether--out for me. He provided a Cutlass German Lager that was perfectly balanced on the palate and nicely floral in the nose. Using Hallertau hops, he allowed that this beer was one of his best sellers, and one enjoyed by many who are transitioning into craft beer. At just 5.2%, it's at once a refreshing thirst quencher and the perfect session beer.
He also brought out its cousin, a 5.3% Black Spot Black Lager, which he said he often uses to convince those who claim to "dislike dark beer" why they may be wrong. But the black beer that got my attention was "Gibbet," a malty 8.0% Baltic Porter with a very light hint of sweetness on the back end. A serious beer drinker would do well to think about bringing a growler or two of this home when the chillier, darker, seasons come calling. It would pair well with game meats, and even with chocolate desserts.
He also provided a very respectable Devil's Son IPA, a 6.5% non-NEIPA with a bit of a West Coast nod. Of course, my recollections of Pontus required a refresher, so I got a shorty. But the 7.2% Pieces of Eight Belgian was also very good and very nicely balanced.
Having arrived on two wheels, and with my meeting looming, I ceased my explorations, as I did not want to appear schnockered when meeting folks for the first time. But Erik did give me a quick tour of the back room, where his 20-bbl system makes the magic happen. He has a canning system hooked up every so often to keep up with the demand for good beer in cans. If that demand increases, as I suspect it will, he and the owners will need to consider expansion.
He also showed me his stacks of Pilzener and Münchener Malts ready for incorporation into his upcoming Marzen (Oktoberfest) slated for release in September/October. Of course, elsewhere in the world, especially in Germany, they're already happily downing their Oktoberfest beers (brewed in March--hence Marzen) in anticipation of Prince Ludwig's and Princess Therese's nuptials. Even though that celebration took place hundreds of years ago across the seas, it still captures the imagination--and devotion of beer lovers annually.
And the seas were where Edward Teach made--and flew-- his bones, though Teach's flag was even more intimidating than the standard "Jolly Roger."
If you're in Wilmington, stop in to chat with good-guy barman Carl and Brewer Erik, and enjoy some good beers under what may be the Queen Anne's Revenge, Teach's ship.
They'll be happy to talk--and pour-- beer. And you won't have to set your beard on fire to get their attention.
Cheers!
The PubScout--immersed in the craft beer scene since 1996
As always, feel free to share!
