Episode 5 – Steel String Brewery

Click for iTunes

 

In this week’s episode Mike and I explored his stomping grounds and dropped in to see the guys at Steel String Brewery in the heart of Carrboro, NC.  We got to try the Big Mon IPA, the Rubber Room Session Ale, the No Quarter Breakfast Stout and the Cryin’ Holy Imperial IPA.

 

Let it first be known that I love Carrboro.  After spending years and years up in Boone, NC, Carrboro gives off a very similar vibe.  The town is quaint and the people are always delightful.  There is also a decent amount of hippies and the soft smell of patchouli in the air (both are things I miss, judge all you want).  So, I was excited when I went and crashed at Mike’s house last weekend, knowing we had a podcast to do.  We both had been to Steel String before, a few months back, but hadn’t tried any of the beers that were on tap.  Our first time going there was a long list of beers that were mainly IPAs and nothing really popped out at us.  I figured now that we had some breweries under our belts for the podcast, it would be a nice time to give ole Steel String another try.  Needless to say, I was impressed with the turn around.  Their beers on tap were less convoluted and it came through in the taste.  From years in the restaurant industry, I’ve learned it is better to have a small menu that features a few great things, rather than a large menu that no one is going to remember as soon as they walk out the door.  Props to whoever made this decision for the brewery.

Aside from the beer, what I appreciated most about the business was how nice, friendly and knowledgeable the gentlemen who served us was.  I’m a stickler for a few things, even when going to a bar setting, and service is the MOST important aspect of that.  I wish I could remember his name, because I’d call him out and tell you all to go see him, but generally if there is one person there like that, they all are.  So big shout out to the dude behind the bar in the Hawaiian shirt, thanks man! (Yes he was wearing a Hawaiian shirt and no it’s not 1997 and no he was not over the age of 60.) But, I digress…we ordered our flights and told the gentlemen why we were there.  He had no problem telling us a little bit about the beers we were trying, especially because two of them hadn’t been put up on the website yet, and was all around very friendly and hospitable with us.  We posted up in the back of the bar, right next to where they had their fermenters set up and got ready to enjoy!  Give the podcast a listen to see what we thought of the brews and make sure you give us 5 stars on iTunes (see link at top of page), follow us on Twitter and like us on the Facebooks.  More to come soon people, I’m excited!  Whenever you’re heading out to enjoy some amazing North Carolina (or where ever you may call home) craft beer you always designate a driver or call a cab! And as always folks make sure you drink responsibly. Sláinte!

Related articles

• Steel String Pictures (thisisontap.wordpress.com)
• Brewery creates beer fermented with moon dust (theverge.com)