Hop Stop! Lowes Beer Den
We came for the beer. But we LIVED for the conversation and intrigue!
HOP STOP
Ben and Rebecca
7/25/20253 min read
Location: 8100 Brier Creek Parkway, Raleigh, NC 27617
Website: https://www.lowesfoods.com/beer-den/find-your-tap
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram @lowesfoods
Vibe/Atmosphere: sociable, lively, accessible
Beers We Tried: Surf Wax WC IPA, The Beloved Ceremony of Condemnation IPA, Our Hearts of Ruin Pilsner, Hawkbill NE IPA (Burial Beer Co.); I.L.M (I Love Moles) American IPA (Mad Mole Brewing)
Parking: Lot, ample
Important NC Beer Explorer Tip: When consuming alcohol, always have a designated driver. Be safe out there, friends!
Beer Den. Burial Brewing. New-found friends with an intriguing past. Secret Society? This was more than we planned for our Thursday evening out!
Sometimes, while picking up groceries at our nearby Lowes Foods, we’ve noticed a “Beer Den” tucked away in a corner. Since we’re always on the lookout for North Carolina craft beers and places where NC beer fans might gather, we decided to check out the Beer Den and see what it’s about.
We already knew that there is a strong NC connection because Lowes Foods began in 1954 as a single store in North Wilkesboro, and has grown to become a major supermarket chain operating in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. We had also heard that a representative of Burial Beer Co. was going to be onsite pouring free samples late Thursday afternoon, so we made a point to stop in.
There is a short video on YouTube describing how the Beer Den concept started in October 2013 when a law change allowed retailers to sell beer and wine. The Beer Den concept evolved from a single store to 76 locations in just 10 years, proving to be one of Lowes' most successful marketing concepts.
When we walked through the door in our (shamelessly) matching “NC Beer Explorer” t-shirts, we were prepared for high engagement, and we were not disappointed! We had a nice conversation with the rep who was pouring three Burial beers, but the real fun started when we ordered a flight of four pours from various breweries and made ourselves at home among the small but lively group of imbibers. We had not been there 15 minutes when we found ourselves talking to three men enjoying some cold ones at one of the nearby tables and speaking knowledgeably about various craft beers.
Jeffrey, Steve, and Tony were interesting guys of a certain age who seemed well-traveled and highly informed about beers from all four corners of the state and beyond. They named off some of their favorite breweries, demonstrating impressive familiarity with the dominant styles and strengths of each establishment.
Our new Beer Bro "Steve" (if that's his real name) was kind enough to share some images of "dead soldiers" from a gathering of the Hash House Harriers.
We were so awed by their insights and their camaraderie that Rebecca had to ask, “So, how do you all know each other?” That’s when things got really interesting!
“We’re members of an underground running society,” Jeffrey said, in a low voice.
“Do tell!” replied Rebecca, leaning in. “Can you let me in on the secret, or would you have to kill me?”
Jeffrey said it wasn’t that big of a secret and explained that he and his friends belong to the Hash House Harriers, an international club founded in 1938 in what is now Malaysia. He encouraged us to look it up on Wikipedia, which we did the minute we got home. And wow, fascinating stuff — talk about history, geography, and symbolism! But mostly, the group appears to be all about good-natured fun and community. In short: they run and drink beer!
It just goes to show you how random a day in the life of an NC Beer Explorer can be — we go out to sample local beer in an unassuming pub tucked away in a grocery store, and we come away with a connection to a “Drinking Club with a Running Problem.”
Ben's Beer Notes - Lowes Beer Den, 7/24/25
Surf Wax WC IPA, Burial Beer Co
Style: American IPA
ABV: 6.8%
Color: hazy yellow, white head
Taste: strong citrus, grapefruit, hints of pine
Mouthfeel: medium, silky
Aftertaste: dry, with lingering pleasant bitter finish
The Beloved Ceremony of Condemnation IPA, Burial Beer Co
Style: New England IPA
ABV: 7.3%, 35 IBU
Color: Hazy, golden-yellow color.
Taste: lime, orange, floral notes
Mouthfeel: lush, mellow
Aftertaste: balanced bittery/sweet
Our Hearts of Ruin Pilsner, Burial Beer Co
Style: Pilsner
ABV: 5.0%
Color: golden yellow, thick head
Taste: crisp, slightly hoppy flavor, veggie notes
Mouthfeel: light-bodied
Aftertaste: light and dry
Hawkbill NEIPA, Burial Beer Co
Style: New England IPA
ABV: 6.0%
Color: hazy, golden
Taste: fruity, notes of pineapple-mango, malty
Mouthfeel: smooth, medium, very drinkable
Aftertaste: citrusy, dry
I.L.M (I Love Moles) IPA, Mad Mole Brewing
Style: American IPA
ABV: 6.5%
Color: deep golden
Taste: muted hops, tangerine,
Mouthfeel: medium-light
Aftertaste: strong hops