Will Change In NC Legislation Attract Sierra Nevada or New Belgium?

According to a recent story in Raleigh’s News & Observer, it sure looks that way: RALEIGH – Sipping a Surprise Attack ale at Big Boss Brewing, Stephanie Benner contemplated her transformation to self-proclaimed beer snob.

The 26-year-old from New York said it started in Raleigh. “We’ve developed quite a beer taste since moving here,” Benner said Tuesday as she tasted the English Strong Ale. “Being able to experience all these small breweries has been eye opening.”

Beer lovers’ options are likely to expand after a small tweak to the state’s alcohol laws opens the door for a major expansion of the state’s craft brewery industry.

The legislation now before Gov. Bev Perdue is aimed at attracting Sierra Nevada and New Belgium, two well-known midsize breweries, to western North Carolina. But brewers hope it further ferments the state’s reputation as a beer capital.