Weeping Radish

Weeping Radish holds the distinction of being North Carolina's first microbrewery, founded in 1986 by Uli Bennewitz in Manteo, North Carolina, on the Outer Banks. With nearly four decades of brewing history, the company has established itself as a regional institution rooted in authentic German brewing traditions. All beers are brewed in strict accordance with the Bavarian Reinheitsgebot Purity Law of 1516, which mandates the use of only four ingredients: hops, malt, yeast, and water. This commitment to purity means no additives, chemicals, or preservatives are used in any of their products, distinguishing Weeping Radish from many modern craft brewers who incorporate adjuncts and flavor additives.

The brewery produces a focused lineup of German-style and craft beers that reflect both Old World tradition and the coastal character of the Outer Banks region. The OBX Kölsch is a German-style Kölsch hybrid offering golden clarity, mellow hops, and sweet fruity aromas at 4.9% ABV — a style that bridges the characteristics of ales and lagers. The Black Radish is a traditional German Schwarzbier clocking in at 4.6% ABV, featuring a rich dark profile with notes of chocolatey espresso, roasted Munich malt, and salty caramel, while maintaining a light, refreshing finish. Corolla Gold is a Munich Helles Lager at 5.1% ABV, inspired by Bavarian classics and designed for broad approachability with its bready, malty sweetness and clean finish. The Radish IPA, at 6.3% ABV, blends tropical West Coast hops with piney East Coast hops for a citrus-forward, floral ale with mellow bitterness.

Weeping Radish operates a taproom and distributes its packaged products through a network of retail locations across the Outer Banks region of North Carolina, including stores in Corolla, Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, Manteo, Duck, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Southern Shores. The regional distribution footprint makes the brewery a prominent local brand for both residents and the significant tourist population that visits the Outer Banks annually.

The brewery's heritage is well-documented, with archival photography from the early 1990s capturing its original brewing operations, bottling lines, and fermentation processes. This historical depth reinforces its positioning as a legacy craft brand in the Southeast. Weeping Radish caters to consumers and retail buyers seeking authentically crafted, German-inspired beers made with minimal, all-natural ingredients in a regional craft context.