We did, indeed, pay a visit to the really new Pinehurst Brewing Company. For those familiar with the area, it is about a half-block further down Magnolia Road from the Manor Inn. It used to be the old local steam power plant, now renovated to a brewery. It is great space, with a bar and then many tables for food (standard pub fare from the looks of it). On a Saturday night at Happy Hour, it was packed. Mrs. Tripping got to sit at the bar, but I had to stand.
Of their own brews, they currently offer a pale ale (Scratch), an IPA (Pivot), a golden ale (Golden Age), and a stout (Breakfast Ball). They had sold out of the golden ale, and I only tasted a little bit of the pale ale, which was okay-not-great.
The Pivot IPA was very tasty A nice hazy light-brown color, with a fairly generous off-white head. More citrus than hops, but well-balanced. Checks in at 6.9% ABV, and I would guesstimate IBUs in the upper-50's.
Mrs. Tripping ordered the Breakfast Ball stout. It was delicious. Reminds me a ton of Burial's Donut Skillet stout with intense coffee flavors. She detected a hint of raspberry, but I certainly didn't taste that. At 6.4% ABV, it is dangerous quaffable this time of year.
They also had some guest taps, so I tried Southern Pines Brewing's Pineapple Thief IPA. A hazy bright yellow, it smells like one has just opened a can of Dole pineapples. Those flavors are a little more muted on the palate, but still lots of tropical fruit notes. Worth seeking out. Clocks in at 6.4% ABV, and I'd guess IBUs near 50. Well done.
They also had Cold Mountain on tap, but I had already tried that for lunch at the Carolina Inn's Ryder Cup grill. It may be overhyped, and overpriced, but it sure is a delicious winter ale. I was very glad they had some for me to drink.
Sorry, dd, no Moore County brewing history tidbits this time around.