Brews News

Seasonal releases (yes, including Cold Mountain) I love the time in the beer year when breweries start releasing robust and spicy brews that go really well with long dark snuggly nights and hearty roast meats and potatoes. (If you don’t believe me, have yourself an Imperial Stout with a pile of mashed ‘taters and gravy. […]

Brews News

Raise a pint in remembrance of Jay Stewart Jay Stewart did more than almost anyone to support Asheville’s craft beer pioneers, although it was mostly from behind the scenes. Stewart died on Sept. 17 after a long illness. A longtime Asheville real estate investor, Steward was a part owner of Highland Brewing Company and owned […]

Brews News

Following the dog days of August, there always seems to be a surge of September energy. Kids go back to school, tomatoes burst on the vine and small businesses, including craft breweries, start gathering acorns for the winter. OK, they’re more likely to be gathering hops and malts and brewing loads of beer and cleaning […]

Brews News

There are lots of special beer releases and fun festivals coming up in late August and September, as always. Some of my favorite beers are released this time of year — Oktoberfest lagers, pumpkin beers, wet hopped ales and more. I’m salivating just thinking about the crisp carbonation and warm spices of fall. Oktoberfest beers […]

Brews News

Oskar Blues warehouse shuffle Oskar Blues Brewery announced earlier this year that it would open a new brewery and taproom in little ol’ Brevard. Originally it was set for a warehouse on Railroad Avenue, but that’s changed. The new location will be 342 Mountain Industrial Drive, says Chad Melis, Oskar Blues’ marketing director. There will […]

Edgy Mama: taking the kids to local swim spots *Updated, with correction­*

Western North Carolina is rich with water — rivers, lakes and creeks abound. Given the recent heat wave, that’s a lucky thing. While I know of some secret spots that I’m not sharing (sorry), here are some fun places for you and your kids to get wet, cool off, and enjoy the beauty of our region. [Note: The original story misstated some of the entry prices for Lake Powhatan and North Mills River. The correct prices are included in this post.]

Brews News

Wicked Weed, indeed The name of the newest brewery to announce plans to open in Asheville will be Wicked Weed Brewing — but it’s not what you think. Supposedly, Henry VIII banned the use of hops, and referred to them as “a wicked and pernicious weed.” Brothers Walt and Luke Dickinson and partner Ryan Guthy […]