Living

Inside look at NoDa's newest brewery — and what's on tap next for owners

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Protagonist Clubhouse marks the latest brewery to open in Charlotte’s NoDa neighborhood — and it’s part of a larger vision for the trio of friends behind the concept.

[ALSO READ: NoDa nanobrewery ramps up construction; owner talks Charlotte's first ‘flux capacitor']

The nanobrewery officially opened its doors last Thursday at the corner of North Davidson and East 35th streets, offering not just its own selection of brews but also collaborating with other breweries and featuring guest beer on 22 of its taps — with a goal of helping educate customers about beer.

Jeremy Claeys, formerly in charge of Asheville-based Wicked Weed Brewing’s research and development program, has been tapped as head brewer at Protagonist.

The brewery will strive to serve a variety of styles on its two-barrel system while also encouraging experimentation, said Ryan Owens, co-founder of Protagonist Beer Co. He and childhood friends Mike Salzarulo and Ryan McKillen are partners in the venture.

The trio has plans for an outpost in Optimist Park, too.

Read more about the partners' plans and check out photos of the NoDa space here.