Asheville won the accolade of Beer City USA in 2009 and has reclaimed the brew throne almost every year since. Our area has more breweries per capita than any other U.S city, so if you are a beer fanatic, or just enjoy trying a new brewery from time to time, come enjoy what we're brewing up.
Here are some of our favorite breweries both in Asheville and Black Mountain (about 20 minutes east of Asheville).
Breweries in East Asheville and Downtown Asheville
You can't really go wrong with the sea of Asheville breweries, so we've just picked a few that we love and think you will too. No brewery tour of Asheville is complete without a visit to Asheville's South Slope Brewery District. The breweries below are within a couple minutes of Asheville's downtown district. We've broken out breweries that are further than 5 minutes into their own neighborhood categories.
Wicked Weed Brewing
These guys are all about reinvention. Sure, you can sometimes find the beer you tried the month before (sometimes), but they are constantly changing their beer menu to delight customers. They have an ideal location on Biltmore Ave and offer a nice environment to sit down for a meal too. They have a second location on the South Slope of Asheville, The Funkatorium, that serves sour beers exclusively.
Thirsty Monk
Besides the fact that you can't go anywhere in Asheville without being in close access to a Thirsty Monk Brewery location, this brewery is known for its inviting environment(s), rotation selection of house-brewed Belgian beers, and for keeping some of your favorite internationally-known craft beers on tap.
Burial Beer
Don't let Burial Beer's slightly morbid namesake and decor (that is reminiscent of Halloween night) scare you away from enjoying their amazing beer. Burial is conveniently located in the South Slope of Asheville and set up in an industrial setting complete with scythes, sickles, caskets and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. If the hunger pangs hit you, Burial also offers a full-service kitchen. We're a fan of the purity and creativity of Burial's beers range from Donut and Espresso stouts to fresh IPAs and lagers.
Highland Brewery
Established in 1994, Highland Brewery is one of Asheville's oldest breweries and has been recognized for the part it played in bringing the craft beer movement to the area. They've got some great beers that you can try at their taproom or just visit any restaurant in Black Mountain or Asheville and they will likely have a Highland brew.
Green Man Brewing
If you enter downtown Asheville via Charlotte Street, you will be greeted by Green Man Brewery's "GreenMansion," a 3-story 20,000 square foot packaging hall, retail shop and top floor tasting room with views of the mountains. Green Man was established in 1997, and is known as one of the original craft breweries in Asheville along with Highland Brewing. You can visit Green man's original location (known as "Dirty Jack's") on Buxton Ave, just a quick walk from the GreenMansion. This is also the location where Green Man beer is brewed.
Ginger's Revenge - Alcoholic Ginger Beer
If you haven't noticed this already, one thing you will learn very quickly about Asheville is its tolerance of food sensitivities. Ginger's Revenge serves alcoholic ginger beers that are naturally gluten-free. Gluten-free or not, this place makes some delicious brews.
Weaverville Breweries
Weaverville is a cozy town north of Asheville with a couple of breweries, restaurants and a great location for accessing ski activities at Wolf Ridge Ski Resort.
Zebulon Artisan Ales
Located just north of Asheville in the quaint town of Weaverville, Zebulon Brewing sits in a quiet alleyway and brews in the same building that they serve beer in. They develop a lot of experimental beer, but specialize in Belgian and French farmhouse styles as well as historical styles. Try favorites like the Tangerine Tripel, House Saizon, Russian Imperial Stout and many more. They sell beer by the bottle, but just make note that they are only open Fridays and Saturdays from 1-6 p.m.
West Asheville and River Arts District Breweries
New Belgium Brewing
They didn't originate in Asheville, but we won't hold it against them. The Fort Collins, CO-based brewery makes some great beer (and a wide variety), and their setting is pretty amazing. The brewery and "Liquid Center" overlook the French Broad River. New Belgium Brewing also offers frequent beer tours.
Wedge Brewery
Housed in the River Arts District of Asheville, The Wedge Brewery fits right into the artistic culture of the area. This spot is ideal for a sunny day beer after a hike and a game of corn hole.
The Wedge at Foundation is a second Wedge location which is also located in the River Arts District about a mile from the original location in an old leather tannery. The Wedge at Foundation setting is unique in that it adjoins a series of old industrial buildings which are part of the River Arts community and all very colorfully decorated with graffiti. The Wedge at Foundation is also home to the very popular 12 Bones Smokehouse.
Fairview Breweries
Whistle Hop Brewing Company
Technically located in the neighboring town of Fairview, Whistle Hop Brewing is the brainchild of a couple of its own beers but they are not too proud to serve some of their other local favorites from the Asheville area. The actual setting is perfect for sunny days with its expansive deck area connected to a caboose where you can order your beer. The site also has a disc golf course.
Turgua Brewing
Open Thursday-Sunday for your weekend adventures, Turgua Brewing sells a variety of farmhouse beers, saisons and IPAs. All of their beers are gluten-reduced.
Breweries in Black Mountain, NC
Lookout Brewery
Located steps away from the Greybeard Rentals office, Lookout Brewery has been around since 2013 experimenting with small-batch beers and providing a relaxing environment to sit down with some friends to sip a new beer...and they've got some delicious options to choose from.
Black Mountain Brewing
From the owners of the Black Mountain Ale House, Black Mountain Brewing is Black Mountain's newest brewery and serves up everything from Black Mountain Dan's Honey Cream Ale to the Black Mountain Stout with aromas of coffee. They also have a really sweet location in downtown Black Mountain.
Pisgah Brewing
Located just outside of downtown Black Mountain is Pisgah Brewing. Known for its amazing IPAs, Ales, and Lagers, their Blueberry Wheat is a fan favorite that we'd recommend trying. If you're visiting during the colder winter months, swing by their indoor tasting room/gift shop to imbibe. If you're here during warmer spring and summer months, enjoy their outdoor taproom/event space. This brewery is family-friendly and dog-friendly, but keep in mind that dogs are not allowed at ticketed events.