Something's Brewing
Brevard’s Local Breweries
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The clean, clear and cold water that runs down the mountains and fills Transylvania County’s streams, rivers and lakes has long been one of our greatest local resources. Not only does that water allow us to marvel at our waterfalls, slidedown Sliding Rock and conjure rainbows out of the mist at Rainbow Falls, but it provides swift currents for canoes and kayaks, and habitats for trout, muskie, hellbenders and more.
Water is also a critical component of excellent beer, which you can find on tap at all five of Brevard’s local breweries. These run the gamut in size, shape and flavor profile, but all are must-stops for fans of a delicious pint, a welcoming atmosphere, and anyone curious to taste what Brevard’s storied water can do.
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Brevard Brewing
In 2012, this family-owned establishment kicked off Brevard's brewery scene as the first local brewery. Brewmaster Kyle Williams specializes in handcrafted lagers and pilsners, rare among North Carolina’s microbreweries. Using imported German barley, hops and yeast and Brevard’s soft brewing water, he creates delicious, drinkable beers. Brevard Brewing is in the heart of downtown Brevard. Truly a business with deep roots in the community, the brewery itself is located across the street from the former Trantham’s Department store building, which was owned and operated by Williams’s wife’s grandfather and his predecessors going back three generations.
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Oskar Blues
When Colorado-based Oskar Blues opened in Brevard, owner Dale Katechis cited the unique quality of the pure mountain water and the abundance of world-class mountain biking trails in the area as an impetus. Since then, their Brevard brewery, which produces all their ales, stouts, pilsners and lagers for the East Coast, has become a vital part of the community. The Tasty Weasel taproom is a lively spot to grab a pint and hear a variety of toe-tapping live music. Their annual events, which include everything music festivals to parties to cycling celebrations, are can’t-miss dates on the Brevard calendar.
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Ecusta Brewing
The Cherokee word “Ecusta” is what Transylvania County’s indigenous population called the Davidson River, which flows through Pisgah National Forest. Technically, the word means “Get Distant,” which Ecusta Brewing hopes will inspire many adventurers to take the trail less traveled. Drop in for one for their excellent lagers, ales, sours, porters and more, all on tap at their brewery, which is located right at the edge of Pisgah National Forest.
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UpCountry Brewing
John Cochran, a craft-beer industry veteran, founded UpCountry Brewing in 2016. He wanted to pursue his passion for great beers, as well as make space for local music and encourage people to get outside in the western North Carolina mountains. He brought both his diverse, eminently drinkable selection of brews and the easy, casual atmosphere to Brevard a few years later. These days, UpCountry’s taproom in Brevard’s Lumberyard district is great spot to grab a pint in an always welcoming spot.
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Noblebrau Brewing
Brevard’s newest brewery is the brainchild of Cody Noble, a veteran of the WNC brewery scene. Adjacent to 185 King Street, a beloved bar and live music venue in the heart of the Lumberyard Arts District, Noblebrau serves up a variety of excellent craft beers, snacks and sandwiches in a laid back beer-garden style atmosphere.
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To learn more about Brevard and Transylvania County’s wide variety of restaurants, breweries, taprooms and watering holes click here.
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Discover More & Think Outside
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