Photo by Craig F. Walker (Getty Images).
As we all know, representing the AFC in the forthcoming Super Bowl 50 game are the Denver Broncos, while the NFC is represented by the Carolina Panthers. Both teams have a tremendous supporting cast, but it’s the quarterback position that really shines, with the Broncos boasting future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning, and the Panthers proudly supporting potential Hall of Famer Cam Newton. But, it can be argued, neither shines as brightly as the craft breweries located in the teams’ home states of Colorado and North Carolina! Let’s see which region wins in a battle of the best craft breweries:
North Carolina
Raleigh Beerfest, North Carolina. Photo: Natasha Sioss / Contributor (Getty Images).
In the last decade, North Carolina has become one of the most exciting areas to sample craft beer in America. The state is home to myriad high-quality, small craft brewers, but it’s also home to the East Coast breweries for New Belgium, Oskar Blues and Sierra Nevada. One of the best breweries located in Charlotte (where the Panthers play) is Noda Brewery. Their Hop Drop ‘N Roll IPA won a Gold Award at the 2014 World Beer Cup. Noda’s other offerings include: Jam Session (Pale Ale), Wood & Wilcox (IPA), Ramble on Red (Red Ale), Coco Loco (Porter) and Cavu (Blonde Ale) as well as a handful of seasonal brews.
Wicked Weed Brewing is also located in North Carolina, specifically in the up and coming beer city of Asheville. Back in 2009, after years of enjoying craft beer, Luke and Walt Dickinson had big dreams about opening their own craft brewery. A few years later, after perfecting their beers, Wicked Weed Brewing was opened on Biltmore Avenue in Asheville. They are well-known for their West Coast IPAs and Belgian inspired beers, but they have also walked on the wacky side with brews like French Toast Stout and S’mores Stout.
Other great breweries in the area include: Trophy Brewing, Burial Beer Company and Old Hickory Brewery.
Colorado
Great Divide Brewery; Denver, Colorado. Photo: Hyoung Chang (Getty Images).
There are few cities with more of a brewing culture than Denver. Stop at any corner in the city and you’re bound to see a craft brewery or brewpub. One of the gems of this beer loving city is the Great Divide Brewing Company, located on Arapahoe Street in Denver. The brewery is home to many tasty brews, including: Hercules (Double IPA), Yeti (Imperial Stout), Titan IPA, Colette (Farmhouse Ale), Hades (Belgian Style Ale), Denver Pale Ale, Claymore (Scotch Ale) as well as seasonal and barrel aged offerings.
Other great breweries in the area include: Breckenridge Brewery, Bull & Bush Brewery, Dry Dock Brewing Company and TRVE Brewing Company.
The Winner Of The Battle Of The Best Craft Breweries Is:
It’s harder to pick a winner in the beer battle than it is to pick a winner on the field! North Carolina is an up-and-coming beer powerhouse home to the east coast operations of some of the biggest names in craft brewing, as well as the overwhelming beer culture in Asheville. But Colorado has an experienced and respected craft scene, at the center of which is Denver, home to amazing brewpubs and beer bars. This Super Bowl 50, much like this battle of the breweries, is perhaps all about the battle between youthful exuberance versus wily experience. while the Carolina Panthers are the favorite to win the big game, our choice for better hometown breweries goes to the venerable Denver, Colorado scene!
Who would you choose?
