USA, NC: Southern Pines Brewing Company opening soon

Golf enthusiasts who make their way to Moore County in June for the U.S. Open in Pinehurst will have the opportunity to try craft beer from the newly established Southern Pines Brewing Company, which plans to have beer flowing through the taps by then, Triangle Business Journal reported on March 12.

Micah Niebauer is leaving the Army to run the brewery, a long-time dream of his. He says opening the brewery in time for the golf event is his priority. He’s already got a location on Air Tool Drive, and is having it fixed up with antique woods from old barrels for the bar.

“That’s been the goal since I started the project,” he says. “I’m already signing up to take part in various local festivals and Pinehurst’s preparatory festivals.”

He says his beers – ales, lagers and IPAs – will be branded with the Southern Pines theme, something many people don’t know about.

“Most people in North Carolina have heard of Pinehurst, but don’t know where Southern Pines is. Local people will take pride in it and a name like Southern Pines has a broad appeal,” says Niebauer.

Another goal is to ultimately distribute in cans, because Niebauer says it’s more suitable for golf courses and lends itself to IPAs.

To refine the artisanal aspect of the craft beer brewing, Niebauer and his friends visited several breweries on the West Coast, the owners of which were happy to share their craft skills, he says. Niebauer has also obtained Cicerone beer server certification.

“The more I learn about the science of beer making, the more fascinating it becomes,” he says.

14 March, 2014