This post is by John Frank, our craft beer columnist:

WINSTON-SALEM Evan Ruff traveled three hours from South Carolina to sleep on the sidewalk outside Foothills Brewing on one of the coldest nights of the year.

Behind him , Chris Ransom of Boone huddled close to a camping stove, stirring hash browns and sausage for shivering friends from Tennessee and Alabama.

And toward the back, where the line stretched about 200 people long, Jason Wirgas and Ashley Duman stood bundled in 20-degree temperatures after driving 11 hours straight through the night from Tampa, Fla.

All for one thing: Sexual Chocolate.

The provocatively named, award-winning Imperial Stout from Foothills is one of the most coveted beers made in North Carolina.

Hundreds of craft beer enthusiasts pilgrimaged from across the Southeast Saturday for the beer's once-a-year bottle release at the brewpub in downtown Winston-Salem. The 22-ounce bottles cost $15 and typically sell out in hours. The Internet re-sale value tops $60.

Whole Foods in Cary is hosting its beer and barbecue festival from 3-6 p.m. Saturday.

You can purchase seven beer tasting tickets for $5 or pay $10 for unlimited beer tasting. Barbecue plates with pulled pork, coleslaw and a roll cost $7 each. Proceeds benefit the Western Wake Farmers' Market.

Some participating breweries include Aviator Brewing Co., Carolina Brewing Co., Lone Rider Brewing Co., Foggy Ridge Cider, Duck Rabbit Craft Brewery, Foothills Brewing, Red Oak Brewery.

The Whole Foods in Cary is at 102 New Waverly Place. For more information, call 919-816-8830