Brewing Resilience
Thank you for visiting our area to explore the famous WNC brewery scene. As you may know, we got hit really hard by Hurricane Helene in the early hours of September 27th. As I write this by generator power two weeks later, our families and communities are still pulling together to salvage houses and businesses that can be rebuilt and mourn for the people and homes that have been lost.
I live across the street from the Rocky Broad River, which flooded fast and washed out the bridge across the street. After days of evacuating people by canoe and paddle board and getting supplies across to those who chose to stay, I started getting news about surrounding communities. That’s when I heard that Chimney Rock Brewery, which has been the most amazing community gathering place, was completely washed down the river. I’ve spent many evenings playing fiddle at their legendary Open Mic Nights and sitting by the river relaxing with friends after work. If you get a chance, please visit their Mars Theatre Brewing Co. located in downtown Mars Hill, which made it through the hurricane. Other breweries that I know had damage, although I am sure there are more, include: New Origin Brewing, Zillicoah, Hi-Wire River Arts District, Wedge Brewing, 12 Bones Brewing RAD, Hillman Brewing, Ginger’s Revenge, New Belgium Brewing, Bear Waters, Mad Co. Brew House, Eda Rhyne Distillery, Ginger’s Revenge, French Broad River brewery, Terra Nova - Swannanoa, and Whaley Farms Brewery. If you have visited one of them on a trip before, please reach out and see if there is a GoFundMe for them or for information about supporting breweries and communities with relief efforts go to www.DrinkNCBeer.org.
Without access to city water, many breweries that were not damaged could not brew beer. Many became community centers, organizing donations and cooking meals for people, even donating beer that was in the tanks. I have only ventured out of my neighborhood once during these first two weeks, but was overwhelmed with joy when I made it to Black Mountain Brewery. They had a sign out front offering free food. They fed a hot meal to my children and I — a delicious brisket sandwich — and gave me the most refreshing cold pint of lager I’ve ever tasted in my life.
Through these incredibly difficult times, I hear more and more stories of breweries pulling volunteers and supplies together in support of their communities. Many are collaborating on supportive efforts, raising funds for displaced employees, and coming together for cleanup and reconstruction efforts. These efforts all speak very highly of the importance of this industry to WNC.
As local WNC breweries begin to successfully reopen, it will be imperative to the community and our economy that these businesses are able to continue to operate. The Asheville area contains more breweries per capita than any city in the US. Your support of buying a cold brew goes a long way to help keep these amazing breweries, and the region as a whole, #WNCStrong.
Please visit AshevilleAleTrail.com for updated brewery openings, and we look forward to sharing a pint with you soon.
Cheers!
Katie Eastridge – Marketing Consultant at Hulsey Media
Rock Hard Cider
Twin Leaf Brewery
Wedge Brewing River Arts District
Wedge Brewing Downtown
Hillman Beer
Both locations had significant damage from Hurricane Helene but will be re-opening. Check website for hours and kitchen updates or donate at gofund.me/b23cee2a .
Hillman Beer is a small, family-owned business started in Asheville, NC in 2017. The Hillman’s have come together to bring the pub style back to the brewery experience. With an emphasis on quality beer and a focus on classics and comfort, they hope that their beer and pub atmosphere keep you coming back to Hillman Beer.
They opened their second location in July of 2020 in Old Fort, NC. In March of 2023 they opened a temporary taproom in Morganton, NC while the permanent taproom is under construction. Come enjoy locally sourced pub fare and tasty brews while soaking up creekside views at their first two locations.
Please visit our website for most
to date hours.
Highland Brewing
Highland Brewing Company, Asheville’s original craft brewery, is woman-led by Leah Wong Ashburn and immigrant-founded by her father, Oscar Wong. Proudly regional, Highland’s beers are distributed in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, & Georgia.
Located on 40-acres in East Asheville, brewery visitors enjoy the freshest brews from Highland’s year-round line up and taproom-only small batch beers. The Meadow features an 18-hole disc golf course and sand volleyball courts with league nights. Visit their taproom with food trucks, live music, and brewery tours!
