Twin Leaf Brewery

The tap wall.

If you're ever in Asheville doing the brewery thing you must visit Twin Leaf Brewery at 144 Coxe Ave. on the corner of Coxe and Banks in the South Slope of downtown Asheville! (Entrance on Banks Avenue).  Tim Weber is the co-owner / Head Brewer.  You'll have to ask him who his partner is....  Once I arrived I was immediately taken in by the professional look of this brewery on the left is a beautiful 10bbl system with a very inviting bar directly in front of you.  There were a few folks in there taking in the pleasures this brewery has to offer.  In my normal fashion I ordered a flight and the bartender gave me a choice of their 5 flagships or a mix and match of some of their other one offs and special releases. With 16 taps it was really hard to decide.  After long consideration I settled on the flagships and now I have a reason to return to try the other 11. 

The 10bbl Brew house

I started with the Uproot ESB and found a standard ESB with an American twist that was a dark amber color. A complex malt profile reminiscent of bread, toast and biscuits, with hints of caramel, chocolate and fruity esters. Perfectly balanced bitterness from the earthy, floral hops. This would be my go-to beer.

Next was the White Noise a delicate, crisp and refreshing wit that most of the masses will enjoy.  While I am not a fan of the style typically this one was nice with a distinct bready aroma, pale straw in color with a fluffy white head, lightly sweet with a touch of fruity esters and just a hint of orange and coriander with a dry and slightly tart finish.

The Dark Matter has a deep dark brown color that hints at the flavors within.  An aroma reminiscent of chocolate and fresh baked cookies it is smooth, creamy, full-bodied, roasty and slightly nutty. It is a very balanced and exquisite stout.

I then had the Luminosity a very nice Belgian Tripel and at 9%ABV one needs to be careful as this one hides it's alcohol well. Deep gold in color and a nice complexity. Slightly sweet and fruity, with notes of orange, banana, and spice.  A surprisingly easy drinking that is light bodied and will sneak up on you if you're not careful.

The last one in my flight was the 144 (code name: Juicy Fruit) don't let the name fool you this is one hell of an IPA. It's light golden color with bright and brilliant hop flavor and aroma. Grapefruit, orange, a touch of lime, floral, juicy fruity awesomeness. It has the right amount of hoppy bitterness while the slightest hint of candy-like sweetness rounds it all out.

Tim then told me about the "Toasted Drifter" they brewed in collaboration with Oscar Blues and while the very last keg wasn't carbonated he still let me have a taste.  In short it is one hell of an oatmeal stout aged in bourbon barrels.  A deep dark stout with a thin mocha head. In aroma, nice bitter chocolate with coffee grind, vanilla bean, smooth alcohol, light bourbon barrel, very nice.

My flight 3 beers in.

For a brewery that has been open less than a year and has produced 500bbls on a 10bbl system means they are in it for the long haul and by the taste of their brews and professionalism they will go far.