The Great American Ale Trail - Christian DeBenedetti [165]
LEXINGTON AVENUE BREWERY
39 N. Lexington Ave. • Asheville, NC 28801 (828) 252–0212 • lexavebrew.com • Established: 2010
SCENE & STORY
With color-shifting night club illumination on brewing tanks behind curving glass and a serpentine bar snaking amid mixed exposed brick, polished and distressed metals, wood paneling, and other trendy stylings, the LAB opened in 2010 and seems at first glance more cocktail den than beer bar. But the special effects are restricted to the bar area, while the larger seating section is open, communal, and rather traditional for a brewpub. It’s all a refreshing change of atmosphere from old weather-beaten wood, and the Kobe beef sliders and burgers fly out of the kitchen.
PHILOSOPHY
Crowd pleasers. While the “L.A.B.” nickname and brewhouse lighting announces a futuristic approach, the actual beer list is presently rooted in the Reagan years.
KEY BEER
Nitrogen-powered taps (“on nitro”) give certain beers added silkiness and a densely creamy head; try the 6% ABV Chocolate Stout to see what it’s all about.
WEDGE BREWING CO.
125-B Roberts St. • Asheville, NC 28801 • (828) 505–2792 wedgebrewing.com • Established: 2010
SCENE & STORY
It takes extra effort to find the Wedge taproom, located in the lower level of a dilapidated old warehouse in Asheville’s French Broad River Arts district ( just keep the number handy or call, should you get lost). Once used for meatpacking and food storage, the brewery, taproom, and arty patio area overlook a rail yard, and the beer produced there is, like Pisgah’s outside of town, fast becoming sought after by beer-savvy locals.
PHILOSOPHY
Beer, the best form of art. There are multiple sculptures and artworks on the grounds and inside the pub area, adding to the overall progressive, community-based good vibes.
KEY BEER
Try the Golem, a 9% ABV strong Belgian Pale Ale with a hazy gold color and rich notes of apricot, wheat, and a lingering spiciness reminiscent of cinnamon and white pepper.
PISGAH BREWING CO.
150 Eastside Dr. • Black Mountain, NC 28711 (828) 669–0190 • pisgahbrewing.com • Established: 2004
SCENE & STORY
Part of the proud American tradition of accomplished brewpubs in downright weird places, Pisgah resides in a nondescript industrial park about twenty minutes outside Asheville with absolutely no pomp and circumstance—the sign is smaller than a spider’s eye, with approximately one-inch lettering. All of the energy goes into the organically brewed beers, produced on a small system. There’s also an outdoor fire pit, pool table, some picnic benches, and an outdoor stage for blues, rock, and reggae acts as talented as the legendary Steel Pulse. Who needs a spendy tap room in the middle of town?
PHILOSOPHY
Green is the color. Pisgah was the first certified organic brewery in the Southeast.
KEY BEER
Look for the Vortex II Russian Imperial Stout, a devilishly smooth and drinkable 11.7% ABV elixir of roasted black malt flavors.
BRUISIN’ ALES
66 Broadway St. • Asheville, NC 28801 • (828) 252–8999 bruisin-ales.com • Established: 2006
SCENE & STORY
The presence of a truly great comprehensive bottle shop can propel a small city to find its craft beer feet and take off running for the good stuff. By making available a wide range of international and domestic craft beers to locals, the store stokes a thirst for homegrown breweries and quality beer bars. Bruisin’ Ales fills that essential role in Asheville, with over nine hundred beers handsomely and carefully presented in a bright, clean space (with two taps as well).
PHILOSOPHY
“Teach a man to fish . . .” It’s a hub of Asheville’s craft beer scene, offering events and classes, brewer appearances, meet-ups of the Asheville Brewers Alliance, which is working to promote beer tourism and area festivals.
KEY BEER
The deliciously named (and made) Conduplico Immundus Monachus, from South Carolina’s Thomas Creek Brewery (10% ABV). It’s a mouthful of dark brown sugar, cocoa, and caramel tastes with a fruity edge.
Farmville
THE DUCK-RABBIT CRAFT BREWERY