Wilmington brewery makes historic beer for NC First in Freedom Festival
Flying Machine Brewing Company in Wilmington is partnering with the N.C. First in Freedom Festival for a beer that honors North Carolina history.
The limited-edition First in Freedom Battlefield Porter is inspired by 18th‑century brewing traditions and debuts Feb. 13 at Flying Machine Brewing Company, 3130 Randall Parkway Wilmington, according to a press release.
The N.C. First in Freedom Festival launches at Moores Creek National Battlefield a runs Feb. 21-28. Living‑history events, tours, and special programs tied to America’s 250th anniversary will take place across Southeastern North Carolina, said festival organizer Jim Buell.
Head brewer Chelsea McGowen and the Flying Machine team researched historic beer recipes to create a beer that has “a taste of 1776.”
“Susan Collins with the Scottish Society shared old colonial beer recipes with us,” said Allen Denning, sales manager for Flying Machine Brewing Company. “When we did the research, we learned hops weren’t readily available in the colonies the way they were in Europe, so colonists used spruce tips as a substitute.”
The First in Freedom Battlefield Porter from Flying Machine Brewing Company in Wilmington, N.C. honors Battle of Moores Creek Bridge and was brewed in partnership with the N.C. First in Freedom Festival.
About 200 cases of the “dark but approachable porter” were made. It will be available on tap at the brewery and through some local retailers, hotels and restaurants. The packaging shows the significance of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge.
“We’re ‘First in Freedom’ because of the victory at Moores Creek Bridge,” Buell said. “It was a turning point in the Revolutionary War and led North Carolina to become the first colony to declare independence from British rule.”
