By Blake Matson Becker, a writer and consumer of all things Asheville. You’re likely to find him galavanting around town with his two kittens.
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We Ashevillians are beyond spoiled in our selection of hometown breweries, but to think we’re the only renowned Beer City in America, in the WORLD, would be short-sighted, close-minded even. Luckily, there exists a magical place, adorned with nautical nonsense, at 507 Haywood Rd. in West Asheville, dedicated to expanding this town’s libation lexicon. That place? The Whale :: A Craft Beer Collective.
“The Whale,” etymologically speaking, represents the bar’s true ethos: Track down the world’s most sought-after, elusive beers in order to deliver them, lovingly and knowledgeably, to their thoughtful, thirsty patrons. In an industry so driven by trends, The Whale’s academic approach to craft cultivation is a true breath of fresh air. After all, people have been brewing and drinking beer for over 6,000 years. It would be borderline negligence to ignore that history.
With 20 rotating taps and over 200 cans and bottles continually sourced and stocked from around the world, The Whale makes good on its promise to honor beer’s grand tradition in order to provide a truly modern experience. Owners Andrew Ross and Jesse Van Note are veterans within the Asheville craft beer scene, having cut their teeth on the tanks of local superpower Wicked Weed Brewing. Years of brewing experience have helped Andrew and Jesse build a rich network of industry connections and friendships that, in turn, enrich The Whale’s rotation of offerings and help to educate clientele.
If the beer list makes you feel as if you’re sailing on a sea of options, you’ll soon be calling yourself Ishmael after taking in the bar’s maritime décor. A harpoon gun, a ship’s wheel, and a literal whale skeleton festoon the space’s warm, wooden interior. The place is dripping in hygge, with every square inch of the space evoking the cozy comfort of a Scandinavian seaside. At The Whale, world-class brews rub shoulders with a one-of-a-kind atmosphere alongside some of the most knowledgeable staff in all of the 828. Next time you’re in West Asheville, make sure to bring your thirst and your curiosity up to the bar of The Whale. It’s as great a place to think as it is to drink.
