Autumn is a great time for HIGH COUNTRY ALES W
BY IAN TAYLOR
BOONDOCK BREWING
hen the fall rolls into the High Country, the leaves begin to change. They go from a vibrant green wall to a smattering of reds, yellows and oranges. In other words, the colors reminiscent of the busy brewers, carefully crafting beers in the High Country.
APPALACHIAN MOUNTAIN BREWERY
More commonly known as AMB, Appalachian Mountain Brewery is the home of more than 100 beers and ciders. Since its founding in a cultural staple in the college town. Their numerous beverage options include the famous Boone Creek Blonde, Porter and the Spoaty-Oaty as flagship year-round brews. They also have some seasonal beers on tap such as the C.R.E.A.M. coffee and doughnut infused milk stout, which is a collaboration with fellow Boone staple Local Lion. If you’re more of a cider person, their Mystic Dragon Cider is an applebased cider infused with green tea, rhubarb and AUTUMN TIMES 2021
PHOTO BY IAN TAYLOR A mural from local artist Dabney Smith catches the eye at Lost Province’s second location on Daniel Boone Drive.
strawberries. AMB also has events every week including open mic nights, fundraisers and charitable endeavors. For more information, you can go to their website, www.amb.beer, or call (828) 263-1111.
BLOWING ROCK BREWING
In its 13 years of brewing, Blowing Rock Brewing has stuck to its
core values of capturing the finest qualities of the High Country and sustainability. The Midnight Raspberry Wheat is brewed with dark, roasted wheat and fermented while the Red Rider is malt driven and deep amber-red
in color, with moderate hop intensity. Both are some of the seven of their brews to win medals at the Carolina Championship of Beer Awards. Other offerings on tap include the Cloud Rise IPA, with notes of crushed pine-
apple and orange zest, and the autumn exclusive Mel Electrum Honey Amber Ale. Blowing Rock Brewing uses only locally-sourced materials and recycles as much as they can, priding themselves on sustaining the land that provides so much for their products. For more information, you can go online to their website, www.blowingrockbrewing.com, or call (828) 414-9600.
Boondocks is a constant presence in the West Jefferson and Ashe County communities, and their beers reflect that. The brewery has released beers like the Blue Ridge Brutal Brown, which celebrates the endurance of the annual Blue Ridge Brutal Bike Race, and the West Jefferson Centennial Ale, which was first brewed for the celebration of West Jefferson’s 100th Anniversary. When they aren’t celebrating their home, Boondocks is putting out brews like the Rocket Science IPA and the Strawberry-Blonde Mint Saison. Boondocks is home to both the Brew Haus and a restaurant section, so those who just want to drink and want a bite are covered. In the Brew Haus, visitors can see the tanks used to brew their new favorite beers, each named after some of founder Gary Brown’s favorite guitarists. For more information, you can go to their website, www. SEE ALES ON PAGE 142
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