Carolina Beer Guy: Breweries join recycling co-op

Posted on April 15, 2021April 7, 2021 by Tony Kiss

To help reduce industry waste, Sierra Nevada has partnered with American Recycling of Western North Carolina to create the WNC Brewery Recycling Cooperative, a drop-off site in Candler.

Carolina Beer Guy: Brew fest returns with new look

Posted on April 2, 2021April 1, 2021 by Tony Kiss

Hi-Wire Brewing’s N.C. Small Batch Beer Festival returns with a different look. Also, new releases, reopenings and expansions.

Carolina Beer Guy: Local breweries featured on Amazon Prime series ‘Crafted’ and other beer-related news

Posted on February 27, 2021February 25, 2021 by Tony Kiss

Bhramari Brewing Co., Green Man Brewery. Zillicoah Beer Co. and DSSOLVR will be featured in the second season of “Crafted,” a series on Amazon Prime and Facebook Watch. Also: Thirsty Thursday on hold; Capitalize the B campaign celebrates Black History Month; and more.

Carolina Beer Guy: Hot Springs lands brewery, tacos

Posted on February 21, 2021February 15, 2021 by Tony Kiss

This past December, Big Pillow Brewing hosted its soft opening, making it the third craft brewery in Madison County, joining the Mad Co. Brew House in Marshal and the Hickory Nut Gorge Brewery in the restored Mars Hill Theatre in Mars Hill.

Carolina Beer Guy: Beer tasting goes virtual

Posted on January 18, 2021January 18, 2021 by Tony Kiss

Blue Ridge Community College’s brewing program will host a virtual beer tasting on Friday, Jan. 29.

Carolina Beer Guy: Year ends with cider, beer news

Posted on December 31, 2020December 31, 2020 by Tony Kiss

Barn Door Ciderworks opens in Fairview, Hickory Nut Gorge Brewery expands to Mars Hill and Highland goes into hibernation.

Carolina Beer Guy: Breweries open, build, expand

Posted on December 11, 2020December 11, 2020 by Tony Kiss

Noblebräu is up and running in Brevard, Archetype opens its rooftop deck and New Origin readies for a February opening.

Carolina Beer Guy: Rural breweries face distinct pandemic challenges

Posted on December 9, 2020December 8, 2020 by Tony Kiss

Spacious outdoor areas have helped keep Homeplace, Innovation, Whiteside and Mad Co. in business, though mask noncompliance from tourists has offered occasional challenges.

Carolina Beer Guy: Breweries prepare for pandemic winter challenges

Posted on November 25, 2020November 23, 2020 by Tony Kiss

Area breweries are used to the challenges of winter, but added difficulties from the COVID-19 pandemic have many in the industry extra concerned.

Carolina Beer Guy: Rye Knot grows North Asheville brewing scene

Posted on October 28, 2020October 28, 2020 by Tony Kiss

The new venture by Bob Byron and Jimi Rentz is a combination brewery, distillery and restaurant.

Carolina Beer Guy: Celebrate Oktoberfest at home

Posted on October 13, 2020October 8, 2020 by Tony Kiss

Seasonal celebrations have largely been curbed, but plentiful German-style beers and imports are available throughout the local market.

Carolina Beer Guy: Tasty Beverage closes Saturday

Posted on September 25, 2020September 25, 2020 by Tony Kiss

The bottle shop and taproom ends its five-year run on the South Slope.

Carolina Beer Guy: Sanctuary Brewing moves, gives rise to Oklawaha Brewing

Posted on September 23, 2020September 21, 2020 by Tony Kiss

The Hendersonville brewery has morphed into two separate endeavors, including one in its former location but under a new name.

Carolina Beer Guy: Growler refills not easy during COVID-19 pandemic

Posted on August 11, 2020August 12, 2020 by Tony Kiss

Once a staple of the craft beer scene, reusable bottles currently aren’t being accepted at numerous Asheville-area businesses.

Carolina Beer Guy: Local breweries enact strict protocols to protect employees from COVID-19

Posted on July 22, 2020July 20, 2020 by Tony Kiss

Wicked Weed Brewing responds to positive COVID-19 tests for employees at the Funkatorium and brewpub. Meanwhile, other local breweries screen workers daily and feel that the virus will inevitably strike their own crews.

Carolina Beer Guy: Not all breweries fully reopen

Posted on July 1, 2020June 30, 2020 by Tony Kiss

Several Asheville breweries allow exclusively outdoor seating or remain closed.

Carolina Beer Guy: Oscar Wong receives prestigious award

Posted on June 30, 2020June 30, 2020 by Tony Kiss

The Highland Brewing founder is only the 34th person in the world to receive the Brewers Association Recognition Award for outstanding contributions to the industry.