In 2008, Utah laws changed, allowing David Cole and Peter Erickson to establish Epic Brewing Company with a focus on brewing a stronger craft beer. In fact, Epic is Utah’s first microbrewery since prohibition to brew exclusively higher alcohol content beer. Their passion for craft beer was influenced by their frequent visits to microbreweries in California where they both got their start.
Four years after establishing the first brewery location in Salt Lake City, Utah, the crew crossed the border (and the Rocky Mountains), establishing a second microbrewery in Denver, Colorado.
Freedom Beverage is proud to have been distributing Epic beers in North Carolina since 2019.
We couldn’t be more pleased to solidify and expand our presence in North Carolina with an independent partner as experienced and dedicated as Freedom Beverage. They have a passionate team that is focused on high end craft beer and rock solid logistical execution.
Despite their rapid expansion and increase in production volume Epic Brewing has stayed committed to the highest quality small batch craft beer, using only the finest malts, intense hops and triple filtered water. The diverse flavors in their line up presents opportunities for interesting food pairings. From common flavors like sweet malt, citrus and pine to more unique chocolate, coffee, vanilla and cinnamon notes.
Epic Brewing is making excellent sours, they have an outstanding barrel aging program and produce high quality IPAs. Really, Epic has something for every palate from the casual beer drinker or the adventurous connoisseur.
While Freedom Beverage distributes over thirty different products from Epic Brewing in North Carolina, the following Epic beers are some of Jeff’s favorites:
Big Bad Baptist, Double Barrel Imperial Stout
Probably the most well known of their lines, the Big Bad Baptist barrel aged Imperial Stout becomes the basis of new flavors and variations every year. These beers are “baptized” in bourbon barrels and then infused with real coffee and cocoa nibs. In collaboration with local coffee roasters, this year’s limited release uses aged green Colombian coffee beans in whiskey barrels and selected choice Baptist casks for a double blast of bourbon barrel character.
Big Bad Baptist, Naked Baptist
One of many variants in the line up, previously enjoyed exclusively by the Epic Brewing team, this stripped down version of their renowned barrel-aged stout lets you taste the delicious bourbon barrel aged flavors without coffee and cacao.
Armadillo Comet Ipa
Coming in at 9.5% ABV, Armadillo Comet gets its name from the Amarillo and Comet hops that are common in West Coast-style IPAs and overloaded in this beer. While the color is an unassuming crystal clear straw, the piney, resinous aromas are out of this world. Beer lovers who appreciate a super high IBU sipper will go head over heels for this special release IPA.
Tropical Tart And Juicy Ipa
Further showcasing the diversity of their line up, you have this Freedom Beverage team favorite. You won’t believe that this IPA doesn’t have actual fruit juice added. The intense flavors come from the introduction of lactobacillus bacteria and massive amounts of Citra hops.