Sumit's story
More than 10 years ago, Sumit Vohra decided to quit his day job in tech and start doing something he was passionate about: crafting high-quality, great-tasting ales. A short time later and with the help of friends, he began commercially distributing Shotgun Betty, a German-style Hefeweizen, and Lonerider Brewing Company was born.
Located close enough to RDU International Airport to hear jets roaring by, Lonerider Brewing Company is primarily a distribution and brewing hub, but visitors can also enjoy fresh beer at the onsite tasting room, aptly named The Hideout. Sumit and his team offer tours of the operation, ensuring that guests leave with a better understanding of the care that goes into crafting each brew.
Hailed as one of the top breweries in the country, Lonerider Brewing Company is an intrinsic part of N.C.’s flourishing craft beer scene. And in a place as diverse as Raleigh, this Texas-themed brewery not only fits right in but also finds itself perfectly complemented by a supportive and enthusiastic beer culture that enjoys celebrating the story behind a good brew almost as much as imbibing the beer itself.
Make a trip
You can find their beers all over N.C. and beyond, but visit the brewery to get the full Lonerider experience. Mentioned above, The Hideout is Lonerider's taproom and social spot, the perfect place to taste their beers. "Here at The Hideout, this is more where we showcase our beers," Sumit explains—the beers taste the freshest right at the source. You can also visit Lonerider in Five Points in Raleigh or Wake Forest at their newest Hideouts.
Order up a flight to taste a variety of their award-winning brews or grab yourself a pint. Staples and must-tries include:
- Shotgun Betty Hefeweizen, featuring a rich, banana-clove nose and refreshing dry finish;
- Sweet Josie Brown Ale, a complex beer balancing a nice hop bitterness with a generous amount of chocolate and aromatic malts;
- Hoppy Ki Yay IPA, a straw-colored ale hopped with Columbus and Amarillo and rounded out by a mild body from the malts;
- and Peacemaker Pale Ale, a West Coast-style American pale ale that uses several hop varieties to produce a unique and bountiful hop aroma with a balanced bitterness.
- Also, look out for other year-round beers and special "Outlawed Seasonal Ales" and "Most Wanted Beers."
“We have a West Texas-themed brewery in Raleigh, North Carolina, making a German-style Hefeweizen, run by a guy from India. I think that explains the diversity of what Raleigh is about.”
