The One with the Mountain Water
There must be something in the water in the Appalachian mountains of Western North Carolina — that is in the brewing process. Catawba Brewing Company, originally based in Morganton, NC, made its way to the Queen City recently to give Charlotteans a taste of the high country.
The brewery started in the mountains, but their beer is frequently sold in the 704 and other area codes. You might have heard of the Mother Trucker pale ale, one of which is brewed year-round, but their Evening Joe Coffee Blonde ale is where the party starts.
Its tastes reflect Arabica coffee beans and natural vanilla flavors combining for a drinkable brew. It also sells regularly. Who wouldn’t want to mix the famous beverages into one?
Well, it’s an acquired taste, and sometimes not even one for faithful coffee drinkers. Cabarrus Brewing Company fables a renowned Vanilla Coffee Blonde of their own, famous to Concord, but Catawba spans the boundary and brings their taprooms to newer markets.
I rated the Evening Joe a 7/10 on the taste scale in January because of its blonde and lighter color.
If you would rather keep your French Press separate from your stout and prefer a hoppy option — as many craft beer drinkers do — you’re in luck.
The Friki Tiki might be your option. It is heavy on the citrus and labeled as a specialty for Catawba. The Friki Tiki requires seasonal fruit selection to guarantee satisfaction and taste.
If you are in the Appalachians mountains on a rainy, overcast summer’s day but daydream of sunny California or Florida, elect the citrus hops to your taste buds.
I rated the Friki Tiki an 8/10 on the taste scale in February because it reminded me of the warmer, summer time.
The good thing about craft beer is, ‘to each is own,’ and you get to define what satisfies you on an afternoon out with friends!
Mock Tweet: Read all about it: A new look and critique of two of Catawba’s prized brews, The Evening Joe and Friki Tiki.
https://medium.com/abs-blog/the-one-with-the-mountain-water-60211712ff9d
