According to Forbe's Magazine, Raleigh, North Carolina is rated #2 of the 20 Fastest Growing cities in the USA. With 50% of adults 25 to 65 years of age having a college degree, well known companies like IBM, software giant Citrix and Fortune 500 businesses have moved in to the city. Also home to North Carolina University and local neighbor, Duke University in Durham, this area is full of opportunities for education and employment. In October we stopped at this wonderful craft brewery called The Raleigh Brewing Company that was a recommendation from almost everyone we met on the NC beer trail. We sat down at the bar and struck up a conversation with Patrick, a congenial and friendly man. During our conversation we learned that he was the husband of Kristie Nystedt, the owner of Raleigh Brewing Co. I had my notepad out and I told him I was attempting to create a blog about women who love beer. He excused himself and returned with a beautiful blond woman. Smart, determined and creative, she came up with a business plan in 2010. At the time, she had a child in college and was hesitant to turn a home brewing hobby into a full time, risk taking venture. Still a dream, from 2010 to 2012, she researched the market and contacted assorted craft breweries and was introduced to a local restaurateur who wanted to open a brewery when he retired. Finally in May of 2012, she resigned from corporate America and dove into creating a brewing business. Raleigh Brewing Company opened in March of 2013. Her intent has been to create a beer business that appeals to many different tastes from entry level beer tasters to seasoned beer connoisseurs.She hired a gentleman brewer who has a degree in chemistry to make great beer. "Good gender balance is a great mix for business." she stated and the rest is history. They are committed to quality and vowed to give back to their community supporting local and national charities and organizations. They have 10 signature beers and several seasonal sessions going throughout the year.
I am partial to Belgian Beers so one of my first tastings was a Belgian Golden designed by Kristie called, "Hell Yes M'am" Beautifully made at 9.2% ABV, this was one of my favorites. Soft spice, smooth and drinkable. Originally counseled to not include this in her offerings because it was not a mainstream beer, she insisted it stay in the line up. Hence, the name!
Their Moravian Rhapsody, a Czech Pilsner at 5.7 ABV earned a bronze medal at The Great American Beerfest.
We sampled Miller's Toll Imperial Oatmeal Stout which offered notes of coffee and chocolate. Big beer and wonderful full body.
So many beers, so little time.
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