Asheville, WNC Communities Sweep 10Best Awards for Breweries and Beer
Access to some of the best brews, breweries, and beer bars in Western North Carolina has garnered Asheville and surrounding communities top honors in the annual 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for their outstanding beer scenes. The results showcase the region’s thriving beer culture across various categories.
Best Beer Cities in the U.S.
Asheville was recognized as the 8th best beer city in the U.S. The city boasts a plethora of breweries, friendly beer bars, and bottle shops like the Appalachian Vintner that offer enthusiasts access to over 100 local beers. Notable mentions included Wicked Weed Brewing’s brewpub and Funkatorium taproom, known for their array of sour and funky beers.
Best Brewery Tour
Local breweries excelled in the Best Brewery Tour category. New Belgium Brewing Co. in Asheville and Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. in Mills River both made the top 10 list, offering visitors interactive and educational tours. Burial Beer Co.’s Forestry Camp was recognized for its insightful 60-minute tours on select days.
Best Beer Bar
The Whale, a popular beer bar with locations across Asheville and South Carolina, secured the 4th spot in the Best Beer Bar category. Known for its rare and limited-edition brews, guests can opt for a “wild card” drink chosen by the bartender for a unique tasting experience.
Rising Star: Best New Brewery
New Origin Brewery was lauded as a rising star and ranked 9th for Best New Brewery. The brewery’s taproom, outdoor beer garden, and diverse menu ranging from IPAs to hard seltzers set it apart in the industry.
Captivating Brew Havens
Bryson City was recognized as the 7th Best Small Town Beer Scene. With a focus on outdoor beer experiences, the town offers a variety of beer destinations in a walkable area, including Mountain Layers Brewing Company and Bryson City Outdoors.
For more information and to vote in ongoing 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards polls, visit 10Best.
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