Fishing For NC Beer | Brewery

 The Beer

First off was the Belgian-Style Strong Golden Ale (8% abv.). I am not a wheat beer drinker. It curls my nose and unless it is north of 95 degrees outside... I will not drink them. BUT you have to take one for the team, “you know how it is bra’.” So with reservations, and ambient temp of 65, I lifted the glass to my nose and mouth.

Oh thank god...it did not suck, just like they said! No face was made and I grew a bit inside, as a beer drinker.

This was Triangle’s first beer and it was not hard to understand why it quickly secured so many first accounts for the business. It is their best seller and with little wonder, light but still full of flavor the BSSGA defines crafted beer. It is at this moment I am beginning to realize, “I have a great freaking job.”

My second “taster” (2/3 pint) was the Belgian Style Abbey Ale Dubbel (7.2% abv.). Again dubious of the Belgian style I dove into the breech and was again amazed at the breadth and depth of flavor in this beer. I had already reviewed TBC’s web site and their recommended pairings for beer (skeptically), but now that I was drinking their glorious elixirs I understood the sophistication of the descriptions. Just two into the selections and the time and dedication to their recipes was evident, neigh obvious. It was a pleasure to experience the intricate return on their endeavor. Even I could appreciate the beginning, middle and end of each sip. Flavors that were separate but did not step on each other. Very complex like a wine.

On to the Triangle Habanero Pale Ale. I love hot peppers, especially habs. But Andy was quick to point out this would not be hot, I was disappointed to hear that, heat AND beer seems like a match made in heaven to me. But after my first sip I instantly smelled, tasted the delicate hint of the habanero on my tongue, fantastic! I gulped it down and while I spoke more with the guys, the flavor kept coming. The slightest peppery warmth on my lips and tongue. In the words of a friend, “this thing just kept giving!”

The talk and tasting continued with one more beer, I rolled a smoke and noticed my left eye was possibly drifting independently of my right eye as Eric, yon lone employee, brought out the Triangle Bourbon Aged Abbey Ale (7.2% abv.), honestly, it could have been the Triangle Stout or the Rufus Reserve, (sorry guys it got fuzzy). At any rate it too was another fantastic complex beer, but at this point my mind was beginning to wander like the proverbial “wild beast in the west.” I think I may have begun giggling and that usually signals the sampling and the interview needs to come to a close. I knew one thing, I was seriously considering leasing space and a bunk from these guys.

Andy and Rick are long time friends having attended high school together in Connecticut. They both come to brewing beer honestly. They share a long history of home brewing with 22 years of experience between them before they started TBC. The pursuit of higher education brought Andy to NC where he graduated from ECU, Andy is a UCONN graduate and spent 8 years working at UNC as a developmental psychologist. Receiving too many comments like “you should sell this stuff”, they put together a business plan and brought Triangle Brewing Company to life.

Sipping the Ale/stout, I’m starting to think it was the stout. I sat on the TBC loading dock discussing the operation with Andy and Rick, enjoying the pretty day, taking pics, “hey there goes a hawk, pretty bird”. The beer was talking at this point, but that is what is great about beer, Andy and Rick were just good to speak with and listen too. I was now considering asking about putting in my application for work.

It goes without saying but still bares it, I had a great time at TBC and with their help I have faced my wheat beer thing head on, there will be many more in my future on tour, gotta man up, gotta grow.

Both Andy and Rick were gentle with this cub reporter on his first assignment. I have to admit I did have another Habanero beer and I did sit on the back dock for quite some time wondering what the rest of the world was doing on a Monday.

If they will have me I think it will bear going back to see them. If for no other reason than to offer an on the spot consistency report. Thanks guys, good luck and very glad to have you here.