Wilmington named among ‘Beeriest Beach Towns’

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington makes another nationwide list this time for its craft beer scene. The Port City is listed as one of  ‘America’s Beeriest Beach Towns’ of 2015.

According to craftbeer.com Wilmington has what it takes to compete with coastal communities around the country. The article notes North Carolina’s growing brewery industry and credits Wilmington for that growth in the past year. Recently six breweries have opened in the Wilmington area and that includes Flytray Brewing in the Brooklyn Arts District in Historic Downtown Wilmington.

Emily Barlas, Flytrap Brewing owner, said she and her husband opened the brewery a little over a year ago.

“It’s my husband’s dream come true,” said Barlas. “He was home brewing for about 8 years.”

Barlas said Wilmington topping the list of beeriest beach towns is a major plus.

“I think it’s great, I think it’s just showing how much more craft beer is becoming more popular in Wilmington.,” said Barlas.

Amanda Jones isn’t from Wilmington but she said can appreciate the growing craft beer scene.

“Compared to Raleigh it can definitely hold its own, we come here to taste the local beers,” said Jones. “We’ve been coming down for about two to three years  and every time we come down there’s a new brewery that’s open, or there’s something else that we learn about, so we feel as though it’s definitely coming a long.”

While visitors like Jones take full advantage of the abundance of craft breweries, locals like Danielle Salas find pride in knowing their favorites brews were made near home.

“When you go to a different state and see ‘oh that’s brewed in Wilmington North Carolina’ that kind of gives a shout out your home town,” said Salas.

And it’s the home town brewing like at Flytrap Brewing that’s keeping Wilmington’s beer biz flowing.

“we’re so happy to be here and be a part of the beeriest beach town now,” said Barlas.

For the complete list click on the link above.