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Green Man Brewery

South Slope

Green Man is one of Asheville's oldest breweries, opening its taps in 1997. The brewery on Buxton Avenue — known to the locals as “Dirty Jack’s” — features a small bar alongside a handful of tables with a definite European vibe, right down to the soccer matches playing on the big screen TV. The brewery also opened the three-story “Green Mansion,” a stone’s throw away from the original Green Man, complete with a packaging area and two tasting rooms, one of which resides on the top floor where you can enjoy an ESB or Wayfarer IPA with a 360-degree mountainous view.

Burial Beer Co.

South Slope

Located in Asheville’s South Slope brewing district, Burial has drawn raves from craft beer drinkers for its wide array of styles, from saisons to stouts. Visitors can enjoy a Surf Wax IPA or Skillet Donut Stout in the taproom or outside on the brewery’s wraparound beer garden and patio — which features a large and amusing mural of actor Tom Selleck and Sloth from "The Goonies." Burial also has a second Asheville location near Biltmore Village, plus taprooms in Charlotte and Raleigh.

Asheville Brewing Company

North Asheville, Coxe Avenue, South Side

With an eponymous name, this brewery has three area locations for you to sample its wares. The north Asheville site on Merrimon Avenue features a theater that shows new and classic movies and great pizza, while the Asheville Brewing Company on Coxe Avenue has a big patio and full liquor bar. The location on the city’s south side further showcases popular brews such as the Shiva IPA, Ninja Porter and Fire Escape Pale Ale.

Catawba Brewing Co.

South Slope, Biltmore Village

Catawba has two locations in Asheville — in the South Slope district and in Biltmore Village. Its famed beers include White Zombie ale, Farmer Ted’s cream ale and the as-good-as-it-sounds Peanut Butter Jelly Time, which comes in multiple flavors of jelly.

Wedge Brewing Company

River Arts District

The original Wedge location is based in an old warehouse that once was home to the largest leather tannery in the U.S. While somewhat small in size, the brewery makes the most of the space with a tasting room and small bar among the massive brewing tanks. Many customers happily drink on the old loading dock outside or on the patio. The brewery’s flagship beers include Iron Rail IPA and the Saison.

Highland Brewing Company

Just outside downtown

Stop by this brewery for tours and live music in the tasting room from nationally renowned acts. Highland’s flagship brew, Gaelic Ale (a malty, amber beer), remains one of the most popular taps in Asheville’s bars and restaurants. The brewery is also known for its robust Oatmeal Porter and hoppy IPA.

Wicked Weed Brewing

Downtown, South Slope

Wicked Weed has grown to be one of the most recognizable Southeast breweries thanks to its unique sour and barrel-aged beers, along with a host of other satisfying brews. You can enjoy the popular Pernicious IPA at the brewpub, while the Funkatorium on the South Slope offers tangier treats for your palate.

Thirsty Monk

Downtown, Biltmore Park

This brewpub in downtown Asheville is split into two levels. Upstairs you’ll find American craft beers from local and regional breweries, while the downstairs bar serves Belgian and other European rare beers. Altogether, Thirsty Monk features more than 30 beers on tap and more than 100 bottles. There's also a location at Biltmore Park to further the Monk experience.

Pisgah Brewing Company

Black Mountain

Located about 20 minutes outside of Asheville in Black Mountain, this certified organic brewery boasts a tasting room, indoor and outdoor music venues, and an art gallery. Popular brews include Pisgah’s Pale Ale, Tripel and Porter.

One World Brewing

West Asheville

Found in 2014, One World Brewing offers a wide variety of brews with the intention of fostering nourishing interaction and artistic cultural experiences. Stop in for live music and art shows and indulge in their own crafts like their Ashevegas Pale Ale or Hempin Ain't Easy.

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The beer keeps flowing

Several nationally recognized breweries have opened facilities in the Asheville area in recent years as well. Oskar Blues opened a brewery and restaurant in Brevard; Sierra Nevada Brewing built a location in the tiny town of Mills River with a taproom and restaurant; and New Belgium Brewing launched its brewery and Liquid Center tasting room in Asheville.

With so many breweries and beers to choose from, it’s always a good idea to designate a driver or book a rideshare. Or you can take a guided tour with Brews Cruise, BREW-ed or Asheville Brewery Tours if you’d like to get behind-the-scenes views along with some beer history and education.

An ideal time for beer aficionados to visit Asheville is during one of the city’s popular beer festivals — just be sure to get tickets early.

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