Beer with friends: How two friends turned love of beer into a business

In 2016 when they both ended up in the Triangle, the two decided to continue their tradition.

"We ended up in Haw River and Saxapahaw," Spore said.

Exploring the area for the best craft beer got the two thinking about a potential business. Spore had been working in the renewable energy industry but wanted a jog that allowed him to "interact with people each day."

"We just loved the craft beer scene in general and decided to start a tour," Spore said.

Spore was in the MBA program at UNC's Kenan-Flagler Business School at the time so he worked on the business plan there.

While private tours are available, the group offers a fun mix of tours on the weekends, including Pints and Paninis, which includes a visit to Saxapahaw General Store and Haw River Farmhouse Ale. There are beer brunch tours in Raleigh and Durham on Sundays and even a Kayak and Craft Beer tour along the Haw River on select Saturdays.

The company is also looking to branch into sports with an upcoming Baseball and Brews tour with the Durham Bulls, the only minor league team with its own brewery.

"We are one of the few groups that do this full time. We spend a lot of time trying to think about the customer experience," Spore said.

The two also said that they love making friends on the tours. While traveling by bus to each location, they do ice breakers and trivia.

"We really are trying to create a social and relaxing vibe for our customers," Spore said.