The IPA specialists at Wilmington Brewing Co. in Wilmington, NC are “one of the area’s most respected brewers,” according to Raleigh News & Observer. 

That's because they helped grow the Wilmington beer scene into the hot spot it is today! This husband-and-wife team got their start as homebrewers in craft-soaked Asheville, then returned to their hometown to set up their own brewery and homebrewing supply store. They've enabled countless others to join the modern craft movement!

Of course, one of the biggest reasons they remain so renowned is that they continue to make fantastic beer.

Today's Tropical Lightning is one of their biggest local favorites. It's a West Coast style hopbomb, delivering flavors of resinous pine and fruit throughout the sip and a crisp, reviving finish. And, this is the first time it's ventured out of North Carolina! 

Using a full gamut of Warrior, Simcoe, Citra, and Amarillo Hops, the Wilmington coaxed out lush tangerine, mango, and pineapple whispers between the pine. Each sip is like strolling around a dewey forest taking bites of freshly-cut fruit, and it’s downright refreshing. 

Ready to expand your West Coast IPA tasting repertoire? This juicy-crisp quencher may be Wilmington’s staple brew, but we don’t know when (or if) we’ll be able to smuggle it away from its North Carolina fanbase again!

Wilmington took Best in Show two years in a row at the North Carolina Brewers Cup!