The Best Breweries in Asheville, NC!

I can’t believe it’s been almost 7 months since our trip to Asheville, NC. In that time, we’ve visited a few more states and even spent 2 weeks in Ireland! Lucky for us, we do take thorough notes in a journal with a kitten on it. Untappd also continues to be an extremely useful tool for historical documentation. As there are so many breweries in and around Asheville, we’re doing another best of post! As you plan your next trip to this wonderful little city, you should certainly make time for the best breweries in Asheville, NC.

#5 Eurisko Brewery

It would probably be wrong to call this a hidden gem in the Asheville beer scene, but it was a stop that was only recommended by one person! This is despite being one of the highest rated breweries in town! The small and unassuming upstairs taproom was probably the most delightful surprise on our trip.

Every brewery on this list is stand out because of their beer, but the unique experimental experiences offered by Eurisko left a mark on us months later. Our two favorite beers were the “I’ll Have a Bear Claw” and the “Norma’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie.” The Bear Claw is a Baltic porter that redefines this style of beer. The complex flavor is infused with almonds, raisins, vanilla bean, and a touch of amaretto. It was sweet, nutty and would be a mouthwatering complement to an actual bear claw. At 9.8% it is also one of those mystically boozy beers that makes you say “how did they hide the alcohol?”

Not to be outclassed, the Peanut Butter Pie comes in heavy as well. The 13.1%, super thick pastry stout is chockfull of peanut butter flavor and just enough chocolate to not outshine the peanut. This was a top 5 stouts of the trip and not one to miss when it comes back on tap.

#4 Brouwerïj Cursus Kĕmē

Nestled in a realm between alchemy and art, Brouwerïj Cursus Kĕmē brews their craft with a nod to the alchemical nature of beer. The brewery’s ambiance is earthy and dark, shrouded in an enigmatic aura that hints at the secrets brewing within. One of the most striking aspects of Brouwerïj Cursus Kĕmē is their dedication to barrel aging, a testament to their commitment to the craft of beer and its transformative powers.

Amidst all of the enticing offerings at Brouwerïj Cursus Kĕmē, “Raptors in Trees” stands out among its peers. This Extra Special Bitter (ESB) is more like an Extra Strong Bitter by weighing in at 7.3%. This beer is .3% higher than the higher side of the ESB abv range. Raptors unique fermentation approach using brett also provides the ESB with a tart and refreshing flavor profile.

#3 Dssolvr Brewery

One of the most enthusiastically recommended breweries by the IG beer community is Dssolvr Brewery. With their bold slogan, “brewed until surreal,” you can be sure they’re pushing the boundaries of what beer can be. Unfortunately for us, we could only try a handful of their staggering 22 taps.

One of our favorite beers at Dssolvr is the “King of Cakes,” an Imperial Stout. The robust stout base featured a medley of specialty and roasted malts involving an extended boil with a generous helping of Turbinado sugar, which infused a cake-like complexity into the beer. King was then fermented with an English yeast, on top of Mexican Vanilla Beans, freshly ground Cinnamon, coffee Beans from Cooperative Coffee Roasters, and abundant amount of cacao nibs.

Need something lighter than the 11% King of Cakes? Why not try the 6% sour “Screamo Engine.” A little less boozy, the Screamo Engine is no less delicious. The fruited kettle sour mash is enriched with generous doses of lactose and fermented with the house IPA yeast. After an overnight souring, the beer is conditioned with a hearty helping of blackberry, passionfruit, cinnamon and a copious amount of cheesecake.

Honorable Mention – Fonta Flora Brewery

While Fonta Flora Brewery is not be situated in Asheville, it’s a must visit oasis nestled along the winding roads of Nebo, North Carolina. If you’re planning a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway – which is a must-do experience – consider extending your journey to discover Fonta Flora Brewery.

This charming farm brewery, complete with a friendly brewery cat, offers an authentic and rustic atmosphere that’s as refreshing as their beers. The most unique beer we tasted at Fonta was the refreshing “Beets Rhymes and Life” saison. The 5% saison is made with locally grown beets may not be for everyone. But seriously, how often have you had a beets beer? My guess it not often.

Fonta Flora Brewery invites you to embrace the rustic charm of Nebo and experience the untamed flavors of their farmy, funky beers. If you find yourself on the Blue Ridge Parkway, make time for this detour.

#2 Cellarest Beer Project

The vibrant beer scene of Asheville is home to a lot of large, well-established breweries, making it a tight squeeze for any new kids on the block. It takes an exceptional brewery, like Cellarest Beer Project, to make their own space in this crowded market. The brainchild, founder and head brewer, Mark Goodwin began his craft beer lifestyle in Portland, Oregon, where he honed his brewing skills. Mark’s path eventually led him to Asheville, where he embarked on a mission to create something truly exceptional – the Cellarest Beer Project.

At Cellarest, the focus is on barrel-rested beers, each one akin to a fleeting moment in time. Their philosophy is simple but profound: once the beer is gone, it’s gone forever. This dedication to crafting unique and ephemeral brews sets Cellarest apart in Asheville’s dynamic craft beer landscape.

The most standout creation we had at Cellarest is the “Shibui” Pilsner, a testament to their craftsmanship. Shibui is brewed with Chesapeake pilsner and chit malt from Riverbend Malt House. The brew is lightly hopped with Styrian Celeia, imparting a delicate yet alluring aroma and flavor profile. Shibui then rests cold in oak puncheons for several weeks before being savored moment by moment in your glass.

#1 Burial Beer Co.

Surprising no one, Burial Beer Co. is the most recommended brewery of your future Asheville trip! To the 40 plus people who said go here, we now understand why this is your top pick. With locations in Asheville, Raleigh and Charlotte, Burial Beer is a regional heavy hitter. Burial is named in homage to the spirit of New Orleans, where funeral processions transform into joyous parades. Burial’s beer offerings are as diverse as life’s experiences. From modern, hop-forward IPAs to tradition-rooted Lagers, adjunct and barrel-aged Imperial Stouts to nuanced mixed fermentation Wild Ales, Burial covers the complete spectrum.

Our top two stouts of the trip are the “A Generous Characterization Of Those You Remember Otherwise” and “This Is All Much Too Subtle To Be Translated To the Intangible.” Yeah, definitely a mouthful to talk about. AGCOTYRO is a prime example of an imperial stout. The massive 16% coconut, stroop waffle, cinnamon and rum barrel-aged vanilla bean infused body had as much going on as it’s name alludes to. The decadent dessert in a glass screams 5oz only, but I would safely pursue that second slice of cake.

TIAMTSTBTTTI is on the lighter side of the Burial stout scene, coming in only at 15%. This beer is full of toasted Macadamia nuts, black winter truffles, Madagascar vanilla bean, honey, and sea salt. I have no idea what a black winter truffle tastes like, but I’m assuming that it was what gave the earthy flavor in this masterpiece of complexity. Combine that with the sweetness of honey, the richness of nuts, and the subtle complexity of vanilla and sea salt; it’s like savoring a gourmet chocolate pot de crème and a fine Tawny Port.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Did you rent a car on this beerventure? Your next non-beer stop (trip?) is known as “America’s Favorite Drive.” The Blue Ridge Parkway meanders for 469 breathtaking miles through the Appalachian Highlands, making it one of the most iconic scenic byways in the United States. When you embark on this picturesque journey, you’ll be treated to a mesmerizing panorama of rolling hills, dense forests, and majestic mountain peaks. Along the way, there are countless overlooks and hiking trails that invite you to pause and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Blue Ridge Parkway offers a tranquil and unforgettable experience in nature that perfectly complements Asheville’s vibrant brewery scene.