Carolina Brewing Company

What Carolina Brewing Company does

Carolina Brewing Company is a privately held craft brewery founded in 1995 in Holly Springs, North Carolina, and currently owned by Jason Howard, who acquired the business in 2021 from original founders Greg Shuck, John Shuck, and Joe Zonin. It is the oldest continuously operating brewery in Wake County, with a 30-year heritage anchored by its flagship Carolina Pale Ale. The company operates two taproom locations—Holly Springs (which houses the production brewery at 140 Thomas Mill Rd) and a second taproom opened in April 2023 in Downtown Wendell at 5 North Main St—and self-distributes kegged and canned beer to restaurants, bars, and grocery stores across Central North Carolina and the coast, with weekly deliveries in the Triangle area.

The product portfolio comprises four year-round core beers (Carolina Pale Ale, Epic Hazy IPA, Brown Ale, Hop Roar West Coast IPA), four seasonal offerings (Spring Bock, Summer Wheat, Oktoberfest, Chocolate Cherry Stout), and four specialty releases (Groundhog Imperial Stout, BBA Imperial Stout, Pace Yourself Pilsner, Oatmeal Stout). Pricing is unit-based, with kegs priced from $79 to $230 depending on size and style, and cans at $9.99–$12.99 per pack. Beyond core beer production, the company runs ancillary services: the Ambrewlance mobile beer truck for private events ($350 base fee), CO2 cylinder refilling for home kegerators, and a drone delivery partnership with Flytrex launched in 2021.

The business model is a hybrid of direct-to-consumer (taproom sales, cans, crowlers, kegs, Ambrewlance events) and wholesale self-distribution to on-premise hospitality and retail accounts. Customer segments are split between individual craft beer consumers in the NC Triangle and B2B accounts (restaurants, bars, grocery stores). Marketing is conducted primarily through organic social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter), local press coverage, Google reviews, and on-premise taproom events. The company is privately held with no institutional capital, no disclosed headcount, and no revenue figures publicly available.

Name

Carolina Brewing Company

Legal name

Carolina Brewing Co

Website

https://carolinabrew.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Carolina Brewing Company is a 30-year-old independent craft brewery in Holly Springs, NC, operating two taprooms and self-distributing kegs and cans to restaurants, bars, and grocery stores across Central North Carolina. It serves local craft beer enthusiasts and on-premise hospitality accounts with a portfolio of year-round, seasonal, and specialty beers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Craft Beer

NAICS

Breweries (31212)

SIC

Malt Beverages (2082)

akta.pro primary industry

Microbreweries & Craft Breweries (THAFALAC)

Keywords

• Craft beer brewing
• Craft brewery operations
• Beer wholesale distribution
• Taproom retail sales
• Event bar services

Headquarters

HQ city

Holly Springs

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Taproom Sales: Direct sales of draft beer to consumers at taproom locations in Holly Springs and Wendell, NC. Also includes take-out sales of cans, crowlers, and kegs.
2. Distribution to Bars and Restaurants: Self-distribution of kegged and canned beer to restaurants, bars, and grocery stores throughout Central North Carolina and the Coast. They deliver weekly in the Triangle area.
3. Keg Sales: Sale of kegged beer in various sizes (1/6 bbl, 1/4 bbl, 1/2 bbl) for home or commercial use. Available for pickup at both taproom locations.
4. Can and Crowler Sales: Retail sale of canned beer including 6-packs and 4-packs of various styles at the brewery. Core offerings in 6-packs, seasonal and specialty beers in 4-packs.
5. Ambrewlance Event Rental: Mobile beer service rental for private events with base fee plus additional charges for generator usage, travel, and keg costs.
6. CO2 Cylinder Filling: Filling of CO2 cylinders for home kegerators at the Holly Springs location, available in various cylinder sizes.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Carolina Brewing Company is a craft brewery that brews, packages, and sells its own line of year-round, seasonal, and specialty beers in kegs and cans. It operates two company-owned taprooms (Holly Springs and Wendell, NC) for on-premise draft sales, self-distributes its beer to restaurants, bars, and retail outlets in Central North Carolina, sells kegs and packaged beer for off-premise consumption, and provides mobile beer service for private events through its Ambrewlance vehicle.

