by Joan Wilkerson Hoffmann | Oct 9, 2019 | Blog, Breweries, Local Beer
When I heard about Port City Escape teaming up with Waterline Brewing Company for a monthly “portable escape room” I knew I had to see it for myself. I attended the September portable escape with my husband and two friends, and we all had a blast. The hour-long “rooms” are presented in a neat package that are more of a puzzle box. And y’all, it was challenging! I got to talk to Kris from Port City Escape and Maria from Waterline and here’s what they had to say:
Ale Trail (AT): Whose idea was it? How did the partnership start?
Kris Testori (KT): We (Port City Escape) had just started building tabletop portable escape adventures in response to customers asking us to bring the escape experience to them. At the time we knew we there was a huge demand but we didn’t have a clear picture of a full plan. I met with Maria from Waterline regarding a charity event we were donating tickets to and we hit it off. We got to talking about our portables and decided that Waterline would make a great place to host these. As our buildout of the portables progressed we decided to meet up and plan our next steps.
AT: Without giving too much away, can you walk me through the evening?
KT: Sure. First book online or come to Waterline and register. When you get there you are given a ticket for your first drink and you choose a table. Five tables have a large portable escape on it. (Each of these portables is played by up to five players.) The Escape Adventure starts at 6:30 pm with an actor telling the story behind the adventure. Similar to an escape room, our portables have a different theme and a different story. The groups then get to work and will last for up to one hour. Similar to an escape room when you get stuck, you are provided with a clue. In this instance it’s a self contained adventure that fits on top of the table so you will be able to sit with people you know, enjoy a cold beer, and figure out a mystery together.
AT: Do people arrive with their own teams? Is it a team activity?
KT: We have had teams, couples, groups of friends and singles. We have had a few work groups come out as teams.
Maria Speaks (MS): One person could also do it by themselves, but it probably wouldn’t be as much fun.
AT: Can people drink during the event?
KT: Yes, absolutely. The first beer is included in the price.
MS: That’s part of the reason Kris & her husband partnered with us. We here at Waterline think most things are more enjoyable with one of our brews in your hand…and we also have plenty of space for activities.
AT: Why should someone who’s an Escape Room skeptic give this a try?
KT: We have found that most people who are skeptical about escape rooms are concerned about being locked in a room, and the open atmosphere at the brewery takes that fear away.
I would also love to invite anyone who is an escape room skeptic to come visit Port City Escape and let me show them around. We are always working hard to dispel the myth that it’s scary or you will be claustrophobic. And all of the rooms have a door that remains unlocked throughout the adventure.
MS: It’s just a nice way to dip your toes in. It’s a bit easier and also cheaper than an escape room. It’s also really non-committal. I feel like you could do anything for an hour and probably not regret it even if it’s not your cup of tea.
The next Brews & Clues is Tuesday October 15th at Waterline.
by Joan Wilkerson Hoffmann | Oct 6, 2019 | Blog, Breweries, Local Beer
What’s This?: 4.3% One of Skytown’s fall releases, this sour wheat ale features pumpkin & fall spices.
Barrel Aged Sour Tomb Rocker: 8.7% This incredible barrel-aged sour creation bursts with tart flavor reminiscent of pie cherries. Similar to a Flanders Sour Red/Brown ale, but brewed with heather and honey for a subtle twist and extra depth. It even brought home a Gold Medal at the NC Brewer’s Cup at the North Carolina State Fair this year in the Wood Aged category!
Oktoberfest: 5.4% BTCB’s Oktoberfest is a traditional German-style Märzenbier (und es ist sehr lecker) made with traditional German malts/lager yeast, a Bavarian water profile, and a good amount of Spalt and Hallertau Mittelfrüh hops! Available Friday at 12pm at The Sour Barn and 4pm at Broomtail.
Peach Brandy BA Peach Berliner Weisse: 3.4% Tangy, sweet peach Berliner marries with warmth from oak and brandy in this barrel-aged sour creation.
Pretty Pumpkin: 5% An annual collaboration with their neighbor Apple Annie’s, WBC tosses 100 delicious pumpkin pies into this brew to give it soft notes of spice with a malty finish.
Kill the Headlights: 7% A Citra double dry-hopped IPA brewed with lots of Centennial with Citra and Mosaic to round it out.
by Joan Wilkerson Hoffmann | Oct 2, 2019 | Blog, Local Beer
Everyone say “hi!” to Amy Walker, Taproom Manager extraordinaire at Edward Teach Brewing on North 4th. Ed Teach is located in the old fire house in the Brooklyn Arts District, but if you haven’t been in you might be surprised to find that the build out leans a bit more nautical. Their brew Teach’s Peaches just took first place at the NC Brewers’ Cup in the fruit beer category.
