Road trip

Occasionally we make a road trip to see what the beer scene is like elsewhere in North Carolina. Work took me to Boone for a couple of days where I had occasion to visit Peabody's Wine and Beer Merchants. What a find! This place probably wins the award for the best beer store in the Carolinas. With all due respect for Asheville's fine stores Peabody's can't likely be beat for the scope and variety of their beer selection.

Some highlights noted during a feeble attempt at focusing through our delirium of excitement included a selection of bottle-conditioned ales from J.W. Lees of Manchester, England. Also seen were several Jolly Pumpkin ales. These beers are rare finds in the southeast and I haven't seen them in Asheville yet. Another interesting beer is Appalachian Ale, a pale ale brewed by Carolina Beer Company and only sold in Boone. It's available in bottles at Peabody's and on draft at the Boone Saloon on King Street. Winter seasonals were prominent and included Festive Ale from Atlanta's Sweetwater Brewing Company. This beer is also available in Asheville and will make a good consolation prize for anyone who loses out on obtaining this year's Cold Mountain from Highlands.

There were a lot of other prizes hidden here and there among the many shelves, coolers, and boxes stacked on the floor. Chances are if Peabody's doesn't have a beer then it isn't widely available in North Carolina. I could have easily dropped several C-notes in here if not for my excellent self-control (not to mention a finite beer budget and a wife.) If you are a serious beer enthusiast and want to experience once again the excitement you felt as a small child when you saw your gifts under the tree on long-ago Christmas mornings then get in the car and head for Peabody's soon.

Peabody's Wine and Beer Merchants

1104 Highway 105

Boone, NC

(828) 264-9476