Tobacco Wood Brewing Company (Craft Beer & Brewery in Oxford NC)

Tobacco Wood Brewing Company punches through the usual brewery chatter with a fresh twist. Based in Oxford, North Carolina, and spilling over into a lively gastropub in Durham, it proudly bears the badge of the state’s first female‑ and veteran‑owned craft brewery. Founded in 2018 by Mara and Paul Shelton, the duo (both seasoned enough to know the difference between hype and real skill) set up shop with a clear mission: great beer, no pretension.

The Oxford taproom doubles as a glass‑boxed brewing floor, letting you watch Matt, the head brewer, and his crew coax a rotating roster of seasonal ales and inventive staples from the kettle. In Durham, the focus shifts to food, where smash‑burgers and smoky BBQ share the limelight with the taps. The staff are genuinely enthusiastic, eager to point you at a new release or suggest a perfect pairing, and they keep the bill for drinks and grub nicely separate – a small mercy for anyone who likes to keep track of their own indulgences.

What makes Tobacco Wood stand out isn’t just the novelty of its ownership; it’s the consistent quality, the welcoming vibe, and a community feel that makes every visit feel like an invitation to something better than the ordinary.

Why we love this brewery

What visitors love

This brewery's menu offers a variety of tasty food options, including breakfast items, sandwiches, and comfort food classics like mac n cheese and BBQ. Beer selection is also praised, with unique offerings and a rotating tap list. Service is consistently friendly and attentive.

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