AVL BEER WEEK
CHEERS Asheville’s original live music brewery
TO AVL BEER WEEK
101 Fairview Road • 828-277-0222
For the Betterment of the Beer Community Asheville Brewers Alliance avlbrewers.com
ABOUT THE COVER The winner of the ABW guide cover photo contest is Vince Hogan, a bartender at Highland Brewing Co. and White Labs who also works as a freelance chef. Hogan snapped this shot at the original Wedge Brewing Co. in 2016. “I feel this photo captures an unmistakable sense of place,” he says. “It was a beautiful spring day sharing a cold pitcher of hefeweizen with friends.”
Photo by Vince Hogan
Photo courtesy of the Asheville Brewers Alliance In the year since the last AVL Beer Week, the Western North Carolina brewing industry has racked up some significant milestones. Topping this list, Highland Brewing Co., the city’s first craft brewery, celebrated its 25th anniversary. In West Asheville, Haywood Road added All Sevens Brewing and Nantahala Brewing Co.’s Asheville Outpost to its already vibrant scene. And Sweeten Creek Brewing Co. and Archetype Brewing started packaging their products. Flourishing in the city where they got their starts, a few Asheville breweries also staked claims in nonlocal markets. Thirsty Monk opened locations in Portland, Ore., and Denver, Colo. Hi-Wire Brewing has set up shop in Durham, and by early July, will have an outpost in Knoxville, Tenn., and Burial Beer Co. has a new spot in Raleigh.
Down in the South Slope brewing district, the stream of drinkers heading to and from its numerous taprooms continues to grow, and will soon be fortified by the downtown beer scene, which is developing its own identity mere blocks away with the recent addition of Archetype’s second location and the forthcoming CANarchy Collaboratory and DSSOLVR. To better reflect the diverse people and decisions making the above gains possible, Xpress’ AVL Beer Week coverage has shifted from focusing on a few topics to spotlighting a variety of brewing industry figures and emerging trends. We hope you enjoy the range of content this year as you make the most of the eighth annual celebration of the local beer scene. — Edwin Arnaudin, beer coverage coordinator
PUBLISHER Jeff Fobes ADVERTISING, ART & DESIGN MANAGER Susan Hutchinson EDITORS/WRITERS Edwin Arnaudin, Gina Smith CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Bill Kopp, Kay West LEAD DESIGNER Scott Southwick GRAPHIC DESIGNER Olivia Urban LISTINGS Deborah Robertson CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Rob Mikulak Published by Mountain Xpress P.O. Box 144 Asheville, NC 28801 828-251-1333 Copyright 2019
2
2019 AVL BEER WEEK OFFICIAL GUIDE
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
BEER EVENTS
AVL BEER WEEK
EVENTS
Below is the full schedule of events for AVL Beer Week 2019. For detailed descriptions, visit avlbeerweek.com.
SIPS IN THE CITY: AVL Beer Week culminates downtown on Saturday, June 1, with the 10th annual Beer City Festival. Photo from Beer City 2018 by Scott Sands
Friday-Thursday, May 24-30 ‘Strange Brew’ movie
10 p.m., Asheville Brewing Co., 675 Merrimon Ave., $1, avl.mx/61
FRIDAY, MAY 24
Live Karaoke with the Johnnie Blackwell Band 8-11 p.m., The Casual Pint, 1863 Hendersonville Road, Suite 145, Free
SATURDAY, MAY 25 Fermented Nonsense Brewing Beer Release
Try a flight of blue, pink, purple and yellow beers along with rainbow cake from Kali Cakes. Bhramari Brewing Co., 101 S. Lexington Ave.
The Red Wedding and The Night’s Watch berliner weisse beers, one fruited with rasperries and one with blackberries. Noon-10:30 p.m., Craft Centric Taproom & Bottle Shop, 100 Julian Shoals Drive, Arden
AVL Beer Week Kick Off Release
Beer Pong Battleship Tournament
Double Rainbow Day
Burial Beer Co. releases a canned beer just for AVL Beer Week. Noon-10 p.m., Burial Beer Co., 40 Collier Ave.
Enter the Tardis: Historical Beer Tap Takeover Circa 1910 with Beer Historian Ron Pattinson 1-7 p.m., Zebulon Artisan Ales, 8 Merchants Alley, Weaverville, $20, avl.mx/60z
Tap Haus Takeover with Highland Brewing Co.
$3 pints from Highland Brewing Co. and live music by Christina Chandler. 5-8 p.m., Whole Foods Market, 4 S.Tunnel Road
Noon-4 p.m., Bhramari Brewing Co., 101 S. Lexington Ave., Free
Enter the Tardis: Historical Beer Tap Takeover Circa 1910 with Beer Historian Ron Pattinson 1-7 p.m., Zebulon Artisan Ales, 8 Merchants Alley, Weaverville, $20, avl.mx/60z
Flight of the Lagers Taste two flights of lagers plus one sneak peak at a limited bottle release. 1-9 p.m., Wedge Brewing Co. at Foundation, 5 Foundy St., $20, avl.mx/611
Live Music with The Rainbows 4-6 p.m., The Casual Pint, 1863 Hendersonville Road, Suite 145
Ménage a Freak Triple IPA Release Party 5 p.m.-midnight, The Funkatorium, 147 Coxe Ave., Free
Braised and Confit Artisan Beer Dinner with Archetype Brewing 5:30-10 p.m., Archetype Brewing, 174 Broadway, $72, avl.mx/612
Dr. Bacon at Oskar Blues Brewery
Live Appalachian funk-rock band. 6-8 p.m., Oskar Blues Brewery, 342 Mountain Industrial Drive, Brevard, Free
Asheville City Soccer Club vs Georgia Revolution FC 6:30-10 p.m., Memorial Stadium, 32 Buchanan Place, $10, avl.mx/613
Deer Tick Beer Concert
Pisgah Brewing’s AVL Beer Week kickoff concert with Deer Tick and more. 6:30-11 p.m., Pisgah Brewing Co., 150 Eastside Drive, Black Mountain, $27.50, avl.mx/614
Live Music with Dennis “Chalwa” Berndt 8-11 p.m., The Casual Pint, 1863 Hendersonville Road, Suite 145, Free MOUNTAINX.COM/BEERWEEK
SUNDAY, MAY 26 Fifth Annual SocialFest Two stages of live music, food and fun to fight homelessness among veterans. Noon-midnight, The Social, 1078 Tunnel Road, $10, avl.mx/615
Battle of the Breweries Volleyball Tournament Noon-3 p.m., Creekside Taphouse, 8 Beverly Road, Free
Eurisko Coffee Beer Tap Takeover Featuring PennyCup Roasters Noon-8 p.m., Eurisko Beer Co., 255 Short Coxe Ave.
Ice Cream Sunday with The Hop Featuring ice cream made with Archetype Brewing’s The Unruly Mystic coffee porter. 2-6 p.m., Craft Centric Taproom & Bottle Shop, 100 Julian Shoals Drive, Arden
Fermentation Fest! Hands-on demos, samples, vendors, kids activities and a $5 food menu. 2-7 p.m., White Labs Kitchen & Tap, 172 S. Charlotte St. $15, avl.mx/616 2019 AVL BEER WEEK OFFICIAL GUIDE
3
BEER EVENTS
Enter the Tardis: The Rise and Fall of English Porter 1750-1960, Lecture/Tasting with Beer Historian Ron Pattinson 4-6 p.m., Zebulon Artisan Ales, 8 Merchants Alley, Weaverville, $35-$100, avl.mx/617
Crafty Hour at the NC Arboretum
Drink beer, create a rose petal mandala and explore the arboretum. 4-6 p.m., 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, $67-$75, avl.mx/618
Beer Nerd Trivia
5-7 p.m., Oskar Blues Brewery, 342 Mountain Industrial Drive, Brevard, Free
MONDAY, MAY 27 Hi-Wire and Well-Played Memorial Day Keg Hunt 1-5 p.m., Hi-Wire Brewing, 197 Hilliard Ave., $120 per team of six, avl.mx/619
Enter The Tardis: The Rise and Fall of English Porter 1750-1960, Lecture/Tasting with Beer Historian Ron Pattinson
1-1:50 p.m., CBIS, 1459 Sand Hill Road, Free, avl.mx/623
AVL Beer Expo x AVL Beer Week: Legal Panel Presented by Asheville Brewers Alliance 3:30-5 p.m., Aloft Hotel, 51 Biltmore Ave., Free, avl.mx/624
Build-A-Beer Workshop
Recipe-building and ingredient-tasting session for homebrewers. 6-8 p.m., Archetype Brewing, 265 Haywood Road, $35, avl.mx/61a
‘Friends’ Trivia
7-9 p.m., The Casual Pint, 1863 Hendersonville Road, Suite 145, Free
Beer Trivia with Highland Brewing Co.
Beat the Brewer Connect Four Throwdown
WEDNESDAY, MAY 29
7 p.m., The Casual Pint, 1863 Hendersonville Road, Suite 145, Free
Beer-themed Trivia
7-9 p.m., Bhramari Brewing Co., 101 S. Lexington Ave., Free
AVL Beer Expo x AVL Beer Week: Lab on a Budget with the Craft Beverage Institute of the Southeast
11-11:50 a.m., CBIS, 1459 Sand Hill Road, Free, avl.mx/625
AVL Beer Expo x AVL Beer Week: Microscope Basics with the Craft Beverage Institute of the Southeast
TUESDAY, MAY 28
Noon-12:50 p.m., CBIS, 1459 Sand Hill Road, Free, avl.mx/626
AVL Beer Expo x AVL Beer Week: Microscope Basics with the Craft Beverage Institute of the Southeast
AVL Beer Expo x AVL Beer Week: Infection Detection with the Craft Beverage Institute of the Southeast
11-11:50 a.m., CBIS, 1459 Sand Hill Road, Free, avl.mx/621 MOUNTAIN XPRESS
AVL Beer Expo x AVL Beer Week: Lab on a Budget with the Craft Beverage Institute of the Southeast
7:30-9:30pm, Craft Centric Taproom & Bottle Shop, 100 Julian Shoals Drive, Arden
General Knowledge Team Trivia
2019 AVL BEER WEEK OFFICIAL GUIDE
Noon-12:50 p.m., CBIS, 1459 Sand Hill Road, Free, avl.mx/622
4-6 p.m., Zebulon Artisan Ales, 8 Merchants Alley, Weaverville, $35-$100, avl.mx/617
Battle sake brewer Pat Shearer at Connect Four. 6-8 p.m., Ben’s Tune Up, 195 Hilliard Ave., Free
4
AVL Beer Expo x AVL Beer Week: Infection Detection with the Craft Beverage Institute of the Southeast
1-1:50 p.m., CBIS, 1459 Sand Hill Road, Free, avl.mx/627
AVL Beer Expo x AVL Beer Week: Insurance Panel Presented by the Asheville Brewers Alliance 3:30-5 p.m., Aloft Hotel, 51 Biltmore Ave., Free, avl.mx/628
Brett Who?! Brettanomyces Class and Tasting 6:30-8:30 p.m., Archetype Brewing, 265 Haywood Road, $20, avl.mx/61d
THURSDAY, MAY 30
Bad Ass Batches — Pink Boots Society Fundraiser at WXYZ Lounge @ Aloft Hotel
Food and Beer Pairing flights at Bhramari Brewing Co.
5-8 p.m., WXYZ Lounge at Aloft Hotel, 51 Biltmore Ave., avl.mx/61o
AVL Beer Expo x AVL Beer Week: Infection Detection with the Craft Beverage Institute of the Southeast
Thirsty Monk’s Sixth Annual Not So Big BIG Beer Festival 5:30-9:30 p.m., Thirsty Monk warehouse, 92 Thompson St., $15-$25, monkpub.com/notsobigfest
Crawfish Boil with Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. 6-9 p.m., The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave., $5, avl.mx/61b
Catawba Brewing Co.’s Gaining Ground Farm Dinner Five-course beer and food pairing prepared by Rhubarb chef John Fleer. 6-9:30 p.m., 305 Sluder Branch Road, Leicester, $79, avl.mx/61c
Just Brew It Kickoff Party Meet local homebrewers in advance of the June 15 Just Brew It Festival. 6-10 p.m., Wedge Brewing Co. at Foundation, 5 Foundy St., avl.mx/61p
South Slope Beer and Music Pairing Volume 3 Tasty Beverage Co., Burial Beer Co. and Hi-Wire Brewing each select songs to pair with three specialty beers. 6-8 p.m., Tasty Beverage Co., 162 Coxe Ave., Suite 101, Free
Bhramari Brewing Co., 101 S. Lexington Ave.
11-11:50 a.m., CBIS, 1459 Sand Hill Road, Free, avl.mx/629
AVL Beer Expo x AVL Beer Week: Lab on a Budget with the Craft Beverage Institute of the Southeast
Noon-12:50 p.m., CBIS, 1459 Sand Hill Road, Free, avl.mx/62a
AVL Beer Expo x AVL Beer Week: Microscope Basics with the Craft Beverage Institute of the Southeast
1-1:50 p.m., CBIS, 1459 Sand Hill Road, Free, avl.mx/62b
Small-batch Lulo Zombie Release Catawba Brewing Co., 32 Banks Ave., Suite 105
Skillet Six Ways
Six takes on Skillet Donut Stout with mini-doughnut pairings from Vortex. 2-10 p.m., Burial Beer Co., 40 Collier Ave.
AVL Beer Expo x AVL Beer Week: Raw Materials Panel – Presented by Asheville Brewers Alliance
Five-course Vegetarian Food and Brew Pairing
3:30-5 p.m., Aloft Hotel, 51 Biltmore Ave, Free, avlbrewers.com
Vegetarian dishes from Laughing Seed Cafe paired with Stone Brewing beers. 6-10 p.m., Laughing Seed Cafe, 40 Wall St., 828-252-3445
Moog Music/ Archetype Brewing: Tour and Taste
Relay for Life Fundraiser Raffle and 10% of the evening’s sales benefit Relay for Life. 6-9 p.m., The Casual Pint, 1863 Hendersonville Road, Suite 145
5:30-7:30 p.m., 174 Broadway, $10, avl.mx/61e
ArborEvenings at the NC Arboretum
6-9 p.m., 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, $14, avl.mx/61f MOUNTAINX.COM/BEERWEEK
2019 AVL BEER WEEK OFFICIAL GUIDE
5
BEER EVENTS Beer City Tourists vs. West Virginia Power 7-10:30 p.m., McCormick Field, 30 Buchanan Place
Pizza Dinner with French Broad River Brewery 7-9 p.m., Strada Italiano, 27 Broadway, $30, avl.mx/61g
Beer Week Music Bingo Featuring Double Barley Brewing 7-10 p.m., The Casual Pint, 1863 Hendersonville Road, Suite 145
FRIDAY, MAY 31 Bourbon Barrel-Aged 13 Paces Baltic Porter Bottle Release Noon-10p.m., Wedge Brewing Co., 37 Paynes Way, Suite 001
Sour Bottle Release Noon-10 p.m., Burial Beer Co., 40 Collier Ave.