Catawba Brewing has been an industry leader in WNC’s craft beer scene for 23 years. As one of the first breweries in the area to offer beer in cans, Catawba’s signature White Zombie has long been a favorite of visitors and locals alike. Catawba has weekly small batch beer releases every Thursday! Catawba offers a nearly unmatched selection that remains approachable, yet innovative. Catawba has a tasting room, event space, and brewery in the heart of the South Slope.
Salt Face Mule Brewing
Salt Face Mule Brewing is more than just a brewery-it’s an experience. Our facility boasts a full service kitchen offering traditional southern dishes with a delectable twist, signature cocktails, two bocce ball courts and two 18-hole miniature golf courses in addition to fourteen draft offerings. We pride ourselves in offering a diverse variety of craft brew options, ranging from IPAs and stouts to lagers and hefeweizens. With collective craft and culinary knowledge and experiences from across the region, our team strives for continued creativity, aiming to always keep the food and beers as fun as the atmosphere. Open 7 days a week, Salt Face Mule Brewing is your home base for beer, food and fun.
We are pleased to announce that WE WON GOLD in the Pilsner category at the NC Brewers Cup.
Wicked Weed Brewing
Located in the heart of Downtown Asheville, Wicked Weed’s original pub inhabits a 2-story Art Deco building with sprawling outdoor seating areas. Wicked Weed burst onto the scene in 2012 with groundbreaking West Coast Style IPAs, Belgian-Inspired Sour Ales, and Barrel-Aged Ales. Now celebrating their 11th year, and an assortment of medals from GABF and others, Wicked Weed produces a wide variety of beer styles. Their seasonally-rotating menu boasts locally-sourced, elevated pub fare. Boasting 56 taps between two levels, Wicked Weed exclusively pours its own beers, along with their newly introduced natural wines and ciders, along with craft cocktails. The 15-barrel brewhouse downstairs hosts free tours every day. Come see where it all began! Visit wickedweedbrewing.com for info on beers, menu, special events, and tours!
Wicked Weed’s Funkatorium
Located in the South Slope, Wicked Weed’s Funkatorium was originally opened in October 2014 as the East Coast’s only sour beer-dedicated taproom. Since then, it has grown into something new entirely! The Funkatorium maintains its sour beer roots and has recently introduced its natural wine and cider brand, Vīdl Cellars. You can also enjoy their many delicious craft cocktail offerings. The Funkatorium’s biergarten boasts beautiful outdoor seating, an additional bar, and a stage.
Signature Brew Black Angel
Seasonal Favorite Morte Series
WORKSHOPS,
One World Downtown
One World Brewing is one of Asheville’s favorite small batch breweries. Their original location is in a unique underground setting and is where they brew the Pale Ales, IPAs, and Stouts that have made this little powerhouse famous. A great place to hunker down and grab a board game, play some darts or Sjoelbak, and enjoy the company of friends, family, and a great beer. Farm Burger available for delivery at this location.
Signature
One World West
In the heart of West Asheville a once forgotten building has been transformed into a cultural and community hub. One World West offers amazing craft beer brewed on site, liquor drinks and herbal elixirs. Guests can enjoy an inviting taproom as well as an outdoor bar, a nice open yard with ample seating, and outdoor games. Check website for Beer News, Live Music Schedule and Community Events. Food truck on site Friday through
BLK MTN Brewing
Nestled in the heart of beautiful Black Mountain NC, BLK MTN Brewing offers a unique variety of progressive and traditional libations. Driven by quality, our brewers are constantly striving to create world-class beer that is guaranteed to tickle one’s fancy. Focused on community with an ever-changing draft list and a steady stream of inspiration,
and pair the killer mountain views and some tasty BBQ from SMOKE with a frothy pint!
New Belgium Brewing
New Belgium Brewing was said to be “Born on a Bike Seat” more that 30 years ago in Fort Collins, Colorado and pedaled its way into the hearts and minds of the Asheville Community in 2016. Nestled alongside the beautiful French Broad River overlooking the River Arts District, New Belgium’s Liquid Center Tasting Room is a must for anyone, local or weekend warrior alike. Grab a seat in their gorgeous Beer Garden while sipping a delicious Fat Tire, Voodoo Ranger, or your favorite flight option.
