A week of craft beer, cuisine and conversation has been scheduled for March by the Cape Fear Craft Beer Alliance (CFCBA).
 
This will be Wilmington’s first official craft beer week held in the sping.

“We are excited to showcase our craft beer culture and local breweries to those who may not be familiar with the explosion of the craft beer industry in and around Wilmington,” said Jeremy Tomlinson, president of the Cape Fear Craft Beer Alliance. “Many of our breweries, bars, restaurants and other businesses will be holding events over the 10-day period to attract both craft beer connoisseurs and newbies. It should be a great week with activities for every beer lover.”
 
Kicking off the week will be the Ultimate Brewing Championship on March 24. The competition invites Cape Fear craft brewers to showcase their creativity by utilizing unusual North Carolina-specific ingredients to create a custom beer in the style of their choosing.
 
The event, which ends April 2, is designed to boost beer tourism, draw awareness to the region and serve as a showcase for the Cape Fear’s breweries, bottle shops, restaurants and craft-centric businesses, Tomlinson said.
 
Food will also play a role, as on April 1 when Cape Fear Craft & Cuisine will offer a special food and beer pairing event at Airlie Gardens.
 
There are currently 10 craft breweries operating in the Cape Fear region, with at least three more slated to open in 2017.
 
Ironclad Brewery CEO Ted Coughlin said he is thrilled to see the craft beer industry continue to develop in Wilmington.
 
“Ironclad was happy to see the formation of the Cape Fear Craft Beer Alliance as this organization is committed to promoting the craft beer scene in the region. The alliance is leveraging local talent who work in the industry,” Coughlin said. “From a growth perspective, the craft beer boom in Wilmington is off the charts. In the last three years, there has been a 1,000 percent growth in the number of craft breweries in the region.
 
“I am not aware of any other region in the country with that amount of growth,” Coughlin added. “I am often asked if Wilmington is becoming saturated with craft breweries. My response is not even close, as the region is still importing more beer than it exports. There is plenty more room for growth, and several more craft breweries will be opening.”
 
Throughout the week, beer lovers in the region can experience a variety of events exploring breweries locally and beyond, said Tomlinson of the alliance.
 
The Cape Fear Craft Beer Alliance is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote awareness and increase visibility of craft beer in the region.