Who doesn’t love Summer? Not many people that we know! That said, one of THE best ways to cool down during the Summer is with a refreshing cold brew. Read on to find out some of our favorite breweries within Western North Carolina.
1. Boojum Brewing Company
We find that this Brewery, which is nestled in the quaint town of Waynesville, is named very appropriately. Named after the folklore of a Bigfoot-esque mountain man(that collects and hoards gemstones), Boojum Brewing Company is JUST that – a gemstone! Not only does Boojum craft some of the tastiest suds around, they also are joined with owning and operating a killer restaurant that holds it’s own as well. *Check out the newly opened outside deck*
Beers we suggest –
King of the Mountain Double IPA – A double hop / double malt brew that holds robust, and crisp with the help of Chinook / Amarillo / Citra / Cascade / Centennial / CTZ hops.
Graveyard Fields – A complex Porter that offers a bit of a twist in it’s usage of coffee and blueberry.
Jalapeno IPA – An easy to drink ale that is perfectly balanced in it’s usage of Galaxy & Citra hops, and rounded out well with afternotes of crisp Jalapeno.
2. Sierra Nevada
Having initially started in Southern California, and then nestled in Chico – Sierra Nevada has really spread their wings as far as expanding their craft and brand. As of 2015 they have opened a Taproom and Restaurant in Mills River. Boasting a huge grounds, as well as areas for bands to play, and a restaurant that boasts as good of fare as they offer with beer.
Beers we suggest –
Sidecar Orange Pale Ale – This is a great pale ale with a bright finish. Could very well be enjoyed on any day, and with any dish that Orange would pair well with.
Hope Hunter IPA – A stronger IPA that starts bright and finishes the same.
Otra Vez – A great gose style ale that hones it’s tart ways from the addition of pear cactus and grapefruit.
3. One World Brewing
If small batch, and hand craft are your thing, then One World Brewing has you covered! They are located in Asheville and boast a 1.5 barrel system, with 20 fermentation vessels that are in constant rotation.
Beers we suggest –
Patcha Mama Coconut Porter – Dark roasted with a hint of coconut. Bittered with Brewers Gold and Chinook, and finished with East Kent Golding.
Chocolate Truffle Stout – An American Stout made with a ridiculous amount of chocolate malt. Decadent, dry, and delicious!
Black Wolf Campfire Stout – Brewed with beechwood smoked malted barley, this seasonal offering reminds one of the good times around a campfire. Earthy, dark and delicious, come join the circle!
4. Catawba Brewing Company
Started from humble beginnings in 1994, Catawba has definitely made it’s niche in the craft beer world with inventive brews like the Peanut Butter Jelly Time, and White Zombie.
Beers we suggest –
Peanut Butter Jelly Time – A light brown ale that is rested on whole roasted peanut, and an all-natural raspberry puree.
White Zombie – A Belgium Witbier that finishes nicely with its additions of coriander, and orange peel.
Farmer Ted – A crisp and refreshing beer that finishes with a creamy feel due to corn being added to the mash.
5. Highland Brewing Company
The first legal brewery since legal Prohibition in Asheville – Highland has continued to grow and expand with time. I mean they can brew over 50,000 barrels annually, but here’s the thing – they still focus on quality over quantity!
Beers we suggest –
Universal Heartthrob – Red IPA with copper highlights, balanced bready malts finish with dank hop bitterness.
Mandarina IPA – An adventure-loving and aromatic citrus IPA.
Black Mocha Stout – Highland’s most robust beer, with roasted chocolate and coffee flavors.
6. Green Man Brewery
Brewing great beer in Asheville since 1997, Green Man Brewery is definitely an Asheville favorite! With a gorgeous space in which to partake in said brews, it’s no wonder that Green Man Brewery holds such a prestigious reputation.
Beers we suggest –
Leaf Blower Red IPA – An assertive hoppy beer that balances with a sturdy malt, highlighted by rich notes of caramel.
Forester Stout – Roasted black and chocolate malts, as well as a distinctive blend of hops, allows this balanced flavor to shine.
Wayfarer IPA – A cool ale that has a nice citrus aroma, and a laid back finish. Perfect for Summer.
7. New Belgium Brewing Company
Based out of Fort Collins, CO – New Belgium now has a location in Asheville NC, and continues to focus its drive on promoting beer culture, and responsible enjoyment of beer.
Beers we suggest –
Citradelic Tangerine IPA – Orange / Tropical fruit, with a pine hop that starts mildly sweet, and transitions into a well-balanced bitterness.
Voodoo Ranger IPA – Lightly sweet at first with a stronger, building and perfect bitterness.
Fat Tire – Toasty malt, gentle sweetness, flash of fresh hope bitterness. Perfectly balanced.
