PUBlication: Asheville (part 3)

Is the end of a vacation really the worst part? After a glorious week in Asheville our time in Western North Carolina was nearing the end, as well as its crescendo. This time the end was the icing on top. Wether it was the extremely hip and convenient confines of the downtown, or the expansion of districts like South Slope and West Asheville, the 828 was in full bloom. This final recap of our journey will spotlight some amenities that extend beyond Asheville proper. 

Bold Rock Hard Cider

Our lovely tour guides and their awesome daughter knew just where to begin the day. A short drive away is the newest location for Bold Rock hard cider, a back to basics take on pressing apples into adult libations. Mills River and the bucolic back drop of tree covered mountains provide a laid back atmosphere. The tap room nestles itself along the production room—think modern warehouse with a purpose. Once the options were surveyed we decided on three tasting flights. The little lady had her self a nonalcoholic cider (another reason this place is cool, kids have an option too). There was a pair of ciders that stood out. The first and perhaps best, was Bold Rock's Premium Dry (6%). It reminded me of Golden State Cider. Yet this dry cider had much more of a champagne feel to it and less fruit in the nose, which I like. Another fine example was the Dry Hopped (4.7%). This was as complex as any pressed spirit I've experienced. The long story short; west coast hops meet Blue Ridge apples—delicious. Bold Rock was worth the drive. 

A quick trek led us into the Disney-like theme park that is Sierra Nevada's newest location. Also located in Mills River, this California trend-setter has set up shop in the grandest of scales. The taproom, restaurant, gardens and stage feel almost too wine-country-like. It's an added perk however when all of the amenities are top-notch, new and clean. After wondering the grounds it was time to settle in for some much needed lunch, and of course, more beer. Our hot wings and salads were super tasty, as was the cheese fondue dip, mmm. There were four ales that stood out. Two of the three were saisons. Brew Love Saison (6.2% 32 IBU) was a great interpretation of a traditional saison. I'll be looking for this in California. The Tropical Saison (6.5% 23 IBU), a theme I  tasted quite often in NC, was more nuanced than the latter. It's bubbly carbonation helped to push the fruit forward aromas. Perhaps the tastiest IPA of the journey was the Audition DIPA (7.8% 67 IBU)—another great ale I hope to see out west. This double was very clean on the palette and not too hot, as the lower IBU would suggest. Dare I say it was Russian River-like. Last but not least was the Pub Pale Ale ((5.6% 38 IBU). I got the feeling that this was an in-house only ale. It possessed a luscious mouth feel with good texture, an unfamiliar trait that created a smooth finish. I'm glad we went to the biggest damn taproom I've ever seen. 

Hi-Wire Brewing

Back in Asheville there's a great local tavern on Church Street. Foggy Mountain Brew Pub was a friendly bar and grill that seemed to be more of a locals' spot. Their service was friendly and inviting, furthering the already chill aesthetic. I suggest stopping in for their balsamic Caesar salad and an order of fried pickles. Also, peep their amazing bathroom signage. The Spoaty Oaty Pale (5.6%) from Appalachian Mountain Brewing was knockdown good. I'm pretty sure we ordered more than one round of these. I mean come on, an Outkast inspired ale! Another thing, Asheville's beer pricing was on point. Rarely, if ever, did we pay over $5 for a pint. Speaking of not paying outrageous prices; check out Hi-Wire Brewing. Hi-Wire hosted the wedding party. Due to debauchery there's no review.
Sun's out...

Wedding at the S&W

The whole reason we were in North Carolina was to celebrate two of the liveliest, kindest and most fun people I know. Rojo-linger and Pesci were tying the knot, as beautiful couples often do. They created a one-of-a-kind wedding that was magical for everyone who attended. Thanks for making it special. Congratulations to my friends, I love them very much.

My trip to Asheville was long overdue. I'm so appreciative of the people who made it memorable. I had an amazing time.

eightychoices. 

PUBlication: Asheville (part 1)

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828 Graffiti 

Asheville, the best little big town their side of the Mississippi? After having spent an amazing week, culminating with a wonderfully decadent wedding, our old stomping grounds have since changed, yet are still deserving of high praise. The week leading up to Father's Day made downtown feel almost too busy. Thankfully our great hosts took us in and helped us to explore that which we knew, and that which was new. Asheville's economy seems to be booming. Three super-cranes were in the downtown, erecting towers for the people and cars. 

Our first full day was filled with some gluttony. Vortex Doughnuts were brought to us at breakfast—inside the newly built home of our friends, which is outstanding by the way—and Taco Billy for lunch. Each place was crushing what they do best. We also went down along the French Broad River to scope the graffiti co-op. Let's just say the aerosol game in the 828 is strong. Later that afternoon our adventure led us to Wicked Weed Brewing. This libation station was not around when we were in town, but I'm sure glad they're there now. Wicked Weed's brew is on lock—delicious on many fronts. Their infrastructure/design aesthetic was appealing too. No messing around from this establishment; tucked in next to the Orange Peel conveniently. We lucky three, who drank from the funkatorium and beyond, had a good old time. 

We took down multiple tasting flights and a couple of others from the pint. Due to our mildly copious consumption, I'll limit my rambling review to three favorites. Roy G. Biv was an otherworldly ale the dutifully embraces its name, taste the rainbow. Roy's subtle nose opens up to a snappy mouth feel. An airy head appears. The first taste is dangerous, because it made me want to down it. Potency is hidden by an illustrious list of yum: cactus water, passion fruit, pineapple, blood orange and Jasmine flowers. Roy rounds at 7.2%. Give me more!

Wicked Weed Brewing | Asheville, NC

Next up was perhaps my favorite ale of the entire trip—the Tropic Most Gose. This all-time tasty ale had an immensely fruity nose, it surprises you. I liked every nuance along the way. Both of the beautiful ladies tasting with me remarked, "summer beer extraordinaire." Passion Fruit prevails in the slightest over the entirety of the bouquet. The clarity of bright canary-yellow nectar reveals itself to be tart, let me say that again, tart. Of all traits, fresh is a label all beer makers clamor to achieve. The Tropic Most Gose is fresh. Five stars and only 4.1%, so drink up and do so responsibly. 

The third concoction to make this PUBlication list is the Brettanomyces Farmhouse Ale with peaches (6.2%). Oh My! They sold this amazing ale in the bottle. All told, I think we downed two of their 500ML bottles on top of what we took down in house. Imagine the creative possibilities of the Brett strain, coupled to the sweetness peaches; a match made in fermentation heaven. Wicked Weed is a must for any beer fan when in Asheville. 

Check back in the coming days to read more on the bounty of Western North Carolina. Upcoming installments of the Asheville PUBlication will focus on Lake Lure and Chimney Rock, The Rhu, Harvest Records, as well as, Hi-Wire Brewing, Burial Beer Co. and more...

eightychoices.