Flying Machine Brewing Company launches the limited-edition First in Freedom Battlefield Porter, a colonial-inspired craft beer celebrating the Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge and the NC First in Freedom Festival.
As the NC First in Freedom Festival begins, southeastern North Carolina is offering visitors a new way to experience Revolutionary War history: a limited-edition craft beer created to honor the Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge. Flying Machine Brewing Company has partnered with the First in Freedom Festival to produce the First in Freedom Battlefield Porter, a research-inspired beer brewed using colonial-era techniques and timed with the festival’s kickoff at Moore’s Creek National Battlefield.
Designed for history enthusiasts, craft beer fans, and travelers exploring the region, the First in Freedom Battlefield Porter takes inspiration from 18th-century brewing traditions. The goal is to deliver an authentic, approachable porter that reflects how beer may have been made in the American colonies during the era of independence.
A colonial-inspired craft beer brewed for a historic celebration
Flying Machine Brewing Company developed the First in Freedom Battlefield Porter after studying historical brewing methods and ingredients used in early America. Research into colonial recipes showed that hops—common in European brewing—were not always readily available in the colonies. As a result, brewers often relied on alternatives, including spruce tips, to provide balance and flavor.
The partnership connects local craft brewing with one of North Carolina’s most significant Revolutionary War sites. The Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge is widely recognized as a pivotal Patriot victory early in the Revolutionary War, and it helped propel North Carolina toward becoming the first colony to vote for independence from British rule.
Collaboration with Moore’s Creek National Battleground Association and regional partners
The beer collaboration grew out of conversations with Jim Buell, president of the Moores Creek National Battleground Association, which is organizing the First in Freedom Festival with multiple partners. Those partners include the Wilmington Area Hospitality Association, which is also helping expand where visitors can find the beer during the festival period.
The First in Freedom Festival is scheduled for Feb. 21–28 and serves as the national kickoff for America’s 250th anniversary. Events will take place across eight counties in southeastern North Carolina and culminate at Moore’s Creek National Battlefield in Currie.
Brewing process and availability: limited batch, select locations
Flying Machine’s brewing team—led by head brewer Chelsea McGowen and Mason Sanborn, director of cellar and packaging—used a two-step, old-world brewing process to recreate the historical style. While the porter pours dark, it is intended to remain accessible to a wide range of beer drinkers.
Flying Machine Brewing Company produced a 20-barrel batch, equating to approximately 200 cases, making the release limited in quantity and time.
The First in Freedom Battlefield Porter will be:
• Available on tap at Flying Machine Brewing Company
• Distributed to select retailers, including large grocery retailers
• Offered at participating hotels and restaurants, with support from the Wilmington Area Hospitality Association
Consumers can check Flying Machine Brewing Company’s website and use the “beer finder” tool to see which locations carry Flying Machine selections.
The official launch date for the First in Freedom Battlefield Porter is Feb. 13, and it will be available for a limited time while supplies last.
Can design highlights the Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge
The beer’s packaging emphasizes the historical importance of the Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge and its role in North Carolina’s “First in Freedom” identity. The can artwork was designed by Ashton Breedlove of Blink Studios and features a colorful, patriotic look intended to stand out on shelves and reinforce the beer’s connection to Revolutionary War history.
A QR code on the can links consumers to additional historical information about the battle, offering an easy way for visitors and locals to learn more about Moore’s Creek National Battlefield and the events that shaped early American independence.
Festival events, living history, and commemorative passport program
During the First in Freedom Festival, visitors can attend a variety of events across the region, including living history demonstrations, guided tours, and ticketed programs. The schedule also includes an appearance connected to “Outlander” author Diana Gabaldon as part of the festival’s ticketed offerings.
Festival organizers have also produced a commemorative First in Freedom Passport, highlighting museums, historic sites, and events throughout southeastern North Carolina. Visitors can collect stamps at participating locations year-round, encouraging ongoing exploration beyond the festival week.
Flying Machine Brewing Company is participating as a passport cancellation location, allowing visitors to bring their free passport booklet to record their visit.
For those planning a trip to Moore’s Creek National Battlefield or exploring the First in Freedom Festival across southeastern North Carolina, the First in Freedom Battlefield Porter offers a limited-edition, locally brewed way to connect with the region’s Revolutionary War story—one pour at a time.
Want to go?
Flying Machine Brewing
3130 Randall Parkway
Wilmington, NC
flyingmachine.com
910-769-8173
