Wow!  It’s been some time since I’ve posted a review.  This is not due to lack of beer or visiting places!  Now that I do have a moment or three to catch up, let me tell you about this small, neighborhood, micro-brewery that recently opened in the Five-Points area of Raleigh, NC.

Nickelpoint Brewing is a fairly recent addition to the craft beer scene of North Carolina, focusing on recipes that are more traditional, primarily European and the Brewmaster has over 10 years of brewing experience, and it shows.

Opening about eight months ago (from time of review), the folks at Nickelpoint have done their best to provide a welcoming atmosphere.  All staff, from the owners on down, are friendly, spending time talking about life, neighborhood activities, brewery activities and all of our shared passion, beer.

Nickelpoint is family and dog friendly, having a monthly competition for “Dog of the Month” and putting together small batch, craft sodas for those of us with kids.

Parking is on the street surrounding the brewery.  When you first walk into the main taproom entrance, Lauren or other staff, greets visitors with a smile, will give your puppy a treat,  and then happily offer you a taste (or more) of their phenomenal brews.

Seating is inside and out, including taking part of their brewing area, enabling you to enjoy a pint while surrounded by all the brewing equipment.  Normal activities, Giant Jenga and cornhole, are available and they schedule many great activities and special events, from local wrestling matches in a ring built in front of the brewery, to frequent food truck visits and much more.

One of the best things, in my opinion, is their beer.  I am not the biggest fan of the current trend to see who can have the highest IBU and prove their beer is actually a salad made from hops, hops, hops, and more hops, and Nickelpoint does not fall into this trap.  For those who do enjoy higher IBU, there are options, but do not expect to have your palate cleansed with enough hop flavor and astringency that you can use the beer in a hospital as an antiseptic.  No, more complex flavor profiles and purposeful balances between hops and malt are more Nickelpoint’s style.  I could drink their porter ALL day long, happily.  Any of their beers, really.

If you want to have their beer, they can be found in various local stores and restaurants, but you generally have to order growler and kegs direct.  I have not longed for a kegerator as much as after my visit here.

Location:

506 Pershing Road

Raleigh, NC 27608

 

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