As International Beer Day approaches on August 2nd, Twin County Media is excited to shine a spotlight on some of our local breweries that make the Twin Counties a vibrant and delicious place for beer enthusiasts. From staples of the Rocky Mount Mills, to veteran owned tap rooms, the Twin Counties offers something for everyone, whether you prefer a domestic classic, a crisp IPA, or a non-alcoholic craft beer!

NC Beer Factory

The NC Beer Factory, located at 500 S Wesleyan Blvd in Rocky Mount, is not just a brewery and taproom; it's a place where honor and community converge. Owned by a veteran, this brewery pays special homage to those who serve our country. A unique and touching feature of the NC Beer Factory is a table set permanently to honor those who “Stand the Watch” and particularly those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. This table is a solemn reminder of the bravery and dedication of our servicemen and women.

Beyond its noble tribute, the NC Beer Factory offers a welcoming space for locals and visitors alike to enjoy a variety of carefully crafted beers. The Factory offers fun events to keep beer lovers of all ages (21+, of course!) entertained, and also give back to the community. Check out this Carolina Animal Network Adoption Event taking place this Sunday from 3-6pm!

Whether you're a seasoned beer aficionado or just looking to try something new, their taproom provides a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

Plan your visit to the NC Beer Factory during their open hours: Thursday – Friday: 4 PM – 10 PM, Saturday: 2 PM – 10 PM, and Sunday: 2 PM – 7 PM.

Notable Beers: Lord Winston, Lady Zuska (both brewed at NCBF)

Goat Island Bottle Shop

Another gem in Rocky Mount's vibrant beer scene is the Goat Island Bottle Shop. Located in the Rocky Mount Mills (1139 Falls Rd #127), Goat Island Bottle Shop prides itself on offering a comfortable atmosphere where patrons can enjoy their favorite beverages while feeling a sense of belonging.

One of the unique aspects of Goat Island Bottle Shop is their dedication to bringing the best of North Carolina's brews to Rocky Mount. The team at Goat Island travels across the state to source local NC brews that you won't find anywhere else in the area. This commitment ensures that their customers have access to a diverse and high-quality selection of craft beers. Check out what they currently have on the menu HERE!

Goat Island Bottle Shop is more than just a place to buy beer; it's a hub for local events and gatherings. From live music performances to community parties, Goat Island's outdoor patio/beer garden serves as a vibrant venue for bringing people together. Be sure to check out their upcoming events to join in on the fun and connect with fellow beer enthusiasts.

Goat Island Bottle Shop is open seven days a week, making it easy to stop by whenever the craving for a great beer strikes: Monday: 5 PM – 9 PM (with specials on $2 domestic bottles, $4 drafts & wine), Tuesday – Thursday: 3 PM – 9 PM, Friday: 2 PM – 11 PM, Saturday: 12 PM – 11 PM, and Sunday: 2 PM – 6PM.

Notable Beers (currently on draft): Pernicious IPA (Wicked Weed Brewing), Lightning Bug Lemonade (BearWaters Brewing Company)

Koi Pond Brewing Company

As we continue to honor local breweries for International Beer Day, we celebrate Koi Pond Brewing Company (1107 Falls Rd, Rocky Mount, NC 27804), Rocky Mount’s first craft brewery, and the very first brewery at The Rocky Mount Mills. Established in 2016, Koi Pond Brewing Company has become a beloved destination for beer enthusiasts and community members alike. Koi Pond Brewing Company's brewery and taproom, offers a warm and welcoming environment for all. Featuring an ever-changing variety of unfiltered ales, patrons can enjoy pale ales, IPAs, stouts, Belgian beers, Saisons, and more. The Pond is both family-friendly and pet-friendly, making it a great spot for everyone, including your four-legged friends.

At The Pond, there’s always something to do. Guests can engage in games such as corn hole, life-size Jenga, and life-size Connect Four. While the brewery offers a few snacks for sale, patrons are encouraged to bring in food from their favorite restaurants, including the fantastic eateries next door at Rocky Mount Mills. This flexibility allows visitors to enjoy their preferred meals alongside Koi Pond’s excellent beers.

Koi Pond Brewing Company is more than just a place to enjoy great beer; it’s a community hub. The brewery frequently hosts live music and trivia nights, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere. To stay updated on their events, be sure to follow their Facebook and Instagram page.

