10th annual Hickory Hops!

Hickory Hops beer festival is organized by Hickory Downtown Development Association and hosted by Olde Hickory Brewery.  It offers plenty for everyone, from inexperienced beer novices to hardened beer fest veterans anxious for something unusual.  Pouring for six hours, beginning at 1:00, live music will be presented, rain or shine.  

While the economy in general is lackluster, the Southern craft brewed beer business is bustling with excitement.  We've added new regional brewers every year and this year will be no different.  

Complementing the Hickory Hops festivities, the Carolinas Championship of Beer makes its 7th appearance this year.  Several weeks before the fest, festival beers are subjected to a blind-judged competition.  Last year, nearly 150 beers spanning 85 different styles were analyzed by a panel of certified judges, brewers and experienced judges.  Gold, silver and bronze medals in each category will be presented to winning brewers at a private brewers’ dinner held the evening before the festival.  During Hickory Hops, engraved plaques will be awarded to three Best of Show winners. 

Through its history, Hickory Hops has become one of the industry’s most favored fests.  This brewer-friendly event, always one of the first of the spring/summer fest season, brings out the best from regional craft brewers.   Cask conditioned ales will be featured by many, as will other special or seasonal ales and lagers.  Hickory Hops is a celebration of all things beer.  The Hickory audience has always shown its appreciation and respect for this brewed art.  Brewers are available to answer question, share tasting notes and enjoy the day.  Many past fest-goers have described the beer festival as “the most fun [they’ve] ever had in downtown Hickory. ”