GrindFest returns to the River Arts District. Also: American Craft Sake Festival relaunches; First Watch launches in Asheville; and more!
WNC’s favorite bartenders share their top holiday beverages
Jennie Lou Nelson, Josh March and Jackson Zoeller spread holiday cheer, one beverage at a time.
Everything in Moderation: The last word on Chartreuse, first among exotic liqueurs
Once one ventures beyond the “base liquors” used to create cocktails — spirits including gin, rum, vodka, tequila, whiskeys and more — there remains an extensive and tantalizingly varied world of liqueurs to discover. From sweet libations like Benedictine and Drambuie to savory Italian amari, the flavors and potential combinations are practically unlimited. But when […]
Everything in Moderation: Asheville beverage experts explore the world of sake
Although most people are familiar with the “table” sake served hot in restaurants, there are, in fact, seven classifications of the brewed alcoholic beverage, many of which are available in Asheville.
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.
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.
Local distilleries offer DIY cocktail kits for at-home mixologists
Distillers are offering all-inclusive, make-your-own-cocktail kits.
Asheville ABC alters policy to assist struggling bars and restaurants
A change implemented by the Asheville Alcoholic Beverage Control Board is aimed at helping businesses that placed large liquor orders in advance of the St. Patrick’s Day holiday.
Everything in Moderation: Vodka, the spirit that plays well with others
Although it’s colorless and essentially flavorless, vodka is the most popular spirit in the U.S.
Small bites: Asheville Proper slated to open this spring
Local chef Aaron McGlynn has big plans for 2020. Also: Chow Chow festival organizers host community input forums; The Asheville Hot Chocolate Races returns; The Chop Shop Butchery hosts its latest workshop; and plenty more in this week’s Small bites.
Brewery attorney Derek Allen considers Asheville’s beverage industry in 2019
Derek Allen, partner at Allen Stahl + Kilbourne and nonvoting legal counsel for the Asheville Brewers Alliance, reviews local beverage industry highlights of 2019. On-site sales of cocktails at distilleries. Having a drink at the source gives consumers a chance to “feel” the personality of the brand, meet the makers and be part of the story. It […]
Small bites: The business formerly known as District Wine Bar
Following a trademark dispute, District Wine Bar has announced it’s in the processing of changing its name. Also: The Scarlet Bee plans a dim sum pop-up. And if you need plans for New Year’s Eve, we’ve got you covered.
Contextual Harassment
ASHEVILLE, N.C.
Everything in Moderation: Celebrating with Champagne
The French sparkling wine is rich in history and tradition and also surprisingly versatile.
New alcohol laws transform the way local distillers do business
Among the myriad tweaks and changes to the strict and often maligned alcohol control state laws, the bill saw the reins slackened a bit on local producers of alcohol.
Everything in Moderation: Honey-based alcohol goes mainstream
As recently as a decade ago, finding a commercial meadery in Western North Carolina would have been exceedingly difficult. But right along with the growth of interest in beer and craft cocktails, mead-making has gained a foothold in the region.
Inaugural Chow Chow culinary festival sets the table for growth
Organizers reflect on the highs and lows as they consider planning for future events.
Everything in Moderation: The cider side of sipping
Local cideries apply creativity to the fruit of Western North Carolina’s abundant apple harvests.
Small bites: PubCorps promotes volunteerism in Beer City
PubCorps, a new local nonprofit, launches with a volunteer event at the Asheville Masonic Temple. Also: Metro Wine hosts a Spanish tapas dinner; The Bountiful Bonanza of Bitters comes to Villagers; Looking Glass Creamery leads a cheese pairing event; and plenty more in this week’s Small Bites.
Everything in Moderation: Plēb urban winery celebrates its first year during N.C. Wine Month
The NC Wine Guys will help plēb urban winery celebrate its birthday and kick off N.C. Wine Month with a live podcast from the winery on Saturday, Aug. 31.
Top Shelf Views: Vermouths from Spain and beyond
Traditional dry and sweet vermouths are only the beginning. While most vermouth is still made using neutral white wine as a base, some red wine-based varieties are gaining a foothold in the marketplace.