Looking ahead to Beer Week

Last week CNN named Asheville one of the eight “Best Beer Towns.” It wasn’t for our beer history (which scored just 5 out of 10). Turns out, it was largely because of our events, which scored a 9 out of 10 — the highest of any city. So even though this is only the second […]

Colla-beer-ation

When you mention an event in late March, college students usually think of spring break. Brewers on the other hand, their minds go to the Craft Brewers Conference — held this year in Washington, D.C. The event brings together about 5,000 brewing industry professionals, including folks from plenty of N.C. breweries: Highland, Catawba Valley, Nantahala, […]

A firkin good time

What if Oskar Blues made a beer with papaya? What if Green Man served its IPA with a few extra ounces of Simcoe? And what if French Broad shoved Krispy Kreme donuts in its Anvil Porter? Now what if I told you there’s no “what if.” All of the beers above have recently been on […]

Unearthing Burial Beer

Three Seattle transplants are behind Burial Beer. They chose a scythe for the logo and their website has a lot of black. But when they open their doors in late April or early May, don’t expect loud metal music and surly bartenders. “If a group of bikers came in expecting that scene, they would probably […]

‘Twas a warm Winter Warmer

I was about to leave the Founders’ booth with my pour of Boltcutter when I ran into Dave Engbers, the co-founder of Founders. We talked for a few minutes about our mutual love of Asheville. Then we spotted two men dressed as women getting in line. “Beer festivals can get weird,” said Engbers.

Brews News

Seasonal releases (yes, including Cold Mountain) I love the time in the beer year when breweries start releasing robust and spicy brews that go really well with long dark snuggly nights and hearty roast meats and potatoes. (If you don’t believe me, have yourself an Imperial Stout with a pile of mashed ‘taters and gravy. […]

Brews News

Raise a pint in remembrance of Jay Stewart Jay Stewart did more than almost anyone to support Asheville’s craft beer pioneers, although it was mostly from behind the scenes. Stewart died on Sept. 17 after a long illness. A longtime Asheville real estate investor, Steward was a part owner of Highland Brewing Company and owned […]

Brews News

Following the dog days of August, there always seems to be a surge of September energy. Kids go back to school, tomatoes burst on the vine and small businesses, including craft breweries, start gathering acorns for the winter. OK, they’re more likely to be gathering hops and malts and brewing loads of beer and cleaning […]