As breweries continue to boom across the state, Brunswick County now has one to call its own.

Check Six Brewing Co., owned and operated by the Hassel and Goldman families, is now open in Southport after months of construction delays.

“We’re so thankful to the town of Southport for all of their support,” said Wendy Hassel, director of taproom operations.

Tim Hassel and Noah Goldman began home brewing together in 2006, and it wasn’t long before family and friends began encouraging them to start their own brewery. When the Goldmans relocated to Southport four years ago, Noah and his son Mike began scouting out locations for a brewery and taproom.

The brewery’s aviation theme stems from Tim Hassel’s career as an Air Force colonel and fighter pilot.

The name Check Six, short for "Check your six o'clock position," comes from a phrase used by fighter pilots that means to look behind you for enemy aircraft. Fighter pilots reference position using a clock face. For example, 12 o'clock is straight ahead, 9 o'clock directly off to the left wing and 6 o'clock is directly behind. The term has become synonymous with “watch your back” among those in the military. The Army, Navy and Coast Guard also use the phrases “check your six” and “I’ve got your six.”

The name of each of the brewery’s beers is inspired by early military aircraft. There are six beers currently on tap, and Check Six will be adding one each week over the next few weeks. With 14 taps total, eight to 10 will be dedicated to Check Six brews. Beer can be purchased by the pint, growler, sixtel (one-sixth of a keg) or in half or full kegs. Wine, hard cider and craft sodas are also available.

“We’ve set up our ‘wingman’ program to serve free soda to designated drivers,” Hassel said. “We feel strongly about responsible drinking; it’s something that’s very important to us.”

Hassel also wants customers to know that the taproom is food friendly. Customers can bring in any type of food they’d like, be it from home or a restaurant. While the taproom does have a few snacks available, it does not have a kitchen. Therefore many local restaurants, even some that do not normally deliver, have agreed to do so, according to Hassel.

The taproom currently has a large area for darts and Hassel says plans are in the works to expand into the adjacent space in order to accommodate pool tables and a lounge area as well as a room for private events. Game nights, open mic nights and live music are also on tap.

A grand opening celebration is scheduled for Memorial Day weekend. Full details will be available at checksixbeer.com and via the brewery’s social media sites.

Check Six Brewing Company is located at 5130 Southport-Supply Road in Southport and is open from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

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