North Carolina is a great
state for a lot of things: Food, college basketball, Southern hospitality, and…
beer. With 61 operating breweries and brewpubs in the state, North
Carolina won my heart when I moved from Oklahoma. The names of the breweries range
from A to Z. Well, maybe more accurately, from A to W. From Ass Clown Brewing (“Don’t be one, drink
one!”) to Weeping Radish Brewery (the oldest microbrewery in the state) located
on the Outer Banks. You will find flavors that involve sweet potato, basil,
chocolate nibs and locally foraged persimmons. And that is only from my
favorite NC brewery, Fullsteam. There are 60 others, with a laundry list
of more in the works.
So, when Liz and I found
ourselves in the city that brews her favorite beer we had to tour the brewery.
Also, it didn’t hurt that there was a distillery right next door. Highland
Brewing Company was great to visit. Rightfully set in Asheville, it sits at
the top of a hill and at the end of a short winding road. It was nice to hear about
their brewing process and to be informed of their seven state regional
distribution. But, to be honest, the best part for me was to see the face of a
girl light up while standing in the middle of a chilled warehouse full of her
favorite beer.
If the way to a man’s heart
is through his stomach then I have found that maybe, just maybe, the way to
m’lady’s heart is through a pint of Highland Gaelic Ale. Cheers.