8. Wedge Brewing Company
Established in 2008, the Wedge is a neighborhood brewery with two locations in the heart of Asheville’s River Arts District. The Wedge serves as a gathering place for people of all ages and walks of life to laugh, exchange ideas and drink Wedge beer.
Beers we suggest –
Julian Price Pilsner – A classic straight forward pilsner, hard to beat.
Abbey Blonde – A golden blonde with a nice finish.
Payne’s Pale Ale – An American Pale Ale that serves as a nice all around.
9. Burial Beer Company
Bural Beer Company celebrates the cyclical nature of harvest and the brewing process. The urge their patrons to partake in experimental beer drinking.
Beers we suggest –
Garden of Earthly Delights – Mixed culture ale with NC carrots, grapefruit, ginger, lemon verbena, and sea salt.
The Prayer Belgian Blonde with apricots
When We Were Phantoms – Double IPA
10. French Broad Brewery
If you’re a beer lover traveling in the Southeastern U.S., you’ve got to check out Asheville. Our town features scads of breweries, tasting rooms (most breweries pour pints onsite), and taprooms (there’s a phenomenal beer selection here). French Broad is proud to be one of Asheville’s great breweries.
Beers we suggest –
IPA – Our IPA features hops (of course!), but has a lot going on in the grain bill as well. You will enjoy it!
Ryehopper Rye Pale Ale – A distinctive American pale ale with strong rye malt notes, resulting in a dry-on-dry beer spectacular.
13 Rebels ESB – Named for the 13 colonies, our Extra Special Bitter features generous Goldings profile and a complex malt palate.
11. Hi-Wire Brewing
Their flagship and seasonal offerings are brewed to be balanced and approachable, how brewers have been striving to brew beers for thousands of years.
Beers we suggest –
HiWire Lager – This true American lager is as approachable as it is delicious, a perfect balance of light Pilsen malt and German hops. Extensively lagered until the beer reaches peak maturity, this lager is your handcrafted option when only a refreshing, light beer will do.
Bed of nails Brown Ale – Bed of Nails is crafted as an American ode to a traditional English brown. A light hop addition balances the natural sweetness present in the specialty malt. This beer’s delicate body and dry finish allow flavors of toffee and dark fruit to shine through.
Hi-Pitch Mosaic IPA – A balanced Western North Carolina IPA with bright citrus and tropical fruit aromas. Expect big grapefruit, tangerine and subtle melon flavors from the chorus of Mosaic & Centennial hops to balance out the malt in this dank & drinkable ale.
12. Twin Leaf Brewery
Twin Leaf Brewery is located in the mountains of Western North Carolina due to Tim’s love of all things outdoors. When not brewing incredibly drinkable and exciting beers, the TLB crew spends their time hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, climbing, backpacking, and loving every minute of our small mountain town.
Beers we suggest –
Leafer IPA – American – This incredibly balanced IPA derives it’s name from the herbaceous perennial we owe all of the glory, the hop leaf. Notes of citrus, fruit, pine, and pepper make this Mosaic dry hopped ale a staff favorite.
Luminosity Belgian Tripel – Deep golden in color with a wonderful complexity from the classic Trappist yeast strain. Slightly sweet and fruity with notes of orange, banana, spice and soft alcohols. Surprisingly, this high gravity tripel with a light body is easy drinking and may sneak up on you.
The Scientific Method IPA – White – Brewed for the national March for Science, this white IPA is brewed with 30% wheat, Belgian Pils malt, coriander and orange peel and a massive helping of Simcoe, Mosaic and Ekanot hops.
13. Wicked Weed Brewing
Wicked Weed is focused on drinkability and boundary pushing recipes tempered only by quality of craft. Wicked Weed Brewing will always evolve, always grow, and always aspire to be better.
Beers we suggest –
Barrel Aged French Toast Imperial Stout – Prepare for the smooth vanilla, zesty cinnamon, and sweet maple syrup of the original to be epically enhanced by the finest Kentucky bourbon barrels. This sweet treat’s time in oak barrels has forged an entirely new creation.
Amorous – Aged in red wine barrels for approximately 8-10 months, and then dry hopped with over 3.5 pounds per barrel of Mosaic, Amarillo, Citra, and Centennial.
Angel of Darkness – This ale is blended with 1.5 pounds per gallon of boysenberries, blackberries, raspberries, and cherries and aged in Oloroso sherry casks.
All of these beers pair even better when enjoying a nice meal cooked on a
Big Green Egg
– which you can buy at your local Big Green Egg Dealer – Clean Sweep
. Grilling and beer, a day that always goes right.
Do you have a local WNC beer that you enjoy? Share it with your Big Green Egg recipe below
We happen to very much enjoy this beer can chicken recipe.