It’s Never Too Early For Pumpkin Spice And This North Carolina Brewery Celebrates ‘Pumpkin Palooza’ Soon

I know it's only July, and Pumpkin Spice season is typically months away.  However, some Pumpkin Spice enthusiasts argue it's always a good time for the fall favorite.  NoDa Brewing Company in Charlotte, North Carolina puts that theory to the test.  According to their social media posts, NoDa Brewing celebrates their award winning Pumpkin Ale "Gordgeous" Friday, July 28 during "Pumpkin Palooza."

The event, slated for July 28 from 3 to 10 p.m. is free.  And, there will be live music, food vendors and "Gordgeous" on tap and in 4 packs to go.  So, why are we celebrating Pumpkin Palooza in July?  Well, it's NoDa Brewing's 10 year anniversary of the favorite brew of pumpkin puree, brown sugar, ginger root and spices.  But, it contains no cinnamon or nutmeg.  And, they say, "because it's different than other pumpkin ales."

And, in addition to NoDa Brewing's Pumpkin Palooza event, plenty of restaurants in Charlotte join in by offering drinks and food taking inspiration from the concoction through Halloween.  These include Golden Cow Creamery, JJ's Red Hots, Reigning Doughnuts and SWIRL.

NoDa Brewing Company's North End taproom is located at 150 W. 32nd Street in Charlotte.  And, the original location on Davidson Street also plans to host events.  As their website indicated, NoDa Brewing has been brewing craft beer for the Carolinas since 2011.  And, many local bars and grocery stores carry their brews.

So, run, don't walk, to NoDa Brewing for Pumpkin Palooza to celebrate the return of "Gordgeous."  By the way, it won the 2018 and 2020 Great American Beer Festival GOLD Medal.  The flavor will also become available in retailers next week.  Get more info on their site or from social media posts from NoDa Brewing.

And, what do we have to look forward to in the coming months?  Well, we expect Oktoberfest Marzen Lager on September 1st. It's a "light amber color with a malt forward taste and crisp finish," according to the website.   And, September 8 we see the release of Drop Dead Gordgeous Imperial Pumpkin Ale.  It's like the original only with a higher ABV.  We can't wait!

Beer is big business in North Carolina. According to Business North Carolina, the Tar Heel State has the tenth most craft breweries in the United States, based on 2021 data. With 364 craft breweries, North Carolina is only one behind Ohio. California has the most, by far, with 931.

Asheville has long been thought of as the beer capital of North Carolina, but that may not be entirely accurate. When ranking the state's craft breweries by self-reported barrels of beer produced in 2021, Charlotte has more in the top ten than any other city. You can see the list below.