Wilmington NC Beer

Wrightsville Beach Brewery Penguin Suit Emperorial Stout: 8.5% The team at Wrightsville Beach says, “Our ‘Emperorial’ Stout loaded with roasted, brown and caramelized malts for complexity with a base of NC-grown barley and triticale from Epiphany malts. Hopped with Calypso, giving it a hint of dark fruits and infused with cocoa nibs, Cholaca and vanilla! More fun than an Emperor penguin belly sliding on ice!” Salty Turtle Beer Company Surf City Sunrise: 7.1% Let this

If you don’t recognize Kelly Pickle (yes, that is her real name) then you really need to go visit Salty Turtle Beer Company up in Surf City. She’s been there slingin’ tasty Hey Zay Hazy IPAs and Swingbridge Breakfast Stouts since day ONE! I was excited to interview her for the Ale Trail because I’ve had the honor of tending bar with her for the past six months; she did not disappoint. Ale Trail (AT):

Waterman’s Brewing (Not So) Basic Beach Porter: 6.2% This not so “basic” take on pumpkin spice was made with smoked pumpkins and lots of love from Waterman’s staff! The smoky aroma is followed by notes of clove and vanilla with a mildly sweet, chocolatey flavor. This fall treat has a little bit of something for everyone. Bill’s Brewing Double West Coast IPA: 8.5% 84 IBU Simcoe, CTZ, Cascade. Dry, hoppy, and aggressive. This full flavored

Ironclad Brewery  Peach Apricot Ale: 5.3% Head brewer Laren says, “Herbs of the past combine with fruit of the future to create this uniquely balanced fruity ale. Marsh Rosemary, bog mrytle, Yarrow, and Damiana blend together with peach and apricot to stimulate the mind and enhance the senses.” Wrightsville Beach Brewery Cranberry Headed Ninny Muggins: 5.5% A special batch of their Wilmywood Witbier infused with pureed cranberries and a pinch of vanilla for the holiday

If you’ve been to Flytrap in the last five years you’ve definitely had the pleasure of meeting Eddy; he celebrated his fifth anniversary shortly after the brewery did! And if you haven’t stopped by, you definitely should–both for the delicious Belgian-inspired brews, and the ultra-friendly bartenders. Check out what Eddy has to say about being behind the stick. Ale Trail (AT): What’s your favorite thing about bartending? Eddy Johnson (EJ): My favorite thing about bartending,