Contributor: Jamie Richardson
With a full slate of events including a Meat and Beer Pairing Experience to a new podcast, Twenty-Six Acres Brewing Company is worth the visit.
📍 7285 W Winds Blvd NW, Concord, NC 28027
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Podcast
Twenty-Six Acres Brewing Company offers a unique brewing experience for those seeking a blend of history, community, and exceptional craft beer. Recently, we had the pleasure of sitting down with co-owners Wes Ports and Joel Padgett on their podcast Taproom Talk, where they shared insights into the brewery’s origin, their love for beer, and exciting events on the horizon.
Brewing Beginnings: From Garage to 15-Barrel System
The story of Twenty-Six Acres began in June 2015 when a significant ordinance amendment by the Concord City Council paved the way for breweries. Joel Padgett, a software engineer, and Wes Ports, an accountant, seized this opportunity and opened Concord’s third brewery in November 2016.
Padgett, a Concord native, has always been passionate about beer and had a vision to bring a brewery to his hometown.
- Fondly known as “the beer guy,” Padgett’s journey into the brewing world started with a World Series of Poker group – a group of friends that included co-owner Wes Ports, who founded the group. It was within this group that Padgett honed his beer-tasting skills, treating friends to impromptu flights and eventually finding a business partner in Wes.
They initially set up a two-barrel system in Padgett’s garage before transitioning to the 15-barrel system they use today to brew a variety of beers that includes staples like Corban Avenue Honey Blonde, Reptar Juice, and the Electro Platypus sour series. They still brew on their 2-barrel pilot system for seasonal, limited, and experimental releases.
💪 🍺 FUN FACT: Twenty-Six Acres has an all-women brewing team!
A Nod to History: The 26-Acre Plot and Local Heritage
Named after the original 26-acre plot that laid the foundation for the city of Concord in 1796, Twenty-Six Acres Brewing Company is more than just a brewery; it’s a nod to local history.
- Flagship beers like Corban Avenue Honey Blonde and 26 Union Street Stout pay homage to streets in Downtown Concord.
Situated in a sprawling 8,700-square-foot space just off Derita Road in a business park across from Concord Regional Airport, Twenty-Six Acres is strategically located. With proximity to Concord Mills, Charlotte Motor Speedway, and several neighborhoods, the brewery serves as a gathering place for both locals and visitors.
Photo credits: 26 Acres Brewing Facebook
According to Padgett, creating a comfortable space for everyone was a high priority. The taproom is family-friendly, dog-friendly, and embraces a laid-back, neighborhood vibe that invites everyone to feel at home.
Twenty-Six Acres believes in brewing variety, with monthly tap list changes to keep things fresh. For those curious about the current tap list, Twenty-Six Acres invite enthusiasts to follow them on Untappd or check their social media channels (Facebook or Instagram) for updates and releases.
Beer aficionados can even order beers to-go and pick them up during operating hours. Home kegerator owners can also bring Twenty-Six Acres’ beers into their homes by emailing kegs@26acres.com to check inventory and arrange pickup.
Host Your Event at Twenty-Six Acres Brewing
Interested in hosting an event? Reach out to Wes by emailing him at events@26acres.com for assistance in creating memorable celebrations. With outdoor seating, family-friendly spaces, and a group-friendly environment, Twenty-Six Acres caters to various preferences.
As the brewery thrives, it continues to engage with the local community. The brewery is gearing up for the 5th Annual Best Chili Cook-Off event on Feb 3rd. With familiar faces like Chris Rozak from 106.5 The End and Brew Chef Tim Schafer joining in, the event promises to be the biggest yet.
- Participants can enter their chili for a chance to win, and attendees can purchase all-you-can-eat Taster’s Bracelets to sample and vote for their favorites.
The event’s proceeds will go to the Team Ally Foundation. Initiated by Ally Davis, the foundation aims to further blood cancer research, treatment, and patient advocacy. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Ally, who, after battling St-3 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, started the foundation at the age of 11.
Meat and Beer Pairing Experience and Weekly Events
And for those seeking a unique culinary experience, Twenty-Six Acres is offering a unique Meat and Beer Pairing Experience on Feb 16th in partnership with DeVour Street Food.
- This four-course menu pairs delicious meats, from smoked wings to mouth-watering brisket, with carefully selected beers. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, the Meat and Beer Pairing event presents an excellent opportunity for a unique celebration. Order your tickets online.
Twenty-Six Acres Brewing Co. features weekly events, including trivia night every Tuesday, the live recording of Taproom Talk podcast on Wednesdays, Free Poker on Thursdays for both regular players and newcomers, and live music along with food trucks on Fridays and Saturdays.
As you mark your calendar for the next event or drop by for a casual drink, Twenty-Six Acres invites you to be a part of a community that appreciates good beer and good company.
Planning to visit? Tell ’em Cabarrus Weekly sent ya!
