The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery

Founded in 2009, The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery ignited the ultra-premium beer scene in Charlotte and has been at the forefront of the local market ever since. OMB adheres to the oldest purity guidelines in the world, the German “Reinheitsgebot.” This law states there can be only four ingredients in beer: water, barley or wheat malt, hops, and yeast. It’s “beer flavored beer” and it’s always fresh as OMB only distributes within a 60-mile radius. OMB is one of only nine craft breweries included on the Inc. 5000 list, and the only in North Carolina. OMB’s fall seasonal Mecktoberfest recently won a gold medal at Germany’s European Beer Star competition, and the brewery’s tour was named Best in the Country by the readers of USA Today. OMB Charlotte Born & Brewed.

Author: Caroline Porsiel

Caroline Porsiel is a master distiller and liqueurist based in East Ellijay, Georgia. She founded House of Applejay, a fine spirits and liqueur distillery, in 2022 with her mother, Sabine, crafting award-winning products like Applejay from Ellijay, Mt. Frozen Knob Vodka, and Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. The distillery won a 2024 Best of Georgia Award and a 2025 Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. As a founding member of the AMBRU Campaign, launched in 2020, Porsiel advocates for the global recognition of American Brandy and Rum. She continues to drive innovation in the craft spirits industry from her active distillery in the heart of Georgia’s apple country.