Despite some data showing the growth of craft beer slowing, the local scene is still hopping, thanks to the many local breweries. We can steer you to the best breweries near Davidson College so you can plan an afternoon with friends to taste a few pints. You can always drive 30 minutes into Charlotte, where you will find over 50 craft breweries. Why drive a half hour when you can sample some outstanding local beer right here in the Lake Norman communities of Cornelius, Hendersonville, and Mooresville? Here are our picks for the must-visit breweries to try during your stay.
Several breweries on this list distribute their beers to nearby liquor stores. You can support them by purchasing their bottled or canned beers.
Ass Clown Brewing Company
10620 Bailey Rd E, Cornelius
Approx 11 min from Davidson College
You know that the name just makes you want to smile, but the beer flavors at Ass Clown Brewing Company will have you grinning ear to ear! There is a 31-tap system with enough variety for everyone, from Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Stout to Ghost Chili IPA or the more traditional Apple Pie Vienna Lager.
D9 Brewing
9815 Sam Furr Rd Suite J #313, Huntersville
11138-C Treynorth Drive, Cornelius
Both approx 10 min from Davidson College
D9 Brewing has two locations. The original production facility is in Cornelius, and Hendersonville has a microbrewery. D9 Brewing began brewing in 2014 and has always been committed to community involvement with local charities and other initiatives. The brewery’s name comes from its congressional district–District 9. Their brews include Whiskers on Kittens (Sour Ale with Strawberry and Rhubarb), Hakuna Matata (Tropical IPA), and Brown Sugar Brown Cow (Mocha Brown Ale).
Eleven Lakes Brewing
10228 Bailey Rd #201, Cornelius
Approx 10 min from Davidson College
Eleven Lakes Brewing is named after the 11 major lakes in the Catawba River Basin. The taproom opened in 2017 after several years of creating beer in a kitchen and then a garage. They are proud of their small batch process and continue experimenting with new flavors while keeping the favorites on tap. You will find Northern Aggression IPA, Orange is the New Pale, and Double Vision IPA.
Ghostface Brewing
215 S Broad St, Mooresville
Approx 13 min from Davidson College
Ghostface Brewing has two locations in Mooresville: a pizzeria (also serving beer) and a beer lab a block away serving only beer. They love to experiment with flavors like Gourd Damn Almighty (Imperial Pumpkin Ale aged in Kraken Rum Barrels), Purple Piranha Plant (Dry Hopped Kolsch with pea flower), and Cuddy’s Irish Red.
Jolly Roger Brewing
236 Raceway Dr #12, Mooresville
Approx 12 min from Davidson College
Jolly Roger Brewing was started in 2017 by Tony Philipp, who was raised and trained in beer-making in Germany. Their beers are the North Carolina Brewers Cup winners, which rewards the state’s most aromatic and finest-tasting brews. The taproom is open Thursday – Sunday, although beer is available in restaurants and taphouses around Lake Norman. Try their Pirates Golden Ale, Black Pearl Stout, or Blunderbuss Hazy.
King Canary Brewing
562 Williamson Rd, Mooresville
Approx 10 min from Davidson College
King Canary Brewing is a family microbrewery that has persevered following the death of one of its founders in 2019. Their bird-themed brews include standards and seasonal introductions. The Lord of the Wings won a silver North Carolina Beer Cup medal. The brew boasts an Amber-style classic English Ale. They have several barrel-aged selections like Duck Vader (a Russian Imperial Stout aged in Oaklore Bourbon barrels and Templeton Rye barrels), Propaganda (another Imperial Stout aged in Great Wagon Road Distilling Rua whiskey barrels), and Feather Weather (an Imperial brown ale aged in Heaven Hill distillery barrels.
Lost Worlds Brewing Company
19700-D One Norman Blvd, Cornelius
Approx 7 min from Davidson College
Lost Worlds Brewing Company is an adventure-themed brewing company. Their Cornelius location is called a basecamp, and brews have interesting backstories. Their Euchre Golden Ale was a gold medal winner at the NC Craft Brewers Cup, while the Cassia Spiced Ale will warm up a chilly winter night. They also offer hard ciders and craft cocktails at their large indoor taproom and 150-seat biergarten.
Primal Brewery
16432 Old Statesville Rd, Huntersville
Approx 11 min from Davidson College
52 Ervin St, Belmont
Approx 29 min from Davidson College
Primal Brewery has two locations and was voted Best Brewery in the Charlotte Area by Charlotte Five readers. The Huntersville address is the flagship and now serves as a taproom, while production facilities have moved to Belmont. With over 20 beers on tap, you will find something to love, from Pilzen (a German-style Pilsner) to Blood Orange Pale Ale or Not So Hairy Porter. Please note they switch out tap beers often — check their website for current options.
Before and After Your Beer Tour
You will want to try several of these recommended craft breweries! Plan a getaway with your college roommate and set up a tour of the best breweries near Davidson College! While visiting, if it is football season, take advantage of free tickets with the Davidson College Football Special, or take in a show by the Davidson Community Players with discounted or even free tickets! Book your stay at the Davidson Village Inn, enjoy a getaway, and make new memories!
