The 13th Annual NC Rare & Vintage Beer Tasting took place this past weekend in Durham, NC, and it was an unforgettable celebration of craft beer. Blackbird Brewery was thrilled to be part of this incredible event, where over 50 breweries came together to showcase their rare and vintage brews. For beer lovers, it was nothing short of paradise!
Beyond the incredible beer, the event was a testament to community and purpose, raising funds for The Michael James Jackson Foundation for Brewing and Distilling (MJF). This inspiring nonprofit is dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the brewing and distilling industries. By providing scholarships to people of color, MJF empowers individuals to pursue technical education within the brewing and distilling trades while helping to diversify these historically homogenous fields. The foundation also honors the legacy of Michael James Jackson, a legendary beer and whiskey writer known for his passion for craftsmanship and storytelling.
For Blackbird Brewery, the festival was a perfect blend of showcasing our craft, connecting with fellow beer enthusiasts, and supporting an amazing cause. One of the highlights of the event was our beer collaboration with Tha CommUNITY Brew, a collective dedicated to fostering inclusivity and connection in craft beer, and NC Rare & Vintage, the festival organizer. At the beginning of January, Blackbird Brewery hosted brew day and our brewers were joined by Andy Morrison of NC Rare & Vintage and LaShanda Poteat of Tha CommUNITY Brew. Together, we created something truly special.
Our colaborative creation, Dovedelic Dreams, is a bold West Coast IPA that shines a spotlight on Superdelic hops, a modern and vibrant variety sourced from NZ Hops Ltd. via Yakima Valley Hops. With its resinous, citrus-forward character, the Superdelic hops take center stage alongside classic Citra and Simcoe hops. To make it even more special, we used 100% locally sourced malt from Epiphany Craft Malt, grounding the brew in North Carolina’s rich agricultural heritage.
In addition to Dovedelic Dreams, we brought some of our fan-favorite beers, including Big Trees Celebration Style IPA, Birdvar Czech Pale Lager, Sly Fox Belgian Amber Ale (double decocted), S.S. Minnow Hazy IPA with Elani hops (think pineapple vibes), and A-O River! West Coast Pilsner, a refreshing pilsner with a clean, hop-forward finish. Sharing these creations with the passionate crowd at the festival and soaking in the vibrant energy was an experience we’ll never forget!
The 13th Annual NC Rare & Vintage Beer Tasting was an absolute blast from start to finish! We had an amazing time catching up with old friends, making new ones, and sharing countless laughs throughout the day. The energy was electric as craft beer enthusiasts from all over came together to celebrate creativity and community. We sampled amazing beers from fellow breweries, mingled with industry peers, and especially loved hanging out with Andy Morrison and the incredible Tha CommUNITY Brew team. Sharing our collaborative brew, Dovedelic Dreams, and hearing everyone’s enthusiasm for this bold West Coast IPA was a highlight of the day.
With a fantastic turnout, vibrant conversations, and plenty of cheers raised, the event was a perfect reminder of what makes the craft beer community so special. We’re already looking forward to next year, eager to bring more bold brews, connect with even more amazing people, and create more unforgettable memories. Cheers to craft beer, creative collaborations, and making a difference, one pint at a time!