New year, new project. There is a lot going on across the Carolinas even for all the trouble in the last year, so I am try to make sense of it. Mondays will be beer news and upcoming events, Wednesday style spotlight (focus on a beer style and some local examples), Throwback Thursday (examine an older piece of writing and commentary on it), Friday for bigger think pieces.

Sycamore Closes Taproom

Since the news broke last month, I expected more updates on the Sycamore Brewing front. They have announced they are closing the taproom temporarily. I would not be surprised by a rebranding attempt, but it will be difficult at best. Mountain Candy was on tap at many accounts across the state but since the news broke I have witnessed many of the accounts removing or donating all proceeds to charities. I checked tap lists on Untappd locally and could only find a single account still selling their beer. This is a brand that in 2024 produced roughly 30,000 barrels in 2024 according to Brewers Association numbers. Developing a brand takes time and closing to the taproom the slowest month of the year makes sense operationally and to reduce expenses, but based on what we saw in 2025 anything could happen. Wish them best of luck in their future efforts.

Calendar note as mentioned above it’s a slow month for the trade, but if you know of anything especially in Charlotte, Asheville or the Coast areas please let me know so I can add to the list.

Calendar

January 17 – Girl Scout Cookie Pairing, Glass Jug, Durham

January 23 & 24 – NC Rare and Vintage, Durham – historically one of the gems of Winter events it has expanded to a 2 day affair with brewer’s panel in addition to one of the best tasting events in the Southeast.