Asheville Brewers Struggle to Recover from Storm Helene’s Devastation

Asheville Faces Brewing Challenges After Storm

Asheville, North Carolina, is known for its vibrant beer culture, a beloved aspect of life for both locals and visitors alike. However, recent challenges have left many of the city’s brewers struggling to maintain their beloved operations. The aftermath of the storm named Helene has brought about significant hurdles, particularly for businesses along the riverside. What used to be bustling breweries full of life now has the scent of stale beer hanging in the air and disarray in their beer gardens.

Hi-Wire Brewing’s Dilemma

One prominent local brewery, Hi-Wire Brewing, has found itself in a tough spot. Their location in the River Arts District (RAD) was one of their busiest taprooms, serving as the heart of their operations for over a decade. Now, things are far from normal. Adam Charnack, the Co-Founder and CEO, expressed just how deeply the storm has impacted them. “We had our workshop, our corporate offices, all of that was here, and it’s just gone,” Charnack shared, highlighting the overwhelming sense of loss.

In addition to physical destruction, the storm’s aftermath has left brewers across the city without potable water. Hi-Wire hasn’t been able to brew for over a month, a significant blow for a company known for its creativity and commitment to quality. “We’re in a little bit of a holding pattern until we get that,” Charnack mentioned, emphasizing the uncertainty they’re experiencing. While it may seem like a setback, the team at Hi-Wire is doing their best to adapt. They’re collaborating with some brewery friends in Charlotte to keep their taps flowing, but their production is undeniably stunted.

Creative Solutions in Difficult Times

Interestingly, they’re not just sitting back and waiting for things to improve. To help get back on their feet, Hi-Wire is bringing in a tanker of water—not for brewing, but to assist in packaging the beer that’s already in their tanks. It’s clear that they are determined to keep their business alive, but the struggle with the aftermath of the storm is ongoing. “If it gets pushed back, it could be a whole ‘nother month without funding for us, which would be pretty cataclysmic,” Charnack explained, showcasing the serious ramifications of the delay in assistance.

Community Support and Resilience

The community surrounding Asheville’s brewing scene is known for its resilience and support for local businesses, and Hi-Wire is no exception. The owners express their unwavering dedication to the place they’ve called home for so long. “We’re in it for the long haul; we’re Asheville made, Asheville born, Asheville brewed — we’re not going anywhere,” Charnack assured the community.

Although Hi-Wire is currently facing hardships, their motto remains: ‘Good Beer and Good Times.’ Charnack’s optimism shines through as he stated, “We got good beer still; we just need to get back to the good times.” With plans to rebuild and collaborate with local authorities, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, they are hoping to set up a temporary water system to resolve these ongoing issues quickly.

A Bright Future for Asheville’s Beer Scene

Asheville’s brewing culture is resilient, and while challenges like those brought on by Helene can disrupt operations, the spirit of the city remains intact. With the community’s support and the determination of local breweries to adapt and push through these hard times, there is hope that Asheville’s beer scene will bounce back even stronger. Residents and visitors alike can look forward to enjoying the unique flavors and experiences that Asheville brewers have to offer—it’s just a matter of time before the taps start flowing again.