Craft beer is a flavorful, quality-focused beer, traditionally brewed in small batches by brewers. Asheville, North Carolina, fondly known as “Beer City USA,” is a paradise for craft beer enthusiasts. Its tale of craft beer all began in 1994, a pivotal year when Oscar Wong, a retired engineer, moved to Asheville and opened Highland Brewing Company.
The craft beer industry in Asheville saw explosive growth from these humble beginnings. Today, the city is home to over 30 breweries. What sets Asheville’s craft beer scene apart is its commitment to local ingredients and sustainability, fostering a unique connection with the regional terroir and contributing to the local economy.
Asheville’s craft beer culture is celebrated annually through events like Asheville Beer Week and the Beer City Festival, showcasing the best of local and innovative brews. This thriving beer scene is a reflection of Asheville’s innovative spirit, its dedication to community, and a shared love for quality and craftsmanship in brewing.
Visitors can embark on an exhilarating journey through this thriving beer scene with expert-led tours like City Brew Tours Asheville and BREW-ed Brewery Tours. These tours provide an opportunity to learn about brewing processes, sample unique and award-winning beers, and hear the stories behind these creative brews.
Best Breweries in Asheville
Asheville Brewing Company
Asheville Brewing Company
Asheville Brewing Company, a staple in the Asheville craft beer scene, has been delighting locals and visitors alike since 1998. Known for its innovative and diverse range of brews, this brewery has something to suit every palate.
One of their most captivating aspects is their blend of brewing and entertainment, offering not just great beer but also a fun atmosphere. The brewery operates across three locations in Asheville, each with its own unique charm.
The North Asheville spot combines delicious pub food, craft beers, and a movie theater with the most affordable ticket prices in town, adding a unique twist to the typical brewery experience.
Downtown, visitors can find the heart of their brewing operation along with a great selection of food and beer, while the South Asheville location is perfect for grabbing pizza and beer to go.
Wicked Weed Brewing
Wicked Weed Brewing
Wicked Weed Brewing, nestled in a historic building at 91 Biltmore Avenue, Asheville, represents a unique blend of traditional and innovative brewing. Established in 2012, it quickly became a standout in Asheville’s craft beer scene.
Wicked Weed specializes in West Coast-style hoppy beers, open-fermented Belgians, and barrel-aged sours. Its brewpub, the original home of Wicked Weed Brewing, houses a full restaurant, taproom, bottle shop, and the original 15-barrel brewery, offering a gastronomic experience with a wide range of beer offerings.
The downstairs area provides a more casual setting, featuring up to 26 different beers and a view of the brewery operations. Notably, in 2017, Wicked Weed entered into a partnership with the Anheuser-Busch family of craft breweries, maintaining its independent control over recipes and brand development.
New Belgium Brewing Company
New Belgium Brewing Company
New Belgium Brewing Company, a beloved name in the American craft beer industry, made a significant mark with its expansion to Asheville. Originally founded in Colorado, this brewery is celebrated for its Fat Tire Amber Ale, a recipe inspired by a bicycle trip through Belgium.
New Belgium’s commitment to sustainability is noteworthy; it became the first U.S. wind-powered brewery in 1999. By 2015, New Belgium had risen to become one of the largest craft brewers in the country. Their Asheville location, established in 2016, sits beautifully along the French Broad River in the city’s River Arts District.
This 133,000 square foot facility is capable of producing up to half a million barrels of beer annually. New Belgium is known for its quirky and inclusive corporate culture, promoting community and sustainability.
They offer an engaging range of beers like the Voodoo Ranger series, showcasing their innovative spirit. Visitors can enjoy a variety of beer styles, from IPAs to sour ales, each crafted with the brewery’s commitment to quality and creativity.
Hi-Wire Brewing
Hi-Wire Brewing
Hi-Wire Brewing, established in Asheville, NC, embodies a playful and innovative spirit in the craft beer scene. Founded by Adam Charnack and Chris Frosaker in 2013, this brewery took over a local brewery’s space and transformed it into a vibrant craft beer haven.
The South Slope Specialty Brewery, Hi-Wire’s original location, is a hub of creativity, focusing on experimental sour and wild ales and housing a pilot system for recipe development. Hi-Wire is known for its traditional brewing styles, honoring the heritage of craft beer while also embracing innovation and change.
Their flagship and seasonal offerings are designed to be balanced and approachable. The Biltmore Village Production Brewery & Taproom, opened in 2015, further showcases Hi-Wire’s commitment to creativity and quality.
Hi-Wire’s ethos is about creating a welcoming environment for everyone, from beer enthusiasts to newcomers, ensuring a place where all can enjoy good beer and good times. Their dedication to community involvement, sustainability, and supporting local artists is evident in their operations and branding.
Bhramari Brewing Company
Bhramari Brewing Company
Bhramari Brewing Company, nestled in Asheville, is a unique gem in the craft beer scene. This brewery is renowned for its innovative approach to beer-making. It’s not just about brewing beer; it’s an art where flavors are layered, and ingredients, many locally sourced, are balanced meticulously.
Their brewing process is heavily influenced by culinary techniques, thanks to a brewer with a chef’s experience. This results in a lineup of creative beer combinations that consistently push the boundaries of traditional craft beer.
Bhramari doesn’t just stop at beer; they extend their culinary expertise to their food offerings as well. The brewery is well-known for chef-inspired beers and beer-inspired food, ensuring that every menu is a pairing menu.
