Ymm, Beer

About time to bump this up :)

The local Asheville paper ran this article by a reporter for the Peoria Journal Star who happened to spend a few days in Asheville drinking beer. The article is behind a paywall, but the paper lets you read a limited number of articles a month.

https://www.citizen-times.com/story...sheville-nc-sierra-nevada-brewery/8700455002/

Some amusing (for me) parts:

The author writes glowingly about the taprooms in Asheville's "South Slope" area. The name is nothing more than a real estate tactic to gentrify what ten or so years ago was a light industrial area and is now filling up with condos and taprooms. A former student of mine has his studio in that area and has watched with despair as he is becoming priced out of the location along with all the auto body shops.

The Sierra Nevada brewery is described as "beer Disney World," and mostly for tourists, which I completely agree with, having been exactly once when I first moved here and haven't been back.

There was a funny description of the Highwire brewery, which I will not spoil for those who choose the read the article.

Sorry to see this thread become inactive & thought it could use a refresh.

Section 15

Thanks for posting this. Agree completely about Sierra Nevada. Of the three national breweries in the area, I probably like their beer the best but would not go back to their Disneyish taproom. Much prefer visiting the deck at New Belgium or outside at Oscar Blues.

Spent almost a week in Weaverville in early October, and visited two solid places for the first time -- Hillman (a little corporate, but I liked it) and Cellarest (impressed with their beer). What are your thoughts about those two breweries?
 
Thanks for posting this. Agree completely about Sierra Nevada. Of the three national breweries in the area, I probably like their beer the best but would not go back to their Disneyish taproom. Much prefer visiting the deck at New Belgium or outside at Oscar Blues.

Spent almost a week in Weaverville in early October, and visited two solid places for the first time -- Hillman (a little corporate, but I liked it) and Cellarest (impressed with their beer). What are your thoughts about those two breweries?

I've enjoyed Hillman's the times I've been there, especially the ability to eat and drink outdoors during the pandemic. The tables in the back along the creek are a lot more quiet than the ones on the road. The biggest drawback is that they are split between food and beer and are more limited in each area than places that specialize in one or the other.

I've not been to Cellarest, so I can't offer an opinion.

As I wrote in another thread, the very best brewery/taproom I've been to is cursus kĕmē:

https://smokymountains.com/asheville/breweries/cursus-keme/ and https://cursuskeme.com/

Hard to find (hidden off Swannanoa River road) but well worth it.

Section 15
 
I've enjoyed Hillman's the times I've been there, especially the ability to eat and drink outdoors during the pandemic. The tables in the back along the creek are a lot more quiet than the ones on the road. The biggest drawback is that they are split between food and beer and are more limited in each area than places that specialize in one or the other.

I've not been to Cellarest, so I can't offer an opinion.

As I wrote in another thread, the very best brewery/taproom I've been to is cursus kĕmē:

https://smokymountains.com/asheville/breweries/cursus-keme/ and https://cursuskeme.com/

Hard to find (hidden off Swannanoa River road) but well worth it.

Section 15

I did see that in the other thread and it got my attention. Had not heard about that place, but will make a point of seeking it out on my next visit. I love small places that do their thing well (whatever that thing might be). You should check out Cellarest (across side street next to WALK).
 
Geez guys, I must have stood behind you in line many many times.

I like Hillman's set up and their food is incredibly tasty. Though, I usually go at lunch during the week when it's mostly quiet.

Yes, Sierra Nevada is Disney-fied, but it's a pretty cool scene. Great outdoor space. Again, good food inside (borderline great) with nice casual options outside.
 
Had some NoDa Coco Loco Porter, purchased at Total Wine in 4 16 oz. cans. The first one went down easy Tastes like it smells, chocolate and coconut. 6.2% abv, 40 ibu. Will buy again. NoDa is in Charlotte and the brewery is named for the North Davidson neighborhood where it started. I need to explore the area, it's home to much of the city's arts and entertainment venues.

Porters are really nice. I pledge to try more.
 
Hopped to Death
Hi-Wire Brewing and Burial Beer Co. (collaboration!)
16 oz. can - 5.5% ABV - Dry-hopped german style pilsner. Poured as a beautiful glass of gold. As the name suggests, plenty of hops. More herbal than floral. Light in the mouth with a nice clean finish. Fun collaboration by the south slope neighbors!
 
Raising this thread from the grave to say I loved the Duke win tonight and I am enjoying The Distortion from Burial as a victory pint. It smells (and tastes) like victory
 
Lent is long over

So, has everyone given up beer?

This thread once had more posts than the longest ever, but hasn't had any beer related posts since last September.

Have we given up on beer?

or all gone to wine or scotch or ...
or all taken the pledge

very strange
 
Well, I'm still a big fan of NEIPAs, or New England IPAs. One of these days I hope to try some more of the ones in, uh, New England.:)

But there are plenty of good NEIPAs in North Carolina. Forgotten Road Ales in Graham turns out several (they now have a satellite bar in north Greensboro). Wise Man in W-S has a primo milkshake version, Blissed Out, and others. Gypsy Road in Kernersville does NEIPAs very well, too. New Anthem in Wilmington may be the best, although I haven't tried any in a couple years.

I've fallen out of love with the bourbon barrel beers, but still enjoy the plain ol' Foothills Sexual Chocolate Stout. Their Porter is a go-to, and the NEIPA, Hazyum IPA, is nice, too.
 
So, has everyone given up beer?

This thread once had more posts than the longest ever, but hasn't had any beer related posts since last September.

Have we given up on beer?

or all gone to wine or scotch or ...
or all taken the pledge

very strange

given the history of the thread, not that strange at all.

No, people are still drinking beer.

As so often happens when things get older, the beer conversation has moved to warmer, friendlier climes...
 
Shameless Self-Promotion

June 3rd at Pisgah Brewing in Asheville, my non-profit Just Economics is hosting our 13th annual homebrew competition.

If you enjoy an eclectic array of beers (last year had more traditional lagers, pale ales, etc as well as a beet brew, and a "pizza brew!") then come on our and hang out with some fun peeps and try some good beer. Proceeds go to Just Economics, with the mission to educate, advocate, and organize for a just and sustainable local economy that works for all in Western North Carolina.

Click here to join us! If you attend, I'm happy to talk your ear off about Duke basketball, as well as living wages.
 
Well, I'm still a big fan of NEIPAs, or New England IPAs. One of these days I hope to try some more of the ones in, uh, New England.:)

But there are plenty of good NEIPAs in North Carolina. Forgotten Road Ales in Graham turns out several (they now have a satellite bar in north Greensboro). Wise Man in W-S has a primo milkshake version, Blissed Out, and others. Gypsy Road in Kernersville does NEIPAs very well, too. New Anthem in Wilmington may be the best, although I haven't tried any in a couple years.

I've fallen out of love with the bourbon barrel beers, but still enjoy the plain ol' Foothills Sexual Chocolate Stout. Their Porter is a go-to, and the NEIPA, Hazyum IPA, is nice, too.

let me know when you have a pilgrimage up here...quite a few NC folk have...summer is a great time to visit.
 
let me know when you have a pilgrimage up here...quite a few NC folk have...summer is a great time to visit.

Will do! I've never been to New England, but I'm sure I'd love it.

Regarding Foothills, their Pub has some good bar food, too.
 
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