Atlanta-based Hippin Hops Brewery will open in Second Ward.

Why it matters: Hippin Hops made history when it opened as Georgia’s first Black-owned brewery. In Charlotte, it’ll become our first Black-owned distillery.

What’s happening: We previously reported Hippin Hops would open in NoDa. In August, Hippin Hops owner Clarence Boston decided to change up his plans by opening a brewery called Another Brewery in its place. It’s expected to open in November.

• The business’s name stems from the collective frustration people have over the number of breweries opening in Charlotte.
• Now, Boston also plans to open Hippin Hops in Uptown this December. It’ll be Charlotte’s third local Black-owned brewery, along with Another Brewery and Weathered Souls in LoSo. 

[Go deeper: Complete list and map of Charlotte’s 40+ local breweries, plus the most popular beer at each]

Context: Hippin Hops will open in the former D9 Brewing location, at 650 E Brooklyn Village Ave, which closed earlier this year due to nearby construction.

• Boston tells us he’s not worried about the construction. Instead, he says this spot will be great for the vibes he’s known for bringing to the area. 
• “This location for Hippin Hops will be a destination spot for great brews, spirits and live music. I’m from the area so I think people will be happy to see that I’m back,” said Boston.  

Details: The taproom will be about 900 square feet, and the 3,000-square-foot outside area will be used for live music. 

• The other part of the building will be used to distill vodka, rum, gin and moonshine. Some of their spirits — like their Boston Thomas Whiskey and Noir Cognac — can also be found in ABC stores in Charlotte. 
• As for craft beer, Hippin Hops specializes in wheat beers, sours, IPAs and stouts.