You’ll find a constant rotation of small-batch brews alongside unique flagship beers. Notable mentions include their signature brew, the Neon Ghosts IPA, and a seasonal favorite, Rhymes with Purple.
Highland Brewing
Highland Brewing
Highland Brewing, Asheville’s pioneering craft brewery, began its journey in 1994. Founded by Oscar Wong, a retired engineer, this brewery marked the resurgence of beer crafting in Asheville post-prohibition.
It started humbly in a basement under Barley’s Taproom with retrofitted dairy equipment and has since grown into the largest family-owned brewery in the Southeast. Now run by Oscar’s daughter, Leah Wong Ashburn, Highland has maintained its regional charm, distributing exclusively in the Southeast United States.
At their sprawling 40-acre East Asheville campus, visitors can explore the brewery’s diverse range, including year-round favorites like the Gaelic Ale and seasonal delights like the Midnight Summit vanilla milk stout.
The brewery also hosts tours, offering an in-depth look at their brewing process, and regularly supports over 100 charities, highlighting their commitment to the community and sustainability.
French Broad River Brewing Company
French Broad River Brewing Company
At French Broad River Brewing Company, the focus is on creating classic European-style beers with a distinct American twist. Known for their approachable and balanced beers, they offer a range that includes lagers, ales, and specialty brews.
The brewery takes its name from the nearby French Broad River, reflecting its deep connection to the local landscape and community.
The taproom is a welcoming space where you can immerse yourself in their beer culture, often accompanied by live music and events. French Broad River Brewing’s dedication to craftsmanship and community makes it a must-visit destination for those exploring Asheville’s brewery scene.
Burial Beer Company
Burial Beer Company
Burial Beer Company, since its inception in 2013, has etched its name in Asheville’s vibrant craft beer scene. Nestled in the South Slope District, this brewery started in a renovated transmission shop and quickly made a name for itself with its eclectic mix of traditional and experimental brews.
Burial Beer Co. stands out for its unique ambiance, blending industrial and agricultural elements, evident in its décor featuring old farm implements and a rustic vibe.
This brewery is well-known for its diverse range of beers. Favorites like the Skillet Donut Stout and Surf Wax IPA highlight Burial’s creative approach to brewing. The taproom not only offers a look into the brewing process but also serves as a hub for community events and art markets.
Catawba Brewing Company
Catawba Brewing Company
Catawba Brewing Company is another gem in Asheville’s beer landscape. This brewery, with its deep roots in Western North Carolina, brings a piece of the region’s history and culture into every brew.
Known for their wide-ranging beer selection, Catawba offers everything from crisp IPAs to rich stouts, ensuring there’s something for every palate. Catawba’s dedication to quality and community is evident in their sustainable practices and their involvement in local events and initiatives.
The brewery’s warm, welcoming atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for both locals and visitors to gather, share stories, and enjoy high-quality craft beer. Catawba Brewing Company embodies the essence of Asheville’s beer scene – a blend of tradition, innovation, and community spirit.
Green Man Brewery
Green Man Brewery
Green Man Brewery, one of Asheville’s oldest and most revered breweries, offers a rich experience steeped in English traditions. Known for its iconic green logo, the brewery specializes in ales that are a blend of traditional and modern brewing methods.
The brewery has evolved over the years, expanding its facilities and beer range while maintaining a strong connection to its roots.
The taproom and beer garden provide a perfect backdrop to enjoy their acclaimed ales, porters, and specialty brews. Green Man’s commitment to quality and respect for brewing history has cemented its place in Asheville’s dynamic beer scene.
Pisgah Brewing Company
Pisgah Brewing Company
Nestled in the serene setting of Black Mountain, Pisgah Brewing Company is a haven for organic beer lovers. Founded in 2005, the brewery has a fascinating origin story involving a grassroots effort and a commitment to organic ingredients.
Pisgah’s flagship beer, the Pisgah Pale Ale, has become a mainstay in the Asheville beer scene. The brewery’s range includes year-round beers and seasonal offerings, reflecting their dedication to innovation and quality.
The cozy taproom and the Pisgah Outdoor Stage, which hosts live music and events, create a vibrant community atmosphere. Pisgah’s commitment to sustainability and local ingredients is evident in every brew, making it a unique stop for beer enthusiasts.
Thirsty Monk Brewery and Pub
Thirsty Monk Brewery and Pub
Thirsty Monk Brewery and Pub stands out in Asheville’s craft beer scene. Known for their Belgian-Rooted Modern Ales, this brewery offers a rich and diverse beer menu. With a rotating selection of beers on tap, beer enthusiasts are always in for a new experience.
The Thirsty Monk creates an atmosphere reminiscent of a centuries-old pub, perfect for enjoying beer with friends. The Downtown Asheville location has added a Delirium Bar in the basement, bringing in iconic beers from Belgium’s Brewery Huyghe and Abbey Averbode.
The bar features a unique blend of Asheville roots and tarot influences, providing visitors with a mix of European pub feel and local Asheville charm.
Final Thoughts
Asheville’s craft beer scene is a vibrant tapestry of innovation, tradition, and community. Each brewery in this city contributes its unique flavors and experiences, making Asheville a premier destination for beer enthusiasts.
The diverse range of brewing styles, from classic to avant-garde, reflects the city’s dynamic culture and its commitment to quality and creativity.
Whether you’re a seasoned beer aficionado or a curious newcomer, Asheville’s breweries offer an exploration into the world of craft beer that is both enriching and delightful.