Asheville Brewing Company started life as Two Moons Brew ‘N’ View at 675 Merrimon Ave., where the current Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company is located (and still shows second-run and classic movies for $3). Owner Mike Rangel recalls patrons’ affectionate slogan for Two Moons: “The beer is so good, it makes you forget how bad the service is.”
Asheville Brewing has come a long way. In 2005 it doubled brewing capacity and opened a second location at 77 Coxe Ave. Popular ABC beers include Shiva IPA, Ninja Porter and Escape Artist Pale Ale.
The Coxe Avenue location, with its large covered patio and var- ied seating (from rocking chairs to benches) has become a local watering hole. The Merrimon ABC remains a recreational hub for all ages — pizza, beer, movies and video games (not to mention a fun-house mirror). Another branch of the business, the recently opened South Asheville location at 1580 Hendersonville Road, is a different animal from the other two. This one is delivery/pickup only — including beer.
Last year, ABC expanded the scope of local brewing, introducing the first canned Asheville microbrews — Shiva IPA and Rocket Girl. In the very near future, says Rangel, ABC will roll out canned Ninja Porter.
“Our beers are different because our brewer, Doug Riley, is not afraid to try something different and is very disciplined,” says Rangel. “[He’s’] a real artist. You have to have someone like Doug in this business.”
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