6
2019 AVL BEER WEEK OFFICIAL GUIDE
Total Summer Eclipse II: Dark Beer Day
Asheville Sunset Beer Tour with Leap Frog Tours
Dark beers from around the world. Noon-10 p.m., The Whale, 507 Haywood Road
6-10 p.m., meet at Aloft Hotel, reservations required, $60, avl.mx/61h
AVL Beer Expo x AVL Beer Week: Ask Me Anything with ABC and ALE — Presented by Asheville Brewers Alliance
American Craft Sake Fest – Meet the Brewers
Beer City Festival’s 10th Anniversary: Summer Session Noon-5 p.m., Roger McGuire Green, 121 College St., $45-$90, avl.mx/61k
Ohlins Trailfork and Summer Golden Ale Release
6-8 p.m., Ben’s Tune Up, 195 Hilliard Ave., Free
Noon-6 p.m., Oskar Blues Brewery, 342 Mountain Industrial Drive, Brevard
1-3 p.m., AC Hotel, 10 Broadway, Free, avl.mx/pru1
Meet the Brewer Event with Wooden Robot Brewery
AVL Beer Expo x AVL Beer Week: Historical ’Hoppenings’: Preserving Our Craft Beer Story — Presented by NC Craft Beverage Museum
7-10 p.m., The Casual Pint, 1863 Hendersonville Road, Suite 145, Free
Ben’s American Craft Sake Fest – Meet the Brewers
3:30-5 p.m., AC Hotel, 10 Broadway, Free, avl.mx/62c
Appalachian Out-of-Towners Meetup with Homeplace Beer Co. and Fonta Flora Brewery The two breweries will release a special collaborative kvass. 5-8 p.m., Tasty Beverage Co., 162 Coxe Ave., Suite 101, Free
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
Pisgaha-ha Comedy Showcase 8-11 p.m., LaZoom Room, 76 Biltmore Ave., $10, avl.mx/61i
SATURDAY, JUNE 1 Catawba Brewing Co. White Zombie 5K with MANNA FoodBank 9 a.m.-noon, Catawba Brewing Co., 32 Banks Ave., Suite 105, $40, avl.mx/61j
3-7 p.m., Ben’s Tune Up, 195 Hilliard Ave., Free
Papadosio’s Summer SEEquence Live music with Papadosio, Toubab Krewe and more on the outdoor stage. 5 p.m.-1 a.m., Pisgah Brewing Co., 150 Eastside Drive, Black Mountain, $27.50, avl.mx/61l
Live Music with Rob Banks 8-11 p.m., The Casual Pint, 1863 Hendersonville Road, Suite 145, Free
AVL BEER WEEK
Hot Sauce Company
A DIFFERENT KIND OF BREW WNC breweries and cideries branch out with hard seltzers and spritzers
Capture the Flavor, Spread the Heat ™ Small batch • Hand made Flavor first, heat second • Vegan Gluten Free • Low Sodium • No Added Sugar
found in Over 100 of the Best Restaurants & Stores in Asheville THE LIGHT SIDE: Noble and Bold Rock hard cider companies and Sweeten Creek Brewing have stepped outside their usual brewing bailiwicks to launch lines of hard seltzers. Photos courtesy of the respective businesses The cidery is planning a June 10 release for its packaged line of 4% ABV Bold Rock Hard Seltzer, which comes in grapefruit and cucumber-melon flavors. Almost a year of research and development went into creating Bold Rock’s all natural, fermented apple-based products, which have 1 gram of sugar and 82 calories per 12-ounce serving. “Hard seltzer presents an opportunity to play ball in a parallel category that is growing explosively, and we had enough confidence in our liquids team where we thought we could develop a hard seltzer product that would compete and succeed in that space,” says Lindsay Dorrier III, the company’s director of new business development. Sweeten Creek Brewing released its first hard seltzer, a blood orange-apricot flavor, on tap April 26 in its South Asheville taproom. “It went pretty quickly,” says co-owner Erica Justice. The brewery has since released cherry and berry blast varieties and is looking toward offering lemonginger and lemon-blueberry seltzers soon — all on draft for the time being. “We’re still kind of playing around with flavors to figure out what works and what customers like,” she says.
While Sweeten Creek co-owner and brewer Joey Justice is reluctant to divulge the intricacies of his process, he says his 6% ABV seltzers contain malt and are made on the same equipment he uses to brew the brewery’s beers. The former Highland Brewing Co. head brewer’s decision to try his hand at seltzers was rooted in a love of experimentation. “I think it was just trying to find something different to do,” he says, noting his past experience in establishing sour and barrel programs, which aren’t feasible at a small operation like Sweeten Creek. “This felt like something that could be fun and a little more technical.” Noble cider maker Leif Stevens was inspired to create the spritzer line after Italian friends served him a refreshing “spritz” made from botanicals and seltzer water during a boating outing. The challenge of making a cider version of that drink, he says, was keeping plenty of flavor without added sugar and calories. “These spritzers are the hardest product that we make so far,” he says. “[But] I feel that we struck the right balance and I am very proud of this product.” — Gina Smith X MOUNTAINX.COM/BEERWEEK
seeking business partners to help make this year’s campaign the biggest ever. If you have a business that would like to sponsor this high profile event, please contact
givelocal@mountainx.com
Heroes needed Every Penny Counts sponsor Julian Award sponsor Match sponsors Donations of goods and services for incentives
2019
Western North Carolina brewers and cider makers are no strangers to experimentation — a few exploratory, small-batch brews are almost a given on any local taps menu. But lately, some pioneers are pushing the brewing envelope a little further, embracing a national hard-seltzer trend. This summer, look for the fizzy, refreshing and low-calorie drinks from Sweeten Creek Brewing, Noble Cider and Bold Rock. “Hard seltzers are technically a beer product,” says Noble CEO Trevor Baker. His company’s line, dubbed Noble Hard Cider Spritzer, has been available since September. While many hard seltzers on the national market are made from fermented sugar water and artificial or natural flavoring, he says, Noble’s spritzers start with fresh-pressed Henderson County apples. From there, the four varieties — lemon and elderflower, orange and jasmine tea, lime and hibiscus, and grapefruit and Citra hops — are flavored with a botanical and one fruit each, such as organic citrus peels. They all clock in at 4% ABV with 99 calories per 12-ounce serving. But Bold Rock Hard Cider, which has facilities in Virginia and Mills River, doesn’t shy away from the “seltzer” designation.
Give!Local is
2019 AVL BEER WEEK OFFICIAL GUIDE
7
AVL BEER WEEK
DEVIL’S ADVOCATE Devil’s Foot Beverage Co. co-founder Ben Colvin crafts a socially and health conscious company Ben Colvin is president and co-founder of Devil’s Foot Beverage. Launched in 2017 in Woodfin, the company makes handcrafted soft drinks aimed at two specific niches: a healthier, less-sweetened carbonated beverage for the nonalcoholic drinks market and a high-quality mixer for cocktails. Using what Colvin calls a “farm-to-can approach,” the company sources organic roots and fruits to make its “nonsoda soda.” Colvin brings a socially conscious work history to his current efforts: For more than 15 years, he was involved in nonprofit organizations’ conservation efforts in the U.S., Peru and Uganda. Even in his work at for-profit companies, he gravitated toward businesses that did good by supporting nonprofits. Devil’s Foot was successful right from its start. In the company’s first year in business, more than 100,000 cans rolled off the production line. Nearly all of the company’s drinks are put into cans. “We
don’t want to compete with beer from our brewery friends’ valuable tap lines,” he says. But Devil’s Foot beverages — there are six varieties, with more on the way — are sometimes put into kegs as well. “We keg some of our styles for specialty orders,” Colvin says. “Mostly for expecting couples who want something special and nonalcoholic.” While Devil’s Foot’s ginger beer, lemonade, limeade and other flavors are found in many area restaurants and bars, the company is in the retail game as well. “We have expanded into many regional accounts and into the Triangle and Charlotte markets,” Colvin says. “In March 2019, we entered 21 Earth Fare stores. Retail is growing fast.” But first and foremost, Colvin emphasizes the responsible nature of his business. “We aim for happier people and healthier communities,” he says. — Bill Kopp X
ALTERNATIVE SIPS: With his Devil’s Foot Beverage Co., Ben Colvin brews healthy craft sodas that can be enjoyed on their own or as unique cocktail mixers. Photo by Stephan Pruitt Photography
DOLLARS AND SENSE Audra Gaiziunas brings financial best practices to small breweries
MONEY MATTERS: Audra Gaiziunas says that while many large breweries can afford to hire financial managers, her company, Brewed for Her Ledger, specializes in helping small craft breweries with with management concerns. Photo courtesy of Gaiziunas 8
2019 AVL BEER WEEK OFFICIAL GUIDE
Audra Gaiziunas, owner of craft brewery management consulting firm Brewed for Her Ledger, is also a columnist and in-demand public speaker. Her consultancy work is centered on providing financial know-how and expertise to the brewing industry. She started her business in 2014 to address an important realization: “The most-established companies were large enough to afford hiring full-time accountants,” she says, “But no one was fighting for the little guy, that startup that is bootstrapping its way through financing its first 1,000 barrels of production.” After earning an MBA from UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School, Gaiziunas landed in the corporate world. But she didn’t last long there. “I knew the corporate route was just not a fit for me,” she says with a laugh. “I wanted out as soon as possible.” She landed a job as controller for Dogfish Head because, in her words, she was “the ‘quirky’ one who would be a better fit for their culture.” Working alongside the brewers, she fell head over heels in love with the craft
