Blackjack Brewing Raises Pirate Flag and Beer in Raleigh NC

The crew of Blackjack Brewing have raised their skull and crossbones flag, along with their beer glasses, for the Grand Opening of their new craft brewery in the Five Points area of Raleigh, NC.  The pirate-themed brewery specializes in small batch beers created by head brewer Brooks Hamaker, a 29-year veteran of the rapidly growing craft beer industry.

The Grand Opening, scheduled for July 25 at 2pm, features live music performances, several food trucks, a local amateur wrestling competition, and the World’s Largest Photo Booth, which is offering free photos during the event.  The brewery is located at the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Whitaker Mill Road in the former A&P Grocery warehouse building.  

Using a 20 barrel system, Blackjack Brewing produces a variety of beers, including a single hop, West Coast style Black Sail Pale Ale, Barking Irons IPA traditional pale ale, malty ArrrAmber Ale, a light-bodied Pistol Proof Porter, a German-style lager called Bowsprit Bock with all German ingredients, and a traditional Czech-style beer called Long Plank Pilsner. In honor of their opening, Blackjack is releasing a new Cherry Wheat beer which will be named by the winner of a 'Name Our Beer' contest currently running on their website.

The Five Points area of Raleigh has seen a boom in beer options during the last year with three new craft brewery openings.  Blackjack currently has a 2,400 square foot tap room and 1,500 square foot covered outdoor patio as well as an outdoor beer garden under construction.  Operations Manager Tim Sullivan has also installed pinball, foosball, and other traditional bar entertainment games.   The brewing activity and tanks can be seen through large glass roll up doors, a popular feature at many modern craft brew production facilities.  

Blackjack was started by Ed Wenda, a Raleigh native and former dentist.  Wenda recently hired a sales representative to establish distribution to local bars and restaurants.