What Are You Thankful For?

We just wanted to take a moment out of our admittedly busy schedule to tell all of you something we've been meaning to say for quite some time:

Thank you.

Thank You, those of you who have liked us on Facebook or followed us on Twitter, and those of you who have told your friends and families about what we have planned when we open our doors here in Saxapahaw in 2013.

Thank You, those of you who have come out to our pouring events over the past year or two to learn more about Haw River Farmhouse Ales and try samples of our beer, and to those of you who have come back for seconds and thirds.

A ridiculously big Thank You to our 42 Barn Raisers, who have put your money where your heart is and supported our idea financially, before we've even signed our lease or ordered our equipment. Your loyal enthusiasm for what we're doing means more than we can put into words.

Thank You to those of you in the midst of the North Carolina craft beer scene who have written online or in print about us, who have told other craft aficionados what we're working on, who have bragged online about getting a bottle or two of our beer and shared photos and descriptions of our libations with your friends.

Thank You to the farmers, vendors, landowners and local residents here in Alamance County who have made time in your own busy schedules to speak with us about growing some of our ingredients, about sourcing equipment and supplies, about pitching in next year when we get our doors open by cleaning kegs, filling growlers or working the booth at an event.

Thank You, bartenders, restauranteurs, shop owners and buyers who have already let us know they'd like to carry Haw River Farmhouse Ales' tap handles, our bottles, our growlers, once we get kegs & bottles filled next year and get beer out the door and into your glasses.

And finally, a big Thank You to the brewers and business owners who have entertained many of our dumb questions with straight faces, who have offered to let us peek behind their doors, and who have selflessly provided information that most other industries would consider taboo—the craft beer industry is the very definition of altruistic, and for that, we're so thankful.

So this Thanksgiving, we both just want to say THANK YOU to each and every one of you reading this right now. Without you, we wouldn't even be close to realizing our dreams or becoming what we hope will become a compelling, complementary addition to the thriving North Carolina beer family, and we want you to know we're ever so appreciative of everyone out there who's been a part of this journey so far.

—Ben & Dawnya

PS: Just so ya know, we're about to kick this baby into high gear, so all of you who have been waiting for news on where the brewery's going to be, what the timeline on our opening is, and just what the heck has been going on for the past six months or so are in for a real treat. For now, enjoy a nice meal with the extended family, and we'll fill you in within the next couple of weeks; from where we're standing, 2013's gonna be a big year for Haw River Farmhouse Ales filled with fun and awesomeness, and we hope you'll be along for the ride.

PPS: Don't forget that North Carolina beer pairs wonderfully with both green bean casserole and annoying in-laws! Have a great Thanksgiving!