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
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
Barn Door Ciderworks opens in Fairview, Hickory Nut Gorge Brewery expands to Mars Hill and Highland goes into hibernation.
From EdNC: Botany, beverages, and A-B Tech
Jeff “Puff” Irvin, chair of A-B Tech’s department of brewing, distillation and fermentation, looks back on his career.
Cellarest Beer Project enhances West Asheville brewing scene
Co-founders Mark Goodwin and Harrison Fahrer discuss their vision for West Asheville’s newest brewery, which is slated for a Feb. 2021 opening.
Carolina Beer Guy: Breweries open, build, expand
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
Spacious outdoor areas have helped keep Homeplace, Innovation, Whiteside and Mad Co. in business, though mask noncompliance from tourists has offered occasional challenges.
Erin Jordan leads with love
Erin Jordan, head brewer at Archetype Brewing, says she is thankful for family and a safe work environment.
Carolina Beer Guy: Breweries prepare for pandemic winter challenges
Area breweries are used to the challenges of winter, but added difficulties from the COVID-19 pandemic have many in the industry extra concerned.
Jon and Carrieann Schneider praise the region’s collaborative spirit
Jon and Carrieann Schneider, owners of Sideways Farm & Brewery, are grateful for each other and the region’s collaborative spirit.
Carolina Beer Guy: Rye Knot grows North Asheville brewing scene
The new venture by Bob Byron and Jimi Rentz is a combination brewery, distillery and restaurant.
Carolina Beer Guy: Celebrate Oktoberfest at home
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
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
The Hendersonville brewery has morphed into two separate endeavors, including one in its former location but under a new name.
Beer Scout: Archetype head brewer Erin Jordan follows her own path to top spot
The West Asheville establishment’s new head brewer discusses her quick but well-earned rise at the brewery.
Local beverage and cheese tasting events go virtual
The WNC Cheese Trail and local wine shops and breweries take their pairing and tasting events online.
Carolina Beer Guy: Growler refills not easy during COVID-19 pandemic
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
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
Several Asheville breweries allow exclusively outdoor seating or remain closed.
Carolina Beer Guy: Oscar Wong receives prestigious award
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
Updates on brewery construction and expansions in Asheville, Brevard and Old Fort.