OK, I hope you like these “NC beer news round ups.” These are intended to be small stories or re-caps of recent events. For example, have you heard about this Chimay guy? He was posing as a member of the “Chimay beer dynasty” and used his influence to fraud investors in a money management scheme. He was arrested last Friday in Wrightsville Beach, NC!

MORE BEER CITY PRAISE
National Geographic profiles Asheville as a “funky” destination for beer enthusiasts.

In Provence it’s pastis, in Morocco mint tea, and in Asheville, North Carolina the inevitable answer to the question “What would you like to drink?” is beer. A hoppy pale ale perhaps, or a chocolate porter, but preferably something on draft that has been handcrafted and brewed locally.

In this artsy, laid-back mountain town of 75,000 people, beer has become an integral part of the culture, not to mention a leisure activity in its own right. And with nine breweries (plus more in the vicinity), Asheville has firmly established itself as a mecca for beer enthusiasts.

And this video celebrating beer city:

and this video from Brewgasm from the Beer City festival earlier this month:

BEST BREWERY/ BEER STORES IN THE TRIANGLE
Jason Cole, the Chapel Hill Beer Examiner at Examiner.com has rounded up a great summary of Indyweek’s beer categories:

There is a lot of buzz around the beer scene in the Triangle in the next few weeks. June is scattered with tastings, beer dinners, and new beers to keep the craft drinker happy. First, congratulations are in order for the Independent Weekly’s “Best of the Triangle 2010″ winners. For best local brewery, Raleigh’s Big Boss Brewing Company won over Lonerider, Carolina Brewery, and Triangle Brewing Company. For best draft beer selection, Tyler’s Taproom took the gold over Milltown, Flying Saucer and Tribeca Tavern. As for best retail beer selection, Sam’s Quick Stop in Durham was voted best with Carrboro Beverage Company, Peace Street Market and Total Wine being voted as finalists. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists for their great work and passion.