“Making Beer History”
Brewery 99 is not only making their own beer, they are making beer history. As the first brewery in Craven Country and the 99th brewery in the state of North Carolina, owner Pete Frey has just recently relocated his taproom from tiny 417F Broad Street in downtown New Bern to the much larger 1014 Pollock Street.
“We’ve relocated because I wanted to own my own building and the surrounding land and not be tied to a lease. Here we have an affordable structure with space to brew the beer, a large outdoor seating area, live bands and food trucks,” says Pete. “And soon we will begin construction of our new 2,500 square foot tap room, designed by an architect that I have been admiring for the last 25 years, Marvin Maune, who also designed our local convention center and Persimmons restaurant.”
Pete first began brewing his own beer in the early 90s, as a hobby, while he was working two other jobs as a baker and also building boats. He imagined someday selling his beer as a side business, but in those early days he didn’t feel that he knew enough about the beer making process to be successful. So he started reading and researching; he went to work for a large brewery; he learned the process. Then, understanding the techniques, the chemistry, he began creating his own favorite beers, in his own way.
“When I first started I was only making one barrel a month, creating beers that I liked for my own pleasure, so maybe 12 a year. Now we make 16 barrels in a single month. It seems like a lot but we are still a very small operation—but we have big dreams,” says Frey.
Obtaining the new property on Pollock Street two years ago was just the beginning. That early stage took an extraordinary amount of physical labor. The building was in terrible condition: overgrown, busted up, sorely neglected. It didn’t even have a roof. “Most people would have just torn the building down, but I saw value in it,” he says. Frey had to clear the debris and trash from the building and surrounding lot, and then begin the repair work and construction, basically rebuilding it from the ground up, including the roof, walls, plumbing, and electrical, in order to get everything up to code and make the space usable for brewing.
Once the six month renovation was complete, they set up to brew and started work on the outdoor space, which has the feel of a friendly neighborhood patio party, with picnic tables, chairs, a small stage, and plenty of parking, food and music. The bar is setup just outside the back side of the building and has 9 beers on tap—all of which are handcrafted by Brewery 99.
I had the distinct pleasure of being able to try a flight of seven beers, and they were truly outstanding. I tried the Smoke Wheat, rich and complex with a powerful smoke flavor; the Pale Lager, light and clean using colder temperatures for fermentation; the Confignorant Pale Ale, beautifully balanced with malt and hops; the Oatmeal Stout, dark and creamy without too much bite on the finish; the Maibock, sweet and aromatic from the bourbon barrels; the Cask Conditioned IPA, hoppy and without carbonation; and my personal favorite, the XXX Belgian Tripel, a strong, slightly sweet, fragrant ale that leaves a delightful lasting impression.
“They are amazing,” I said to Pete. His eyes shined. “I love them all,” he said, like he was talking about his own children.
It is clear that making those beers has been quite the journey for him. “Over the years, I have learned what I wanted and what I really love to do. I enjoy pouring and drinking, meeting new people and making friends. But really the best part of what I do is connecting with people, supporting our community and feeling them support me,” says Frey. “I think where we are located creates an opportunity for all kinds of people, from all different walks of life, to drink, to listen to a good band, and to have a great time. I like to keep it simple. That’s what makes me happy.”
And so Brewery 99 intends to keep growing. Frey hopes to be breaking ground for the taproom in January 2022, pending approval from the city. Interestingly, part of his dream for the taproom space includes not only serving beer, but also going back to his roots as a baker, making his favorite bread: croissants. Chocolate, to be precise. And sometimes plain. And some great coffee. Maybe the following year he’ll start building boats again? Get ready for yet another Frey masterpiece.