AT: What is your favorite thing about bartending?
AW: Meeting new people and seeing regulars, plus the beer is a huge high point! ; )
AT: Do you have any advice for current or future craft beer bartenders?
AW: Learn your beer! Know all different styles, and visit as many breweries as you can! Best Job Ever!
AT: If you were a beer, which one would you be?
AW: I would be a Lager, even those who don’t like craft beer still like a good lager! They’re fresh, crisp and easy to sip!
by Joan Wilkerson Hoffmann | Oct 1, 2019 | Blog, Breweries, Local Beer
A weekly roundup of local and craft beer that can be found around the area on tap, in bottles, or in cans. These are not beer reviews and should be used for entertainment purposes only.
New-Age: 6% A light and fluffy pale ale made with oats, flaked wheat, and pilsner malts. Exhibits strong citrus and mango notes in both flavor and aroma from Citra and Simcoe hops.
Guava Lager: 5.3% This lager gets its pizazz from guava puree and cold brewed coffee for a fruity brew with a zip!
Kurt Vienn-ugget: 6.4% Made with Vienna malt and 100% Nugget wet hops. With notes of fresh melon, orange marmalade and toasted bread. Brewer Dani says, “I could have called it Breakfast of Champions, but where’s the pun in that?”
Sour Papaya Pomegranate Saison: 6.1% Another fruity, tart spin on their house saison, this new brew presents bright, zippy sour notes accompanied by delicate notes of sweet pomegranate and papaya.
Bourbon Barrel-Aged Barnacle Bill’s: 8% Bourbon & brown ale lovers unite! This boozey companion of the OG brown ale has all of the characteristics of a first-use barrel–sharp whiskey and smooth, oaky barrel with a firm, malty backbone. Finishes warm, like a hefty pour of bourbon.
Ledermolesen: 4.8% This Bavarian style pilsner is light, crisp and clean with a welcomed bitterness to round out the bready finish.
by Jeremy | Sep 25, 2019 | Blog, Breweries, Local Beer
A weekly roundup of local and craft beer that can be found around the area on tap, in bottles, or in cans. These are not beer reviews and should be used for entertainment purposes only.
Tempest: 6% A Pale Ale fermented in oak with a Norwegian Farmhouse yeast then aged in stainless steel with guava and hopped with Citra.
Festbier: 5.3% A refreshing golden lager with a pleasant toasted cereal flavor, brewed in the lighter and crisper style actually served in Munich during Oktoberfest (as opposed to the heavier amber style). It has more depth than a pilsner, but retains the easy drinkability.
Lavish: 6.4% Lavender pale ale brewed with East Kent Golding, then dry-hopped with centennial and conditioned on lavender. Subtle fruit notes with notes of baking spices; their 2019 fall seasonal.
Save the Fest for Last: 5.4% This beer is a showcase for the balance of Munich malt and Nobel hops used for the traditional Oktoberfest beer style. The aroma offers rich bready malt notes, while the flavor profile is balanced with floral & spice character from the Hallertau hops. Finish is clean and crisp off the palate.
ILM: 7.5% This new IPA has more traditional hops and bittering from some old favorites like Cascade, Centennial, Chinook, and Citra. Releases Friday, September 27th!
Goseway: 4.8% This tart, lime gose was made with mouthwatering Wrightsville Beach sea salt provided by Sea Love Sea Salt Co. A taste of wheat provides this tangy ale with a smooth, medium-bodied mouthfeel. This delicious gose is sure to remind you of your favorite salty, summer days!
by Jeremy | Sep 24, 2019 | Blog, Breweries, Local Beer
Visitors and locals can purchase the Wilmington Ale Trail passport to receive vouchers worth over $100 at more than 20 local breweries, bottle shops, and craft beer-focused bars and restaurants. Our weekly Passport Picks blog post will focus on the “best bang for your buck” at one of the participating venues.
The Sour Barn
7211 Market St
Blendery/ Taproom
Voucher: $5 off beverage, food, or merchandise.
The Sour Barn is a souring and barrel-aging facility for Broomtail Craft Brewery located in the Ogden community. It features a bright tap room and with lots of Broomtail clean beers and sours on tap. It also has beautiful beer garden with an outdoor stage that features local bands and comedians.
Your Wilmington Ale Trail passport includes a $5 voucher for the Sour Barn. I recommend Tuesday for $4 pints or combo it with a Crofton pretzel for just $6.
Purchase a passport, and receive a $5 voucher to The Sour Barn and additional vouchers worth over $100 at more than 20 area locations.
https://passport.wilmingtonaletrail.com
