Local breweries release Meck Dec-themed beers
Charlotte's breweries are celebrating the 250th anniversary of Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence with special brews and events
The following article appeared in the May 7, 2025, edition of The Charlotte Ledger, an e-newsletter with smart and original local news for Charlotte. We offer free and paid subscription plans. More info here.
Meck Dec on tap: Charlotte’s breweries are gearing up for this month’s big celebration of 250 years of independence
Local breweries are getting in on the celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence, with beers and special events themed to the May 20 event.
(If you’re planning to debate the veracity of Meck Dec — which was believed to have been signed in 1775 declaring freedom from Britain more than a year before the Declaration of Independence, but is unproven because no original copy exists — maybe having a beer in hand is a good idea?)
(L-R) Among Charlotte breweries’ MeckDec-themed beers are Town Brewing’s “First in Freedom Pre-Prohibition American Lager,” Lost Worlds Brewing’s “MecDec Honey Ale” and Olde Mecklenburg Brewery’s “Giddy Up” imperial pilsner.
◼️ Lost Worlds Brewing has a “MecDec Honey Ale,” and will host an event on Saturday from 2:30-5:30 p.m. called the MecDec Express Brew-Infused Bus Tour with author David Fleming. (Fleming wrote a book called “Who’s Your Founding Father” about MeckDec. He’ll lead the tour to areas in Charlotte with connections to the Meck Dec, including a stop at the Charlotte Museum of History.) Tickets are $55.
◼️ Town Brewing is releasing its “First in Freedom” lager and is hosting a panel discussion Monday with Fleming, renowned sculptor and artist Chas Fagan and Scott Syfert, who is the founder of the May 20 Society and author of a book about MeckDec called “The First American Declaration of Independence?: The Disputed History of the Mecklenburg Declaration of May 20, 1775.” The event is sponsored by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation.
◼️ Olde Mecklenburg Brewery will release the “Giddy Up” imperial pilsner on May 15 in draft and growlers at OMB’s two locations. OMB has a Meck Dec-themed beer on tap year-round — the “Captain Jack Pilsner” named for Capt. James Jack, who is said to have delivered the Mecklenburg Declaration to Philadelphia on horseback.
OMB will celebrate Meck Dec on May 17 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at its LoSo location, including a scavenger hunt. —Cristina Bolling
➡️ For an expansive list of Meck Dec 250th anniversary events happening around town, check out the May 20th Society’s website.
Related Ledger article:
“Blowout celebrations planned for Meck Dec milestone” (March 17)
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