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
brewing industry. She went on to hold the position of CFO at Mother Earth Brewing before setting out on her own. It’s readily evident that Gaiziunas is not your typical consulting accountant. She brings a scrappy, indie mindset to her work, which helps explain her deep rapport with small, independent brewing operations. Often helping to create business plans, she fills an important need. “A vast majority of the breweries in the United States are far too small to afford a senior financial officer,” she says. “It was clearly proven a deficiency within the industry.” Even when brewers demonstrate strength in marketing, Gaiziunas says that their operational infrastructure is often lacking. “Why not bring global best practices to apply them to a hyperlocal market?” she says. “No one else was doing it.” — Bill Kopp X
CULTURE HERO White Labs sales representative Pablo Gomez keeps tabs on industry trends Pablo Gomez is many things, but all of his pursuits fit together into a cohesive whole. He’s a certified cicerone (beer sommelier), the Spanish-language editor at Zymurgy and the cohost of Entre Cervezas, a podcast for The Brewing Network. He’s also the East Coast sales representative for White Labs. White Labs began in 1995 with a goal of manufacturing yeast cultures and providing fermentation services to the beverage industry. When it opened its Asheville lab in January 2017, the company was already doing substantial business in the eastern U.S. Gomez notes that at the most recent Great American Beer Festival in Denver, 60%-65% of the medal winners were White Labs customers. Gomez follows industry trends and notes an increased interest in promoting biotransformation, the interaction between dry-hopping and yeast. “And people are very into kveik [yeast] strains from Norway,” he says. “They
can ferment at really hot temperatures, and they produce a lot of esters. People are going nuts with those.” Working closely with clients is central to Gomez’s job. “Most of the time, brewers know what they want. But many other times, they ask, ’I’m trying to brew this beer. What can I do?’” White Labs produces nearly 70 yeast strains every week, and Gomez says the company has an additional 100 that it can grow by special order. “And if a brewery has its own specific yeast that they like, we can bank it and grow it for them.” He offers some advice for those looking to get into commercial brewing. “Keep things small and local,” he says. “More and more, if the consumer is asked to choose between drinking a good beer fresh from the local brewery and another from, say, Illinois, they’re definitely going to do the local one.” — Bill Kopp X
YEAST AND WEST: White Labs East Coast sales representative Pablo Gomez says the company produces nearly 70 yeast strains every week and has an additional 100 that it can grow by special order. Photo courtesy of Gomez
Bottleshop and taproom located in the heart of DOWNTOWN MORGANTON...check us out for live music, tap takeovers, and more. 115 EAST UNION ST. • MORGANTON, NC • 828.367.0395
facebook.com/wncbeer
MOUNTAINX.COM/BEERWEEK
2019 AVL BEER WEEK OFFICIAL GUIDE
9
AVL BEER WEEK
FILL STATIONS The Brew Pump and Jetstop offer creative craft brew alternatives
REFUEL: Jetstop: The Hangar Taproom in Enka is the area’s newest gas station taproom. Photo by Mansi Patel The Asheville area has seen taprooms added to such unexpected locations as grocery stores, an outdoor gear provider and a glassblowing studio. And in the past few years, gas stations have joined the list of popular spots to enjoy a mix of local and nationally distributed draft beer, perhaps none more so than The Brew Pump in West Asheville. “We have the ability to make it like your backyard. It’s more like being at your neighborhood friend’s house than a bar. We’ve got the cornhole boards, picnic tables and good cheap beer on draft,” says Brew Pump General Manager Mason Corn. “It works well, especially for the neighborhood we’re in. I don’t know if it would work in most places, but it works really well along Haywood Road.” Serving the neighbors likewise appealed to Mansi Patel, an owner of Jetstop: The Hangar Taproom, which opened in late March. Named in honor of the nearby Enka High School Jets, the draft beer component gives Jetstop an edge over the local competition and provides people who live in its vicinity a convenient beverage alternative. “In this neighborhood, there’s nothing close by if somebody just wants to 10
2019 AVL BEER WEEK OFFICIAL GUIDE
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
have a beer or two. They don’t have to drive all the way up [to downtown Asheville],” Patel says. “We have so many repeat customers who are from the neighborhood who just come walking here from their home. They have a couple of beers and go back.” Corn likewise reports that most, if not all, of The Brew Pump’s bar business is foot traffic from the neighborhood, which helps curb one huge potential problem that could stem from mixing vehicles and alcohol. “We obviously do not condone drinking and driving,” he notes. Like The Brew Pump, Jetstop has a food truck available during business hours, but it also has a space next door ready for someone to lease — ideally a restaurant specializing in takeout food. Patel is also considering adding outdoor seating, and if Jetstop continues on its upward trajectory, she could see the business adding more locations, thereby emulating Mountain River Tap & Growlers, the chain of craft beer tasting rooms and growler filling stations inside Triangle Stop Food stores in Mills River, Saluda, Brevard and Fletcher. — Edwin Arnaudin X
GOING GREEN
The
local
Style Issue
Local breweries take different approaches to brewing with hemp
Coming Soon!
Contact 828-251-1333
advertising@mountainx.com
BUDDING TREND: One World Brewing’s Hempin’ Ain’t Easy has become a taproom favorite, according to co-owner Lisa Schutz. Photo courtesy of One World Brewing Contrary to its name, Hempin’ Ain’t Easy is One World Brewing’s easiest entry point for craft beer virgins. “We have a lot of hoppy beers and a lot of really flavorful craft beers,” says coowner Lisa Schutz. “Hempin’ is our go-to for people who come in and say, ‘I don’t have a lot of experience with craft beer.’ Hempin’ is kind of pilsneresque, a really light beer.” Less filling, but how does it taste? “It has more of a nutty taste because of the hemp,” Schutz explains. “A lot of the other hemp beers put terpenes in that make it really taste and smell like marijuana. We don’t do that, so it’s really clean. It has become a staple as our lighter, easier, day-drinking beer.” On the other hand, New Belgium Brewing Co.’s hemp beer, The Hemperor, has an aroma that would be right at home on Willie Nelson’s tour bus, which is a significant part of its appeal and New Belgium’s intent. When research and development brewer Ross Koenigs walked into his first hemp greenhouse, he knew the company would make a beer that highlighted the plant’s distinct qualities.
“Most of the commercial hemp beers [already] out there tasted like regular beers,” Koenigs says. “I’m fairly confident we were the first brewery to explore hemp flavor in beer that gave the drinking public an accurate representation.” Wedge Brewing Co. was the first local brewery on the hemp wagon, releasing batches of Derailed Hemp Ale annually since 2009, usually on April 20. The hemp-happy date was also perfect timing for last month’s debut at Bhramari Brewing Co. of Asheville’s latest hemp entry, Franny’s Farmhouse Ale, brewed in collaboration with Franny’s Farmacy, Listermann Brewing Co. and White Labs Asheville. And it came in just under the wire of the N.C. Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission’s decision to put a hold on approving new hemp or CBD beers. “I think it’s because they don’t want it to get out of control,” says Schutz. “It’s easier to just say no.” — Kay West X MOUNTAINX.COM/BEERWEEK
2019 AVL BEER WEEK OFFICIAL GUIDE
11
AVL BEER WEEK
29 TAPS, OVER 150 BEERS, CIDER, WINE AND MEAD Fermented Nonsense, Craft Centric’s in-house nano-brewery, crafts small batches with big flavor!
PACIFIERS AND LEASHES With certain exceptions, local taprooms are welcoming of kids and animal friends
2018-2019
VOTED
BEST CRAFT BAR IN NC BY CRAFTBEER.COM 2018 & 2019
TOP BEER BAR IN NC FOR 2018 & 2019
Ice Cream Sunday w/ The Hop SUN, MAY 26 • 2PM
ONE OF THE BEST TOP 5 BARS OF 2017
Blend Ice Cream & Beer Floats with Archetype Coffee Porter
100 Julian Shoals Drive #40 Open 7 Days a Week ARDEN • SOUTH ASHEVILLE Off Long Shoals Rd (next to Bojangles)
FOR HOURS: craftcentricbeer.com
828-676-0075
BRING THE KIDS: The Highland Brewing Co. Meadow is a popular spot for families. Photo by Stephan Pruitt/ Courtesy of Highland Brewing Co.
