Ales For Outlaws

The two Carolinas have a long history, being neighbors and all. In the 17th century, the states were known collectively as the Province of Carolina during American’s early colonial period. S.C. was the first state to secede from the Union, while N.C. was the last to do so.
Divided in 1729, North and South Carolina have a sibling-type relationship and often show a healthy rivalry. Several years ago when the states namesake universities found themselves in the NCAA baseball championship, either state would refer to themselves as ‘Carolina’ when at home, and to the other away squad as UNC or USC.
The states ‘share’ three major sports teams, although the Panthers, the Hurricanes and the Bobcats all call North Carolina home. And while Charleston is the more successful tourist spot and worldwide travel destination, Asheville is a top-rated target for travel as well. Both cities can boast healthy beer scenes, but Asheville is hands down the winner in variety and sheer numbers of breweries, although Charleston has made strides in the area.
However, outside of the Charleston market, the state of South Carolina lags far behind the Old North State in the craft beer department, both in numbers of breweries (SC’s 16 to NC’s 70 as of 2012).
Yes, Charleston’s breweries are generally fantastic, but outside of the Lowcountry, the quality of craft brewing varies widely.
Nearly 20 years ago, Highland Brewing Company released its first beers, and while Palmetto Brewery is slightly older, craft beer has taken off on a larger scale in North Carolina than in South Carolina.
Both states have seen a rise in craft beer brewing and breweries established, but the reach of N.C. breweries tends to push farther than those of S.C., with Highland, Foothills, Duck Rabbit, Aviator, and several of the Asheville breweries beers being available in S.C., while only those beers from upstate breweries Thomas Creek and R.J. Rockers making their way to N.C..
Adding to the numbers of available N.C. beers in S.C. last week is Lonerider Brewery, from Raleigh. Beginning in 2009, Lonerider makes seasonal and bomber beers, but will roll their three year-round selections into the Charleston market. Those beers are Sweet Josie Brown, Shotgun Betty Hefeweizen, and Peacemaker Pale Ale. See what they’re doing there with the names?
My favorite of the bunch is Sweet Josie Brown, a solid American brown ale, and a gold medal winner at the Great American Beer Festival. SJB is a bit sweet for an American brown ale, but has the hop presence to keep it from being an English brown ale. Coffee and cocoa/chocolate flavors dominate in this 6.1 percent alcohol by volume (ABV) dark ale.
Shotgun Betty Hefeweizen is by far my least favorite. Too thin in the mouthfeel to be a real German Hefe, too weak in the flavor department, even if the banana, clove, and yeasty notes are all there. Take a pass on Betty.
Somewhere in the middle is Peacemaker Pale Ale, which I like. Not sure if my general fondness is for the beer itself, or just that it’s another decent, but more importantly available, American Pale Ale. It begins a touch malty, maybe more so than expected from an APA, but the citrus and pine hops kick in and make for a nice little beer. These beers won’t win the war between the states; they’ll just be some more NC ales on the shelf. Enjoy the brews … Cheers.
 
Gene’s Haufbrau has at more than 200 beers in bottles or on tap. While they don’t have every beer the Beer Snob writes about, they probably have most. Gene’s is located at 817 Savannah Hwy. 225-GENE. E-mail the Beer Snob at publisher@westof.net.