We love our friends at Cheerwine and do a lot with them each year. But whenever we have someone new the first thing they think when they hear the name Cheerwine, is that it has “wine” or some form of alcohol in it. But nope, the cherry soft drink is alcohol-free. Though if you’ve been to one of our country shows you may have tried our Southern Cheer cocktail, Cheerwine, and Tito’s. But now, there is another way to enjoy an adult version of the south’s classic soft drink- Cheerwine Ale. It’s a collaboration between two of North Carolina’s most popular family-owned beverage companies. Cheerwine and NoDa Brewing Company.
The product is launching today, February 13th. So where can you find it? Beginning this week, Cheerwine Ale is available at all North Carolina Food Lion grocery stores. It’s also available at select Harris Teeter, Lowes Foods, and Total Wine locations. You will also find Cheerwine Ale on draft at select Charlotte restaurants and bars, and NoDa Brewing Company’s four locations.
It’s described as “a love letter to its home state”. This smooth wheat ale is approachable and sure to be as beloved as its namesake. It’s 5.2% ABV | 18 IBUs and is a crisp, refreshing wheat ale infused with the South’s favorite cherry soda. In the coming months, you’ll also be able to find Cheerwine Ale at Publix, Ingles, and NC bottle shops.
10 Brands You Know That Started In North Carolina
1. Cheerwine
Cheerwine was first created in 1917 by Salisbury, North Carolina by L.D. Peeler. The cherry soft drink is still going strong and celebrated its 100 year anniversary a few years ago with a festival in downtown Salisbury.
Learn more about Cheerwine
2. Mt. Olive Pickles
Mt. Olive was founded in the town bearing the same name back in 1926, with only a 3,600 square foot building and $19,500 in capital, according to their website. Today, Mt. Olive has grown to manufacture the best selling brand of pickles in the Southeast. In fact they just announced they are building a whole new facility in North Carolina.
Get more info on Mt. Olive Pickles here
3. Bojangles
The fast food chain known for it’s Cajun seasoning and Bo’berry biscuits Bojangles’ Famous Chicken ‘n Biscuits location in 1977 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Get more info about Bojangles
4. Cookout
Cookout, the fast-food chain best known for its iconic trays and numerous flavors of milkshakes originated in Greensboro in 1989.
Get more info on Cookout here
5. Krispy Kreme
If you have spent much time in North Carolina you are sure to recognize the Hot Doughnuts Now sign. Krispy Kreme was founded by Vernon Rudolph. The chain first opened in 1937 in what is now historic Old Salem in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Get more info on Krispy Kreme here
6. Lance
In 1913 Phillip Lott a food broker from Charlotte got stuck with 500 pounds of peanuts. He sold them and was then inspired to create the now popular snack company.
Get more info on Lance Crackers here
7. Pepsi
Pepsi dates back to New Bern, NC in 1893. It was first introduced as “Brad’s Drink” named after it’s founder, with the name Pepsi-Cola and eventually just Pepsi coming later.
Get more info about Pepsi here
8. Texas Pete
No, Texas Pete is not from Texas. Its origins are actually in North Carolina. It was created by the Garner family in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Get more info on Texas Pete here