Asheville’s Web of Beer: A Flourishing Brewery Scene and More
Located two hours west of downtown Charlotte, Asheville’s burgeoning craft beer scene has grown to encompass more than just exceptional brews. Brimming with a mix of industry veterans and flourishing newcomers, the city is home to a vibrant and ever-expanding beverage scene that’s catching the attention of beer enthusiasts nationwide.
Asheville’s Role in the Craft Beer Revolution
Asheville can rightly claim to be at the forefront of America’s craft beer revolution, a position cemented by Highland Brewing’s launch in 1994—long before the movement took off nationwide. Today, Asheville boasts more breweries per capita than any other U.S. city, according to a recent survey. While Charlotte may have more taprooms, Asheville’s breweries have established a nationwide reputation, with flagship brands like Highland, Hi-Wire, and Wicked Weed spreading their innovative suds far beyond the bounds of western North Carolina.
A Diverse and Inclusive Brewing Scene
Leading the charge in Asheville’s thriving beer scene is the Asheville Brewers Alliance. Karis Roberts, the alliance’s executive director and a notable figure in the brewing world, is set on championing diversity—not only in terms of gender and race but also in the types of beverages being offered and the businesses behind them. Besides traditional breweries, Asheville’s beverage landscape includes distilleries, cideries, and purveyors of craft sodas and cocktails.
Reflecting this progressive ethos, the alliance welcomes non-independent breweries, proving that it is adaptable and inclusive. This is in stark contrast to many other brewers’ alliances, such as Charlotte’s, which limits its membership to independent brewers. This inclusivity extends to the collaborations between Asheville’s breweries and the city’s hospitality and tourism industries, as evidenced by “white-label” deals allowing hotels to sell local beers under their own brands.
Preserving Tradition, Embracing the New
As well as embracing change and diversification, Asheville’s brewing scene retains a steadfast commitment to tradition. Many brewers have opted to set up shop in rustic, old buildings, creating taprooms nestled in bucolic settings that radiate a relaxed, intimate atmosphere.
One such example is The River Arts District (RAD) Brewing Co., located southwest of downtown Asheville. Nestled amongst woods by a creek side, RAD Brewing offers customers not just amazing beers but also an incomparable location that builds on Asheville’s reputation for excellent beer in stunning natural surroundings.
Keeping the balance between tradition and innovation, Asheville’s brewing scene remains dedicated to sharing the wealth and creating an inclusive environment for everyone. By doing so, they ensure that they continue to strengthen their national reputation and contribute to their city’s robust tourism sector, proving that Asheville’s web of beer is indeed flourishing and is a force to be reckoned with.
Visiting Asheville’s Breweries
If you’re planning to visit Asheville and want to explore its rich brewing culture, a comprehensive list of Asheville breweries and craft beverage outlets can be found at Explore Asheville.
No matter whether you’re a beer connoisseur or just curious about the craft beer revolution, Asheville has a wealth of breweries, each with their unique offerings and distinct character. If you’re lucky, you might even run into some of the industry’s trailblazers who are pushing the boundaries while maintaining the cultural heritage of Asheville’s beer scene.
