Steel String Craft Brewery in Carrboro, North Carolina, opened in April 2013, offering locals a walk on the funky side of craft beer.

Started by four 20-something guys, Steel String has a young, hip vibe that links craft beer with music and attracts a steady crowd of locals, students, college professors and hipsters. It sits in the former Trading Post location on S. Greensboro Street in the heart of Carrboro.

Steel String doesn't serve food and encourages folks to bring take out from nearby restaurants. One of the town's best restaurants, Neal's Deli, is directly across the street, and food trucks are often lingering nearby.

Inside, the taproom is an open warehouse style with exposed brick walls and a concrete floor. The brewing equipment is visible through a glass wall. The bar is shaped like a guitar and music, specifically bluegrass and jazz, is as much a part of the experience at Steel String as the craft brews. Three of the original owners are musicians. It was their mandolin, guitar and Dobro that inspired the name: Steel String.

The history

The four owners who launched the brewery -- Cody Maltais, Will Isley, Eric Knight and Andrew Scharfenberg -- dubbed themselves "the Czars," a nod to the craft beer revolution they wanted to create. Isley, the brewer, started as a homebrewer after he received a kit for Christmas one year, the News & Observer reported.

The Czars promoted their brews at local festivals and offered samples for months before opening. It opened with much hype and now is considering expanding. In the meantime, the brewery recently added a porch in front with tables and chairs.

The beers

Steel String's tap line up is constantly changing with new creations and fresh takes on traditional styles. The Cryin' Holy Double IPA, a hoppy, bright India pale ale at 8.5 percent ABV, is one of the most popular, according to beer review websites Beer Advocate and RateBeer.

Other popular beers include the Zupfen Gose, a rare style sought by craft beer aficionados that is sour and salty, and Exile on Weaver Street, a flavorful hefeweizen. The brewery's beer list also can include the Thick Freakness and No Quarter, two big imperial stouts; the Little Sadie, a farmhouse saison; Big Mon IPA, an American-style India pale ale; Rubber Room Session Ale, a rye beer; and Sound City Altbier, an amber. The brewery also sells half-growlers (32 ounces) to-go at the bar.

Less than a year after opening, Steel String began bottling a few select styles in 22-ounce bombers. They are available at Weaver Street Market and Carrboro Beverage Bottle Shop, both less than a block from the brewery. Also, Beer Study in Chapel Hill sells Steel String and often offers the brewery's beer on tap.