I wanted to start the first week of the quest with a bang and Asheville was the right place to do it. This is truly a beer town that is becoming the beer mecca of the east. I was able to visit 16 breweries in the area over 4 days and I still didn't make it to all of them. The beer culture in this town bleeds over to all of the business's and community. Everyone I encountered along the beer trail was very friendly and helpful
The breweries ranged from small nano breweries with tasting rooms to the fancier Brewpubs. Almost all of the tasting rooms had some type of musical entertainment. I enjoyed visiting everyone of them, however, I would list the following as do not miss if you visit:
The breweries ranged from small nano breweries with tasting rooms to the fancier Brewpubs. Almost all of the tasting rooms had some type of musical entertainment. I enjoyed visiting everyone of them, however, I would list the following as do not miss if you visit:
- Wedge Brewery- hard to find in the River Arts district, make sure you try the "Iron Rail" and the " 3rd Rail"
- Green Man Brewery- which is along the the south slope beer walk, the Green Man IPA is worth the stop.
- Highland Brewery- was the first brewery to kickoff the Asheville beer boom. Large Warehouse atmosphere and try the Gaelic Ale.
- Look Out Brewery- located in the town of Black Mountain. This is a smail Nano Brewery run by John Garcia and his wife Allison. They are a very friendly couple, love to talk beer and I believe they have the compassion to be very successful. John has entered his GFY Scotch Ale in the World Beer Cup Festival, you need to try it is a great beer. While there be sure to try the "Dark Town Brown" and "Hanky Panky"
- Pisgah Brewery- also located in Black Mountain. We were able to celebrate their re-release of the "Chocolatiers Vortex II", wow what a good beer. "The Valdez Coffee Stout" may be the best coffee stout I have drank, also try their "Maple Porter".