Asheville takes on the beer cocktail On any given night in Asheville, people are mixing up their beer and booze, usually in the form of shots and chasers. But there’s a more refined way to enjoy the hoppy yumminess of a brew and the bite of liquor than by dropping a shot of Irish whiskey […]
Two new books sure to satisfy homebrewers and beer lovers I could say that Mike Karnowski’s book, Homebrew Beyond the Basics, is easily the best brewing book of the year. Then again, I was his editor. But ask anyone who’s been to Dirty Jack’s since Karnowski took over brewing the specialty beers (everything that’s not […]
Perhaps it was a coincidence that the Sierra Nevada media preview last week felt like the first real day of spring. But after winding up an entryway that will make the Biltmore Estate look over its shoulder, after walking into an entire warehouse where the lights are motion-activated and bags of malt are stacked as […]
Here in Asheville, we’ve long been ahead of the curve when it comes to craft beer. Now the entire state of North Carolina is getting up to speed as our state’s breweries unite in April for a full month of beer-related events. With more than 100 breweries in North Carolina, only New York and Pennsylvania […]
Raise a glass to the father of Asheville craft beer. When Highland Brewing Co. opened in 1994, North Carolina had all of 10 breweries; now there are more than 100. And when Gov. Pat McCrory signed the proclamation for North Carolina Beer Month, which begins April 1, we’d just cracked the list of the top […]
Highland announces major expansion While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of new brewery openings, it’s also exciting to see that Asheville’s oldest craft brewery is not sitting still. According to Highland Brewing Vice President Leah Wong Ashburn, the company is gearing up for an expansion that could allow output to double […]
Craft Room Opens in South Asheville If you live within 10 minutes of downtown or West Asheville, there’s no shortage of options for fresh growlers of beer. Bruisin’ Ales stocks an ever-changing selection, Asheville Growler and Appalachian Vintner both fill to order and, of course, there are all the breweries. But head down to Arden […]
Man v. Liver is a book by Asheville native and illustrator Neil Hinson and author Paul Friedrich that centers around a simply drawn figure called “man” and his Dean Martin-esque one liners. Hinson describes the book as “a 100-page collection of sayings that we wish we remembered saying at the bar.”
Sierra Nevada introduces IPA 4-pack Sierra Nevada is best-known for its hoppy Pale Ale and Torpedo IPA. Now it’s taking the hoppiness one step further and rolling out a variety four-pack with Torpedo and three new hop-forward beers. According to the company, the variety pack, which will roll out in the next couple of weeks […]
When you walk into the Twin Leaf space, it’s clear that the brewing system is the pride and joy. The 10-barrel setup is the first thing you notice. While the rest of the wood-filled taproom is subdued, the brewery tanks shine golden in the evening light. It will no doubt be the envy of many […]
In the latest regional beer news, New Belgium and Riverbend debut their collaboration, Sierra Nevada tests single, fresh, wet and wild; and more.
The Junction is one of several local businesses, including restaurants and smaller breweries, forming grassroots partnerships with New Belgium Brewing as the beer giant digs in to open its new facility in the River Arts District. Pictured is Tanya Triber, co-owner of The Junction.
John Garcia, owner and brewer of Lookout Brewery in Black Mountain, was used to a certain type of Black Mountain tourist before he switched careers. He’d see people in town because their family has a place in Montreat or Lake Lure. Others he talked to were stopping to grab a bite to eat before going […]
Catawba adapts to Asheville The first brewery opening of the year is anything but business as usual. SIDEBAR: Highland Night Flight Highland Brewing Co. has come up with a way to pair nighttime, beer-drinking fun with a competitive cardio workout. In celebration of its 20th anniversary, the brewery is partnering with the Asheville Parks and […]
Say what you will about British food, but there’s nothing heartier than an English breakfast. Pair a big pub-style brekkie with a pint of ale and some football on the telly, and you have an Anglophile soccer fan’s dream come true.
Pisgah Brewing Co. has made the decision to launch Pisgah Pale in cans, with one or two additional styles likely to be added down the road. The first Pisgah cans should be available at limited locations around town next week.
Photo by Alicia Funderburk
“We¹ve been hard at work over the past year assembling what we consider the ‘Dream Team’ of Asheville pub management,” says Thirsty Monk founder Barry Bialik, whose company is preparing to open its fourth Asheville location.
Bialik recently promoted Chall Gray to vice president in anticipation of a busy 2014. Gray, a native of Western North Carolina, is well-known in the area as an entrepreneur and theater and music producer.
Not to be outdone by New York City, Asheville is about to introduce its own Beer City version of the Times Square New Year’s Eve ball drop. The ever-innovative folks at Thirsty Monk will ring in 2014 by dropping a decorated and illuminated beer keg down a 20-foot cast-iron pole at the stroke of midnight at the brewery’s newest location in Biltmore Park.
A round-up of the five most-read news stories of 2013 on Mountainx.com.
Are you trying to decide what to do for New Year’s Eve? If you want to buffer your midnight toast with a good meal, several local bars and restaurants are serving up interesting eats along with liquid cheer. There is even an Asheville-style take on the Times Square ball drop for those who are in the mood for something completely out of the ordinary.
The tourism industry already brings in $2.3 billion annually to Buncombe County. That’s up from roughly $183 million 30 years ago. But to continue to grow local visitation, government officials and business owners need to “anticipate trends that are shaping the future,” says Mike Konzen, a leading global consultant.
