Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Fermental wins ‘Best Beer Bar’ in state before 7th anniversary party

Fermental was called 'Best Beer Bar' in North Carolina by the Brewers Association's online publication, Craftbeer.com. (Port City Daily photo/Courtesy Fermental)
Local bottle shop and ‘beer garden’ Fermental was called ‘Best Beer Bar’ in North Carolina by the Brewers Association’s online publication, CraftBeer.com. (Port City Daily photo/Courtesy Fermental)

WILMINGTON — Wilmington bottle shop Fermental was named ‘Best Beer Bar’ in North Carolina by the Brewers Association — the nation’s largest trade group of craft brewers, suppliers, distributors, and beer retailers — ahead of its seventh anniversary party this weekend.

The award further enhances the city’s growing reputation as a coastal rival to Asheville, a craft beer mecca renowned for its mix of both small and large breweries like New Belgium and Sierra Nevada.

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The nationwide list of ‘Great American Beer Bars’ has been compiled annually since 2012 by the association’s online publication, CraftBeer.com, using nominations from its readers. More than 6,000 votes were cast from December 2019 to early January 2020, according to the website.

“This North Carolina beer bar is old school and new school at the same time, pushing the modern trends while recognizing the backbone of beer industry traditionalists and classic styles,” according to the website.

Other regional winners include The Craft Stand in Lancaster, South Carolina; Harry’s Ale House in Fredericksburg, Virginia; Brick Store Pub in Decatur, Georgia just northeast of Atlanta; and Hops and Hollers in Knoxville, Tennessee. A complete list of winners can be viewed here.

A taproom in Arden called Craft Centric claimed last year’s title as North Carolina’s best beer bar.

Fermental announced the award just ahead of its 7th anniversary party scheduled for this Saturday, March 7, from 2-10 p.m.

The event will include the annual collaboration tap release of New Anthem Beer Project’s King of Nothing IPA. Food trucks will be on hand throughout the day, including For the Shell of It starting at 2 p.m. and 2 Bros Coastal Cuisine starting at 6 p.m.

The anniversary celebration will also include live local music, glassware giveaways, and rare beer and fine wine offerings.

“Fermental is honored to be a major component of the craft beer movement in our state,” according to an announcement Monday morning. “Fermental owners and staff work hard at what we do, and this national recognition is a pretty big deal for us and the Wilmington area. We are beyond thankful for everyone’s support over the past seven years. We wouldn’t be here without you and our beloved beer community.”

Event Details

  • What: Fermental’s 7th year anniversary party
  • Where: 7250 Market Street
  • When: Saturday, March 7, from 2-10 p.m.
  • Cost: Free

More information can be found on Fermental’s Facebook page.


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