The NCBeerGuys were pleased to be recently invited to an NC Craft Beer media event hosted by the NC Craft Brewers Guild at Natty Greene's Pub and Brewing Company at their Raleigh location. It was a great chance for beer reporters, and those of us who try to stay abreast of all that's happening in the beer community, to learn more about the North Carolina’s craft beer industry and the breweries that make NC's craft beer scene "white hot right now". It was a great opportunity to sample some of our state's finest brews while chatting with the brewers about their latest news .

Eighteen breweries participated and the great folks at Natty's provided scrumptious food from their menu to pair up with all the great beer.

Other WRAL Top Stories

• Beer Army Combat Brewery, Trenton
• Big Boss Brewing, Raleigh
• Deep River Brewing Company, Clayton
• Fortnight Brewing, Cary
• Front Street Brewery, Wilmington
• Fullsteam, Durham
•Lonerider, Raleigh
•Mother Earth Brewing, Kinston
• Mystery Brewing Company, Hillsborough
• Natty Greene's Brewing Co., Greensboro and Raleigh
• NoDa Brewing Company, Charlotte
•Railhouse Brewery, Aberdeen
• Raleigh Brewing, Raleigh
• Rockingham Community College Center for Brewing Sciences, Eden
• The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, Charlotte
• Triangle Brewing Company, Durham
• Trophy Brewing, Raleigh
• White Street Brewing Co., Wake Forest

Margo Knight Metzger, executive director of the NC Craft Brewers Guild provided handouts and spoke to us briefly about the latest news and statistics on the beer industry within North Carolina. One of the most interesting handouts she provided was a list of 23 NC Breweries-In-Planning! These 23 hopefuls want to join an industry that includes some 105 (by our count) already active breweries across the state. Think you can't easily find a place to drink local quality craft beer in NC? Think again!

Metzger also shared copies of the recent proclamation by Gov. Pat McCrory of April as "North Carolina Beer Month." This proclamation was made in recognition of the positive impact the thriving beer industry makes on the state's economy. NC Beer Month encourages residents and travelers both to explore a wide range of planned special beer-themed events that will showcase the industry's quality products and southern hospitality.

The beer industry across North Carolina is booming indeed. Get out during April and find a local brewery, beer festival or locally produced beer to enjoy. Experience for yourself the homegrown quality that pours out of NC breweries!

Remember to "Drink Local and Keep Your Beer Dollars in North Carolina."

Dave Tollefsen and Glenn Cutler are regular guys living in central North Carolina with their families who share a love for craft beer and homebrewing. They work together as the NCBeerGuys. They can be found online promoting North Carolina craft beer, providing information about the folks who produce local beer and writing about beer adventures, activities and events across North Carolina.