NC Breweries Ready to Fest and Feast in Carrboro, ‘Tis the Saison!

Since opening in 2013, Steel String Brewery has been crafting community-inspired beers for the Triangle market. As tasty and adventurous as their ales are (Tenderness Honeysuckle Saison and the imperial stout Thickfreakness being two of my favorites), they are gaining a reputation for hosting some incredibly fun and noteworthy events. On May 29, 2016, they are hosting an event in Carrboro and looking to top themselves.

The Cardinal Directions Beer Festival enjoyed great success last year when it celebrated the spring season with a crowd of over 600 beer enthusiasts. The festival has always been driven to pay homage to a particular style of beer, the Saison, a brewing style that always pairs well with North Carolina’s spring weather and seasonal crops. Eric Knight of Steel String Brewery, boasts that Saisons are ubiquitous with springtime, “From local, heritage grains to seasonal fruits, flowers, and fungi, NC brewers have embraced the Saison as a vehicle for showing off the unique bounty of our state.” Such pride in North Carolina’s robust agriculture is why only NC breweries are invited to the event.

What is a Saison? It is a very floral beer that tastes more earthy than hoppy. Highly recommended for fans of Belgian styles, but the occasional fruit and citrus notes make it a friendly option for even the most casual beer drinkers.

The festival has always been about celebrating craft beer, the spring season, and Carrboro’s local community, but this year, the scope of the festival is expanding. Steel String is teaming up with Farmer Foodshare, a local nonprofit that helps feed hungry people in the Triangle through purchasing healthy food directly from farmers and working with other local food distribution organizations.

Cardinal Directions Beerfest (via Steel String Brewery)

Together, they are hosting the event in its new Carrboro Town Commons location. The partnership and larger space means they can include food trucks, local musicians, additional breweries, and expanded crowd capacity. Together, they hope to raise $5000 through ticket sales and event sponsors.

Speaking of tickets! The price of admission is a great value. For $20, you receive admission to the event, five(5) tickets for your choice of beer samples, and a festival tasting glass. Additional beer samples will be available for $1 each.

Tickets are not on sale just yet, but Steel String Brewery will be updating their website and social media platforms with more information as it arises, and so too shall we.

As always, if you have any questions, comments, or ideas about the Chapelboro Food, Beverage, and Entertainment scene, feel free to email me at mlawson@wchl.com. Until then, happy drinking and hearty eating!

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NC Breweries Ready to Fest and Feast in Carrboro, ‘Tis the Saison!

Since opening in 2013, Steel String Brewery has been crafting community-inspired beers for the Triangle market. As tasty and adventurous as their ales are (Tenderness Honeysuckle Saison and the imperial stout Thickfreakness being two of my favorites), they are gaining a reputation for hosting some incredibly fun and noteworthy events. On May 29, 2016, they […]

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