Asheville, Land of Op-beer-tunity - By Mark Lyons

In this time of economic uncertainty, there is one constant; people who enjoy libations are certainly going to continue to do so. Even those who are finding it hard to make ends meet still partake in the joy of sharing a pitcher with a friend. One specific group is craft beer enthusiasts. With our current hop crisis and more limited grain resources, beer lovers are coughing up more now for six-packs, pitchers and pints. Here in Asheville, we have not seen a significant shift in the way consumers are delving out cash for the brews they love and will hopefully only see an upswing.

Asheville seems to be gaining more beer clout all of the time. It is the craft beer hub for not just Western North Carolina but the South in general. It is mind boggling to think that we are about to witness the birth of a sixth brewery in a market that already has five outstanding pillars in the beer community. The quality of beer speaks for itself. I would like to showcase some individuals that truly make an impact on the beer culture in our fair city, but didn’t show up with beer pedigrees.

French Broad Brewing Company is producing some of the best beers that they have ever made. The driving force behind this onslaught of great beers and diversity is head brewer Drew Barton’s willingness to push the envelop of style in order to produce a multitude of beers that keep fans of French Broad waiting for the next seasonal to hit the taps. What’s interesting about Drew is that less than two years ago, he was a savvy home brewer, but limited to driving a delivery truck at the brewery where he now runs the show.

A Memphis native, Barton made his way to Asheville by way of Michigan. While he was an engineering student, Drew was introduced to home brewing and quickly made beer and brewing his passion, before realized that he wanted to turn his hobby into a career. After countless shifts as a server, and many job seeking visits to local breweries, French Broad Brewery finally gave him his break. The guy who previously delivered the four styles of beer that established FBBC as a local icon is now brewing upwards of eight styles and is responsible for bottling their first beer.

Another addition to French Broad’s staff is assistant brewer Chris Richards. Also an avid home brewer, Chris was so determined to find a role in the Asheville brewing community that he volunteered at FBBC, performing laborious tasks like keg washing for six months while working another position in town. His efforts finally paid off when head brewer Drew needed a full time assistant. Richards has also been instrumental in taking French Broad Brewing Company to a higher level.

Just up the street at Highland Brewing, newcomer Steve Schwartz has also found a new home. Originally from Iowa, Steve has not only become an integral part of the packaging department at Highland, but has emerged as a very insightful tour provider and Highland representative. Steve’s passion for Highland is obvious in his epic tours of the facility. He has made it a point to learn as much about the entire brewing process, from grain to bottle. One would never know that Steve isn’t a brewer for Highland.

David Quinn and Jason Caughman of Pisgah Brewing Company can also give a testimony on perseverance. With Quinn’s background in home brewing and Caughman’s business savvy, these two Charleston residents decided to collaborate and take their potential operation to the Asheville area. With a sound concept and solid business plan, Pisgah was still a challenging endeavor. Dave and Jason were met with considerable opposition trying to secure funding for their operation. With a little help from family, personal savings and a deal of a lifetime on a brewing system, Pisgah was born. Pisgah Brewing Company has made a home and reputation in Black Mountain. Although their operation is still relatively small, the guys at Pisgah have secured a cult following throughout Western North Carolina and just celebrated their two year anniversary.

This collection of personal triumphs is by no means all inclusive. I am certain there are numerous others in the Asheville Brewing community who have had to pay their share of dues and my hat is off to them as well. The underlying theme in all of these individuals is one we can all take stock in. Follow your passion for beer or whatever, and realize any unlikely situation can possibly lead you to where you inevitably want to be with patience, attitude and perseverance. For now, let’s thank these guys for providing us with some economic relief one pint at a time.

About the Author: Mark Lyons

Mark and Trish Lyons own and operate Asheville Brews Cruise. Brews Cruise is a mobile tour company that is designed to give the craft beer enthusiast an insiders experience into Asheville's thriving beer culture.

Contact Info:
www.brewscruise.com/asheville/
828-545-5181