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.

Carolina Beer Guy: Brewery building and expansions proceed during COVID-19 crisis

Posted on June 25, 2020June 22, 2020 by Tony Kiss

Updates on brewery construction and expansions in Asheville, Brevard and Old Fort.

Carolina Beer Guy: Taprooms open with significant safety measures

Posted on May 30, 2020May 31, 2020 by Tony Kiss

Asheville-area breweries have taken numerous precautions to ensure responsible reopening.

Carolina Beer Guy: NC taprooms allowed to reopen thanks to late-breaking guidance from Gov. Cooper

Posted on May 22, 2020May 22, 2020 by Tony Kiss

Local brewpub owners discuss the safety precautions they’re taking prior to reopening.

Carolina Beer Guy: AVL Beer Week goes virtual

Posted on May 19, 2020May 19, 2020 by Tony Kiss

A range of online events are planned May 22-31 in lieu of in-person gatherings.

Carolina Beer Guy: Local brewery owners miss the crowds

Posted on May 14, 2020May 13, 2020 by Tony Kiss

Across the Asheville area, brewery figures are struggling with quiet taprooms and other significant changes to the industry.

Carolina Beer Guy: Fermented Nonsense and Craft Centric going out of business

Posted on May 2, 2020May 3, 2020 by Tony Kiss

Asheville’s smallest brewery and the taproom/bottle shop in which it’s housed are the first brewing industry businesses to close as a result of COVID-19 repercussions.