Aviator Brewing - Fuquay Varina

A friend's wedding this weekend gave me the perfect excuse to stop by Aviator Brewing in Fuquay Varina. Lucky for me they even had a special release of the Devil's Tramping Ground Tripel that was aged in bourbon barrels! The brewery is located at the Triple W Air Park, off of Highway 401. It is actually in a "renovated" airplane hangar! They have a small little bar area, with their regular beers on tap for $4. The Bourbon Barrel Tripel was on a hand pump system separate from the bar. The guys were also grilling brats outside. I'd heard how small the place was, and was expecting to be fighting for space all afternoon. The actual bar area is very small, but the hangar gives plenty of space for people to hang out, it just gets crowded when everyone needs a refill of beer! Live music provided good ambience too. It is a little out of the way to make regular trips to Aviator, but special releases and new beers will warrant the drive - especially the Barleywine that they say is coming soon!

New Bar - Foundation

I've been aware that a new bar called Foundation was opening on Fayetteville St. for a couple months now.  It opened 2 weeks ago, and I finally made it out after work this afternoon.  Their space is a nice, cozy and relaxing renovation that is actually under Fayetteville St.  They do not serve any food - so they do charge $1 for their membership.  Inside you find a welcoming atmosphere, with a wooden bar, and multiple tables throughout the rest of the space.  There are 8 total taps - including 2 that will be rotating.  Foundation focuses on locally produced beverages, featuring only North Carolina beer, mostly North Carolina wine, and all of their liquors are from the United States - Rums are from the Virgin Islands.  I enjoyed Duck Rabbit Barleywine and French Broad Rye Hopper.  They just recieved the first keg of Fuquay's Aviator Brewing Tripel.  I was lucky enough to recieve a taste.  It had a nice yeasty, malty, sweet aroma.  I do not want to comment on tastes, as my palate was already deep into the Barleywine.  I look forward to trying the Tripel on its own - it is one of my favorite styles, and this is the first locally brewed example that I have been aware of.

If you are looking for a nice after work or late night spot for a drink or two, I highly suggest giving Foundation a shot - the atmosphere is great - no TV's, excellent music, and a very unique environment.  Pair this with a very well selected list of beers, wines and liquors and you have a winner in my mind!