We often take a drive to the unknown and wind up somewhere fantastic. It’s what we do! This time was a great surprise. Not only did we find an incredible brewery but we found awesome people like the staff at Tobacco Wood Brewing Co. and getting to meet and chat with owners Paul and Mara Shelton. TWBC started as a homebrewing class 13 years ago, and a love of craft beer, and has grown into a rural small town business that they are proud to call their own. Both Paul and Mara are veterans, and TWBC has the distinction of being the first female veteran owned brewery in NC. Several of their staff are veterans, and they represent this important part of their lives with the flags and décor on the ceilings and walls. The taproom shows some of the beauty of the county, through pictures of local tobacco barns, farms, local artists work, even to the reclaimed tobacco wood on the bar.
They’ve created an “English” public house feel, where everyone and their families are welcome! Family game nights, run club, trivia night, community seed exchanges and more are just some of the ways the brewery pulls the community together. The taproom provides a place for local musicians to play every week and showcase their talent.
Now I can’t forget to talk about the food O.M.G. Chef Jared & staff are on top of the game when it comes to cuisine to complement the craft beer. For example, the excuse me while I lick my fingers Chicken & waffles to the Hulking Baked potato with mac-n-cheese, BBQ, & onion rings on top. The entire menu is off the hook, and it even has a healthy option or two. Fried cheese curds are healthy, right?
Taprooms are small town revitalizers, and that is what the Sheltons would love to see their brewery do for the lovely town of Oxford.
Tobacco Wood Brewing Co.
117 Wall Street
Oxford, North Carolina 27565
tobaccowoodbrewing.co