Sycamore Brewing Christmas Ale Cans Make The Naughty List
Sycamore Brewing Christmas Ale cans stir up controversy every year. Although we visit the brewery from time to time, I was unaware of the risque tradition. According to The Rock…
Sycamore Brewing Christmas Ale cans stir up controversy every year. Although we visit the brewery from time to time, I was unaware of the risque tradition. According to The Rock Hill Herald, Sycamore Brewing in Charlotte started issuing the seasonal ales with eyebrow-raising labels several years ago. The controversy kicked off in 2019 with a naughty reindeer design pulled due to lack of approval from the liquor board. Past designs included controversial snowflake and gingerbread men designs. We won't go into detail, but you can imagine. I must admit, the idea never would have occurred to me. But, I'm more of a hot cocoa person. LOL.
And now, this year Sycamore Brewing Christmas Ale cans feature two new designs. Elves wrap toys for mom and dad. That sounds innocent enough until you look more closely. The other label shows the elves donning sweaters with designs from previous labels. The vice-president of sales for Sycamore says, "It's beer. Let's have fun." The new ales with the risque labels include Christmas Cookie Winter Ale and Barrel Aged Christmas Cookie Ale. Although the online sales ended, the ales hit shelves of local retailers by early December. They will be available in Total Wine & More and various independent sellers. However, they warn it's a small batch. Therefore, if you wait too long, you might miss out.
Sycamore Brewing describes the flavors, and they sound delicious. The Christmas Cookie Winter Ale is sweet cookie and warm vanilla. For a more robust flavor, go with the Barrel Aged Stout. With this flavor, you get toasted oak, vanilla, caramel, brown sugar, cinnamon and spice. There's also a hint of bourbon spirit flavor. The husband and wife brewery at 2161 Hawkins remains closed in preparation for a move to its larger space next door. The taproom space will expand, and Sycamore will have a large beer garden and rooftop space, as well. So, if you know someone with an irreverent sense of humor and appreciation for beer, these "naughty" label ales might be the ticket!
North Carolina Has One Of The Top Cities For Beer Lovers
Here in Charlotte, we love our beers. In fact, the entire state of North Carolina is filled with beer lovers. So that's why I wasn't surprised to discover that one North Carolina city made HomeToGo's list of the Top 17 US Cities for Beer Lovers. It may come as a bit of a shock (or maybe not), that it isn't in fact Charlotte. It's not Raleigh, either. Think you know? You're probably right. I'll give you a hint, this beer lovers' paradise is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and is one of my favorite places to visit. Though I have to say, I haven't spent much time in the brewery scene. Maybe this will convince me to change that!
So about this list. HomeToGo scoured the country to find what they consider the best cities for the beer obsessed among us. They narrowed down the list to the Top 17 - the top 10 of which are below. The ranking takes into consideration bars, breweries, beer prices, as well as accommodations. The bar score represents the number of high rate beer bars in each city based on ratebeer.com. The brewery score is based on the number of breweries in each city. Spoiler alert in this case that was our South Carolina friends in Myrtle Beach. Who knew? And the beer price is based on the average price for a pint of domestic draught beer.
1. Chicago, IL
You've most likely heard of one Chicago brewery- Goose Island Brewing Company. But there are many others as well- 50 in fact. Also helping the Windy City claim this top ranking is the average price of a domestic pint- just $5.
Bars: 9.51
Breweries: 9.53
Beer Prices: 8.87
Total Score: 36.07
2. Portland, OR
Portland is no stranger to the beer lover. Each year they host the Oregon Brewers Festival which dates back to 1988. Portland is home to 65 breweries with an average price of $6 for a pint. as
Bars: 7.70
Breweries: 9.72
Beer Prices: 7.58
Total Score: 34.63
3. Milwaukee, WI
If you know beer you know Milwaukee. Best known for Miller products and PBR Milwaukee is also a craft beer paradise. Breweries like Milwaukee Brewing Company and Lakefront Brewery are making a name for themselves on the scene.
Bars: 5.97
Breweries: 7.64
Beer Prices: 9.51
Total Score: 33.12
4. Denver, CO
Denver's rich beer history dates all the way back to the 1800s. Today it is home to 52 breweries as well as the Great American Beer Festival. Plus the area is already a destination for travelers thanks to it's Rocky Mountain location.
Bars: 6.33
Breweries: 9.72
Beer Prices: 7.58
Total Score: 32.72
5. Seattle, WA
Seattle has been brewing beer essentially since it was settled, with the areas first brewery founded in 1854. Today it is home to 50 breweries throughout the city's neighborhoods.
Bars: 8.45
Breweries: 9.53
Beer Prices: 6.29
Total Score: 8.04
6. New York, NY
Bars: 10
Breweries: 6.04
Beer Prices: 5.00
Total Score: 30.20
7. Asheville, NC
Are you surprised Asheville topped Charlotte on this list? What Asheville is lacking in bars they make up for in breweries and price of beer!
Bars: 5.53
Breweries: 7.36
Beer Prices: 9.19
Total Score: 30.05
8. Austin, TX
Bars: 6.42
Breweries: 10.00
Beer Prices: 7.58
Total Score: 29.76
9. Tampa, FL
Bars: 5.75
Breweries: 6.60
Beer Prices: 7.58
Total Score: 29.63
10. Myrtle Beach, SC
Bars: 5.00
Breweries: 5.09
Beer Prices: 10.00
Total Score: 29.44