Product overview

Carolina Brewing Company is a craft brewery established in 1995, operating as the oldest active brewery in Wake County. The company offers a portfolio of beer products including four year-round core offerings (Carolina Pale Ale, Epic Hazy IPA, Brown Ale, Hop Roar West Coast IPA), four seasonal beers (Spring Bock, Summer Wheat, Oktoberfest, Chocolate Cherry Stout), and specialty releases (Groundhog Imperial Stout, BBA Imperial Stout, Pace Yourself Pilsner, Oatmeal Stout). Beyond beer production, the company operates two taproom locations (Holly Springs and Wendell), provides keg and canned beer sales, offers mobile bar services through The Ambrewlance, and provides CO2 cylinder filling. In 2021, the brewery transitioned to new ownership under Jason Howard and expanded from bottles to cans.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Carolina Pale Ale Flagship golden-colored Pale Ale with hints of caramel and a satisfying bitterness on the finish. The brewery's best seller since 1995, at 5.1% ABV and 36 IBU. Sold on draft at taprooms and in 6-pack cans.
• Epic Hazy IPA Hazy IPA bursting with citrus flavors and hop bitterness. 5.8% ABV and 47 IBU. Sold as a year-round core offering in cans and on draft.
• Brown Ale Medium-bodied dark brown ale with complex notes of chocolate and toasted malt and a dry finish. 4.9% ABV and 21 IBU. Sold year-round in cans and on draft.
• Hop Roar West Coast IPA West Coast-style IPA packed with pine and citrus flavors and a satisfying malt balance. 7.5% ABV and 85 IBU. Sold year-round in cans and on draft.
• Spring Bock Maibock lager with a rich golden hue and malty sweetness, released seasonally March through May at 6.5% ABV.
• Summer Wheat American wheat ale with hints of blackberry and a bright lemon finish, released seasonally June through August at 5.1% ABV.
• Oktoberfest Märzen-style lager with a smooth amber color, toffee and caramel flavors balanced with classic Noble Hops. Released September through October at 5.6% ABV.
• Chocolate Cherry Stout Robust and creamy dark stout with chocolate and cherry flavors, released seasonally November through February at 5.2% ABV.
• Groundhog Imperial Stout Imperial stout with intense roasted coffee, bitterness, and dark chocolate flavors. Released February 2 each year at 9.5% ABV and 74 IBU.
• BBA Imperial Stout Bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout with intense dark chocolate and coffee flavors and complex notes of vanilla, pear, and spice from barrel aging.
• Pace Yourself Pilsner Crisp and easy-drinking Czech-style Pilsner with a clean finish, brewed in partnership with Pace Yourself Run Company. Official beer of the South Wake Beer Mile. 5.1% ABV and 29 IBU.
• Oatmeal Stout Full-bodied stout with a creamy head and rich mouthfeel; oats add sweetness that balances dark roast flavors and earthy hop character. 6.1% ABV.
• The Ambrewlance Mobile Beer Service Mobile beer-serving vehicle with several taps and a refrigerated cooler for private parties, corporate functions, events, and shows. Rented at a $350 base fee plus $50 generator fee, $50 gas fee for travel outside 30 miles, and variable keg costs.
• Holly Springs Taproom Original taproom and brewery location at 140 Thomas Mill Rd, Holly Springs, NC. Offers on-site draft beer, indoor and outdoor seating, take-out cans and crowlers, and keg pickups. Closed Mondays; open Tues-Thurs 3pm-9pm, Fri 2pm-10pm, Sat 12pm-9pm, Sun 12pm-7pm.
• Wendell Taproom Taproom at 5 North Main St, Downtown Wendell, NC, with 20 draft taps, mixed beverages, non-alcoholic offerings, and a full liquor bar. Family- and pet-friendly. Closed Mondays; open Tues-Wed 3pm-9pm, Thurs 3pm-10pm, Fri 3pm-12am, Sat 12pm-12am, Sun 12pm-8pm.
• Keg Sales Kegs available in 1/6 bbl (5.17 gal), 1/4 bbl (7.75 gal), and 1/2 bbl (15.5 gal) sizes across core, hop/sour, IPA, and seasonal styles, with pricing varying by style. Pickup at the Holly Springs or Wendell taproom, with 7-day notice for specialty orders.
• CO2 Cylinder Filling CO2 cylinder refilling service for home kegerators at the Holly Springs location. Pricing: $13 for 2.5-lb, $20 for 5-lb, $30 for 10-lb, and $50 for 20-lb cylinders.

Quantifiable outcome

• Best seller since 1995 - Carolina Pale Ale
• +1 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered minor.

