Award Winning Aviator Brewing Co. Fuquay Varina, NC Seriously Good Brews

This really creative and fun craft brewery is located in Fuquay Varina, NC. This town was named after William Fuquay and his wife who he called Varina. The town gained it's fame after the discovery of a mineral spring found while plowing the tobacco fields by his great grandson. Travelers and local communities soon flocked there to sample the water which was believed to have special healing benefits.The town is about 25 minutes from Raleigh, NC and is located on the Beer Trail.

Aviator ( Aviatorbrew.com) opened in 2009 and grew out of it's original location which was housed in an airplane hanger. Although they still brew at the hanger, they moved their taproom to their present location at 600 E. Broad Street and have a fantastic selection of 14 beers on tap at any given time. Our hosts, Manager Adam and barkeeps Jessica and Mark were friendly and knowledgeable. We sampled all the beer! In 2015 they brewed more than 24 beers including Night Jump Imperial Stout, a Gold Medal Winner and my favorite. Their Steamhead, a California Common Lager was awarded a silver medal by the NC Brewer's Guild. Other beers on tap included Devils Triple Belgian 9.2% ABV, October Beast which won at the Durham Raleigh Octoberfest as the best Oktoberfest and their Silver Medalist, McGritty's Scottish Ale. Hog WIld IPA 6.7% ABV was piney, not grape-fruity and a winner in my Beer Mug rating. Beer guru Jessica is a true beer lover and recommended Black Mambo, a full flavored Oatmeal Stout at 6.5% ABV and Frost Nipper, their winter seasonal. Mark's favorite was the October Beast and Wide Open, a 6.1% ABV Red Ale which garnered a Bronze in competition. I also loved the Pumpkin Beast, their award winning Octoberfest mixed with pumpkin.

Besides for some great aircraft memorabilia, they have some tasty bar food. I sampled the Mac and Cheese bites. This creative snack was Baked Pimento Cheese Mac & Cheese, cut into cubes, breaded lightly and deep fried. It was served with a spicy ranch. Tim tried their wings and the sauce is a secret recipe made with their own Black Mambo Beer. They also have a corner restaurant just across the street and they deliver to the taproom and its' outside dining area. On the other corner, Aviator has a store with a wide selection of craft beers from many breweries and a beer bar with TVs.

Aviator was a great surprise to us and I highly recommend them for the fantastic beer, the atmosphere and the friendly staff and patrons. Kid and dog friendly.Brewsterwarriors.blogspot.com Aviator Brewing Co. We loved it!