SACAPAHAW, N.C. — In preparation for opening one of North Carolina’s newest truly Southern-style breweries later this year, Haw River Farmhouse Ales owners Ben Woodward and Dawnya Bohager are welcoming Nick Mangili as head brewer. Mangili, a Durham native, is returning to North Carolina after “sowing his wild oats” as head brewer at Deep Ellum Brewing Co. in Dallas, Texas. He also spent time helping Fullsteam get started in Durham in 2010.
Mangili is a mix of beer nerd, science geek and farmhand. Pair his stellar brewing experience with a Bachelor of Science degree in biological systems engineering from Virginia Tech and involvement with farm projects — he’s a perfect fit for Haw River Farmhouse Ales.
“We’re focused on sourcing fresh ingredients from local farmers to brew a lineup of truly ‘North Carolina’ beer,” says Woodward. “Nick’s passion for North Carolina agriculture really sets him apart. He understands our dedication to the community around us — we’re gathering fresh, locally-grown ingredients to make the best, most creative Belgian-inspired beers possible. Nick is going to be an integral part of this process.”
Mangili has some of the same passions.
“There are so many things about Haw River that make it an ideal place for me. We’re going to make beer that brings in a Belgian influence and ties into North Carolina. It’s why I want to work with Ben and Dawnya,” says Mangili. “Brewing is a career where you can tie in weird science stuff and help incorporate community as part of the process. It’s an ideal situation for me; a journey I’m excited to take with Haw River Farmhouse Ales.”
Haw River Farmhouse Ales is scheduled to open later this year in Saxapahaw, NC in the dye building at the historic Dixie Yarns Cotton Mill. For more information about upcoming events, brewery opening and Haw River’s unique brews, visit the Haw River Farmhouse Ales website.
About Haw River Farmhouse Ales
Haw River Farmhouse Ales crafts special brews steeped in Belgian tradition, but elevated by local creativity and Carolina pride. From barley and wild yeast to honey and fruit, the Haw River Farmhand Exchange program sources everything possible from farms within 100 miles of the Saxapahaw, NC brewery. Several Haw River beers also include native wild yeast that the brewery harvested from under a tree in Saxapahaw.
Owners Ben Woodward and Dawnya Bohager believe beer is more than just something you drink. It’s an experience meant to be shared with those around you—it’s about community. The brewery is scheduled to open in late 2013.