Awards are a funny thing, World Beer Cup, GABF and NC Brewers cup are great and showcase the best of the industry. Sometimes there are other awards that are popularity (get your supporters to vote daily) contests or where every one who enters gets a prize. So I was skeptical at first when I looked at the Untappd awards. Then I saw their methodology and found it compelling. They look at all the year’s check-ins in a region and for each style select the top three rated in that category. So for example in the IPA categories Burial Beer Co. dominated but in addition with 54 awards they came out top across the state. Second was Lesser Known Beer Co. which is always a Brewer’s favorite when NC CBC is in Wintson-Salem. Fonta Flora Brewery took third place. Currently there are just under 400 breweries in the state and 135 were mentioned. I know some folks will say “but I don’t use Untappd” but that’s the best part, you don’t have to use their app to see the results, bookmark and use it as you travel the state to find out what beer does your local make the best? Check out the whole NC list here.

Not to leave South Carolina, their list is here. Edmond’s Oast Brewing came out on top, not surprising based on how popular they are in bottle shops around here. The other two that round out the top three are Charles Towne Fermentory and New Groove Artisan Brewery, although I haven’t tried either but next trip that way I’ll be keeping an eye out for them. 

A few items around the Triangle this week Bull City Burger and Brewery is celebrating 15 years with events throughout the month, check out their newsletter for all the details. In sad news Flying Bull Beer Company has closed its Ninth Street taproom, but their other location remains open. It’s a shame it had a cool dive bar vibe to the location. Running one taproom is difficult enough and hopefully it will be a successful move on their part.

In Asheville we have an update on the Black Mountain Brewery deck situation, now the emails are starting to come out.

Out on the Coast there is news that MOBA Beer is closing.

Ending on a high note, a Finnish couple wins the ‘wife carrying’ contest in England and the prize is a barrel of ale. Don’t tell the Alewif, she’d enter us and right before the start throw me over her shoulder and march the race, just to proove she could do it.

Between March Madness and the beautiful warm weather things are getting busy in Carolina taprooms and bars, many breweries seem to be hosting their St Patrick celebration this Saturday. In addition, Beer, Bourbon, and BBQ is out in Wilmington Saturday, while Foothills is doing a Kegs and Eggs Brunch Sunday. Check out all the action here.