Southern Appalachian Brewery, sudsy events and more

Southern Appalachian Brewery

After more than a year of renovation and a significant upgrade to their brewing equipment, the newly renamed Southern Appalachian Brewery (formerly called Appalachian Craft Brewery) is poised to open in Hendersonville .

Owners Andy and Kelly Cubbin say they don’t have an official opening date yet, because they’re waiting on a few permits, but they hope to be brewing and selling suds again soon.

In their move from the former production facility in Fletcher, the Cubbins have upgraded to a 15-barrel brew house. They will also open a public tasting room, soon after they get the brewery back up and running.

On Locust Street, one block from North Main Street, Southern Appalachian Brewery will continue to brew small batch ales, including Copperhead Amber, Black Bear Stout and an IPA.

The company will resume the distribution of to bars and restaurants in and around Western North Carolina, too.

“We want to thank everyone for their patience while we work to complete the tasting room and await the remaining necessary permits,” says Andy, the head brewer.

Originally founded in Rosman, N.C., in 2003, the brewery was purchased by the Cubbins in 2006 and moved to the production facility in Fletcher while they looked for a permanent brewing home. The Cubbins had hoped to open in Hendersonville last year but have been held up by permit issues and other local laws (laws that may need updating).

Welcome back, Southern Appalachian Brewery. Hope y’all will make Hendersonville beer lovers happy!

For more information, visit the Southern Appalachian Brewery Facebook page.

Asheville Beer Masters update

The first qualifying round for the Asheville Beer Masters Tournament was held on April 4 at the Mellow Mushroom in Asheville. Six people entered the tourney and played some challenging but fun beer trivia.

The night’s winner was Asheville resident and home brewer Adam Reinke. He’ll represent Mellow Mushroom in the semi-finals at Wedge Brewing on May 25. Congrats to Adam! Runner-up was Scott Hicks of Asheville. Reinke and Hicks tied for points after a true/false quiz, a fill-in-the-blank test and a blind local beer tasting. Then Reinke won the five-question tiebreaker by one. It was exciting beer geekery.

Want to try your hand in one of the next seven qualifying rounds? Can you answer these questions: What beer style has a history of being brewed in England and shipped to India? What fictional character's enormous love for beer prompted him to say, "Beer — now there's a temporary solution!"? Who is the Brew Master of Lexington Avenue Brewery? (Answers at the end of the story.)

The next qualifying round will be held April 18 at Brixx Pizza in Biltmore Park at 7 p.m. For more information and the schedule of rounds, visit the Asheville Beer Masters Facebook page (or check the previous Brews News at mountainx.com). Also, check out ashevillebrew.com for news on the Asheville Beer Masters tourney and up-to-the-minute local beer happenings.

Highland Brewing to release Arc Ale

In honor of local non-profit, the Arc of Buncombe County, Highland Brewing will brew a special Arc Ale in time for the organization’s benefit, which will take place at the brewery. The April 27 evening will include live music, food and two drinks for $25 in advance and $30 at the door.

Arc’s work includes empowering persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities to realize their potential through advocacy, education, programs and family support. The organization will have artwork from their Open Hearts group for sale during the benefit.

For advance tickets and more information, call 253-1255.

Pack’s Tavern celebrates one year

Pack’s Tavern has been open for one year and will celebrate their sales of craft suds on Thursday, April 14, with a Victory Brewing Company Pint Night and five taps from Natty Greene’s Brewpub in Raleigh. A firkin of Uncle Teddy's Bitter will be tapped at 7 p.m. There will be live music by Scott Raines. Congrats to Pack’s for a year of awesome beers.

(Answers to beer trivia questions: IPA or India Pale Ale, Homer Simpson, Ben Pierson).

— Send your Brews News to Anne Fitten Glenn at brewgasmavl@gmail.com