And the winner is ... Here’s who you chose for the best brewery in the Charlotte area
The votes are in: In an area that is known for its craft beer, you have done the impossible, Charlotte: You have picked the best brewery.
The CharlotteFive Readers’ Choice best breweries contest began with you writing to us to tell us your favorite brewery in the area. We started with your Top 50 breweries (see the full list here). Round after round narrowed it down.
And the winner is:
Primal Brewery
Location: 52 Ervin St, Belmont, NC 28012
Location: 16432 Old Statesville Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078
Ray Steimal said that before his team started Primal Brewery, making beer was a hobby for his team as well. “We thought, what better way to be involved with the people and the beer than to make the beer and serve the beer to the people.” The people are the best part, he said.
Ray told CharlotteFive that being part of this contest was a pleasant surprise. “Seeing the support from our customers and team members and friends and family across the state has been really gratifying.”
You have two choices when planning your Primal Brewery visit: There are locations in Belmont and Huntersville. “It’s a great experience to be able to sit, chat, tip a pint and just really get to know people.”
The runner-up: Best brewery in the Charlotte area
Lore Brewing Company
Location: 1218 Rosemont Dr Suite 100, Indian Land, SC 29707
David and Danielle Tonkery started out brewing in their garage with their neighbors as a hobby about a decade ago. The couple opened Lore Brewing Company in Indian Land in October 2019 and just celebrated the brewery’s 3-year anniversary. “It’s been great, it’s been interesting — we’ve loved every minute of it,” Danielle told CharlotteFive.
The owners are very hands-on with the brewery, in addition to their team. In fact, David has created all of the beer recipes at Lore. “So if you hate it, don’t say anything,” he laughed.
The brewery is located in Indian Land, just south of Ballantyne. “Come give us a try!” Danielle said.
[RELATED: 2 new Black-owned breweries in Charlotte tap in — and want to change the industry]
Read more on CharlotteFive Readers’ Choice winners:
[READ NEXT: San Antonio-based Weathered Souls Brewing Company to open second location in Charlotte]
Charlotte’s best breweries
Want to see the full list of the breweries you nominated for the best in the Charlotte area? You can find the full list of the Top 50 breweries in the Charlotte area at our contest link. Cheers!
This story was originally published November 7, 2022 at 12:29 PM.