• Agape Kure MinistryminorOthers · 22 September 2022Charitable partner organization. Carolina Brewing Company supports this non-profit organization as part of their community giving program.
• Caring Community FoundationminorOthers · 22 September 2022Charitable partner organization. Carolina Brewing Company supports this non-profit foundation as part of their community giving program.
• Children's Flight of HopeminorOthers · 22 September 2022Charitable partner. Carolina Brewing Company supports this organization providing flights for children's medical care.
• Freedom Ride Puppy RescueminorOthers · 22 September 2022Charitable partner. Carolina Brewing Company supports this animal rescue organization.
• Heroes Golf TournamentminorOthers · 22 September 2022Charitable partner. Carolina Brewing Company supports this golf tournament event.
• Holly Springs Food CupboardminorOthers · 22 September 2022Charitable partner. Local food cupboard organization supported by Carolina Brewing Company.
• MS Society of AmericaminorOthers · 22 September 2022National MS Society recognized Team CBC for fundraising achievements. CBC has participated in Bike MS events and was honored by the national organization.
• PIPS Puppy RescueminorOthers · 22 September 2022Charitable partner. Carolina Brewing Company supports this animal rescue organization.
• The Blood ConnectionminorOthers · 22 September 2022Charitable partner. Blood donation organization supported by Carolina Brewing Company.
• Travis Manion FoundationminorOthers · 22 September 2022Charitable partner. Foundation supporting veterans and families of fallen heroes.
• Tour De FemmeminorOthers · 22 September 2022Charitable partner. Carolina Brewing Company supports this event/organization.
• Pace Yourself Run CompanyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Collaborative partnership to create Pace Yourself Pilsner, the official beer of the South Wake Beer Mile. Special collaboration brew created for the running community.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• New Belgium Brewing Company: National craft brewer (owned by Kirin) with broad year-round lineup, taprooms, and coast-to-coast distribution. Sets the broader craft benchmark for Carolina Brewing Company's category and represents the scaled-incumbent archetype in U.S. craft beer.
• Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Iconic U.S. craft brewery with a flagship taproom, regional breweries, and nationwide distribution. Relevant incumbent comparable for benchmarking Carolina Brewing Company's portfolio depth, taproom experience, and category-level brand recognition.

Direct peers

• Foothills Brewing: Winston-Salem, NC craft brewery with taprooms and broad NC distribution. Direct peer to Carolina Brewing Company in being a long-standing NC craft producer with strong taproom presence and self-distributed packaged lineup.
• Wicked Weed Brewing: Asheville, NC craft brewery with multiple taproom locations and regional distribution across the Carolinas. Highly comparable in taproom-led model, regional craft distribution, and broad year-round plus specialty barrel-aged offerings.
• Big Boss Brewing Company: Raleigh-based craft brewery with on-site taproom and self-distribution across NC. Directly comparable to Carolina Brewing Company in Triangle-area geographic footprint, taproom-led model, and broad year-round/seasonal beer portfolio.
• NoDa Brewing Company: Charlotte, NC craft brewery operating a large taproom and regional distribution. Comparable regional craft peer for Carolina Brewing Company with similar taproom-plus-self-distribution model and year-round/seasonal portfolio structure.
• Lonerider Brewing Company: Raleigh-based craft brewery distributing widely across North Carolina with a taproom presence. Comparable to Carolina Brewing Company in NC-centric regional craft positioning, taproom-plus-distribution GTM, and broad style portfolio.
• Flying Machine Brewing Company: Wilmington, NC craft brewery with a taproom and coastal North Carolina distribution. Comparable peer for Carolina Brewing Company given overlapping 'Central NC and the Coast' distribution footprint and similar regional craft positioning.
• Fullsteam Brewery: Durham, NC craft brewery combining a tavern taproom with packaged distribution. Strong peer for Carolina Brewing Company given shared NC craft identity, taproom-driven GTM, and focus on approachable core styles plus experimental releases.
• Trophy Brewing Company: Raleigh, NC craft brewer with a flagship taproom and distributed core/seasonal lineup across central North Carolina. Closely comparable in scale, geography, and direct-to-consumer taproom-plus-distribution model to Carolina Brewing Company.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/carolinabrewing
• Facebookfacebook.com/carolinabrewingcompany
• Instagraminstagram.com/carolinabrewingcompany
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/carolina-brewing-co

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Carolina Brewing Company