by Brian Beauchamin

As we jump into a new year, local Charlotte brewers are providing a variety of options for all taste buds. For those looking to enjoy a dry January, there is a no-alcohol blonde. If you prefer the classic winter malt bombs, several are available ranging all the way up to 10.5% ABV. Whether you want to stay fresh while doing chores around the house or want some alcohol warmth by the fire, this month’s releases have you covered. Unless otherwise stated, the beers are already available in local taprooms or supporting establishments.  

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Cabarrus Brewing

The Oath is a 9% ABV imperial stout brewed with coffee, cacao nibs, and Madagascar vanilla beans. Flavors of espresso, tiramisu, dark chocolate, and a touch of roast embrace this North Carolina Brewers Cup gold medal-winning beer. 

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Lower Left Brewing   

Montmorency and sweet black cherries rule in Fruits and Ladders. The 7% ABV sour ale conditioned on French oak releases January 16. Expect a clean expression of the fruit with a touch of oaky vanilla tannin on the finish.

Root Down is a hard seltzer with ginger, cassia, star anise, vanilla, and select botanicals. The 5.5% ABV seltzer is currently on draft and available in cans January 16.

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NoDa Brewing

Hot Pistol, a chocolate, raspberry, and habanero stout, originally came to the brewery by way of homebrewing competition winners Dave Tollefsen and Glenn Culter, the duo who used to make up the NCBeerGuys. This 7% ABV brew offers a little something for everyone; a rich chocolate aroma, flavor accented with the tartness of raspberries, and the subtle heat of habanero peppers. Releases January 24 on draft and in cans at their taproom.

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Pilot Brewing

Releasing January 24, Sky Ride IPA is a true West Coast style India Pale Ale, clear with a smooth bitterness and hop-forward profile, bursting with juicy grapefruit flavors and a bright orange zest aroma. The 6.8% ABV beer finishes dry and is dangerously smooth. It will be available in cans and draught in the taproom and the market.

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Sycamore Brewing     

Just in time for Dry January comes Non-Alcoholic Southern Girl Blonde. The base beer is one of the brewery’s OG beers reimagined as a NA brew (0.5% ABV). With an emphasis on English malts and an English yeast strain that accentuates malt flavors, the beer is light-bodied, crisp, and dry with some sweetness. Bready notes upfront are followed by hints of cereal and then light caramel and honey. Light honeydew and strawberry evolve toward the back end with a light lemon citrus finish. Currently available at their taproom with packaged distribution rolling out in the coming weeks. 

Numby Gummy IPA is inspired by both psychedelia and the fruity gummy snacks of our youth. The hazy IPA was created to pop off the new year with a bright, complex, and bombastic beverage. Utilizing carefully timed additions of various hops throughout the entire brewing process led to a hazy, light golden beer with upfront flavors of fruity blueberry and raspberry mixed with tropical candy, followed by a vibrant pop of citrus including grapefruit, tangerine, lemon pith, and a pervading dankness.

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Triple C Brewing

A black IPA, Space Cadet is dark in color but tastes like a traditional west coast IPA. Citra, Chinook, and Centennial hops provide a strong citrus aroma with a hint of roast. Bitter and dry, this 7.0% ABV brew is great for the cooler days of winter. 

Porter was originally produced and drunk by the working class back in the industrial revolution. Working Man is a 5.4% ABV robust porter beckoning those days of old. The brew yields notes of chocolate, roast coffee, and dark fruits – a full-flavored beer with an easy drinkability for the warmer working days.

Neon Signs, a 5.7% ABV American pilsner, is brewed with corn and rice for a smooth flavor. Not a light beer that has been watered down, but a full-bodied pilsner with clean malt flavors and a crisp hop balance. Releases January 17. 

A juicy and sweet hazy double IPA, JUICED emits tropical notes of dried mango, watermelon candy, pear juice, and creamy pineapple with a sweet and warming malt flavor. ABV was not disclosed as of writing and the beer releases January 24. 

Although details were not available at print time, the 6.0% ABV seasonal juicy IPA Greenway IPA releases January 31. 

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Wooden Robot Brewery   

I’m Walkin’ Here is a 5.3% ABV Italian-style pilsner brewed with local pilsner malt and dry-hopped with Hallertau Mittlefruh hops. This unfiltered lager has an enticing floral aroma, with a crisp, dry, hoppy finish.

Utilizing an abundance of caramel and roasted malts, Godless Killing Machine is a big bold imperial stout. With a balance of dark fruits, rich chocolate, and roasted coffee, this malty 10.5% brew is a sipper. Available in a couple of weeks.