Hop Stop! Beow's Books & Brews
NC Beer Explorer takes a detour to Beow's Books & Brews - and enjoys beer, books, and dessert!
HOP STOP
Rebecca Marmaduke
9/11/20254 min read
Sometimes we make plans for what we want to write about, but things come up, breweries have to fight (metaphorical) fires, and so we pivot.
Take this last Wednesday, as an example. We found ourselves without an appointment, so I turned to my Chief Beer Bro and asked, “Hey, why don’t we go to Beow’s Books & Brews?” We had briefly walked in the door of the cozy cafe and bookstore last week after dinner, and the scene had left us wanting more. So, we didn’t need much more inducement than an open calendar.
The Basics
Location: 8111 Creedmoor Rd Suite 153, Raleigh, NC 27613
Website: beows.com
Social media: facebook.com/BeowsBooks#, Instagram @beowsbooks
Vibe/Atmosphere: Lively but respectful, comfy, inviting. College study lounge feel.
Beers We Tried: Bombshell Blackberry Wheat Ale, Blackbird Belgian Witbier, Sneaky Penguin Pumpkin Porter, Vicious Fishes Dark Czech Lager
Parking: lot shared with other businesses
Important NC Beer Explorer Tip: When consuming alcohol, always have a designated driver. Be safe out there, friends!
Reasons to Visit Brennan Station
We live about 15 minutes away from the Brennan Station shopping center on Creedmoor Road in North Raleigh. There are several wonderful restaurants there (El Dorado Mexican, Nancy’s Pizzaria, Brigs Great Beginnings, Margaux’s, to name a few) and a relatively new Trader Joe’s. We’ve been to the center a few times, and my hair stylist’s salon is there.
We can now add Beow’s (pronounced “bay-ohz”) Books & Brews as another draw. Walking in, we were greeted with the muted strains of 90’s alt rock (The Cure, Echo and the Bunnymen, etc.), and immediately we sensed the relaxed, calm vibe. The environment is peaceful and respectful — even the children sitting with their parents were well-behaved and quiet. There were mostly small conversation groups and a few people working online, seated at tables or on the comfy couch and low chairs.
Beer and Dessert
They have a terrific selection of North Carolina craft beers on tap at Beow’s, which is where the connection to our passion project comes in.
They also offer flights – and the one thing we love more than NC beer is the ability to try many different kinds! We made our flight selections, and an appealing pastry case on the counter caught our attention.
Who could say no to peanut butter sheet cake or an olive oil chocolate chip cookie? Not us! The sweets were delicious and beautifully made. The peanut butter cake reminded me of the church potlucks of my childhood when big-haired aunties served up goodies made with love in their Hotpoint ovens. The cookie was scrumptious, full of high-quality chips and topped with flecks of sea salt, with that hint of olive oil lending a tiny savory note.
Back Story
Some quick online research gave us background on this North Raleigh gem. Owners Jim Ranieri and Chad Mastny were inspired by a group of friends in Oxford, England known as "The Inklings.” Back in the early half of the 20th century, this coterie included C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Dorothy Sayers, Charles Williams, and more, and their conversation and camaraderie influenced their developing works. Ranieri and Masty created Beow’s Books & Brews to foster this same kind of community. You can read more about their story on their website and also in this article in Raleigh Magazine.
I’m not sure writing about beer qualifies us to join the lofty ranks of The Inklings, but I do have a degree in English Literature, and we’ve both turned the pages of a few classics. However, even if you lean more towards televised sports and graphic novels, it’s all good – you’ll still enjoy the brews and books at Beow’s – go check them out!
Change of Plans
NCBE's Beer Notes - Beow's Books & Brews
Bombshell Blackberry Wheat Ale
Style: Fruited wheat beer
ABV: 5.6%
Color: pale straw, clear
Aroma: blackberry, soap, floral
Taste: blackberry, tart clementine, soapy (in a good way)
Mouthfeel: light, crisp, effervescent
Aftertaste: short and tangy
Blackbird’s Girl You Know Wits True**
Style: Wheat beer
ABV: 5.1%
Color: hazy yellow, light lacy head
Aroma: faint
Taste: clove, toasted almond, lemon-lime
Mouthfeel: refreshing, clean
Aftertaste: short
Sneaky Penguin Sneaky Pumpkin
Style: Pumpkin Porter
ABV: 6.0%
Color: black-brown, beige foamy head
Aroma: roasted pumpkin, coffee, loamy
Taste: pumpkin, chicory, earth, slightly oily
Mouthfeel: full
Aftertaste: medium-long bittery
Vicious Fishes Dark Czech Lager*
Style: Dark Lager
ABV: 4.5%
Color: black-brown, beige head
Aroma: faint malt
Taste: dark roasted coffee, burnt cocoa, carmel, burnt bacon
Mouthfeel: full
Aftertaste: balanced
