It’s always better when we’re together; New Belgium teams with all NoDa-area breweries for mega-collab

But never has Charlotte seen four local breweries connect for a team effort, with Colorado-based New Belgium playing gracious host to the entire unprecedented brewing affair.

Back in early August, brewers from all the NoDa-area breweries trekked west to Fort Collins for a harmonious brewing of “Yours & Mine Golden Ale.” The group shot turned me green with envy, with folks from Birdsong, Free Range, Heist, and NoDa smiling back at me, joined by some of New Belgium’s brewers. It’s all part of New Belgium’s ongoing “Beers with Vrienden” series, that latter word meaning “friends” in Flemish.

“Yours & Mine” is a golden ale, featuring ingredients with close connection to all participating breweries. Inspiration for these ingredients hails from the “Beers Made By Walking” movement, with part of said movement’s tagline being “each walk is different, each beer is a portrait of that landscape.”  New Belgium’s facility is built on land that was a former sugar beet farm, so the first ingredient was decided. Lavender, another ingredient, was foraged from the existing New Belgium grounds. Colorado sunflowers also represent the Centennial State. Lastly, North Carolina’s state fruit, the Scuppernong, makes an appearance. (To quote NoDa head brewer Chad Henderson, “I love my ‘nongz.”)

There isn’t a lot of “Yours & Mine” to be found; New Belgium’s pilot system only handles 15 barrels, so this beer’s release isn’t something to sleep on.

On Saturday, September 12, come out to NoDa Brewing (2229 N Davidson St) for the delicious debut of this Queen City collaborative effort. Brewers from all participating breweries will be on-hand for an event from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m., held in the tent-covered NoDa parking lot. Proceeds from sales of “Yours & Mine” will benefit the Arts For Life Charlotte and the NoDa Farmers Market.

The party doesn’t end there; just 10 blocks north at Salud Beer Shop (3306 N Davidson St), “Yours & Mine” will pour alongside other brews from each participating brewery. Kick-off for Salud’s shindig is at 7 p.m., for those not able to make the afternoon portion (or for brave souls like me, pulling double duty).

New Belgium will be coming to town for the weekend as well, but this isn’t purely a social affair. Today, brewers gather in NoDa’s brewhouse to concoct “Mine & Yours,” a Belgian Dark Ale. This version is also inspired by the “Beers Made By Walking” concept, and will feature Palisade peaches from Colorado, as well as North Carolina-sourced honey, ginger, and sweet potatoes. This beer will release in mid-October, with an autumn-suitable flavor medley.

For the uber-beer geeks out there, you can gather more information via a Google Hangout hosted by NoDa this afternoon at 4 p.m.

Each participating brewery brought much to the table in the formation of these two beers, as attested by an impressive e-mail chain. Saturday, let’s celebrate the collaborative spirit as we sip what our NoDa breweries and New Belgium have to offer.

Group photo via New Belgium Brewery.