Habitat Brewing Taproom in Asheville Finally Visited

Reporting back on my research mission to Asheville and Habitat Brewing Tavern and Commons.

I'm pleased to relate that the group liked all the beers on tap (and we did have them all) which is the goal of all these research trips. Check the menu photo to see all that were offered.

After the requisite tasting flights, I realized that brewmaster Matt Addis certainly has a way with pumpkin beers. The Pumpkin Ale was so surprisingly good, it should set the standard for the style. A confident malt structure with the most balanced blend of spicing that I've tasted in years. Matt confided to the group that he uses a judicious spice blend with some extra addition of cinnamon sticks. This is a properly spiced ale, easy to drink and is not a pumpkin pie.

Did I mention the Pumpkin Gose? 

Overall I'm very glad that we finally discovered Habitat, which has been around almost two years, and promise to pay more attention to the area west of I-240 which doesn't get the attention the other parts of Asheville receive. Oh, and they don't distribute, so visiting the taproom is essential.

Some photos of folks enjoying the beer and a conversation with Matt:

Cheers!

Serious Fun At Zillicoah Brewing's Session Fest

Last Saturday, August 25, was the date for Zillicoah Brewing's Session Fest, featuring 20 beers and ciders, all under 5.5%. Never made it through all of them but couple were standouts: Faith Healer IPA from Homeplace Brewing; and Glam from New Anthem, Wilmington, NC.

Some photos from the day, which included axe throwing and water tank dumping. Cheers!

Oscar Wong Likes It! Southern Sixer.

Enjoyed talking with Highland Brewery founder, Oscar Wong and noted craft beer journalist, Tony Kiss at Highland Brewing Company's Southern Sixer release party yesterday. I consider this a very special beer with a hop bill of six different varieties, well balanced to deliver the final hoppalicious flavor. At the moment it's a seasonal, hopefully with enough response, Hollie will make it again. Grab some while you can.

Cheers!!

 

Cold Mountain, HIghland Brewing's Cult Favorite Ages Well

Well, surprise, surprise.... it came off as planned, announced to Leah Wong Ashburn, HBC President, that I had a bomber of 2015 Cold Mountain Winter Ale that had been overlooked in our beer fridge, was she willing to join me in a tasting? Of course she was up for it, and we are pleased to announce that the beer held up nicely, was very drinkable with the hazelnut/vanilla combination very evident. Lost a bit of carbonation, mellowed a bit with age, but still had the flavor characteristics that make this seasonal so desirable.

Now, to wait for the official release of the 2016 version. Gonna be a taste fest!! Some photos to document to occasion: (Thanks to Jason Uhrinek for taking some of the photos) The Community Tap.

Cheers!

New Belgiums' 25th Birthday Bicycle

Upstate Craft Beer Co., in Greenville, was the sight for a New Belgium tap takeover and the raffling of a custom-made NB bicycle in honor of the occasion. 6 collaboration beers to try and each purchase got you a raffle ticket. And finally, at 7:30, the winning ticket was drawn and the winner, who just moved to Gville six days prior, claimed the bike for his own, adding a victory lap in the parking lot. Great time was had by all, aided of course by good beer, good music from The Passing Scene group and the fun ambiance that inhabits the Clausen Bakery Buildings latest incarnation, Upstate Craft Beer.

Some photos below attempting to capture all the festivities.

The beer menu for the tap takeover.

Tasting flight of 4 of 6. All collaborations.

Wes Gibson, New Belgium Beer Ranger, with the prize!!

Two of the six beers were outside only, the Sour and Belgian Pale.

The crowd starts to build outside; inside was packed.

Good music, many of it original but included Grateful Dead pleasing tunes.

The party carries on, despite heat and some threat of rain.

Calling the winning numbers.

Correct numbers??

The Winner!! "RW"  on his first visit to Upstate.

RW with his new bike. He just moved from Austin, quite a welcome present.

Jack, Wes and Chris ready the bike for the party.

 Happy 25th to New Belgium and cheers to all!!

New Belgium Asheville Tasting Room Opens

As promised, here's my coverage of the New Belgium Tasting Center's opening yesterday, not the least hampered by the occasional rain showers with lightning accompaniment. Not overly crowded (thanks to it being Monday?) so we could appreciate the facility and get our beers promptly, thanks to our server Michael (who does not accept tips per company policy, being employee owned). Couple beers were available there only, especially a RyeIPA, which was a group favorite. I can imagine what the crowds will be like in the future, but for now, I'd recommend getting there soon if your plans include New Belgium on an Asheville beer crawl.

On this day, you had to be 21 to get in. Not sure about future visits.

 The Brewery itself is not yet open to the public.

I can imagine that when the wind is coming from the West, the mash aroma should fill this room too.

Good size deck will be very popular, overlooking the river.

River Arts District on the other side of the French Broad river.

Pet friendly.

Michael did a great job of serving.

Folks like me really appreciate the open feeling in the tasting room.

Offerings of the day. That RyePA was special but probably gone by now.

Cheers!