Asheville Beer that Inspire Us
Asheville Brewing Co. – Rocket Girl Lager
This go-to lager has been a part of Asheville Brewing’s offerings for quite a while and with good reason. In a town filled with exotic experiments in fermentation, sometimes you simply crave a beer that tastes like, well… beer! With a subtle aroma and a clean finish this European style lager is the kind of beer you can drink all day, which can be quite helpful during an extensive Asheville Brew Tour.
Wedge Brewing Co. – 3rd Rail IPA
You can find Wedge Brewing Co in the lower level of the Wedge Studios in Asheville’s historic River Arts District. The three story classic warehouse sits adjacent to the railroad tracks and the French Broad River and once functioned as a produce and livestock distribution center during the early 19th century. You’ll find no food menu at the Wedge (there are peanuts in the shell to snack on) and no indoor seating to speak of. Frigophobs fret not, as there is a generous amount of outdoor space heated by overhanging consoles during the colder months. The Wedge does not bottle nor can their beers. If you want to taste the citrusy, hoppy goodness of the 3rd Rail IPA, you’ll have to go to the source. This offering in particular has quite the following as it commands its own window where all other beers served at the Wedge come from a central taproom.
Highland Gaelic Ale
Highland, Asheville’s first modern craft beer company, was founded in 1994 and has grown into the region’s most prolific microbrewery, distributing their fine ales across the United States. As beer historians and long time Asheville natives, we felt it would have been a slap in the face not to include the beer that helped establish Asheville as the sudsy haven it is today. Golden in color with flavors that seem roasted and and even sweet , this Scottish ale incorporates hints of honey, wood, and thistle– A great all around beer that will continue to proliferate along with the good word of Asheville’s craft beer scene.
Wicked Weed – Freak of Nature DIPA
Don’t freak, but this West Coast inspired monster of a beer will strike out of nowhere if you’re not paying attention. At 8% alcohol, the Freak of Nature is the highest gravity beer on our list and one of many served up at the Wicked Weed. You won’t find this boozy brew in stores or anywhere else in town for that matter– the Wicked Weed keeps their secrets safe at their downtown brewpub. The rare beast becomes even more rare as finding a seat at the Wicked Weed on a downtown evening is practically impossible. Rumor has it, the best way to enjoy this hoppy sensation is to book an afternoon meeting with Status Forward on a weekday that ends just in time to make it down to Biltmore Ave. before every remaining seat disappears.
French Broad Brewing – Anvil Porter
French Broad Brewing has been part of the Asheville Beer World since 2001, making it one of the more seasoned beer makers in town. The Anvil Porter has grown into not only a local favorite, but a regional one to boot, with sightings in surrounding states. This delightfully dark beer won’t overwhelm you with coffee, chocolate or caramel flavors– you’ll simply find them balanced nicely with a malty body that’s sure to please the palette of anyone seeking a more savory beer. At 6% alcohol, it’s a fairly hefty porter, but won’t kick your tongue like some of its hoppier brethren.
Bonus: Amstel Light
For some strange reason, Laurel keeps this flavorless seltzer water some consider to be beer in the mini fridge. She knows we couldn’t get through an entire blog post without mentioning it at least once.
Cheers!