Red Oak Brewery | Rocky Mount

Certainly, here is a detailed and comprehensive overview of Red Oak Brewery:

Red Oak Brewery: In-Depth Profile

Red Oak Brewery is a distinguished craft brewery located in Whitsett, North Carolina, recognized for its authentic Bavarian-style lagers. Established in 1991, it is notable as North Carolina’s oldest craft brewery and the largest craft lager-only brewery in the United States. Its commitment to traditional brewing techniques and quality ingredients has earned it a loyal following and a prominent place in the American craft beer landscape.

History and Background

Founding: Red Oak Brewery was founded by Bill Sherrill in 1991, originally operating as a brewpub in Greensboro, NC. Sherrill was inspired by the classic European brewing traditions, particularly the German Reinheitsgebot, or Bavarian Purity Law, of 1516.

Relocation: Due to increased demand and the need for expanded production capacity, the brewery relocated in 2007 to a larger facility in Whitsett, North Carolina, about 30 miles west of Greensboro. This move allowed Red Oak to scale its operations while maintaining artisanal brewing quality.

Philosophy: The brewery adheres strictly to the Bavarian Purity Law (Reinheitsgebot), which mandates that only water, malted barley, hops, and yeast can be used in the brewing process. This law ensures the purity and traditional character of the beers produced, emphasizing unfiltered, unpasteurized, and naturally carbonated lagers without any preservatives.

Brewing and Beer Styles

Red Oak Brewery specializes exclusively in lagers, a style characterized by clean, crisp, and smooth profiles. Their beers are brewed using bottom-fermenting yeast and longer fermentation periods, resulting in balanced flavors and a refreshing finish.

Signature Beers Include:

Red Oak Amber Lager: The flagship beer, known for its rich amber color, balanced malt sweetness, and subtle hop bitterness. It is unfiltered and naturally carbonated, offering a smooth drinking experience.

Hummin’ Bird Helles Lager: A lighter, golden lager inspired by the traditional Bavarian Helles style, with a mild malt character and delicate hop notes.

Old Oak Oktoberfest Lager: A seasonal offering celebrating the traditional Märzen style, with a deep amber color, malty sweetness, and clean finish.

1516 Heller Bock: A stronger lager with a rich malt profile and smooth complexity, paying homage to the original purity law year.

Black Oak Double Bock: A robust dark lager with caramel and toasted malt flavors, providing depth and warming characteristics.

Big Oak Vienna Lager: A medium-bodied lager with toasted malt flavors and a slightly sweet finish.

Red Oak HopGarten Bavarian Pils: A crisp and refreshing pilsner-style lager with notable hop aroma and bitterness.

Battlefield Bock: A seasonal bock with rich malt character and smooth drinkability.

Facility and Visitor Experience

Brewery Location

The brewery is situated at 6905 Konica Drive, Whitsett, NC 27377 in a spacious, modern facility designed to accommodate large-scale brewing while offering a welcoming environment for visitors.

Lager Haus & Biergarten

Adjacent to the brewery is the Lager Haus & Biergarten, a Bavarian-style beer garden featuring communal picnic tables, a landscaped outdoor garden, and fire pits. This venue provides a relaxed and convivial atmosphere for enjoying Red Oak’s beers.

The Biergarten hosts rotating food trucks and regular live music events, enhancing the visitor experience with entertainment and diverse culinary options.

The space is primarily open to guests 21 years and older, offering a social environment for craft beer enthusiasts.

Tours, Events, and Community Engagement

Guided Brewery Tours: Held on Fridays at 4:30 PM, the 45-minute tours offer insights into the brewing process, the history of the brewery, and the unique qualities of Bavarian-style lagers. Tours include a tasting session and a collectible glass. Participants must be 21 or older, and tickets are typically priced around $25.

Events: Red Oak Brewery hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including:

Oaktoberfest: An annual Oktoberfest celebration with special beer releases, live music, and Bavarian-themed festivities.

1516 Spring Fest: A springtime event featuring beer tastings, food, and entertainment.

Weekly activities such as bingo nights and trivia nights provide regular entertainment options for local patrons.

Art and Culture

The brewery also houses the Griffith Fine Art Museum, showcasing a rotating collection of works by North Carolina and Southern artists. Visitors can explore this unique gallery through self-guided tours, combining a cultural experience with the enjoyment of craft beer.

Operational Details and Contact

Operating Hours for Lager Haus & Biergarten:

Wednesday to Friday: 4 PM – 10 PM

Saturday: 12 PM – 10 PM

Sunday: 12 PM – 7 PM

Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Contact Information:

Phone: (336) 447-2005

Summary

Red Oak Brewery stands out as a beacon of traditional brewing excellence in North Carolina. Its dedication to authentic Bavarian brewing methods, combined with a vibrant community-focused atmosphere, makes it a destination for both craft beer aficionados and casual visitors. From its expansive brewery and beautiful Biergarten to its art museum and regular events, Red Oak offers a comprehensive and immersive experience celebrating quality beer, culture, and camaraderie.