E-Malt.com News article: USA, NC: Fortnight Brewing Company opens in Cary

Fortnight is Cary’s first brew pub. It’s also the first brewery in the Triangle focusing primarily on English beer. For now, Fortnight is mostly relying on social media and word of mouth to draw customers to its bar, Cary News reported on February 23.

The company’s investors are confident business will pick up quickly, and Fortnight’s 24,000-square-foot building reflects their optimism.

“Cary is an untapped market,” said David Urben, the commercial real-estate agent who found Fortnight’s Cary site.

The brewery is surrounded by residential subdivisions and is less than a mile southwest of downtown Cary.

On the outside, the brewery is nondescript. On the inside, it has high ceilings, bar stools, booths and even a couple of leather chairs.

Stuart, 48, has brewed beer recreationally since he was a youngster in Maltby, England. He was inspired by his grandfather, a forager who used to make his own wine.

The fermenting process “fascinated me,” he said.

English beer tends to be more malty than hoppy, and some – like Fortnight’s English ale – have a lower-than-average alcohol content.

It’s usually served at warmer temperatures than American beers, though Fortnight serves its brews on the colder side.

Most English beers take two weeks to craft, hence the name Fortnight. It’s a delicate process, one that takes experience.

That’s why Stuart hired Derek Garman, who formerly worked at The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery in Charlotte, as head brewmaster.

Fortnight is already getting some good feedback. At a recent meet-up party, a customer forecast success after surveying the room.

Locally owned breweries have been popping up throughout the Triangle.

Bombshell Beer Company recently opened at 120 Quantum Drive in Holly Springs. Three women – Ellen Joyner, Michelle Miniutti and Jackie Hudspeth – started the business.

Bombshell offers a German pilsner, pale ale, IPA, and porter. It also plans to offer specialty beers like jalapeno, lemongrass and coconut.

The brewmaster, Stephen O’Neill, specializes in traditional German beers. The Polished Pilsener is Bombshell’s standby.


26 February, 2014