Visiting Asheville

Has anyone on here gone to the Hickory Hops beerfest coming up this weekend? Thinking about going - long drive from AVL though. Worth it? Want to hit Fonta Flora on the way!

 

I go every year. Its 1:15 - 1:30 from Asheville, not sure about the long drive part Its a good time. Lots of NC breweries with some regional breweries, and a couple breweries from further afield. There won't be a ton of rare beers, but its a good way to get a taste of a lot of breweries and have some fun.

 

My apologies in advance as this first question is not about beer and is probably incredibly naive, but: could a bottle of Black Maple Hill be found on a shelf somewhere in Asheville, and if so which stores would be the best to look? I ask because I've noticed a few bars/restaurants in Asheville listing it on their bourbon list (and for what seems to me at ridiculously low prices).

Also, does anyone know whether the tap list on the Wicked Weed website is for the upstairs only or if it combines both the upstairs and downstairs? If it's not super busy when we go there (likely tomorrow afternoon), I'll be checking out both areas for sure, but if it's wall to wall people we might take a divide-and-conquer approach to grab some BA Milk and Cookies.

 

Fonta Flora is a cool spot. Right across the street is Sam Ervin's home....of Watergate fame. He was one sharp cookie! Also, take the time to head up The Blue Ridge Parkway and check out Mt. Mitchell. At 6,684 feet, it's the highest point east of The Mississippi River. It's a Canadian-like climate, and gorgeous. Have a nice trip.

 

NC is an alcohol control state, so if its going to be sold, it'll have to be at one of the state ABC stores. They aren't all the same as some places carry more upmarket stuff than others, but I don't know a specific one to point you towards.

For the WW tap list, the Wicked from the Wood section is pretty much always downstairs only. Other than that, not sure.

 

Black Maple Hill is on the NC ABC list with the Bourbon and Rye, but you'll probably have to contact specific ABC stores to see if they have any in stock.

 

I second that on Pisgah, love their pale ale and love the Black Mountain downtown many good options to have a bite and pint.

 

Sorry for this totally random comment in here, but I felt it best to ask here than start a new thread.

Coming to north GA soon and looking to pick up some Burial Skillet Donut Stout. I was thinking of driving over to Ashville anyway, and so I wanted to see if this is still available anywhere in town.

 

Not available.

 

A little more info would be great. I was having a hard time finding information, hense the post.

Is it Not Available because this is the wrong time of year?
Because people go apeshit for it and it is never on shelves?
Because it is a special release at brewery only?

This information would help me determine if I am going to be able to potentially track it down in GA since it is not available in Ashville.

 

Yes, was released in March.
Yes, people go ape shit for it.
No, gets limited distribution.

Doesn't mean they won't release another batch of it tomorrow, but as of now, you won't find it anywhere.

 

Thanks! Very helpful!

 

Not sure about that. I have hung out with service industry folk, specifically beer Brewers and brewery servers. Usually, it is Wicked Weed, Burial, Tasty Beverage or Ben's Tune up, occasionally Thirsty Monk. I like one beer that Wedge Brews so I occasionally show there.

Also, Highland Brewing is doing some good beer right now and should not be left off of lists of breweries to visit. And yes I love me some Cold Mountain.

 

As a local we don't find ourselves on the south slope that often, but when we do go it is during the week. WW, great beer too touristy, and their beer is available many places. Greenman, let the tourists go to the Green Mansion, I'll be in Dirty Jacks. Burial for the beer! We do run into other locals when we visit most the south slope, again on week days.

The locals are probably the majority at the Wedge (both locations), Hi-Wire Big Top, Pisgah, Lookout, Whistle Hop, French Broad, Blue Ghost.

 

Look at this hipster jackass!!!​

 

Skillet is being released again May 26th. Seasoned Skillet will be released June 3rd.

 

Thank you!