New Belgium hosts a daily rotating cast of Asheville food truck favorites. Sign up for a tour experience on New Belgium’s website or just swing by to enjoy the spacious front lawn. Heck, if you’re lucky you might event catch some live music. This brewery truly has something for everyone. Cheers!
Discover
Asheville at Hi-Wire Taprooms
Established in 2013, Hi-Wire Brewing links Asheville’s rich brewing tradition with a fun, community-focused, never-takesthemselves-too-seriously vibe. Known for standout beers like the Hi-Pitch Mosaic IPA and the 10W-40 Imperial Stout, Hi-Wire is an essential stop on Asheville’s Ale Trail. Each of Hi-Wire’s two unique Asheville locations offers something special:
South Slope: The birthplace of Hi-Wire in Asheville’s brewing district, where taproom exclusives and sour ales are made. Venture through the brewhouse to The Tiki Easy Bar for an island-inspired cocktail adventure, boasting a selection of historic and rare rums.
Biltmore Village: Experience the brewing magic firsthand and savor your beer next to the tanks at Hi-Wire’s production facility. Don’t miss The Event Space and Bier Garden, ideal for hosting memorable events.
Visiting Hi-Wire’s taprooms goes beyond just drinking good beer— of which there are 20+ taps full—it’s about the vibrant experiences each location offers making Hi-Wire a staple of Asheville’s beer scene with its commitment to fun, community, and sustainability.
Catastrophic flooding brought by Hurricane Helene submerged Hi-Wire’s River Arts District location, which housed their HQ, distribution center, and RAD Beer Garden resulting in a total loss of the location and 80% of their finished beer. A Hurricane Relief Fund for Hi-Wire and impacted staff is available at bit.ly/hiwirehurricanefund
Hi-Wire taprooms serve winning lagers, IPAs,
Burning Blush Brewery
Founded in December 2019, family-owned and operated Burning Blush focuses on traditional European lagers and ales. Order them in a half liter mug across a beautiful rescued 1930s bar. The large taproom gives off a Victorian gothic vibe and is furnished to replicate a German bier hall with large community style tables where conversation amongst beer drinkers reigns supreme. The walls are adorned with an intricate stain glass mural by local Asheville artists that reflects across the original stain glass from the bar. The brewery also has a large, 12,000 square foot outdoor beer garden to accommodate families and furry friends alike. A rotating food truck schedule everyday allows for a different food pairing for each visit.
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. is one of America’s craft beer pioneers. Founded in Chico, CA in 1980, Sierra Nevada is internationally renowned for its innovative and hop-forward beers, its use of the finest quality ingredients, and its commitment to sustainability. That pioneering spirit now spans both coasts with the 2014 opening of their new brewery in Mills River, NC – just minutes south of Asheville.
At Sierra Nevada’s jaw-dropping brewery, visitors can walk through our estate garden, grab a pint at the Back Porch Bar and dine in our Taproom. They’ll enjoy creative beer-focused food alongside brewery-fresh Pale Ale, Torpedo, Hazy Little Thing, Strainge Beast, and dozens of small-batch beers not found anywhere else.
Bold Rock Hard Cider – Asheville
Welcome to Bold Rock, conveniently situated in the heart of Downtown Asheville featuring craft beer and craft cider, along with handcrafted cocktails and an impressive wine selection. Our culinary creations, prepared in-house from scratch, offer an authentic dining experience. Additionally, we house a cutting-edge small-batch cider production system and offer exquisite private event spaces.
Our calendar is filled with exciting weekly events, including trivia nights and karaoke sessions. We also offer a southern-style brunch menu on weekends, live music performances, and enticing food and beverage specials designed to cater to any budget. Plan your visit soon to indulge in exceptional bites and savor world-class cider at Bold Rock!
Bold Rock Hard Cider – Mills River
Bold Rock Mills River Cidery is located just a short 20-minute drive from Downtown Asheville, nestled amidst the farmlands of North Carolina. When you visit, you’ll discover the intricate process behind our cider, meticulously crafted from locally sourced apples harvested in Henderson County.
Our offerings include an array of hard ciders, diverse flights, and even a selection of local craft beers. To satisfy your culinary cravings, indulge in our southern-inspired food menu prepared daily by the Bold Bites Mobile Kitchen. Our expansive Cider Garden provides ample space to unwind. We extend a warm welcome to all, including furry friends and little ones – we are proudly dog and kid-friendly!