t r o p Sup YOU
R
er p a P Local
g n i t a r b e l Ce years! 25 12
2019 AVL BEER WEEK OFFICIAL GUIDE
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
By law, patrons must be over the age of 21 to purchase alcohol at any Ashevillearea taproom, but as frequenters of such establishments well know, individuals who don’t meet that requirement often accompany legal adults out for a drink. Local breweries are welcoming across the board to families who bring children with them, and big, sprawling lawns at New Belgium Brewing Co. and Highland Brewing Co. are particularly welcoming for little ones wanting to run around and have fun with friends. At the same time, several taprooms offer safe havens for those who would prefer to enjoy their beverages without youngsters present, including Highland’s rooftop bar — limited to those of legal age — and Wedge Brewing Co.’s 8 p.m. curfew for underage guests and other guidelines for families to follow. Also frequently in tow are pets, though the rules with them are slightly more complicated than with children. Because North Carolina taprooms get permits the
same way as restaurants — basically for offering reusable glassware — pets are not allowed inside, with the exception of licensed service animals. Dan Rossow, taproom manager at Wise Man Brewing in Winston-Salem, is spearheading efforts to enact change in the legislation. Outdoor spaces at breweries are legally fine, albeit at the business owners’ discretion. In the case of Brouwerïj Cursus Kĕmē, located on the banks of the Swannanoa River, the property is home to an array of wildlife whose preservation led brewer/owner Jeffrey Horner to reluctantly prioritize over his customers’ animal companions. “It was a tough choice to make because everyone wants to bring their pets when they go relax and enjoy themselves, but the property can’t facilitate that,” Horner says. “I dragged my feet as long as I possibly could about making that decision, and when I made it, it was without joy.” — Edwin Arnaudin X
MIXED BLESSINGS Local brewers talk about cocktail-inspired beers
COOL MULE: The Moscow Mule cocktail inspired Ginger’s Revenge’s Lime Agave ginger beer. “Drinking it is very reminiscent of a Moscow Mule, and we hear from a lot of wholesale accounts that many people add vodka or tequila to the beer,” says Ginger’s Revenge co-owner Cristina Hall Ackley. Photo courtesy of Ginger’s Revenge “We like to say ginger plays well with others,” says Cristina Hall Ackley, cofounder of Ginger’s Revenge. “Ginger is such a fun flavor to play with for our beers. We also love to take inspiration from different cocktails and see how we can make it work in beer.” The obvious cocktail inspiration — the Moscow Mule — led to the brewery’s Lime Agave, she says. “Drinking it is very reminiscent of a Moscow Mule, and we hear from a lot of wholesale accounts that many people add vodka or tequila to the beer. It works as a solo beverage and in cocktails.” Most of Ginger’s Revenge’s cocktailinspired beers — including Cosmo Ginger Beer and Ginger Bloody Mary — have been small-batch releases and are no longer available. But Lime Agave is a standard, always on tap at the Riverside Drive tasting room and sold in bottles. Highland Brewing Co.’s Slow Crush Tart Spritz Ale, which was just added to the brewery’s year-round offerings, was cre-
ated by research and development brewer Trace Redmond after he had a couple of Aperol spritz cocktails for inspiration. “It began in a purely indulgent space, but, turned out, everyone really liked it. It is super-refreshing, and it’s easy to put down a couple without even realizing it. I say that from experience.” Wicked Weed Brewing’s gin coolerinspired Coolcumber hit it out of the park when it debuted at the 2011 Brewgrass Festival at Memorial Stadium, and it’s been a warm-weather staple at the pub ever since. It’s back in the Wicked Weed lineup starting Memorial Day weekend, along with two other variants, one with hibiscus, mint and basil, and the other with blackberry, currant and yuzu. Recently, the Funkatorium channeled its Terra Merita ale into the Terra Merita Mule. “We cover it all,” says Wicked Weed spokeswoman Alanna Nappi. “Cocktail-inspired beers and beer-inspired cocktails.” — Kay West X MOUNTAINX.COM/BEERWEEK
2019 AVL BEER WEEK OFFICIAL GUIDE
13
AVL BEER WEEK
THE ‘BACKBONE’ OF BEER Maltster Kim Thompson talks about her part in Asheville’s brewing story
WITH THE GRAIN: “Farmers are the heroes, brewers and distillers are the alchemists, and hops are sexy,” says local maltster Kim Thompson. “But malt is the backbone. There’s something pretty cool about being part of the backbone of a beer.” Photo by Scott Douglas
Kim Thompson is the maltster at Riverbend Malt House. The Asheville-based concern works with a network of regional farmers to provide malted grains (primarily barley, wheat, rye and corn) to brewers. With a colorful background that includes growing up in Germany and Belgium, a stint as a “snowboard bum,” serving in the U.S. Marine Corps and working as a miller at Carolina Ground Flour, Thompson calls herself a “grain nerd.” Clearly not cut out for a desk job, she enjoys the physical work her job demands as well as the art and science of the malting process. “It’s the perfect blend of cerebral and physical,” she says. Thompson is proud of Riverbend’s local focus. “Our contracted acreage has increased exponentially since the malt house started,” she says, noting that this translates as good news for family-owned farms as well as for brewers and distillers interested in sourcing local grains. Looking toward the future, she says Riverbend is experimenting
with heirloom corn and rye varieties and kiln upgrades that will yield darker specialty malts. She believes the Asheville brewing market isn’t completely saturated. “There’s still space for experienced brewers in Asheville,” she asserts, quickly qualifying her statement. “But there’s probably not much room for ‘meh.’” On the subject of her own beer preference: “Anything in a can,” she says. “There’s something really beautiful about a properly poured pilsner.” Thompson speaks most eloquently on the subject of why she loves her work. “Farmers are the heroes, brewers and distillers are the alchemists, and hops are sexy,” she says. “But malt is the backbone. There’s something pretty cool about being part of the backbone of a beer. It’s deeply satisfying when I get to drink my work, raise a pint and know I had a part in that story.” — Bill Kopp X
Friday | 7PM Luthier Jam at Homeplace Brewery » Free
Saturday | 9AM-4:30PM & Sunday | 10-3PM The Luthier Showcase » $10 or $15/2-day pass at the door
Saturday | 7PM The Mainstage Concert » $35/$40
Sheppard INSURANCE GROUP Since 1895
Purchased tickets for the Saturday show by calling Parkway Playhouse at (828) 682-4285 — $35 & $40 for front row —
Female-owned, independent insurance agency. Featuring Kaki King
MAY 24-26, 2019 www.mountainacoustics.com Brought to you by Yancey County Chamber of Commerce and Costa del Mar Sunglasses. 14
2019 AVL BEER WEEK OFFICIAL GUIDE
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
Policies crafted as well as your beer Home - Auto-Business - Life & Disability 6792 Carolina Blvd. Clyde, NC 28721 (828) 627-2826
959 Merrimon Ave. #3A Asheville, NC 28804 (828) 627-2826
www.sheppardinsurancegroup.com
NEVER A DULL MOMENT Archetype Brewing’s Sally Tanner loves the lively nature of working in Asheville’s brewing industry
NERDING OUT: Sally Tanner, who describes herself as a “huge beer nerd,” says a previous job as a bartender was crucial in preparing her for the demands of her current role of marketing director at Archetype Brewing. Photo courtesy of Tanner
Sally Tanner’s job as marketing director for Archetype Brewing may be many things, but it’s definitely not boring. In addition to doing the brewery’s social media, event planning and promotions, merchandise and customer service, she also manages Archetype’s bottle club membership program and does some label design. But she doesn’t mind that her job description is all over the map. “Every day is different, which is true of a lot of professions, but I love it,” she says. The North Carolina native, who describes herself as a “huge beer nerd,” says a previous job as a bartender at another brewery was crucial in preparing her for the demands of her current role at Archetype. “I particularly love interacting with our customers and fans,” she says. “It helps me get an idea of who loves our beer and what kind of events, beer and vibe they want to see.” Since Archetype recently added its second location, downtown in the former home of Habitat Brewing Co., her job has taken on some added dimensions. “We’ve been able to create a whole new
Love your
Xpress? Distribute Mountain Xpress at your business
feel for Archetype that complements the West Asheville location; it’s been a fun challenge for us,” she says. “The work has definitely gotten more intense marketing for two locations, but I’m armed with the right tools and the right team to make it happen.” Tanner says she’s noticed a lot of discussion recently about how breweries are increasingly replacing their flagship beers with experimental, small-batch brews. But while Archetype enjoys pushing the boundaries, she says it also recognizes the value of a neighborhood brewery keeping dependable favorites on tap. “We try to find a healthy balance between our core beers and smallbatch brews, as we think these are the ones that drive innovation and keep us learning,” she says. All staff members, she notes, are encouraged to try their hand at creating new brews on Archetype’s pilot system. “You never know where the next great beer is going to come from,” she says. — Gina Smith X
TAVERN
Downtown on the Park Eclectic Menu • Over 30 Taps • Patio • 15 TV’s • Sports Room • 110” Projector Event Space • Shuffleboard • Open 7 Days 11am - Late Night
35 Beers on tap
mostly local & reg iona
l
Check out our beer flight specials: PACK’S PRIDE Catawba White Zombie, Pisgah Pale, Highland Gaelic, ABC Ninja Porter
IPA FLIGHT Sweeten Creek Session, Catawba Hop Ness Monster, Green Man Trickster, Boojum King of the Mountain
For details: distro@mountainx.com or call 251-1333 ext. 112
THE LIGHTER SIDE Highland Pilsner, 7 Clans Mothertown, Hi-Wire Lager, Catawba White Zombie
Live Music Thu-sun -
20 s. sPruce sT. • 225.6944 MOUNTAINX.COM/BEERWEEK
never a cover charge!
