How to survive the brewery

By Ragan Robinson | Hickory Daily Record

Published: March 11, 2009

Hickory - Scott Pyatt has been making beer for nine years. He started in a basement brewery in Glen Alpine before moving operations to downtown Morganton. Catawba Valley Brewing Co., with its dozen or so varieties, now opens to the public on Thursday and Friday nights. He's got this advice for getting the most out of your night at the brewery.

1. Don't expect everything to have a high alcohol content. You're going to find a wide range.

2. It is NOT bad form to ask questions. A good brewer wants to talk to you about the work. He (or she) also wants you to enjoy the experience. Don't be shy.

3. Ask if they have a sampler. Some breweries, like Catawba Valley, will give you a taste of everything. Others will let you pick out a sampler.

4. Branch out. Don't just stick with the first thing you try and like. Most breweries will come out with different beers throughout the year.

5. If you like domestic beers, know that you probably like a pilsner, which is a type of lager. In lighter beers, you're tasting the hops. In darker ones, you're tasting the malt, which can be, but isn't limited to, barley, corn or rice.

Need some advice on how to survive your next sticky situation? E-mail buzz@hickoryrecord.com or call 322-4510, x5403 to make sure we add you to the list.