Signature Brew
Carolina Apple
A crisp and refreshing
Granny Smith-style cider
Please check website for
hours.
Seasonal Favorite
Blackberry Cider
Rich blackberry paired with a distinctively tart and off-dry finish
Dry Falls Brewing Co.
Dry Falls Brewing Co. started out as a dream between father and son while sitting in a brewery on family vacation. Romanticizing the idea while drinking a flight of twenty-four different brews, Jeff and Evan found their next father/son hobby. They dove into books on brewing, purchased home brewing equipment and decided to brew full grain, just like the pros! Over a six-month period, they built a small working brewery inside Jeff’s garage. Friends, family, and neighbors started coming over and sharing pints.
In 2015 Evan’s mother finally pushed her boys in the direction they needed. She gave the ultimatum “Do it, or stop talking about it.” In August 2016, Dry Falls Brewing Co. was founded and later purchased the Kanuga Rd location. They saw the old body shop for what is could be; a great place for a brewery. Prost!
Blue Ridge Beer Garden
Blue Ridge Beer Garden is the first of its kind in downtown Hendersonville. Originally a 1950s gas station, the space’s reimagining and expansion create a modern-day filling station of a different kind. Boasting 25 beers and ciders on tap, plus an array of wine, seltzers, domestics, craft beer, and non-alcohol options, there is something for everyone’s palate and preference.
The garden offers a large outdoor social environment that allows locals and tourists alike to enjoy a variety of local hops, entertainment, and the starting point of adventure with HVL Pedal & Brews, Hendersonville’s pedal pub tour company.
Oklawaha Brewing Co
In the heart of downtown Hendersonville, the expanding Oklawaha Brewing is a craft beer lover’s destination. Our brewing team specializes in hop-forward IPAs, crisp lagers, and locally fruited sours, constantly innovating to bring you the best beer experience possible.
Beyond the brews, the rhythm of live music echoes seven nights a week, setting the tone for an inviting ambiance that attracts both locals and tourists. Our taproom features a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for enjoying our award-winning beers with friends. Whether you’re here to relax, socialize, or explore new flavors, Oklawaha Brewing promises a memorable experience with every visit.
Find your beer
The world of beer is filled with unique flavors. Use this handy guide to find Asheville’s craft beer styles that fit your taste.
Wild Ale Yeast or bacteria are added to any style to create unique flavors
Barley Wine
Lively and fruity, sweet or bittersweet, always strong INTENSE
Pilsner Mediumbodied lager typically brewed with German hops BALANCED
Pale Ale Balanced ale, light color, medium ABV LIGHT HOPS
Schwarzbier Dark, malty and refreshing LIGHT FLAVOR
Mexican Lager A lightbodied ale with some malt START HERE
India Pale Ale (IPA) Flavorful, hop-forward with a malt balance MEDIUM HOPS
Brown Ale Smooth ale with nutty flavor accents CARAMEL
Berliner Weisse
A tart beer with low ABV and often made with fruit SOUR
Gose
ʻGoes-uh’ A light, tart and slightly salty beer REFRESHING
TRENDING
Hazy IPA
A fruity, sometime hoppy with a pillowy mouth feel
Milk Stout Stouts are brewed to have residual sugar & lactose for a creamy mouth feel BREAKFAST
These ʻPastry Stouts’ taste like a boozy dessert DECADENT
Imperial Stout
Wheat Beers Brewed with wheat barley, golden with a silky rich head
West Coast IPA A very hoppy take on a classic hoppy style HOP BOMB
Porter More fullbodied than stouts with rich roasty notes FILLING
Ales with fruity, barnyard-like notes MUSTY
Saison
TRIPEL
A Belgianstyle with multi-layer flavor and heft OLD WORLD
Tasting Notes:
Brewery:
Beer Name: Beer Style:
Notes:
Brewery:
It’s music to your beers.
Whether it’s drinkin’ and honkeytonkin’, hours of jam, or songs to soothe your soul, we have the music to drink by.
Hand-crafted, roots-oriented music, eclectically brewed in house.
We’re like the craft beer of public radio.
Photo: Vicki Dameron