PacksTavern.com
2019 AVL BEER WEEK OFFICIAL GUIDE
15
AVL BEER WEEK
THE CHAMP IS HERE Reigning Just Brew It People’s Choice winner Janeen Hulbert is passionate about homebrewing For Janeen Hulbert, earning the People’s Choice award at Just Economics’ 2018 Just Brew It homebrew competition was the result of seven years of hard work. The chiropractor, anatomy and physiology teacher and outdoors enthusiast started brewing upon moving to Asheville in 2012 with help from an experienced housemate. She’d always wanted to brew her own beer but never had the time, space or money to realize that dream. In her new home, she’s joined a fun, supportive group of homebrewers via Mountain Ale and Lager Tasters and Asheville Brewers Supply who are willing to share advice and sample one another’s creations, and their enthusiasm has helped Hulbert develop greater confidence in her brews.
“I think it will take more years of consistent homebrewing to officially formulate my own philosophy of brewing and the beer I make,” Hulbert says. “What I do know is that each batch of beer I design and create, I do with absolute passion. No corners are cut, I fully research every single ingredient — only including the best in each batch — and I try to be unique with my concoctions for craft beer drinkers to experience.” Hulbert first participated in Just Brew It in 2016 and has returned each subsequent year. She enjoys the friendly challenge to provide the best beer she can make alongside many of the other top homebrewers in Western North Carolina, all while promoting Just Economics’ efforts to maintain a sustainable local economy.
LET IT REIGN: Janeen Hulbert, center, celebrates her People’s Choice victory at the 2018 Just Brew It homebrew competition. She’ll return to Wedge Brewing Co.’s Foundation location on June 15 to defend her title. Photo courtesy of Asheville Brewers Alliance One of the beers Hulbert brought for the 2018 event was a 5-gallon batch of her Chaga Coffee Stout. The idea for the creative combination came about because she routinely adds chaga mushrooms to her morning coffee — and one day it occurred to her that it would pair well in a stout. “A lot of people told me they liked the idea of a ‘health beer’ that contains high levels of antioxidants,” Hulbert says. “Some even mentioned they could drink it for breakfast or pair it with a doughnut.” The feedback for the stout was so strong that it translated into the highest number of participant votes and Hulbert taking home the competition’s top prize. “I was floored when they called my name,” she says. “I felt so humbled and thrilled that a beer I dreamed of and created was a hit. You never know what people are going to think when you start adding mushrooms in your beer.” Returning for the 2019 Just Brew It, set for Saturday, June 15, at Wedge
16
2019 AVL BEER WEEK OFFICIAL GUIDE
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
Brewing Co.’s Foundation location, Hulbert recently upgraded to an electric system called “The Grainfather,” which she picked up after a brewing demonstration at Asheville Brewers Supply. “The Grainfather is awesome for step-mashing and recirculating the wort for more accurate temperature throughout the kettle,” she says. “Before this system, I’ve used a 15-gallon SS brewing kettle with two converted Gatorade coolers for my mash tun and sparge water. I’ve always utilized gravityfed systems, so now having a pump has really taken my homebrewing to another level.” She’ll look to defend her title by bringing a selection of summer beers, along with what she calls “some eyecatching additions for a more complex journey though the senses,” further diversifying her offerings from previous years. — Edwin Arnaudin X
THE NEXT STEP Asheville breweries bring taproom experience to non-WNC markets
trust on a day-in-day-out basis. All of those are important pieces of the puzzle that you have to work for.” Meanwhile, Burial’s Raleigh location has been operating since January and will soon expand into the building’s adjoining space. Reiser echoes Bialik’s observation of not wanting to replicate Burial’s Asheville taproom and notes that the South Slope structure’s organic evolution made such an undertaking next to impossible and would have felt inauthentic to the brewery’s history. Instead of copying the Asheville room’s style and decor, down to the now iconic velvet Tom Selleck painting, “The Exhibit” space features framed prints of David Paul Seymour’s artwork from Burial’s packaged products as it continues to build its distinct Raleigh identity. “People keep asking where Tom Selleck is, and I want to tell them they need to bring us their own version of Tom Selleck,” Reiser says. “So what they will be, who knows?”
nonprofit application deadline
2019
Opening a second location is typically a good sign of a business’s success. But for a handful of Asheville breweries and beer bars that already have multiple spaces on the local scene, expanding into new markets beyond city limits or state lines has become the logical next step. Thirsty Monk was the first to take such a leap and did so not in another part of North Carolina or in an adjoining state, but across the country. Its Denver brewpub opened in March 2018 with a 12-barrel brewery literally behind the bar, and head brewer Brian Grace crafting beers and tending to its wood-aging and sour program. Thirsty Monk CEO Barry Bialik says the location “feels like a local Denver neighborhood brewery.” And he notes that the area’s sense of MILE HIGH MONK: Thirsty Monk CEO Barry Bialik says his Colorado location camaraderie among brewers results in “feels like a local Denver neighborhood brewery.” Photo courtesy of Thirsty Monk — Edwin Arnaudin X shared resources that in some ways makes it easier to operate a small brewery there than in Asheville. with one another. That soul of who “One example is there are shared we are works anywhere.” cold storage warehouses that store Chris Frosaker, co-owner of beer and manage many of the wareHi-Wire Brewing, and Jessica Reiser, housing and shipping logistics that co-owner of Burial Beer Co., are seeing each brewery here in Asheville has to similar responses to their breweries’ fend for themselves,” Bialik says. “It new locations in the North Carolina makes it easier to scale your growth Triangle. Both of the South Slope stalbased on your needs.” warts wanted to make it easier for Thirsty Monk’s Portland, Ore., their loyal customers three to four location followed in June 2018. Plans hours away to have access to their to place a small brewery in the space beers while forging a deeper connechave been delayed due to limitations tion to the brands via firsthand expewith the building and past buildriences in a brick-and-mortar space ing permit issues, which Bialik notes with friendly, knowledgable staffs. are “pretty frustrating and hard to Hi-Wire’s Durham taproom resolve without being there.” In the opened in November, and Frosaker interim, the bar and kitchen are opersays it’s been the brewery’s busiest ating, though he thinks the spot in retail location every month since. the hyperlocal city will be “able to In early July, it will be joined by root in the community better” once a Knoxville, Tenn., outpost to satthe brewery side is up and running. isfy the demand in what he says is “In any satellite location, it’s “the largest growth state in terms important to us to truly be a comof percentage of beer sold the last fortable local brewpub,” Bialik two years, a trend that’s continuing says. “We’re not trying to emulate [in 2019].” Asheville and carbon copy that. We “I’m not going to sugarcoat it: It is are more sharing our soul of what the hard to launch a physical location in Thirsty Monk is about, whether it’s another city,” Frosaker says. “There’s in Asheville or Denver or Portland the geographic difference. There’s Mountain Xpress’ Give!Local campaign is Asheville’s easiest path to or wherever. We are sharing our the factor that you’re not ‘local’ in to help make this year’s campaign the biggest ever. year-end giving, helping nonprofits raise funds each year. relaxed, European vibe, our quality that market. So, there are some obstaIf you have a business that would like to sponsor this high profile event, please contact Help make this year’s campaign the biggest ever. Belgian-rooted beers and our envicles to overcome. You need to have givelocal@mountainx.com a great staff out there that you can ronment that encourages folks to talk
