Sierra Nevada’s Asheville Brewery takes visitors through craft beer history
America’s craft beer movement started in a garage in Chico, California. That’s where craft beer pioneer Ken Grossman launched The Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. almost 40 years ago. Today, Sierra Nevada is the second largest craft brewery in the country and the seventh largest brewery overall.
In 2014, Sierra Nevada opened its second commercial-sized operation in Mills River, just 15 minutes outside of Asheville. A tree-lined road winds past organic garden areas leading visitors to the brewery. Situated on 183 acres, the brewery incorporates the latest technology and was designed to create the lowest possible impact on the environment, with features like solar panels and tanks to collect rainwater.
Next to the brewery, the Taproom allows visitors a full tasting experience in food and brews. A circular bar anchors the center of the Taproom, where you’ll find 23 beer taps, including one-offs and specialty draughts only available onsite. For an introduction and to find a favorite, try the sample of four two-ounce options for just $6.
Complementing the distinct profiles of Sierra Nevada’s brews, a chef-driven Taproom menu features a mix of small plates like a shrimp and grits bowl, loaded duck fat fries and a sample board with a mix of pickled ramps, housemade butter, local cheeses and charcuterie. The adjoining restaurant features a separate full menu and dining area.
Enjoy your craft brew outside on the back porch beer garden or take a stroll along paths to the estate gardens. During the summer and fall, the outdoor concert venue hosts a lineup of live music and events.
TOURS & TASTINGS
Learn more about the Sierra Nevada’s home-brewed roots and how the company went from a 3,000-sq-ft garage in 1980 to become the second largest craft brewing company in the country. A variety of tours are available, such as a guided tour of the brewery, a 90-minute history tour and a three-hour in-depth tasting tour for beer geeks. Reservations are required. For more details and more information, visit www.sierranevada.com.