Asheville — aka Beer City, USA — makes a lot of great craft beer. In fact, USA TODAY 10Best ranked Asheville the No. 8 best beer city in the US in 2024. Local brewers are constantly tapping their creative juices to drum up crafty collaborations, standout recipes, and fun names for their frothy masterpieces.
We’re raising a glass to six Asheville-centric brews.
828 Pale Ale, Asheville Brewing Company
AVL’s area code + mountains are well-represented with this beer, which the brewery says is perfect “for the everyday beer drinkin’ Ashevillian.”
Style + flavor: This 5.5% ABV American Pale Ale is bitter with a touch of sweetness — “in balance, just like our fair and freaky mountain town.” The brewery recommends pairing the beer with anything savory from the grill.
Lower Falls IPA, Highland Brewing
A nod to the gorgeous local waterfalls, this refreshing brew is brimming with local pride.
Style + flavor: Keeping in theme, Highland Brewing says this easy-drinking, 3.9 % ABV beer features “cascades of citrus and tropical fruit aroma” from Centennial, Amarillo + Citra hops.
Julian Price Pilsner, Wedge Brewing Company
This brew pays tribute to Julian Price, the local real estate philanthropist whose “generosity and achievements are the stuff of local legend.”
Style + flavor: Beer enthusiasts say the malt + hops really shine in this 5.6% Czech-style pilsner.
Asheville Side Hustle, One World Brewing
This one’s for the service industry workers that keep this town going — the brewery created the inexpensive American Pale Ale because “to live in this party town, every penny counts.”
Style + flavor: Despite being inexpensive, the 6% ABV American Pale Ale packs an earthy, hoppy punch.
Long Leaf IPA, Appalachian Mountain Brewery
The name of this beer is inspired by North Carolina’s Longleaf Pine and is an “ode to the Old North state.”
Style + flavor: The local (and independent once more) brewery says this 7.1% ABV classic IPA features a citrus piney aroma and bold hops inspired by the Longleaf Pine.
Endless Trail Pilsner, Catawba Brewing Co.
In Asheville, hiking is life — so this beer’s name tracks. The can art features our lovely mountains, pines, and a couple of hikers living their best local life.
Style + flavor: This 4.7% ABV beer features Cashmere, El Dorado, and Citra hops and is described as “crisp, clean, and crushable” — great for packing it in and out.
Cheers to you, AVL.