The nonprofit application deadline is June 15, 2019. complete the form at avl.mx/5f2
please direct questions to: givelocal@mountainx.com
MOUNTAINX.COM/BEERWEEK
2019 AVL BEER WEEK OFFICIAL GUIDE
17
AVL BEER WEEK
BREWERIES
11 p.m. Saturday, 1-9 p.m. Sunday. archetypebrewing.com
IN BUNCOMBE COUNTY A rundown on the breweries in Asheville and Buncombe County by neighborhood
One World Brewing, 10 Patton Ave. Access to the underground taproom with a speakeasy vibe is at the end of a short alley separating Farm Burger and Salsa’s restaurants. Noon-midnight Sunday-Thursday, noon-1 a.m. Friday-Saturday. oneworldbrewing.com Thirsty Monk, 92 Patton Ave. Known for its big selection of Belgian beers, the pub also features a range of house brews. 4-11:30 p.m. MondayThursday, noon-1:30 a.m. FridaySaturday, noon-10 p.m. Sunday. monkpub.com Wicked Weed Brewing , 91 Biltmore Ave. The combination restaurant and brewery is famed for sour and barrel-aged beers. 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-1 a.m. Friday-Saturday. wickedweedbrewing.com
NORTH ASHEVILLE
COUNTRY BREWS: Whistle Hop Brewing Co.’s Gina Miceli, left, sits in the elevated seats of her caboose taproom, while Turgua Brewing Co.’s Phil Desenne and his parner, Debbie Weaver, stand in the garden of their farmhouse brewery’s tuckedaway property. Photos by Edwin Arnaudin
SOUTH SLOPE Asheville Brewing Co., 77 Coxe Ave. The new home to the brewery’s production operations includes a covered patio, house beers, full liquor bar, restaurant serving pizzas, burgers and more. 11 a.m-11 p.m. daily. ashevillebrewing.com
Catawba Brewing Co., 32 Banks Ave. The Morganton brewery was one of Western North Carolina’s pioneering craft breweries. 2-10 p.m. MondayThursday, noon-11 p.m. FridaySaturday, noon-10 p.m. Sunday. catawbabrewing.com
Ben’s Tune-Up, 195 Hilliard Ave. Just around the corner from the downtown Asheville Brewing, Ben’s has house sakes, plus tasty Asian eats like dumplings and egg rolls. 4 p.m.-midnight Monday, 4 p.m.-2 a.m. TuesdayFriday, 2 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturday-Sunday. benstuneup.com
Eurisko Beer Co., 255 Short Coxe Ave. Just off the South Slope, the year-old brewery strives to craft a range of styles that reflect the standards of tradition while playing with modern processes. 4-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday, 2-8 p.m. Sunday. euriskobeer.com
Bhramari Brewing Co., 101 S. Lexington Ave. Located behind The Orange Peel music venue, it has a big selection of house beers, full restaurant and a parking lot. 11 a.m.-midnight Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday-Saturday. bhramaribrewing.com
The Funkatorium, 147 Coxe Ave. Wicked Weed Brewing’s second location offers a wide variety of sour and barrel-aged beers in a cool, Old World ambiance. Noon-10 p.m. MondayThursday, noon-midnight FridaySaturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday. wickedweedbrewing.com
Burial Beer Co., 40 Collier Ave. Multiple new beers join popular returning creations each week, so be prepared for a range of fresh, exciting tastes. Burial is soon adding a second location near Biltmore Village at 16 Shady Oak Drive. 2-10
18
p.m. Monday-Thursday, noon-10 p.m. Friday-Sunday. burialbeer.com
2019 AVL BEER WEEK OFFICIAL GUIDE
Green Man Brewery, 27 Buxton Ave. With a predominantly English and Irish style of brewing, one of the Asheville brewing scene’s originators has greatly expanded and now has a top-floor balcony area next door to the original Dirty Jack’s taproom.
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
Greenmansion: noon-10 p.m. SundayWednesday, 2-9 p.m. Thursday, noon11 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Dirty Jack’s: 2-9 p.m Monday-Wednesday, 2-10 p.m. Thursday, noon-11 p.m. FridaySaturday, noon-9 p.m. Sunday. greenmanbrewery.com Hi-Wire Brewing, 197 Hilliard Ave. The circus-themed brewery’s original location and home to its specialty and small-batch beers. 4-11 p.m. MondayThursday, 1 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday, noon1 a.m. Saturday, 1-10 p.m. Sunday. hiwirebrewing.com Twin Leaf Brewery, 144 Coxe Ave. Tim Weber, an engineer by trade, runs this brewery and neighborhood pub. 3-11 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 2 p.m.-midnight Friday, noon-midnight Saturday, 1-10 p.m. Sunday. twinleafbrewery.com
DOWNTOWN Archetype Brewing, 174 Broadway. The brewery’s new downtown taproom carries on the neighborhood pub and event space vibe of previous tenants Habitat Brewing Co. 3-10 p.m. MondayThursday, 2-11 p.m. Friday, noon-
Asheville Brewing Co., 675 Merrimon Ave. The brewery’s original location remains active, thanks in part to its discount movie theater and family game room. 11 a.m11 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday, 11 a.m.-midnight Thursday-Saturday. ashevillebrewing.com Ginger’s Revenge, 829 Riverside Drive, Suite 100. Nestled in an unassuming warehouse, the welcoming space offers alcoholic ginger beer plus grain-based beers. 4-9 p.m. Monday, Wednesday-Thursday, 4-10 p.m. Friday, 2-10 p.m. Saturday, 2-8 p.m. Sunday. gingersrevenge.com Zillicoah Beer Co. 870 Riverside Drive. Located on the French Broad River, the neighborhood brewery specializes in open-fermented farmhouse ales and lagers. 2-10 p.m. MondayFriday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday, noon8 p.m. Sunday. zillicoahbeer.com
SOUTH ASHEVILLE 12 Bones Brewing , 2350 Hendersonville Road. Asheville’s newest brewery is adjacent to the popular barbecue restaurant’s new location. 3-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, noon-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, noon-7 p.m. Sunday. 12bonesbrewing.com Catawba Brewing Co., 63 Brook St. The Biltmore Village tasting room was the brewery’s first Asheville property. 4-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday,
CONTINUES ON PAGE 20
MOUNTAINX.COM/BEERWEEK
2019 AVL BEER WEEK OFFICIAL GUIDE
19
AVL BEER WEEK 3-10 p.m. Friday, 2-10 p.m. Saturday, 2-9 p.m. Sunday. catawbabrewing.com Fermented Nonsense Brewing, 100 Julian Shoals Drive, Unit 40. Located in the Craft Centric Taproom & Bottle Shop, this nanobrewery turns out small-batch, experimental beers. Noon-8 p.m. Sunday-Monday, noon-10 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, noon-11:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday. fermentednonsense.com French Broad River Brewery, 101 Fairview Road. One of Asheville’s oldest breweries recently expanded into a larger taproom with a sizable stage for live music. 1-8 p.m. SundayWednesday, 1-10 p.m. ThursdaySaturday. frenchbroadbrewery.com Hillman Beer, 25 Sweeten Creek Road. This small, family-owned brewery focuses on classic styles. 11 a.m.10 p.m. Monday-Tuesday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday. hillmanbeer.com Hi-Wire Brewing, 2 Huntsman Place. Affectionately dubbed The Big Top, the brewery’s production facility is also home to such festivals as fall’s Stout Bout. 4-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 3 p.m.-midnight Friday, noon-midnight Saturday, 1-10 p.m. Sunday. hiwirebrewing.com Sweeten Creek Brewing, 1127 Sweeten Creek Road. The neighborhood brewery has added a canning line and includes a popular sandwich shop. 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday and TuesdayThursday, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday. sweetencreekbrewing.com Thirsty Monk, 2 Town Square Blvd. The Biltmore Park pub offers copious outdoor seating. Noon-midnight Monday-Thursday, noon-1 a.m. FridaySaturday, noon-10 p.m. Sunday. monkpub.com
