Big Boss = Big Success!

Big Boss Brewing Company is probably the best-known locally crafted beer. The brewery and taproom is located 1249-A Wicker Drive in Raleigh and offers not only the beers locally distributed, but also the ones exclusive to the taproom and the seasonal beers.

Five bucks will get you a flight of five of the eight beers currently available, including the newest Big Operator, a Belgian Black Raspberry. 

Big Operator will easily replace your current favorite dessert. It’s just that good.

Versatile enough to be well known and liked from the fresh "of-agers" to the craft beer connoisseurs, Big Boss knows how to brew what people like.  In fact, General Manager Jesse Clark said, "What separates us from the other local breweries is we brew the beer you want."

Bad Penny is the best selling beer brewed by Big Boss.  A brown ale with caramel and fruit finish, Bad Penny is a slightly sweet, “easy to drink” beer.  It is also distributed locally and can be found in local bars outside of the brewery’s taproom.

The News & Observer recently said it was the most popular as well. 

It was a little surprising to find that when asked his favorite beer on tap, Clark chose High Roller.  So did Whitten Wright a local band member that picks up shifts at the taproom as a bar back when he isn't on tour.  High Roller was also favored by another local craft beer blogger, John Odgers. 

Clark attributed the skewed view to the fact that Bad Penny is distributed outside of the taproom, but High Roller is exclusive to Big Boss' brewery. 

High Roller is an American style IPA with a strong hoppy flavor, brewed with pale and caramel malts.  It also comes off “easy to drink,” which Benton Weese the taproom bartender said could be a problem.  “The biggest mistake people make is drinking our beers fast,” said Weese. “There is a lot of alcohol in there.”

I, too, chose High Roller when it came time to pint up after the flight.  There is something to be said for exclusivity.

Bucket List: Boylan Bridge Brewpub, Check.

When I saw the sign for "Scrabble Tuesday" (which is also $1 off Pint night) I knew I had met my soul mate in brewpub form.

Maybe, you're like me and every time you pass by the Boylan Bridge Brewpub at 201 South Boylan Ave you think, "I have got to check that place out!"  Then again, maybe you aren't.  In any case, I finally ventured in. 

Okay, so it wasn't Scrabble Tuesday, but it was Wednesday and I got a chance to sit down with head brewmaster, Andy Laco to chat about the brewpub and brewing process.

Laco is a stout drinker.  He told me this as he ordered the Pullman Porter.
They're both dark, rich, robust beers from what their description tells us. 

After trying the flight of beers (for $6 you can try 4 oz. of all six beers), I settled on the Gantlet Golden Ale.  The Gantlet is light-bodied, but has the strong bitter taste of hops.

"If you like a beer or don't it is generally your taste.  There are certain elements that have to be there--it's like any other form of art--what is off for one beer might be right for another," said Laco.

Laco, 25, dabbled with home brewing in college at Appalachian State where he graduated with a degree in History in 2007.  From January to June 2008 he worked as an apprentice and then four months ago, he was promoted to head brewmaster. 

Every few months Boylan creates at least two seasonal beers.  Be looking for a Spring IPA and a Scottish Ale coming up soon.

At this time, all of the beers are 6% alcohol to maintain consistency. 

Boylan Brewpub opened their doors on February 27, 2008. With probably the best view overlooking downtown Raleigh, Boylan Brewpub is positioned perfectly for an array of events, including weddings.

Although they do not typically have live music, for special events they will, such as the upcoming anniversary show next month.

I regret to report that even though the brewpub also has a full kitchen and (apparently bangin') menu full of options, I did not try anything during my visit.

I did have the chance to talk with Sam, the head chef, who started working at Boylan Brewpub back in April of 2008. 

Of the current menu offerings, Sam said he is most proud of the catfish and cornbread. 

"It's a Southern classic reinvented," he said. "The traditional recipe is fried catfish and little cornbread squares, but we serve it with Johnnycakes instead," he told me.  (Johnnycakes, for the NC transplants, are  like "cornmeal pancakes").  The catfish is served with a corn and pablano sauce making it a
Southern/Tex-Mex entree.

In between refills, Matty, the bartender filled me in on the daily specials.

Tuesday:  $1 off Pint Night (Scrabble Tuesday)
Wednesday:  $1 off Wine glasses
Thursday:  $5 Martinis
Friday & Saturday:  $6 Cocktails
Sunday:  $5 Bloody Mary's & $6 Mimosas

Matty makes the Bloody Mary mix which is garnished with a piece of dried okra, a dried green bean and a celery stick.

If, when you visit, you hear a bell ringing, that means someone left without leaving a tip. Don't be that person.