Visit Koi Pond Brewing Company during their open hours: Wednesday and Thursday: 4PM – 10PM, Friday: 4PM – 12AM, Saturday 1 PM – 12 AM, and Sunday 1 PM – 7 PM.

Notable Beers: Voodoo Wit, Falls Road Golden Kolsch (both brewed at KPBC)

Tarboro Brewing Company

Rounding out our celebration of National Beer Day, we highlight the Tarboro Brewing Company (TBC), a brewery situated in Downtown Tarboro, that embodies the spirit of community and excellence in craft beer.

Founded by Stephen and Inez Ribustello, owners of On the Square Restaurant and Wine Bar, the dream of Tarboro Brewing Company began with a vision to make Tarboro a destination town. In the summer of 2008, they fell in love with and purchased the location that would become TBC. Partnering with Franklin Winslow, Director of Quality Assurance at Yards Brewing in Philadelphia and a fellow Tarboro native, they transformed their dream into reality. With the support of local investors and the community, TBC tapped its first beer in February 2016, and the taproom opened in June of the same year.

Housed in a former Chevrolet dealership, the Tarboro Brewing Company now boasts approximately 10,000 square feet of space, with half dedicated to production and the rest serving as a taproom and portico. This historic location is not only a place to enjoy great beer but also a versatile venue for various community events, including rehearsal dinners, farmer's markets, concerts, business meetings, team-building retreats, and even workshops.

TBC prides itself on creating super drinkable beers that are delicious, pair well with food, and always leave you wanting more. Their 40-barrel system allows them to produce large batches of brews, which are sold throughout North and South Carolina. In addition to their outstanding beers, TBC offers wine and non-alcoholic options, ensuring there is something for everyone.

Plan your visit to Tarboro Brewing Company during their open hours: Monday - Tuesday: Closed, Wednesday - Thursday: 5 PM – 9 PM, Friday: 5 PM – 11 PM, Saturday: 12 PM – 11 PM, Sunday: 12 PM – 6 PM.

Notable Beers: Sexy Canoe, Bobby Boucher (both brewed at TBC)

Taps on Main

Continuing our celebration of National Beer Day, we turn our attention to Taps on Main, a veteran-owned taproom that has quickly become a beloved fixture in downtown Tarboro. Located at 203 N Main Street, Taps on Main offers a fantastic selection of local and domestic beers, as well as a curated selection of wines, making it a perfect spot for any beverage enthusiast.

The story of Taps on Main is a testament to the power of vision and community spirit. What began as a dream in June 2023 rapidly took shape into a tangible reality. Just two weeks after the initial concept, a partnership was formed, and by October, renovations were underway. By February 9, 2024, Taps on Main opened its doors, embodying the motto "Be the change you want to see."

Taps on Main is more than just a taproom; it's a community hub where locals can gather, relax, and celebrate. The space is available for rentals, making it an ideal venue for various events and gatherings. The team at Taps on Main is committed to being part of the Tarboro change-makers, contributing to the vibrant and progressive spirit that is revitalizing downtown Tarboro. At Taps on Main, you'll find a rotating selection of 12 local craft beers on tap, ensuring there is always something new to try. In addition to their beer offerings, they serve fun specialty drinks like frose and bellinis. Every weekend, food trucks gather at the brewery, providing a diverse range of delicious options to complement your drink.

Visit Taps on Main during their operating hours 7 days a week: Monday-Friday 5 PM – 10 PM, and Saturday and Sunday 12 PM – 10 PM.

Notable Beers: Oh Hef Yeah (Tarboro Brewing Company, Sour Monkey (Victory Brewing Company)

As we raise our glasses in honor of International Beer Day, we celebrate the unique and vibrant breweries that enrich the Twin Counties. From the heartfelt tributes at NC Beer Factory to the community spirit at Goat Island Bottle Shop, the visionary excellence of Tarboro Brewing Company, the dynamic atmosphere of Taps on Main, and the pioneering craft of Koi Pond Brewing Company, each establishment offers something special. These breweries not only craft exceptional beers but also foster a sense of community and progress. Join us in supporting these local gems and experiencing the rich tapestry of flavors and experiences they offer. Here's to great beer, community spirit, and the ongoing success of our local breweries. Cheers!