EAST ASHEVILLE Brouwerïj Cursus Kĕmē, 155 Thompson St. The converted tractortrailer repair shop along the banks of the Swannanoa River is home to creative takes on classic styles. 11 a.m.close Friday-Sunday. cursuskeme.com Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Highway. Asheville’s first craft brewery has a big indoor tasting room, a rooftop space and a meadow with live music. 3-9 p.m. MondayThursday, noon-10 p.m. FridaySaturday, noon-8 p.m. Sunday. highlandbrewing.com Turgua Brewing, 27 Firefly Hollow Drive, Fairview. This small farmhouse 20
2019 AVL BEER WEEK OFFICIAL GUIDE
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
brewery uses locally sourced ingredients in its beers. 4-7 p.m. Thursday, 3-8 p.m. Friday, 1-8 p.m. Saturday, 1-6 p.m. Sunday. turguabrewing.com Whistle Hop Brewing Co., 1278 Charlotte Highway, Fairview. The brewery is built inside old railroad cars and includes a patio. 4-10 p.m. Thursday, 3-10 p.m. Friday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Sunday, 4-9 p.m. Monday. whistlehop.com
RIVER ARTS DISTRICT New Belgium Brewing Co., 21 Craven St. The city’s biggest brewery ships its beer throughout the eastern U.S. The Liquid Center tasting room overlooks the French Broad River and a greenway. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. MondaySaturday, 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday. newbelgium.com/brewery/asheville Wedge Brewing Co., 37 Payne’s Way and 5 Foundy St. Both located in the River Arts District, the original Payne’s Way brewery has a great view of a Norfolk Southern railroad line. The Foundy Street location on the Foundation property is next to 12 Bones Smokehouse. Both locations: noon-10 p.m. daily. wedgebrewing.com
BLACK MOUNTAIN Black Mountain Brewing, 131 Broadway Ave. Brewmaster Jeff “Puff” Irvin, director of AshevilleBuncombe Technical Community College’s Craft Beverage Institute of the Southeast, focuses on session brews, including stouts, wheat beers, pale ales and cream ales. 2-9 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, noon-9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. blackmountainbrewing.com Lookout Brewing Co., 103 S. Ridgeway Ave. The small-scale brewery turns out a big lineup of beers and is a popular local hangout. 2-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 2-10 p.m. Friday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday, noon-7 p.m. Sunday. lookoutbrewing.com Pisgah Brewing Co., 150 Eastside Drive. Famous for its pale ale, the brewery books big musical acts and local performers for its outdoor stage and inside the taproom. 4-9 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 2-10 p.m. Thursday-Friday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday, 1-9 p.m. Sunday. pisgahbrewing.com
WEAVERVILLE Blue Mountain Pizza and Brewpub, 55 N. Main St. The popular downtown café has a small brewery with house beers. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday-
JOIN THE CLUB: The Asheville Club, located downtown on Haywood Street, features many Buncombe County breweries on numerous rotating taps. Pictured is General Manager Trevor Reis. Photo by Thomas Calder Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. FridaySaturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday. bluemountainpizza.com Eluvium Brewing Co., 11 Florida Ave. The downtown operation serves four house beers at a time alongside guest offerings. 4-9 p.m. Monday and Thursday, 2-10 p.m. Friday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday, noon-8 p.m. Sunday. eluviumbrewing.com Zebulon Artisan Ales, 8 Merchants Alley. Just off Main Street, the brewery serves small pours and flights in its modest tasting room, as well as chilled 750-milliliter bottles that are also available to go. 1-6 p.m. FridaySaturday. zebulonbrewing.com
WEST ASHEVILLE All Sevens Brewing, 777 Haywood Road. Located inside neighborhood stalwart Westville Pub, the year-old brewery serves traditional flagship styles alongside seasonal and experimental beers. 10:30 a.m.-2 a.m. daily. allsevensavl.com Archetype Brewing, 265 Haywood Road. The spacious taproom features a variety of beer styles, including recent forays into barrel aging. 3-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, noon-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 1-9 p.m. Sunday. archetypebrewing.com
Nantahala Brewing Co. , 747 Haywood Road. The Bryson Citybased brewery’s Asheville Outpost pours its barrel-aged and sour beers downstairs and 18 yearround and small-batch offerings upstairs. 4-11 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-11 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. nantahalabrewing.com One World Brewing, 520 Haywood Road. The brewery’s second location and production site features a full bar and is a hot spot for live music. 3 p.m.midnight Monday-Wednesday, noon1 a.m. Thursday-Saturday, noon-midnight Sunday. oneworldbrewing.com Oyster House Brewing Co., 625 Haywood Road. Famous for its Moonstone Oyster Stout, brewed with oyster shells, the neighborhood brewpub offers a nice selection of seafood. 3-11 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 3 p.m.midnight Friday, 11 a.m.-midnight Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday. oysterhousebeers.com UpCountry Brewing, 1042 Haywood Road. Operated by John Cochran, co-founder of Terrapin Beer Co. of Athens, Ga., it includes a restaurant and courtyard. 3-10 p.m. MondayThursday, 11:30 a.m.-midnight FridaySaturday, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday. upcountrybrewing.com MOUNTAINX.COM/BEERWEEK
2019 AVL BEER WEEK OFFICIAL GUIDE
21
VENUES
AVL BEER WEEK
EVENT VENUES MEMORIAL STADIUM 32 Buchanan Place
NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, 828-665-2492
OSKAR BLUES BREWERY 342 Mountain Industrial Drive, Brevard, 828-883-2337
PISGAH BREWING CO. 150 Eastside Drive, Black Mountain, 828-669-0190
ROGER MCGUIRE GREEN Pack Square Park, downtown Asheville
STRADA ITALIANO 27 Broadway, 828-348-8448
TASTY BEVERAGE CO. 162 Coxe Ave., Suite 101, 828-232-7120
THE CASUAL PINT 1863 Hendersonville Road, Suite 145, 828-385-4677
THE FUNKATORIUM 147 Coxe Ave., 828-552-3203
THE GREY EAGLE 185 Clingman Ave., 828-232-5800
THE SOCIAL 1078 Tunnel Road, 828-298-8780
TAPS AND TUNES: Pisgah Brewing Co. in Black Mountain will host two live music events for AVL Beer Week, including the Papadosio Summer SEEquence outdoor concert on Saturday, June 1. Photo from the Mountain Xpress archives
ALOFT ASHEVILLE DOWNTOWN 51 Biltmore Ave., 828-232-2838
ARCHETYPE BREWING
(Asheville tasting rooms) 63 Brook St., 828-424-7290 32 Banks Ave., 828-552-3934
265 Haywood Road, 828-505-4177 174 Broadway
CRAFT BEVERAGE INSTITUTE OF THE SOUTHEAST
ASHEVILLE PIZZA AND BREWING CO.
1459 Sand Hill Road
675 Merrimon Ave., 828-254-1281
BEN’S TUNE UP
22
CATAWBA BREWING CO.,
CRAFT CENTRIC TAPROOM & BOTTLE SHOP
GAINING GROUND FARM — YESTERDAY SPACES 305 Sluder Branch Road, Leicester, 828-777-6948
HI-WIRE BREWING 2 Huntsman Place, 828-738-2448 197 Hillard Ave., 828-738-2448
LAUGHING SEED CAFÉ
THIRSTY MONK Biltmore Park, 2 Town Square Blvd. #170, 828-687-3873 Downtown, 92 Patton Ave., 828-254-5470 Warehouse, 92 Thompson St.
THE WHALE: A CRAFT BEER COLLECTIVE 507 Haywood Road, 828-575-9888
WEDGE BREWING CO. Wedge Foundation, 5 Foundy St., 828-253-7152 37 Paynes Way, Suite 001, 828-505-2792
40 Wall St., 828-252-3445
WHITE LABS KITCHEN & TAP
LAZOOM ROOM
172 S. Charlotte St., 828-974-3868
195 Hilliard Ave, 828-424-7580
100 Julian Shoals Drive #40, Arden, 828-676-0075
BHRAMARI BREWING CO.
CREEKSIDE TAPHOUSE
101 S. Lexington Ave., 828-214-7981
8 Beverly Road, 828-575-2880
419 N. Haywood St., Waynesville, 828-246-6777
WICKED WEED FUNKATORIUM
BURIAL BEER CO.
EURISKO BEER CO.
MCCORMICK FIELD
ZEBULON ARTISAN ALES
40 Collier Ave., 828-475-2739
255 Short Coxe Ave., 828-774-5055
30 Buchanan Place, 828-258-0428
8 Merchants Alley, Weaverville
2019 AVL BEER WEEK OFFICIAL GUIDE
MOUNTAIN XPRESS
76 Biltmore Ave., 828-505-2974
LEAP FROG TOURS
WHOLE FOODS MARKET 4 S. Tunnel Road, 828-239-9604 147 Coxe Ave., 828-552-3203
MOUNTAINX.COM/BEERWEEK
2019 AVL BEER WEEK OFFICIAL GUIDE
23