Flying Machine Brewing Company has partnered with the First in Freedom Festival to create the First in Freedom Battlefield Porter, a limited-edition beer brewed using research-based colonial techniques and timed to the festival’s launch at Moore’s Creek National Battlefield.
The beer draws inspiration from 18th-century recipes, offering what brewers describe as a taste of 1776.
“Flying Machine Brewing Company annually creates a beer for the Highland Games,” said Allen Denning, sales manager for Flying Machine Brewing Company. “Susan Collins with the Scottish Society shared old colonial beer recipes with us. When we did the research, we learned hops weren’t readily available in the colonies the way they were in Europe, so colonists used spruce tips as a substitute.”
The collaboration grew out of conversations with Jim Buell, president of the Moores Creek National Battleground Association, who is organizing the First in Freedom Festival with multiple partners, including the Wilmington Area Hospitality Association.
“We felt this was an exciting opportunity to work with the festival,” Denning said. “We’re happy to brew this beer.”
Flying Machine’s brewing team, led by head brewer Chelsea McGowen and Mason Sanborn, director of cellar and packaging, used a two-step, old-world brewing process to recreate the historical style. While the porter pours dark, it remains approachable.
“It looks heavy, but it’s not,” McGowen said.
Buell agreed after sampling the beer during a taste test.
“It is a very good beer,” Buell said. “It won hands down.”
The brewery produced a 20-barrel batch, equating to approximately 200 cases. The beer will be available on tap at the Flying Machine Brewing Company and distributed to select retailers, including large grocery retailers. Visit their website’s ‘beer finder’ to see who carries Flying Machine Brewing Company selections. With assistance from the Wilmington Area Hospitality Association, the beer will also be offered at participating hotels and restaurants.
The beer’s packaging highlights the significance of the Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge, a pivotal Revolutionary War victory.
“We’re ‘First in Freedom’ because of the victory at Moore’s Creek Bridge,” Buell said. “It was a turning point in the Revolutionary War and led North Carolina to become the first colony to declare independence from British rule.”
The can artwork was designed by Ashton Breedlove of Blink Studios and features a colorful, patriotic design. A QR code on the can links consumers to historical information about the battle.
The First in Freedom Battlefield Porter launched Feb. 13 at Flying Machine Brewing Company and will be available for a limited time.
The First in Freedom Festival, Feb. 21–28, serves as the national kickoff for America’s 250th anniversary. Events will take place across eight counties in southeastern North Carolina and culminate at Moore’s Creek National Battlefield in Currie. Planned activities include living history demonstrations, guided tours and ticketed events featuring “Outlander” author Diana Gabaldon.
Festival organizers have also produced a commemorative “Passport” highlighting museums, historic sites and events throughout the region. Visitors can collect stamps at participating locations year-round.
“We are a passport cancellation location,” Denning said. “Visitors can bring in their free passport booklet and have their visit recorded.”
About Flying Machine Brewing Company
Flying Machine Brewing Company opened in 2018 and produces seven year-round beers along with several seasonal offerings. Located at 3031 Randall Parkway in Wilmington, the brewery features 18 beers on tap. Distribution extends east of Interstate 95 into the Triangle, Raleigh, the Crystal Coast, New Bern and Greenville. More information is available at flyingmachine.com.
About the NC First in Freedom Festival
The First in Freedom Festival is the national kickoff event for America’s 250th anniversary. The festival commemorates the Feb. 27, 1776, Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge with demonstrations, tours, music and the debut of documentaries focused on the historic victory. More information is available at ncfirstinfreedomfestival.com.
