Seven years ago, there were less than 50 breweries in North Carolina, and according to the North Carolina Craft Brewers Guild, there are currently over 300 breweries in the state. While craft breweries are popular throughout the U.S., and in the South, let’s take a look at why North Carolina the leader of craft beer in the South.
The Rise and Fall of Startup Breweries
Nearly all craft breweries are run by people who have a passion for craft beer. Unfortunately, it takes more than a love for good beer and a few great ideas to make it in the craft beer industry. As the craft industry continues to grow, it’s inspiring for craft brewers who want to take their homebrew recipes and open their own taproom or brewery, but with more breweries, the competition also becomes tighter.
Not only do startup breweries need to stand out from others in the industry and be prepared for any challenge that comes their way, but they also need to continuously have new ideas and not be afraid to market themselves creatively.
Like other businesses in the food and drink industry, craft breweries need to jump through a lot of hoops and invest long hours and money. While the reward can pay off over time, some startups fold after just a few years and have to make the decision between bankruptcy or years of looming debt.
How Pop the Cap Helped to Boost Craft Beer in NC
Craft beer is alive and well throughout the South, but what makes North Carolina the leader? Is it a stroke of good luck? Do North Carolinian brewers pride themselves on using only high-quality ingredients?
There are many factors that contribute to the success of North Carolina breweries, but NC craft beers are not likely to be what they are today without the Pop the Cap bill, which was enacted in 2005.
Before Pop the Cap, the alcohol limit on craft beer was capped at 6% alcohol by weight. While a craft beer with 6% is average, it also forces craft brewers to stick to American-style Lagers. American-style Lagers continue to be a popular style of beer, but with the ability to increase the percentage of alcohol, brewers can showcase their talents with barrel-aged brews, IPAs, and other styles, all which are becoming increasingly popular throughout North Carolina.
The Pop the Cap bill allowed North Carolina craft brewers to brew beer with alcohol by weight up to 15%. Without the passing of the bill, craft beer would be more or less at a standstill in North Carolina.
What sets North Carolina Apart from Other Craft Brewing States?
Similar to North Carolina, states like South Carolina and Georgia saw more freedom in their brewing thanks to law changes for raising the alcohol by weight percentage. In 2004, House Bill 645 allowed Georgia to brew craft beer up to 14% and in 2007, South Carolina also saw an increase of up to 14% with their Pop the Cap bill.
With the increase of alcohol by weight percentages, more breweries have opened and job creation is booming. According to the Brewers Association, North Carolina is ranked in the top five for craft beer production, while its neighboring state of South Carolina is ranked in the 30s. So, despite a nearly identical percentage boost, why is South Carolina so far behind?
Small craft breweries in North Carolina are able to sell directly to grocery stores and other establishments like restaurants where South Carolina is limited to selling three pints to their customers and relying on distributors to sell the rest.
North Carolina has a lively craft beer scene that’s full of variety and talent, but thanks to Pop the Cap, the industry continues to grow and is able to keep the title of the “Best of the South.”
Blog Guest Writer – Landon Biehl
Landon Biehl resides in Wilmington, North Carolina. As an avid craft beer drinker, Landon enjoys attending various beer fests around the state, and exploring new local brews. Landon is also enjoys writing about topics that are unique and not explored by others.