Asheville’s Independent Brewery Scene Faces Tough Times After Hurricane Helene
Asheville, a vibrant city known for its rich craft beer culture, is grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which has left many of its beloved independent breweries in dire straits. This city, renowned for having one of the highest concentrations of breweries per capita in the United States, is witnessing a dramatic transformation in its brewing landscape, and residents are rallying to help their local heroes.
The Impact of Hurricane Helene
The extensive damage inflicted by Hurricane Helene has taken a heavy toll on Asheville’s brewing community. At the end of the week, the Asheville Brewers Alliance reported that while some breweries were able to salvage their operations, around 15 out of nearly 100 breweries in the region are too damaged to brew, even with access to clean water. The Executive Director of the Alliance, Karis Roberts, mentioned that these breweries require more than just water—they need an infusion of capital to begin rebuilding their businesses and thrive once again.
A Call for Community Support
In these challenging times, community support has never been more crucial. The N.C. Craft Brewers Guild has stepped up to help through their newly established nonprofit, the N.C. Craft Brewers Foundation. This foundation is designed to accept donations and distribute hardship and development grants to those breweries affected by the hurricane. The Guild has also created a resource page offering vital information for brewery jobs available for displaced workers and the Pouring for Neighbors initiative, which allows breweries nationwide to direct proceeds from beer sales to the impacted breweries in western North Carolina.
Creative Solutions Emerge
In the spirit of resilience, Asheville’s own DSSOLVR brewery has launched a project called Higher Calling. This innovative effort aims to generate funds for the Craft Brewers Foundation through sales of a specially crafted hazy IPA. What’s more, DSSOLVR is generously sharing the recipe, label, and supplier list with other breweries, encouraging collaboration and community spirit in a time of need. This endeavor exemplifies how the local brewery scene is banding together to support one another.
Big Contributions from Bigger Names
Even major players in the brewing industry are lending a hand. Sierra Nevada, a California-based brewery with a production facility in nearby Mills River, is donating $1 per barrel from their popular Celebration Fresh Hop IPA to the Craft Brewers Foundation. This generous contribution highlights not only the solidarity within the craft brewing community but also the urgency of the situation at hand.
How You Can Help
For those looking to assist in the recovery efforts, there are several ways to contribute. Donations to the N.C. Craft Brewers Foundation are crucial, providing the necessary support to help affected breweries get back on their feet. Additionally, participating in initiatives like the Pouring for Neighbors program by purchasing beers specifically earmarked for relief efforts is another impactful way to show support.
As Asheville navigates through this challenging recovery phase, the strength of the community comes shining through. The collaboration between local businesses, organizations, and beer enthusiasts creates a strong network of support that allows the city to bounce back. With every sip of craft beer, residents can not only enjoy the fruits of local talent but also know that they are playing a part in rebuilding a cherished part of Asheville’s identity.
Conclusion
The road to recovery for Asheville’s breweries may be long, but with community support, innovative initiatives, and solidarity within the craft beer industry, there is hope for a brighter future. Let us raise our glasses to resilience, community, and the joy of craft brewing that brings us together.
