Road Trip! Tobacco Wood Brewing Co.

The Basics

Location: 117 Wall St, Oxford, NC 27565

Website: https://www.tobaccowoodbrewing.com/

Vibe/Atmosphere: Small town, approachable, down-to-earth, family-friendly

Beers We Tried: Ranger Candy Pils, 565 American Amber/Red Ale, Rocket Surgery Kolsch, False Motivation New England IPA, The Ensign American Stout

Parking: Ample street and lot parking

Important NC Beer Explorer Tip: When consuming alcohol, always have a designated driver. Be safe out there, friends!

Despite the persistently muggy and hot weather, this past Wednesday we took a short road trip to Oxford, NC (population roughly 9000). We’d been to Oxford about two years ago as the country struggled back onto its feet post-pandemic, but even then the walkable, charming downtown showed promising signs of renewal. We were pleased to see things looking even more lively and appealing now.

After we relished our food and sampled a flight, Operations Manager Quentin Sidney and I chatted about the brews and Tobacco Wood’s relationship with its hometown audience. The locals take pride in the brewery, which is the first female, veteran-owned brewery in North Carolina. However, sometimes on the sly, people will tell him they prefer the mass-produced, commercial beers that they grew up drinking. They admit an aversion toward “fancy” craft beer. I’m guessing that like me, they have had encounters with resinous IPAs from other brewers that left them with a bitter taste in their mouths.

Tobacco Wood Brewery & Taproom is sometimes called the “Front Porch of Oxford” — spacious and inviting, with lots of indoor seating and outdoor picnic tables. We arrived midweek at lunchtime to find an impressive, diverse crowd enjoying food and beer. The crowd included a police officer dining with a local businessman, five guys on their lunch break, and a group of ladies fresh off their yoga class and ready for refreshment.

There is a reason why folks were there for lunch: the food is a big draw. I inhaled the “Run Forrest!” angus burger, making yum-yum noises as I went along. Rebecca had the “G.I. Jane” Cajun chicken breast sandwich, which was delicious and juicy, topped with a spicy magical sauce and all the fixings. But the real star was the buttery, well-seasoned side of crispy brussels sprouts. We had no problem eating our vegetables!

But their most popular beer is their first IPA, False Motivation NEIPA. “FM” is a multidimensional chameleon, revealing different flavor and texture aspects as you drink it and depending upon the food you pair it with. The initial impressions are typical of an NEIPA: citrus aroma, creamy mouth feel, and muted bitterness. A second sip reveals a malt backbone, well-balanced with hop bitterness. A long draw adds in the juicy, tropical fruit notes, and the finish is a fireworks finale of all the above.

We also tasted 565 American Amber Red and Ensign American Stout. See tasting notes below.

Live music is also a big part of the venue, and Quentin mentioned that his band is playing there on July 25th. Hearing that, and thinking about those burgers, brussels sprouts, and beers we just might need another Oxford road trip to Tobacco Wood Brewing really soon!

Still, Tobacco Wood Brewing has had great success by creating an inviting atmosphere and creating a wider range of beers and styles. They take a “something for everybody” approach to their beer menu, leaning toward the lighter, more approachable beers like their Rocket Surgery Kolsch and their Ranger Candy Pilsner, both excellent examples of classic beer styles.

Ben's Beer Notes - Tobacco Wood Brewing Co, 7/16/25

• Ranger Candy

  • Style: German Pilsner

  • ABV: 4.8%

  • Color: light gold

  • Taste: yeasty, bread, hoppy

  • Mouthfeel: crisp

  • Aftertaste: bittery but not biting

• Rocket Surgery

  • Style: Kolsch

  • ABV: 5.2%

  • Color: clear gold, light head

  • Taste: sweet and bitter balanced

  • Mouthfeel: creamy, foamy

  • Aftertaste: long and malty

• False Motivation

  • Style: NEIPA

  • ABV: 7.3%, 19 IBU

  • Color: bright gold, low carbonation

  • Taste: citrus, grapefruit, slightly oily; multi-dimensional (the craft beer that won over Ops Manager Quentin)

  • Mouthfeel: light alcohol kick, juicy

  • Aftertaste: tropical fruit (guava, passion fruit)

• 565 Amber

  • Style: Amber Red

  • ABV: 6.3%

  • Color: deep amber, foamy white head

  • Taste: malty, toasty, nutty

  • Mouthfeel: malty, herbal (Rebecca said it reminded her of filé powder)

  • Aftertaste: pleasantly dry

• The Ensign

  • Style: American Stout

  • ABV: 6.4%

  • Color: dark brown, creamy head

  • Taste: malty, rooty, earthy, coffee, sweet tobacco

  • Mouthfeel: full-bodied, off-sweet

  • Aftertaste: lightly bitter, very drinkable

Tell us what you think about Tobacco Wood Brewing Co.