Levine Museum of the New South and special guest Daniel Hartis explore Charlotte’s storied beer heritage, from tavern rebels to taps today
CHARLOTTE – What do you really know about Charlotte’s brewing industry?
The Levine Museum of the New South invites the community to learn more about the deep roots of Charlotte brewing at its upcoming event, Charlotte Loves Beer, 7 p.m. Dec. 12, at Free Range Brewing, 2320 N. Davidson St. Tickets are $30 on Eventbrite.
In this edition of the Southern Accents series, participants will explore the growth and legacy of Charlotte’s brewery scene, a defining feature of the Queen City, with more than 75 breweries and counting. This event blends local history with hands-on experiences, bringing guests face-to-face with the city’s rich beer heritage by detailing how it shaped the city’s culture and growth.
Local beer expert and writer Daniel Hartis, author of Charlotte Beer: A History of Brewing in the Queen City, will share more about Charlotte’s often-overlooked roots in the industry dating to colonial days. From Captain James Jack, whose tavern was a Patriot haven burned by the British during the American Revolution, to how Prohibition took hold of Charlotteans to how the modern-day landscape of breweries in the Charlotte area evolved.
“You don’t have to be a diehard beer geek to know Charlotte’s become a great beer city over the last decade,” Hartis says. “What many don’t realize is that the city’s brewing history goes back hundreds of years before today’s brewers came along. From rebellious tavern keepers to the first wave of craft brewers in the ‘90s, we’ll take a deep dive into the city’s beer-filled past with a look to its future as well.”
Guests can also enjoy themed trivia to test their knowledge and a curated tasting from Free Range Brewing, featuring three distinctive 6-ounce beers brewed locally. Each sample will introduce a unique flavor profile and highlight the craftsmanship and artistry behind local brewing techniques, offering a true taste of Charlotte’s brewing world.
“Charlotte’s brewery scene is booming, and we wanted to offer a unique way to explore the city’s history as it grows around us,” said Richard Cooper, Levine Museum President & CEO. “We hope that attendees walk away with a richer understanding of Charlotte’s past – and for anyone with a love of beer, it’s an opportunity to connect that passion to the local stories that make it truly meaningful.”
The Levine Museum’s Southern Accents series celebrates Southern culture through hands-on events designed to connect newcomers and rooted community members alike. Charlotte Loves Beer brings together history, community, and local flavor to uncover the stories that continue to shape Charlotte’s identity.
