There is a lot of buzz around the beer scene in the Triangle in the next few weeks. June is scattered with tastings, beer dinners, and new beers to keep the craft drinker happy. First, congratulations are in order for the Independent Weekly's "Best of the Triangle 2010" winners. For best local brewery, Raleigh's Big Boss Brewing Company won over Lonerider, Carolina Brewery, and Triangle Brewing Company. For best draft beer selection, Tyler's Taproom took the gold over Milltown, Flying Saucer and Tribeca Tavern. As for best retail beer selection, Sam's Quick Stop in Durham was voted best with Carrboro Beverage Company, Peace Street Market and Total Wine being voted as finalists. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists for their great work and passion.

There are also some exciting events happening around the area for the beer lover. On Thursday, June 17th, Carolina Inn and Tyler's Taproom will host "Hops For Pops Father's Day Beer Dinner." The five-course dinner will be held at the Carolina Inn while Tyler's Taproom will provide the beer pairings to executive chef Jimmy Reale's delicious meals. Reception will be at 6:30pm and dinner will start at 7:00pm. Tickets are $49 and reservations are required. Anyone interested in going should call 919-918-2735.

If dinner is not in your plans but still want to sample some delicious beer, Carrboro Beverage Company will be hosting their weekly tasting Thursday night at 7pm. They will welcome Blue Point Brewery from Long Island, New York. Tasting will begin at 7pm and end at 9pm. As always, these tastings are free to the public.

Later in June, Tyler's of Carrboro will also host their annual Bluegrass Festival in their back parking lot. It's a day of barbecue, bluegrass and beer. $6 Tickets are sold in advance and $8 at the gate. There will be North Carolina barbecue along with great beer and lots of great music.

And finally, all month long the World Cup will be played in South Africa. This is a great time to watch the great game of soccer and explore different and new beers from other countries. Go to your local beer store and try to find a beer from each of the countries and enjoy that countries beer while watching the games. Try Imperial from Costa Rica or Salva Vida from Honduras. The Australian beer Coopers is a popular choice among Aussie's or any American craft beer for the USA!

It's a great time to celebrate beer in the Triangle in June. From award winning local bars to world-wide beers for a soccer match. They main thing is to get out and enjoy all the great places that are here and share a beer with friends