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!

Cucumber Salt & Pepper Gose

I was fortunate this past Sunday to get to sample a collab between Fire Forge and Adam Cribbs, called a Salty Cucumber Gose. Every thing about this beer says "drink me all Summer," it's that refreshing. Alas, only the keg at their release party is left and that may have kicked shortly after I left. Another reason I like doing this job is such an opportunity to try a new, possibly one-off brew, the result of creative brewing attempts. Some pix of the people enjoying the party and of course, a picture of the brewers.


https://www.facebook.com/events/464765683867089/472561829754141/?notif_t=admin_plan_mall_activity&notif_id=1497036614665551

Cheers and thanks to Adam, Brian and Nicolle for the invite!!

Party Time With Fireforge Brewing

Had a fun and entertaining time this afternoon, chez Harvin Bedenbaugh, where we drank Fireforge Crafted Beer and huddled around the fire pits. Managed to get one game of bocce in before being rained out (sort of). Winter Warmer, aka Griffen from Fireforge was a much appreciated, spicy bock... the chili helped warm the innards too.
Thanks Harvin and Fireforge for hosting the event.


Some representative pix: